United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Fans Rights Act of 1995 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful by reason of any provision of the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to enforce rules authorizing the membership of the league to decide that a member club of such league shall not be relocated. Sets forth criteria for relocation decisions by leagues, including: (1) fan loyalty; (2) the extent to which the team received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of such support; (3) the adequacy of the stadium in which the team played its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of the stadium, arena authority, or local government to remedy any deficiencies in the facility; and (4) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team. Requires any person seeking to change the home territory of a member team to furnish notice to all interested parties of the proposed change not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the member team is to play in such other location. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that, during the 180-day notice period, a local government, stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof: (1) may prepare and present a proposal to purchase the member team to retain the team in the home territory; and (2) shall be given the opportunity to prepare and present such a proposal. Requires the response of the owner to any offer made to be in writing and delivered in person or by certified mail, stating in detail the reasons for refusal of any bona fide offer. Directs the league to make a determination with respect to the location of such member team's home territory before the expiration of the notice period, after conducting a hearing at which interested parties are afforded an opportunity to present testimony. Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review. Prohibits making or offering to make a payment, or to provide or arrange with others for the provision of other value, to a league or any of its members in connection with a decision regarding the relocation of a member team.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the perpetrators of crimes against humanity in the conflict among republics of the former Yugoslavia (the republics) and persons in positions of authority in the republics who are responsible for crimes against humanity should be condemned; (2) persons who are indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICT) should not occupy positions of authority in any government or entity in the republics; (3) the United States should insist upon the full cooperation of the republics in bringing indicted individuals to justice and should oppose amnesty for any indicted war criminals from the conflict; (4) future support for the reintegration of the republics into the international community should be dependent on their full cooperation and support of the ICT; and (5) ICT investigators should be given full access to all sites, witnesses, and evidence of alleged and suspected war crimes.
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 · 17 November 1995
Prohibits the disbursement of basic pay to a Member of Congress during any period in which: (1) there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Repeals a Federal law authorizing the Secretary of the Army to operate the military education and training facility known as the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Authorizes the Secretary to operate the United States Academy for Democracy and Civil-Military Relations (Academy). Requires instruction at the Academy to be provided to civilian and military personnel of Latin American and Caribbean countries through seminars, roundtable discussions, conferences, and a guest instructor program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a thorough screening of potential instructors and students at the Academy for commitment to and respect for democracy and human rights. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to provide advice on establishing and operating the Academy, as well as the content of its curriculum. Provides Academy funding. States that this Act does not affect the authority to conduct countermine programs at Fort Benning, Georgia, at the School of the Americas in response to a request from the Organization of American States. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on Academy achievements after two years of operation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that resources made available to operate the Academy should be commensurate with the total resources that were dedicated to the School of the Americas in FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits insurers and health carriers from engaging in specified acts (such as denying, terminating, or limiting coverage) on the basis that the applicant or insured (or any person with whom the applicant or insured is associated) is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse involving household or family members, current or former spouses, or individuals in or formerly in a sexually intimate relationship. Prohibits insurers from using, disclosing, or transferring information about an applicant's or insured's abuse status or abuse-related medical condition for any purpose unrelated to the direct provision of health care unless required by an order of an insurance regulatory entity, a court order, or abuse reporting laws. Requires an insurer that takes any adverse action relating to any plan or policy of an abuse subject (whether applicant or insured) to advise such individual of the specific reasons for the action. Regulates subrogation of claims resulting from abuse. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission to examine and investigate any insurer regarding compliance with this Act. Provides for a private cause of action against the insurer in Federal or State court by an abuse subject applicant or insured claiming to be adversely affected by an act or practice of the insurer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
