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United States · Official source
2,465 records where Rep. Meehan, Martin T. [D-MA-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996
Designates the U.S. Post Office to be located at 80 Boston Road in Groton, Massachusetts, as the Augusta "Gusty" Hornblower United States Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Education should make it a priority to monitor and enforce compliance with requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for compiling and disseminating campus crime statistics and policies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996
Declares that, upon proper request filed with the Customs Service, any entry or withdrawal of certain water resistant wool trousers from warehouse for consumption made between December 31, 1988, and January 1, 1995, which, if it had been made on January 1, 1995, would have been claimed under the appropriate subheading under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and would have had a lower duty, shall be liquidated or reliquidated (refunded) as if such entry or withdrawal had been made on January 1, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1996
Recognizes and honors the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals and their important contributions to the outcome of World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Textile and Apparel Global Competitiveness Act of 1996 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), whenever the United States negotiates a protocol for accession of a country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to negotiate for inclusion in that protocol: (1) provisions for effective market access to that country's domestic markets for U.S. textile and apparel products; and (2) provisions allowing the suspension or revocation of paragraph 14 (relating to increasing import levels based on growth rates) of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, if the country has failed to enforce such market access provisions. Requires negotiation of bilateral agreements containing similar provisions with countries that are not WTO members. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to identify annually, report to the Congress, and publish in the Federal Register the names of priority foreign countries that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons producing or selling textile or apparel products. Establishes in the Treasury a Textile Global Competitiveness Research Fund, consisting in part of fines provided by this Act, and whose amounts shall be available: (1) to the Office of Textiles, Apparel, and Consumer Goods of the Department of Commerce for the American Textile Partnership (AMTEX), the Textile-Clothing Technology Center (TC2), and the National Textile Center (NTC); (2) for adjustment assistance for textile and apparel firms; and (3) to the Customs Service for the enforcement of laws governing trade in textile and apparel goods. Directs the USTR to take necessary steps to negotiate a quota agreement with any non-WTO country whose exports to the United States exceed $100 million annually, or are creating serious damage or the actual threat of it to the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Specifies: (1) a quota formula for new textile agreements with non-WTO countries which already have a textile agreement with the United States; and (2) provisions for inclusion in the accession protocol of countries acceding to the WTO. Requires the USTR to ensure that any protocol under negotiation for accession to the WTO of a non-WTO country with a textile import bilateral agreement with the United States, as well as any subsequent agreement, provides for a reduction in the quantity of that country's textile and apparel goods that may be imported into the United States if the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determines that the bilateral agreement is being circumvented and that inadequate or no measures are being taken by that country to take action against such circumvention. Prescribes specified Customs Service enforcement actions and penalties (including fines, seizure, and forfeiture) for violations of customs laws involving textile and apparel goods. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to establish a Division on Textile Enforcement. Requires withdrawal of preferential tariff or quota treatment (unilateral trade concessions) from the textile and apparel goods of any country: (1) demonstrating a consistent pattern of circumventing textile agreements with United States; (2) refusing to cooperate in investigations; (3) failing to provide adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights with respect to textile and apparel goods; or (4) failing to provide fair and equitable market access for U.S. textile and apparel goods.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Condemns the burning of African-American churches. Sends condolences to affected individuals. Supports the activities of local law enforcement officials, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury in investigating these incidents. Urges: (1) the United States Attorney General and local prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty available under law to punish the perpetrators; and (2) the President to make the fullest possible use of all available law enforcement resources to bring the culprits to justice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) attacks on places of worship because of the race, color, denomination, or ethnicity of the congregation undermine fundamental American ideals; (2) these fires appear to be hate crimes and implicitly interfere with the First Amendment and other civil rights of the victims; (3) the arson of a place of worship is repulsive to us as a society; and (4) it is important that the Congress enact legislation to ensure that Federal law enforcement has the necessary tools to punish and deter such acts. Encourages: (1) the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American or any other house of worship; and (2) American citizens to observe a national week of prayer beginning June 16, and ending June 23, 1996, in their places of worship.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Condemns the burning of African-American churches. Sends condolences to affected individuals. Supports the activities of local law enforcement officials, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury in investigating these incidents. Urges: (1) the United States Attorney General and local prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty available under law to punish the perpetrators; and (2) the President to make the fullest possible use of all available law enforcement resources to bring the culprits to justice. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) attacks on places of worship because of the race, color, denomination, or ethnicity of the congregation undermine fundamental American ideals; (2) these fires appear to be hate crimes and implicitly interfere with the First Amendment and other civil rights of the victims; (3) the arson of a place of worship is repulsive to us as a society; and (4) it is important that the Congress enact legislation to ensure that Federal law enforcement has the necessary tools to punish and deter such acts. Encourages: (1) the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American or any other house of worship; and (2) the American people to use June 16th as a day of prayer concerning these tragedies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
MacBride Principles of Economic Justice Act of 1996 - Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 to revise its purposes to require that U.S. contributions to the International Fund for Ireland be disbursed in accordance with the MacBride principles of economic justice, as specified. Authorizes the United States to make contributions to the Fund only if the President certifies to the Congress that, among other things, disbursements from the Fund will be distributed in accordance with the principles of economic justice and will create employment opportunities in communities of Northern Ireland suffering the highest rates of unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
Condemns the rash of arson against African-American churches across the United States during the past 18 months. Pledges to take steps to assist law enforcement authorities in apprehending the persons responsible. Supports the bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Conyers and Hyde to facilitate the prosecution of, and increase penalties against, arsonists who target houses of worship. Encourages the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American houses of worship.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to redefine the term "limited tax benefit" for purposes of the Line Item Veto Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
Calls for recognition of the historical significance of the Battle of Crete, the Cretan Resistance Movement, and the heroism and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe the memory of those who fell in the Battle and to honor the survivors. Commends the PanCretan Association of America.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Ballistic Missile Defense Act of 1996 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to develop by the year 2000 a National Missile Defense System (System) that: (1) can be deployed in 2003; (2) shall be capable of providing a highly effective defense of the United States against limited ballistic missile attacks; and (3) shall be rigorously tested during development. Sets forth, in the following order, U.S. policy regarding the priority for the development and deployment of ballistic missile defense programs: (1) maintaining the operational readiness of the armed forces and modernization of weapon systems to ensure mission effectiveness in the future; (2) completing the development and deployment of essential theater missile defense systems; and (3) developing the System by the year 2000 for deployment in the year 2003 and developing space-based sensors. Directs the Secretary, in order to implement that policy, to initiate a National Missile Defense Program which shall include: (1) a ground-based interceptor system that provides coverage of the continental United States (including Alaska) and Hawaii; (2) fixed ground-based radars; (3) space-based sensors; and (4) battle management, command, control, and communications. Specifies Program implementing and reporting requirements. Requires the President to take specified actions to: (1) defend against weapons of mass destruction by preventing the spread of fissile materials and other components; (2) reduce the threat to the United States from such weapons delivered by intercontinental ballistic missiles (including by urging Russia to ratify the START II Treaty); and (3) carry out a program to enhance U.S. capabilities relating to the threat to the United States of a chemical or biological weapons attack inside the United States by unconventional means (establishes in the executive branch an interagency task force to assess and make recommendations concerning such capabilities). Requires the President to: (1) carry out requirements of this Act in a manner consistent with the ABM Treaty; (2) seek Treaty amendments necessary to deploy the System; and (3) treat any negotiated Treaty amendment as having entered into force only if it is made in the same manner as a treaty. Specifies conditions to be satisfied in order for Treaty modifications restricting theater ballistic missile defense systems to be binding on the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
House Chamber Conduct Resolution - Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a Member, officer, or employee of the House from soliciting, distributing, or accepting campaign contributions in the Hall of the House, in rooms leading thereto, or in the cloakrooms.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1996
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) full compliance by China with the Intellectual Property Rights Agreement should be established as a condition for China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (2) until the United States Trade Representative certifies that China is making progress toward fulfilling its obligations under such agreement, the United States should oppose China's accession to the WTO.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
Directs the President, until certain conditions are met, to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods in order to compensate for the losses to the U.S. economy resulting from certain Chinese Government acts, polices, and practices with respect to the enforcement of intellectual property rights and market access to persons who rely on intellectual property protection.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996
Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (the Act) to designate segments of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers in Massachusetts as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Requires the segments to be managed: (1) by the SUASCO River Stewardship Council (established by the Secretary of the Interior under this Act) in cooperation with the Secretary through cooperative agreements between the Secretary and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its relevant political subdivisions; and (2) in accordance with the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River Study, River Conservation Plan. Limits Federal funds to 50 percent of the costs of any activity implementing the Plan. Deems the Plan to satisfy the requirement for a comprehensive management plan pursuant to the Act. Requires the Director of the National Park Service to represent the Secretary in the implementation of the Plan Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
Drive Away from Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the credit for alcohol used to produce any ether. Limits other tax incentives to produce alcohol for use as fuel. Reduces the credit for any alcohol which is ethanol.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1996
National Oceanographic Partnership Act - Establishes the National Oceanographic Partnership Program. Sets forth the purposes of the program. Establishes the: (1) National Ocean Research Leadership Council; (2) Ocean Research Partnership Coordinating Group; and (3) Ocean Research Advisory Panel under the program. Sets forth the composition of membership and specified duties of each. Mandates certain annual reports. Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanographic Partnership Program for FY 1997 and requires that a certain amount be available for the operations of the partnership program office for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1996
Federal Reserve Surplus Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to transfer annually to the Financing Corporation specified amounts from surplus funds of the Federal reserve banks in order to cover the interest on obligations issued by the Financing Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
ATM Fee Disclosure Act of 1996 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit imposition of a fee upon an electronic fund transfer initiated by a consumer from an electronic terminal (including a telephone) unless explicit disclosures are provided regarding the amount of any transaction fee and the consumer's option to cancel the transaction without paying the fee. Mandates written documentation upon completion of the transfer of such fee amount and the identity of the person imposing it. Includes within such electronic fund transfers, for purposes of this Act, a balance inquiry initiated by a consumer in the same manner as an electronic fund transfer regardless of whether the consumer initiates a transfer of funds in the course of the transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
Congratulates the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone for holding their first democratic multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in nearly 30 years. Encourages them to continue to negotiate an end to the civil war and to work together. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to helping nations move toward freedom and democracy and to encouraging peace, democracy, and economic development on the African continent.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate: (1) regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water; and (2) voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations. Authorizes mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate. Provides for enforcement through revocation of clearance and civil and criminal penalties. Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread in North American waters. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, Prince William Sound, and other waters. Requires an annual grant for six years for aquatic nuisance species prevention and control research in the Chesapeake Bay. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for the Navy's seagoing fleet to limit the risk of invasion by nonindigenous species from ballast water. Requires: (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in a U.S. shipyard or ship repair facility. Modifies: (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Requires the Task Force to encourage the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions other than the Great Lakes. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 27 March 1996
Consumer Products Safe Testing Act - Sets forth Federal policy requiring Federal departments and agencies to encourage the development and use of product testing procedures that do not rely upon animals yet accurately reflect the acute health effects on humans of certain products, including consumer products and products containing hazardous or toxic substances. Requires each Federal department or agency head to: (1) evaluate any regulation, guideline, or recommendation issued by that agency which requires, recommends, or encourages the use of the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test to evaluate the safety of a regulated product; (2) evaluate nonanimal alternatives with the potential for partial or full replacement of such test; and (3) promulgate regulations, guidelines, or recommendations that specify a nonanimal acute toxicity test or battery of tests that should be used instead of an animal test unless the nonanimal test is less likely to predict the acute health effects of a product on humans. Provides that any Federal agency head who finds that regulations requiring or recommending animal tests should not be amended, to publish in the Federal Register an explanation of options considered and the justification for continuing the animal test. Requires each Federal agency head, at least every two years, after considering the most recent technological advances available, to determine whether continued use of any animal test is justified. Makes this Act inapplicable to regulations, guidelines, or recommendations related to medical research.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1996
Congratulates the people of Taiwan on holding the first democratic presidential election in Chinese history. Declares that the United States is committed to: (1) moving nations toward freedom and democracy; and (2) encouraging and protecting its democratic friends on Taiwan, within the framework of the Taiwan Relations 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