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 · 31 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: House of Representatives Election Spending Limits and Benefits Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Bipartisan Clean Congress Act of 1995 - Title I: House of Representatives Election Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make candidates for election to the House of Representatives eligible to receive benefits under this Act if they declare that they will not exceed expenditure or contribution limits. Sets forth expenditure limits of $600,000 by a candidate and authorized committees, allowing additional expenditures for runoffs and contested primaries. Provides for complying candidates running against noncomplying candidates. Entitles eligible candidates to receive certain broadcast media rates and reduced postage rates. Provides for Federal Election Commission certification of whether a candidate is eligible. Mandates repayment of benefits not used as required and civil penalties for excessive expenditures. (Sec. 102) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) modify broadcast media candidate rate requirements; and (2) regulate rates for eligible House candidates. Regulates preemption. Changes the circumstances in which a station license may be revoked for failure to allow candidate access. Conditions new licenses and renewal on agreement to abide by these provisions. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal law to require postal rates for third class mail sent by eligible House candidates to be the same as for qualified nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 104) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set contribution limits for eligible House candidates. (Sec. 105) Sets forth expenditure reporting requirements. Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, any person other than an individual or a political committee from making contributions, soliciting or receiving contributions, or making expenditures to influence a Federal office election. Defines "political committee" to mean: (1) a candidate's principal campaign committee; (2) any national, State, or district political party committee; (3) certain local political party committees; and (4) combinations of a candidate's and a party's committees. Removes provisions that currently include in the definition of "contribution or expenditure" the establishment, administration, and solicitation of contributions to a separate political fund by a corporation, labor organization, membership organization, cooperative, or corporation without capital stock. Modifies the circumstances in which a political committee that has supported more than one candidate may be designated as an authorized committee. Restricts the political committees that may be financed or controlled by any Federal office holder or candidate. Repeals provisions limiting multicandidate political committee contributions to candidates and their authorized political committees. (Sec. 202) Limits the aggregate amount of large contributions to congressional campaigns. (Sec. 203) Limits to $100 the aggregate contributions by a lobbyist with respect to any Federal office election. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Prohibits political party national committees and any entity established, financed, or controlled by them from soliciting or receiving contributions or spending funds not subject to this Act. Requires amounts spent by a political party committee that might affect a Federal election (including voter registration, get-out-the- vote activity, generic campaign activity, and communications that identify a Federal candidate) to be made from funds subject to this Act. Prohibits political party committees from soliciting funds for or making donations to any organization that is tax exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits any Federal office holder or candidate and their agents from soliciting or receiving funds: (1) in connection with a Federal election unless the funds are subject to this Act; or (2) to be spent in connection with a non-Federal election unless the funds are not in excess of amounts permitted to Federal candidates and committees under provisions of this Act and are not from sources prohibited by this Act for Federal elections. Prohibits Federal office holders or candidates from having certain relationships with or taking certain actions regarding any organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 212) Imposes or modifies political committee reporting requirements. (Sec. 213) Removes the exclusion of office facility construction or purchase contributions from the definition of "contribution." Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Imposes reporting requirements on disbursements over $2,000 by a person other than a political party committee or a candidate. Subtitle D: Contributions - Revises requirements regarding contributions made through an intermediary or conduit. Subtitle E: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions - Requires that 60 percent of contributions to a congressional campaign from individuals come from individuals legally residing in the candidate's State. Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures - Revises the definition of "independent expenditure." Declares that any expenditure that contains express advocacy and does not qualify as an independent expenditure is a contribution. (Sec. 252) Imposes reporting requirements relating to independent expenditures. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Modifies or creates requirements regarding: (1) the use of contributions for campaign vs. personal expenses; (2) campaign advertising disclosures regarding who paid for and authorized the advertising; (3) the filing of designations, statements, and reports in electronic form and by facsimile machine; (4) random audits and investigations; (5) the filing of certain reports for the election cycle rather than for the calendar year; (6) reporting and recordkeeping regarding personal or consulting service expenditures; (7) the use of candidates' names by authorized, unauthorized, and party committees; (8) the monthly filing of certain reports, "best efforts" by a treasurer to comply with requirements, and Commission waiver of requirements; (9) filing of statements of organization; (10) the Commission's authority to appear in actions related to its duties or powers; (11) exclusive Commission action on committee insolvency; (12) promulgation of regulations to prohibit devices or arrangements to undermine or evade certain provisions of the Act; (13) limiting Commission members to one term; (14) the authority of the Commission to seek injunctions; and (15) administrative and judicial procedures. (Sec. 316) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to replace House of Representatives mass mailings provisions with provisions establishing an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Modifies Member mail allowance requirements and prohibits certain transfers from other Member accounts. (Sec. 318) Declares that it is the intent of the Congress that any funds realized by provisions of this Act establishing the Mass Mailing Allowance shall be designated to pay for benefits provided by provisions of this Act relating to postal rates for third class mail sent by eligible House candidates. (Sec. 320) Provides for expedited and mandatory Supreme Court review of any appeal of any interlocutory order or final court action on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1995