Comstock Cleanup Act of 1996 - Amends the Comstock Act to repeal a ban on the importation, transportation, or mailing (including through use of a computer) of any material intended for producing abortion or for any indecent or immoral use.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Subtitle A: (Reserved) Subtitle B: Expenditure Limitations, Contribution Limitations, and Voter Communication Vouchers for Eligible House of Representatives Candidates Title II: Limitations on Political Committee and Large Donor Contributions that May be Accepted by House of Representatives Candidates Title III: Independent Expenditures Title IV: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees Title V: Contributions Title VI: Reporting Requirements Title VII: Federal Election Commission Title VIII: Miscellaneous Title IX: House of Representatives Campaign Election Funding and Related Matters Title X: Effective Dates; Severability Citizen Representative Act of 1996 - Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending - Subtitle A: (Reserved). Subtitle B: Expenditure Limitations, Contribution Limitations, and Voter Communication Vouchers for Eligible House of Representatives Candidates - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the amount of aggregate expenditures an eligible House of Representatives candidate may make in an election cycle, runoff election, special election, and closely contested primary. Provides for civil penalties for low, medium, and large amounts of excess expenditures with respect to an election cycle, runoff election, and special election. Prohibits an eligible House candidate from making contributions or loans from personal funds to his or her campaign totaling more than $25,000 and conditions that the amount a candidate may accept from individuals shall be reduced by such contribution amount. Prohibits matching of a candidate's personal funds. Exempts an eligible House candidate from the limitation if any other candidate for that office: (1) is not an eligible House general election candidate; and (2) makes personal contributions to his or her campaign totaling more than $25,000. Entitles an eligible House candidate to receive voter communication vouchers in an amount not more than $200,000 and limits the amount per individual to $250. Sets forth requirements for receiving and using communication vouchers. Prohibits an eligible candidate who receives voter communication vouchers from converting any amount to personal use or to make any direct or indirect payments to such candidate or to any immediate family members. Requires the repayment of unexpended voucher amounts. Prohibits the receipt of such voucher amounts unless such candidate certifies to the Federal Election Commission that any television commercials of the candidate contain closed captioning. Authorizes the Commission to examine and audit the campaign accounts of five percent of the eligible House candidates after each general election. (Sec. 122) Provides for registration as an eligible House candidate. Title II: Limitations on Political Committee and Large Donor Contributions That May Be Accepted By House of Representatives Candidates - Places limitations on contributions from political committees (PACs) and individual large donors to candidates for the office of Representative in, or Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to the Congress. Provides for civil penalties for low, medium, and large amounts of excess contributions. Title III: Independent Expenditures - Redefines the term independent expenditures. (Sec. 302) Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 303) Sets forth provisions regarding broadcast and cable independent expenditure communications made by any individual against an eligible House of Representatives candidate. Title IV: Contributions and Expenditures by Political Party Committees - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to limit soft money contributions and expenditures of national political parties. (Sec. 403) Requires an individual who makes disbursements or obligations for disbursement in excess of $2,000 for election activities to file a statement with respect to reporting requirements. (Sec. 405) Limits the fundraising activities of Federal candidates and office holders and certain political committees. (Sec. 406) Increases the limitation amount for certain contributions to a political committee of a State political party. (Sec. 407) Eliminates the exception for building funds relating to the definition of the term "contribution." Title V: Contributions - Sets forth restrictions on the bundling of contributions. (Sec. 503) Prohibits a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from accepting a cash contribution from any one person aggregating more than $100. (Sec. 504) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting any contribution from a State or local committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee of such committee, if such contribution when aggregated exceeds the contribution limit. (Sec. 506) Revises the definition of "contribution" to provide for a limited exclusion of any advance voluntarily made by a campaign worker on behalf of the candidate's authorized committee. (Sec. 507) Makes amendments with respect to payments made by corporations or labor organizations for candidate appearances, candidate debates, voter guides, or voting records directed to the general public. (Sec. 508) Prohibits a foreign national from directly or indirectly participating in any individual's election-related activities. Title VI: Reporting Requirements - Changes certain reporting from a calendar year basis to an election cycle basis. (Sec. 602) Requires that a political committee report expenditures made for personal and consulting services by certain individuals other than employees and prescribes that such individuals maintain records of such services and report the information to the political committee. (Sec. 603) Reduces the threshold for contributions from $200 to $100 for the reporting of certain information by individuals other than political committees. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to maintain computerized indices of contributions of $200 or more. (Sec. 609) Permits the candidate's principal campaign committee to register on the date of its designation. (Sec. 610) Requires disclosure of Federal campaign funds by organizations engaged in lobbying activities. Title VII: Federal Election Commission - Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to appear on its own behalf in any action relating to the exercise of its statutory duties in any court as either a party or as amicus curiae. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Commission to broadcast public service announcements to inform the public of the: (1) existence and purpose of the Citizen Representative Fund; and (2) role citizens can play in the election process by voluntarily contributing to the Fund. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the Commission to seek temporary restraining orders or temporary injunctions at any time in a proceeding that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation is occurring or is about to occur. (Sec. 704) Provides for expedited procedures for complaints in a proceeding. (Sec. 705) Directs that proceedings by the Commission constitute the sole means by which an insolvent political committee may compromise its debts, liquidate its assets, and terminate its existence. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise provisions relating to broadcast rates and preemption of the use of a broadcast station by a legally qualified candidate. (Sec. 803) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to authorize the Federal Election Commission to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a system or systems to permit disabled individuals to vote by telephone. (Sec. 804) Transfers provisions from the Internal Revenue Code respecting the presidential election campaign fund and the presidential primary matching payment account to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Title IX: House of Representatives Campaign Election Funding and Related Matters - Establishes the Citizen Representative Fund for the purposes of providing benefits and making expenditures for the administration of the fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue communication vouchers within 48 hours to an eligible candidate out of the fund upon certification by the Federal Election Commission. Allows for issued and used communication vouchers to be redeemed at face value. (Sec. 902) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual at the time of filing a return to designate a specified portion of any overpayment of tax not less than one dollar or more than $5,000 ($10,000 for a joint return) or any contribution included with such return to be used for the Citizen Representative Fund. (Sec. 903) Amends the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 to: (1) provide for inflation adjustments to Federal civil penalties; and (2) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the citizen Representative Fund the amount of civil penalties attributable to such inflation adjustments collected by each Federal department or agency during the preceding year. (Sec. 904) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set forth provisions regarding amounts received by the Citizen Representative Fund as a commission or royalty on the issuance or use of credit cards from a corporation, including a State-chartered or national bank. Title X: Effective Dates; Severability - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) effective date; (2) severability; and (3) Supreme Court review of constitutional issues.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Condemns the terror attacks in Jerusalem, Ashkelon, and Tel Aviv. Extends condolences to the victims' families and to the Government and people of Israel. Reaffirms full support for Israel in its efforts to combat terrorism as it attempts to pursue peace with its neighbors in the region. Calls upon the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Council, and Chairman Arafat to: (1) apprehend and punish the perpetrators of terror attacks, prevent such acts in the future, confiscate all unauthorized weapons, and avoid and condemn all statements and gestures which signal tolerance for such acts and their perpetrators; (2) eliminate the terrorist structure and terrorist activities of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and all other terror groups; and (3) adopt legislative and executive measures to ban the existence and operations of all terrorist organizations resident in the Palestinian autonomous areas. Insists that Chairman Arafat ensure the timely inauguration of the Council so that the Palestinian National Covenant will be amended of vile references to Israel within 60 days thereafter. Reaffirms that the Covenant must be amended in order for the peace process to succeed. Calls upon the Palestinian people to support the deletion of anti-Israel language from the Covenant, to express their revulsion for terrorism against Israel, and to condemn and isolate those elements of Palestinian society that employ and support such terrorist acts. Urges: (1) all parties to the peace process to bring to justice the perpetrators of acts of terrorism and to cease harboring, financing, and arming terror groups; and (2) the Clinton Administration to act against those who continue to harbor, arm, or finance terror groups seeking to undermine the peace process. Calls upon: (1) those Arab states that have failed to condemn these acts of terrorism to do so immediately and to support all efforts in the region to combat terrorism; and (2) the international community to cooperate with the United States in isolating states which engage in international terrorism. Insists that Iran and Syria cease all support for all terrorist groups operating in areas under their control and refrain from all activities in opposition to the Middle East peace process. Expresses the intent to reconsider U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority in light of the steps that must be taken by the Authority against terrorist infrastructures and operations. Praises efforts to provide Israel with all appropriate antiterrorism resources to eliminate the tide of terrorist incidents against Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1996
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2566 (financing of Federal elections).
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996
Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in lieu of receiving care under CHAMPUS or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires the Secretary and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow any tax deductions for the expenses of advertising cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or any similar tobacco product.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Repeals the amendments enacted under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 that require any member of the armed forces who is determined to be HIV-positive (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1) to be separated within six months after such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Export Working Capital Program Enhancement Act of 1995 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the level of participation by the Small Business Administration in a loan on a deferred basis under the Export Working Capital Program shall be equal to the rate in effect prior to the enactment of the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 1995 (90 percent guarantee rate).
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education, in prescribing regulations with respect to eligibility standards for short-term educational programs, to exclude from the calculation of placement rates graduates who are: (1) aliens not authorized to accept employment in the United States; (2) individuals with medical conditions precluding employment; and (3) individuals who transfer credits from the program to the program of an accredited degree-granting institution or who otherwise immediately enroll in such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to certify any State program for brownfields (abandoned industrial sites in need of hazardous waste remediation before they may be returned to productive use) if the program: (1) covers only sites that have been contaminated prior to enactment of this Act and are not listed on the National Priorities List; (2) provides for public participation prior to a landowner's release from liability upon completion of site remediation (carried out under a certified program) under State law and under abatement and response provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); (3) provides for a reopening of a cleanup proposal under specified conditions; (4) contains standards for the sites that protect public health and the environment; and (5) includes coordination among State agencies for environmental protection and economic development. Provides (in addition to the release of landowners from liability described above) for the release from liability under State law and under CERCLA, upon completion of remediation, of lenders and developers (except with respect to pollution directly caused by them), prospective purchasers, and local governments not involved in the management of a site. Allows the Administrator to waive Federal permit requirements if the State program includes a waiver of State permit requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for payments into a tax-exempt Hazardous Waste Remediation Reserve to be used exclusively to pay costs of the taxpayer to: (1) assess the extent of a site's environmental contamination and its expected remediation cost; and (2) remediate the contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Burma Freedom and Democracy Act of 1995 - Declares U.S. policy: (1) supporting the prompt transition from a military dictatorship to a democratic government in Burma; and (2) limiting cooperation with Burma in counternarcotics activities to Rangoon international airport and coastal port facilities, and to activities that do not contribute to violations of internationally recognized human rights. Establishes certain political and economic sanctions for Burma, both mandatory (including denial of unilateral assistance, action against multilateral assistance, and exclusion of certain Burmese nationals from admission into the United States) and discretionary (including travel to and tourism in Burma, restrictions on diplomatic representation from Burma, and withholding of certain funds from international financial institutions that fund activities in Burma), until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that an elected government of Burma has been allowed to take power as result of the 1990 election or by new free and fair elections. Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to the appropriate congressional committees on Burma's unfair labor practices. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) Burma's exploitation of resources and degradation of its environment; and (2) a strategy to restore democracy to Burma.
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 · 25 January 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Kenya should: (1) uphold the rights of assembly, association, conscience, and expression which are guaranteed in the Kenyan Constitution; (2) adhere to its international legal obligations; (3) end all intimidation and harassment of those critical of government policies and those working for democracy in Kenya; (4) either charge and try or release all prisoners and cease all physical abuse or mistreatment of prisoners; (5) release Koigi Wa Wamwere and permit him to exercise his rights of free expression, association, and political participation in a multiparty democracy; and (6) restore the independence of the Judiciary. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should consider reducing, and possibly suspending, military and economic assistance to Kenya unless the Kenyan Government makes substantial progress in addressing such concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1996
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, for FY 1997 through 2001, to issue up to $1 billion in guarantees (up to $200 million per fiscal year) assuring against losses incurred in connection with loans to Ireland and to the United Kingdom to promote economic development and job creation activities in the Republic of Ireland, especially in, but not limited to, the six border counties of such Republic, and in the six counties of Northern Ireland. Sets forth guarantee amounts for such period. Requires the President to notify the appropriate congressional committees near the end of each fiscal year of his intentions regarding the exercise of such authority during the next fiscal year. Prescribes security guarantee terms and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Savings in Construction Act of 1995 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including "hard-metric conversion" and "soft-metric conversion." Prohibits Federal agencies from: (1) using construction or procurement guidelines that require the use of hard-metric products if a majority of the related contracts would be likely to result in a certification under this Act; and (2) establishing bidding requirements or preferences for federally-assisted construction contracts that specify the use of hard-metric products if soft-metric production is feasible, and, as certified by an industry representative, hard-metric alternatives are not readily available, would exceed specified capital costs, and would result in negligible benefits, or would reduce competition or create special hardships.