Amends rule LI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to replace provisions governing employment practices with provisions that prohibit a House Member, officer, or employee from knowingly accepting a gift except as provided in this Act. Allows such individual to accept a gift (other than cash or cash equivalent) which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to have a value of less than $50 and a cumulative value from one source during a calendar year of less than $100. Provides that no gift with a value below ten dollars shall count towards the $100 annual limit. Considers a gift to a family member to be a gift to such Member, officer, or employee if given with his or her knowledge and acquiescence and if he or she has reason to believe that the gift was given because of his or her official position. Treats only the food and refreshment provided to such Member, officer, or employee as a gift if food and refreshment are also provided at the same time and place to such individual's spouse or dependent. Includes among exempted items: (1) contributions lawfully made under the Federal Election Campaign Act, a limited contribution for election to a State or local government office under such Act, or attendance at a fund raising event sponsored by a political organization; (2) anything provided on the basis of a personal friendship unless such Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (3) otherwise lawful contributions to such individual's legal expense fund; (4) food, refreshments, lodging, and other benefits which result from the outside business or employment activities of such Member, officer, or employee or spouse if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of such individual's official position, which are customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions, or which are provided by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (5) training that is the House's interest; (6) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual other than a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; and (7) certain other opportunities and benefits provided to the public or to Government employees generally. Establishes conditions under which such Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal friendship exception unless the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issues a written determination that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to such Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered to be gifts if advance authorization is received and the reimbursements and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Declares that activities that are substantially recreational in nature shall not be considered to be in connection with official duties. Includes as prohibited gifts to such Member, officer, or employee from a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal: (1) anything provided to an entity that is maintained or controlled by such Member, officer, or employee; (2) a charitable contribution made on the basis of such Member's, officer's, or employee's specification, with the exception of a mass mailing or other solicitation directed to a broad category of persons or entities; (3) a contribution or other payment to such Member's, officer's, or employee's legal expense fund; and (4) a financial contribution or expenditure made relating to a conference or similar event sponsored by, or affiliated with, an official congressional organization for, or on behalf of, such Members, officers, or employees. Provides that a charitable contribution made by a registered lobbyist or agent in lieu of an honorarium to such Member, officer, or employee shall not be considered a gift under this Act if such Member, officer, or employee reports to the Clerk of the House the name and address of the registered lobbyist, the date and amount of the contribution, and the name and address of the designated or recommended charitable organization. Declares that such rules shall be interpreted and enforced solely by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Amends rule X to revise the functions of the Committee on House Oversight to include accepting a gift for the House if such gift does not involve any duty, burden, or condition or is not made dependent upon some future performance by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
Former Speakers Privilege Reform Act of 1995 - Repeals provisions of H. Res. 1238, 91st Congress, thus terminating certain entitlements of former Speakers of the House of Representatives, such as: (1) retention of a Federal office (furnished and maintained by the Government) in the Member's congressional district after his or her expired term in office; (2) an allowance for payment of office and other expenses or administration of matters pertaining to incumbency in office as Representative and Speaker; (3) franked mail and printing privileges; and (4) staff assistance in connection with the administration, settlement, and conclusion of matters pertaining to, or arising out of, his or her incumbency in such office.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Subsidy Reform Title II: Agricultural and Grazing Subsidies Title III: Aerospace and High-Technology Industry Subsidies Title IV: National Parks Concession Reform Title V: Miscellaneous Industry Subsidies Title VI: Effective Dates Corporate Responsibility Act of 1995 - Title I: Tax Subsidy Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the foreign tax credit. Allows the deduction of foreign taxes for which the credit is made unallowable by this Act. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations regarding allocation of income and deductions which use a formulaic approach to clearly reflect income of multinational corporations. (Sec.104) Treats the gain or loss of a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation that is a ten-percent shareholder in a domestic corporation upon disposition of such a corporation's stock as if the taxpayer were engaged during the taxable year in a trade or business within the United States and as if such gain or loss were attributable to a permanent U.S. trade or business establishment. Treats such gain or loss as from sources within the United States, notwithstanding source rules for personal property sales. Imposes a 26-percent minimum tax on nonresident alien individuals. Treats as stock, for purposes of these provisions, options or other rights to acquire a domestic corporation's stock, conversion features of debt instruments, and other interests in a domestic corporation other than those solely as a creditor. Treats as a dividend attributable to a domestic corporation's stock any gain which would be subject to tax but for a treaty and which results from a distribution in liquidation or redemption. Provides for the withholding of tax on such dispositions. Penalizes, and treats as tax evasion, the failure to pay the tax established by this Act where amounts were not deducted and withheld. Excepts such gain from the branch profits tax imposed on foreign corporations. Requires notice to the Secretary upon distributions by a U.S. person to a foreign person in redemption of stock or complete liquidation of a subsidiary. (Sec. 105) Removes the exemption of ten-percent shareholders from the tax on interest of nonresident alien individuals received from portfolio debt investments. Redefines portfolio interest as only interest paid on obligations issued by governmental entities. (Sec. 106) Terminates, effective with taxable years beginning January 1, 1996, the exclusion of foreign earned income and the housing cost amounts of U.S. citizens or residents living abroad. (Sec. 107) Terminates, effective with taxable years beginning January 1, 1996, the exclusion from gross income of exempt foreign trade income of foreign sales corporations. (Sec. 108) Revises rules for the determination of the income of controlled foreign corporations. Repeals provisions which reduce the controlled foreign corporation income of export trade corporations. (Sec. 109) Allows the Secretary to extend for an additional three years the limitation period for assessment of a foreign-related deficiency if the deficiency cannot be accurately assessed before the expiration of the usual three-year period because of delay or other taxpayer actions which prevented timely assessment of the deficiency. Defines a foreign-related deficiency as one: (1) of a 25-percent foreign-owned domestic corporation to the extent the deficiency is attributable to a transaction with a related party who is a foreign person; and (2) of a foreign corporation with respect to the tax on income for foreign corporations connected with U.S. business or the branch profits tax. Title II: Agricultural and Grazing Subsidies - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to decrease the $250,000 payment limitation under the farm commodity programs to $50,000. (Sec. 202) Repeals Title III (export enhancement program) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978. (Sec. 203) Eliminates tobacco price support and production adjustment programs. (Sec. 204) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal provisions for the market promotion program. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish, beginning with the grazing season which commences on March 1, 1996, an annual domestic livestock grazing fee equal to fair market value with respect to certain National Forest lands where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under applicable law. Title III: Aerospace and High-Technology Industry Subsidies - Terminates Federal assistance for Sematech. (Sec. 302) Terminates Federal assistance under defense technology reinvestment programs. (Sec. 303) Terminates funding for the space station program. Title IV: National Parks Concession Reform - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 405) Provides for a competitive selection process with respect to the provision of public accommodations, services, and facilities within the National Park System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate appropriate regulations establishing such process. (Sec. 406) Provides for the setting of franchise fees. (Sec. 407) Limits a concessions contract entered into pursuant to this Act for a term not to exceed ten years. (Sec. 408) Prohibits the transfer of a concessions contract without prior notification to, and approval of, the Secretary. (Sec. 409) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) structures and facilities within a park; (2) recordkeeping; and (3) lease requirements. Title V: Miscellaneous Industry Subsidies - Requires sales of petroleum from the naval petroleum reserves to be made to the highest bidder at not less than the prevailing market price. (Sec. 502) Terminates the Tokamak Physics Experiment program of the Department of Energy. (Sec. 503) Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 by eliminating funding for highway demonstration projects. (Sec. 504) Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by increasing from $1.5 million to $3 million the limit on amounts collected as fees from gaming activities to fund the National Indian Gaming Commission. (Sec. 505 Reduces from $75 billion to $37.5 billion the aggregate loan, guarantee, and insurance authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Requires the Bank to charge and collect a fee (based on credit risk and not less than a fee that would be charged for a similar arms-length transaction in the private sector) for the provision of a guarantee, insurance, extension of credit, or for its participation in an extension of credit. (Sec. 506) Abolishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and transfers its functions relating to obligations effective on October 1, 1995, to the Department of State. Terminates all such remaining obligations when they expire. (Sec. 507) Terminates funding of nuclear weapons activities of the Department of Energy described under specified headings in Title III of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1995. (Sec. 508) Terminates funding for carrying out fossil and nuclear energy research and development for any fiscal year after FY 1997. (Sec. 509) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide for recoupment of nonrecurring costs for certain sales of major defense equipment. Excludes from recoupment the sale of major defense equipment that is at least 90 percent paid for from funds transferred under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or from funds made available on a grant or other nonrepayable basis under such Act. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate the authority to reduce or waive charges for costs in foreign military sales for NATO member countries and certain other countries. Title VI: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current alternative minimum tax on profitable individuals and corporations with substantial economic income should be retained.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1995
Iran Foreign Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain twelve-month economic sanctions against foreign persons who, with requisite knowledge, export goods or technology that would contribute to Iran's ability to extract, refine, produce, store, or transport petroleum or natural gas products. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) substantially improved its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights; (2) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles or related delivery systems; and (3) ceased support for acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such a 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 Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support, if any, for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit nonparty multicandidate political committees from making contributions to congressional candidates.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1995
Open Campus Police Logs Act of 1995 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require any higher education institution which participates in any student aid program under HEA title IV, and which maintains a police or security department, to keep a daily log of specified information about crimes which is open to public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1995
Northern Forest Stewardship Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide technical assistance to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont for forest products marketing cooperatives, for implementing principles of sustainability, and for land conservation; (2) prepare a related study of the Northern Forest region; and (3) cooperate in Northern Forest research. Provides for interstate coordination strategy. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to forest-based industry for labor safety and training activities. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) land conservation; and (2) other activities under this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) that States should provide landowners with liability exemptions for permitting free public use of their land; and (2) in favor of a funding mechanism to support conservation of nongame fish and wildlife on public and private land.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend (and reduce on a sliding scale) milk price supports through 1999. Terminates the milk price support program after December 31, 1999. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to terminate milk marketing orders.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the realization of women's rights is vital to people of all nations; and (2) the Senate should give its advice and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar coins whose obverse side shall bear the likeness of Theodore Roosevelt, and whose reverse side shall be emblematic of the Nation's natural resources. Mandates that surcharges received from coin sales be made available to the Secretary of the Interior in connection with the administration of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives (appropriate congressional officials) by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 45 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee, including certain high-ranking members of the uniformed services. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include more than one lobbying contact (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20 percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client over a six-month period). (Sec. 4) Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. Specifies the contents of such registration. Provides for exemptions from registration requirements above in cases involving lobbying income of $5,000 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $20,000 or less (in the case of an organization whose employees engage in lobbying activities on the organization's behalf) (adjusted periodically for inflation) for the semiannual period. (Sec. 5) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the appropriate congressional officials. Specifies the contents of such reports. (Sec. 6) Specifies various duties of the appropriate congressional officials for carrying out this Act, including reviewing registrations and reports filed under it, and making copies of them available to the public. (Sec. 7) Sets forth penalties for violations involving the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 9) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) replace references to political propaganda with references to informational materials; and (2) add to the exemption from registration requirements under such Act for certain lawyers providing legal representation to disclosed foreign principals to apply it to such representative actions as judicial proceedings and criminal or civil law enforcement inquiries, investigations, or proceedings. Exempts from the requirements of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 any agent of a foreign government, foreign political party, or other foreign entity not organized for business that registers under this Act. (Sec. 10) Revises (Byrd Amendment) limitations on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and financial transactions, removing obsolete reporting requirements, among other changes. (Sec. 11) Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Repeals provisions of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949 relating to lobbyist activities. (Sec. 14) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 15) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet specified reporting (including exemption from such reporting) requirements of this Act. (Sec. 16) Amends provisions of Federal law known as the Ramspeck Act to repeal authority extending competitive status to certain legislative and judicial branch employees involuntarily separated without prejudice from their respective branch, entitling them to transfer to the competitive service in the executive branch. (Sec. 17) Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to promulgate regulations on the manner and extent that experience in a position other than a competitive one may be considered in making appointments to a competitive position. Prohibits the grant, in such regulations, of any preference based on the fact of service in the legislative or judicial branch. Directs OPM to study excepted service considerations for competitive service appointments relating to this Act. (Sec. 18) Makes certain civic leagues or organizations not organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, and certain local