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Reaffirms the universal nature of human rights and the principle that women's rights are human rights. Supports: (1) the inter-agency council on women; and (2) action on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Considers that dedication to enacting U.S. commitments to promote the following would benefit citizens around the world: (1) economic security; (2) the human rights of women; (3) the health of women and children; (4) the empowerment of women and the strengthening of families; and (5) women's legal status and political participation. Encourages the U.S. Government to build on the strong partnership of nongovernmental organizations and governments that developed during the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. Urges governmental actions that uphold and enact the tenets of the platform for action and the commitments of the United States made at the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Establishes: (1) the Boston Harbor Islands (BHI) National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System; (2) the BHI Partnership to coordinate the activities of Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in the development and implementation of an integrated resource management plan for the Area; and (3) the BHI Advisory Council to represent various groups with interests in the Area and make recommendations to the Partnership on issues related to plan development and implementation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) administration of the Area; and (2) powers of the Partnership. Directs the Partnership to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management plan for the Area to be developed and implemented by the Partnership that includes: (1) a program providing for coordinated administration of the Area with proposed assignment of responsibilities to the appropriate governmental unit at the Federal, State, and local levels and nonprofit organizations; (2) specified policies and programs for conserving, protecting, and maintaining the scenic, historical, cultural, natural, and scientific values of the islands and for identifying potential sources of revenue from programs or activities carried out within the Area; and (3) a policy statement that recognizes existing economic activities within the Area. Sets forth procedures regarding plan development, approval, and an interim program. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth matching requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1995 - Provides that where a professional sports league approves the relocation of a team from a community in which the team has been located for at least ten years: (1) the registered mark that is used to identify the team becomes the property of the league; (2) the league shall reserve the mark for use only by the community from which the team is relocating until the earlier of the mark's expiration or the date on which the community informs the league that a team will not be using the mark; and (3) the mark may not be used by another team in the same league. (Sec. 4) Requires a team owner seeking to relocate the team to provide notice to the local government for the community in which the team's stadium or arena is located, the owner or operator of such stadium or arena, and each team that is a member of the professional sports league not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the team is to play in the new community. (Sec. 5) Directs the league, within a year after the submission of the name of an investor to a league, to grant to the investor a new expansion professional sports team franchise at a fee no greater than 85 percent of the franchise fee charged for the last expansion team franchise granted. Makes such requirement applicable to a league in any case in which: (1) the league approves, on or after January 1, 1993, the relocation of a team from one community to another; (2) not later than three years after such relocation, the community in which the team was previously located submits the name of an investor to be granted a new team franchise in such community; and (3) the investor demonstrates that he is financially able to purchase and support a team by placing the prescribed amount, plus the sale price of the last team sale approved by the league, in an escrow account. Authorizes the league, for ten years after granting an expansion team franchise, to approve a resale of the team but not the team's relocation. Makes this section inapplicable to a team that relocates within 60 miles of the community. (Sec. 6) Permits under the antitrust laws a league to enforce rules or agreements authorizing its membership to decide whether a member team may relocate from one community to another. Requires a league, in determining whether to approve such a relocation, to make specific findings, including regarding fan loyalty, the extent to which the team received public financial support, and whether there is a bona fide investor offering fair market value that will retain the team in the current community. (Sec. 7) Sets forth penalties for failure to comply with this Act. Provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
East Timor Human Rights Accountability Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of assistance under that or any other Act to the Government of Indonesia unless the President determines and certifies to the Congress that: (1) any assistance for the preceding fiscal year has not been used to violate human rights in East Timor or to support the occupation of East Timor by Indonesia; and (2) such Government has provided assurances to the President that assistance for the current fiscal year will not be used for either such purpose.
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
Paperwork Elimination Act of 1995 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) provide direction and oversee the use of alternative information technologies to substitute for paper; (2) specifically promote the optional use of electronic information technology as such an alternative; and (3) provide within a required information resources strategic management plan a description of progress in providing for the use of electronic information as a substitute for paper. Requires each Federal agency to: (1) ensure that each information collection provides for the optional use of electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information; (2) certify that each such collection uses alternative information technologies to reduce burden and improve data quality, agency efficiency, and responsiveness to the public; and (3) publish within a required public notice before collection of information a description of how respondents may electronically maintain the information to be collected. Requires the Director to include in a required report to the Congress on information collection the extent to which Federal agencies reduced the collection of information burden on small businesses and other persons through the use of electronic maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper maintenance, submission, or disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
American Profit Sharing Act - Permits the provision of Federal contracts and certain Federal subsidies only to businesses which have a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Excepts start-up small businesses for one year unless such business: (1) has been in existence for at least ten prior years; (2) has more than five full-time employees (or their equivalent) at any time during the year; and (3) has a gross income exceeding $10 million.