associations of employees whose net earnings are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes, ineligible for Federal funds in any form if they engage in lobbying activities. (Sec. 19) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to require the Attorney General to report to Congress semiannually on administrative matters (currently "from time to time") including registration filings. (Sec. 20) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to: (1) augment the dollar value categories for required disclosure of income, assets, and liabilities of subject individuals, but limiting disclosure requirements for their spouses and dependent children to income, assets, and liabilities held jointly with the subject individual, and leaving unspecified any such amounts or values exceeding $1 million; and (2) require the financial disclosure reports of subject individuals to include the category of the total cash value of any interest of the reporting individual in a qualified blind trust, except under certain circumstances. (Sec. 21) Amends the Federal criminal code to apply to the Deputy United States Trade Representative (Deputy USTR) the same three-year prohibition against representing, aiding, or advising a foreign entity after leaving Government service as applies to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit any person who has directly represented, aided, or advised a foreign entity in any trade negotiation, or trade dispute, with the United States from being appointed as USTR or Deputy USTR. (Sec. 23) Expresses the sense of the Senate that lobbying expenses should not be tax deductible.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a House Member, officer, or employee from knowingly accepting a gift except as provided in this Act. Allows such individual to accept a gift (other than cash or cash equivalent) which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to have a value of less than $50 and a cumulative value from one source during a calendar year of less than $100. Provides that no gift with a value below ten dollars shall count towards the $100 annual limit. Considers a gift to a family member to be a gift to such individual if given with his or her knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of such individual's official position. Treats only the food and refreshment that are provided to such individual as a gift if they are also provided at the same time and place to such individual's spouse or dependent. Includes among exempted items: (1) contributions lawfully made under the Federal Election Campaign Act or attendance at a fund raising event sponsored by a political organization; (2) anything provided on the basis of a personal friendship unless such individual has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (3) otherwise lawful contributions to such individual's legal expense fund; (4) food, refreshments, lodging, and other benefits which result from the outside business or employment activities of such individual or spouse if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of such individual's official position, which are customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions, or which are provided by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (5) training that is the House's interest; (6) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual other than a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; and (7) certain other opportunities and benefits provided to the public or to Government employees generally. Establishes conditions under which such individual may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal friendship exception unless the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issues a written determination that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to such individual for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered to be gifts if advance authorization is received and the reimbursements and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Declares that activities that are substantially recreational in nature shall not be considered to be in connection with official duties. Includes as prohibited gifts to such individual from a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal: (1) anything provided to an entity that is maintained or controlled by such individual; (2) a charitable contribution made on the basis of such individual's specification, with the exception of a mass mailing or other solicitation directed to a broad category of persons or entities; (3) a contribution or other payment to such individual's legal expense fund; and (4) a financial contribution or expenditure made relating to a conference or similar event sponsored by, or affiliated with, an official congressional organization for, or on behalf of, such individuals. Provides that a charitable contribution made by a registered lobbyist or agent in lieu of an honorarium to such individual shall not be considered a gift under this Act if such individual reports to the Clerk of the House the name and address of the registered lobbyist, the date and amount of the contribution, and the name and address of the designated or recommended charitable organization. Declares that such rules shall be interpreted and enforced solely by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Freedom and Human Rights for the Enclaved People of Cyprus Act - Directs the President to establish U.S. efforts to: (1) inform the U.S. Government, the United Nations, and foreign governments of the freedom and human rights restrictions on the enclaved people of Cyprus; (2) enlist the United Nations and foreign governments in efforts to end such restrictions; (3) establish U.S. Government programs of assistance to the people of Cyprus and efforts for the elimination of the restrictions; and (4) use funds allocated to the government or ethnic community participating in the imposition of such restrictions on the promotion of freedom and human rights for the people of Cyprus, or in the absence of such funds, establish a foreign assistance program for them. Requires the President to direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to: (1) urge the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to address and solve the plight of those enclaved on Cyprus; and (2) call upon the U.N. Human Rights Commissioner to investigate their plight and implement appropriate corrective action.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Speaker of the House should move to appoint conferees on S. 4 (granting the President legislative line item veto rescission authority) immediately so that the House and Senate may resolve their differences on this important legislation; and (2) no conference report on any appropriation bill or the reconciliation bill required by H. Con. Res. 67 (congressional budget for FY 1996 through 2002) should be considered by the House unless such conference report makes the provisions of S. 4, as passed by the House, applicable to that bill, or Congress has considered the conference report on S. 4.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Al-Faran, a militant organization that seeks to merge Kashmir with Pakistan, immediately release Donald Hutchings and four Western Europeans from captivity; and (2) Al-Faran and its supporters cease all acts of hostage-taking and other violent acts within the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Essex National Heritage Area Title II: Essex National Heritage Area Commission Title I: Essex National Heritage Area - Establishes the Essex National Heritage Area for the purpose of preserving and interpreting the contributions to our national heritage of certain historic and cultural lands, natural waterways, and structures within Essex County in Massachusetts. Title II: Essex National Heritage Area Commission - Establishes the Essex National Heritage Area Commission in the Department of the Interior to: (1) coordinate activities of government and private entities to further historic preservation, cultural conservation, natural area protection, and compatible revitalization for the Area; (2) establish standards for projects and prepare programs for preservation of historic properties; (3) make loans and grants for conserving and protecting sites, buildings, resources, and objects which are included on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; and (4) implement the study report by the Essex Heritage Ad-Hoc Commission. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to assist the Commission in preparing studies and plans and in implementing the recommendations contained in such report. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the Commission or with any property owner within the Area to facilitate public use and enjoyment of such resources or to otherwise further the Commission's objectives. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to the Commission, upon request, and authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to property owners, Massachusetts, the city of Salem and other participating municipalities, Federal or State entities, institutions, or persons to carry out this Act. Directs the Commission to assist in the establishment of a nonprofit management entity to continue the Commission's functions after it expires in ten years. Prohibits privately owned property from being included within the Area's boundaries unless the government of the county, city, or town in which the property is located agrees and notifies the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Lobbying Disclosure Reform Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 30 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than ten percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. Specifies the contents of such registration and reports. Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the Commission. Provides for exemptions from such registration and reporting requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $2,500 or less (for a particular client), total income in connection with lobbying activities in a six month period of $5,000 or less, or total expenses of $5,000 or less (for all lobbying activities) (adjusted periodically for inflation) for the semiannual period. Specifies various duties of the FEC Chairman for carrying out this Act, including reviewing registrations and reports filed under this Act, and making copies of them available to the public for a fee. Establishes procedures for: (1) determining and resolving alleged violations of this Act; and (2) judicial review of such determinations. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet specified criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Provides that the United States should fully participate in Expo '98 in Lisbon, Portugal, and encourages the private sector to support this undertaking.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce permitted contribution amounts to Federal candidates by multicandidate political committees. (Sec. 2) Prohibits a House of Representatives candidate from accepting contributions from a multicandidate political committee in excess of 50 percent of all contributions accepted by such candidate during a reporting period. (Sec. 3) Limits contributions which a House of Representatives candidate may accept from other than in-State residents. (Sec. 4) Removes contribution limitations for congressional candidates whose opponents intend to spend or spend $100,000 or more from personal sources. (Sec. 5) Prohibits leadership committees. (Sec. 6) Revises contribution through intermediary provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1995
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LIII to authorize the House, by resolution, to declare the office of a Member vacant whenever the Member, having been elected as the candidate of a political party, publicly announces a change in his or her political party affiliation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1995
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LIII to require a Member who changes political party affiliation to pay to the former political party an amount equal to the amount of all contributions received by him or her from that political party with respect to the most recent election of that Member to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1995
Bovine Growth Hormone Milk Labeling and Residue Test Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to impose labeling requirements on milk and milk products intended for human consumption produced from cows treated with synthetic bovine growth hormone (BGH). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for recordkeeping by persons who sell, purchase, distribute, or use synthetic BGH. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a detection test for synthetic BGH residues in milk.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Labeling Title II: Reduction in Price Title III: Residue Test Bovine Growth Hormone Milk Act - Title I: Labeling - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to impose labeling requirements on milk and milk products intended for human consumption produced from cows treated with synthetic bovine growth hormone (BGH). Directs the Secretary to issue recordkeeping regulations for persons who sell, buy, distribute, or use synthetic BGH. Establishes civil penalties for labeling, recordkeeping, or related violations. Title II: Reduction in Price - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce the price received for milk produced by cows injected with synthetic BGH. Title III: Residue Test - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a detection test for synthetic BGH residues in milk.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to include under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program medical foods (as defined by the Orphan Drug Act) as a specific supplemental benefit item for which coverage may be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Farm Freedom Act of 1995 - Extends and reduces target prices for wheat, feed grains (corn, oats, grain sorghums, barley), rice, and cotton. Eliminates deficiency payments and marketing loans for such crops beginning with crop year 2001. Eliminates acreage reduction programs and 0-85 and 50-85 programs beginning with crop year 1999. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) impose specified income limitations on price support program participation; and (2) reduce producer deficiency and acreage diversion payments. Sets forth Commodity Credit Corporation deficiency payment budgetary limitations. Expresses the sense of the Congress against the use of U.S. agricultural commodities in trade embargoes, except for cases of state-supported terrorism. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report on the feasibility of agricultural producer private revenue insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Reduces the number of Department of Defense Operational Support Aircraft: (1) after September 30, 1996, to no more than two-thirds of the number available as of June 1, 1995; and (2) after September 30, 1997, to no more than one-half of the number of such aircraft available as of June 1, 1995, except if the Secretary of Defense certifies to the Congress that additional aircraft are needed for wartime purposes or to retain aircrew readiness. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) designate the Secretary of one of the military departments to administer the maintenance and operation of all fixed-wing aircraft which previously had performed the functions of Operational Support Aircraft; (2) issue regulations for maintaining, operating, and using the fixed-wing aircraft; and (3) designate the United States Transportation Command as the manager for all fixed-wing Operational Support Aircraft. Reduces by half the number of Department of Defense helicopters used for administrative purposes (excluding support of the President) in the National Capital area after September 30, 1996. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on implementation of this Act and on the number of fixed-wing aircraft in the Department's inventory as of June 1, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize annual grants to States to develop coastal zone management programs. Limits each State to four (currently, two) grants. Authorizes grants to States to implement program changes. Allows financial assistance under existing provisions for research and monitoring in a national estuarine reserve to be used for research outside such a reserve if the activities support research inside the reserve. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such development grants; (2) administering State management programs; (3) resource management improvement grants; (4) coastal zone enhancement grants; (5) grants under the National Estuarine Research Reserve System; (6) technical assistance; and (7) expenses incidental to the administration of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1995 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) current provisions of law requiring funding for abortion services in cases of life endangerment, and for victims of rape or incest, to women eligible for medical assistance are essential to their health; (2) Federal resources are necessary to ensure that women have safe access to reproductive health facilities and that health professionals can deliver services in a secure environment free from threats of force; (3) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; (4) the program of grants under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) should receive a level of funding that is adequate for all States to receive grants under such title; (5) the program of research centers under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program; and (6) the program of loan-repayment contracts under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited provided specific requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1995 - Prohibits insurers from denying or cancelling insurance coverage for individuals solely on the basis that the individual is or has been the subject of an act of domestic violence.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Landmine Use Moratorium Act of 1995 - Directs the President to support, at the 1995 United Nations review conference, proposals to modify Protocol II to the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention to implement the U.S. goal of the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Declares a U.S. moratorium, for a one year period beginning three years after enactment of this Act, on the use of such landmines except along internationally recognized national borders within a perimeter marked area monitored by military personnel and protected by adequate means to ensure the exclusion of civilians. Urges the President to encourage other nations to join in such moratorium. Prohibits the United States from selling, licensing for export, or transferring any defense article or service to a foreign country that sells, exports, or transfers antipersonnel landmines. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition, after notice to the Congress, if an emergency exists which makes such waiver vital to the interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Freedom From Nicotine Addiction Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to make it unlawful to deliver into interstate commerce a tobacco product with a nicotine content over specified limits. Reduces those limits each year for six years. Provides for enforcement under existing FDCA enforcement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1995 - Establishes the Campaign Finance Reform Commission to study and recommend Federal election law reforms. Terminates the Commission after a specified reporting date.
![Official portrait of Rep. Meehan, Martin T. [D-MA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000627_200.jpg)