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 · 20 September 1995
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of the Iranian Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'i community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; (3) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights; and (4) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Government of Iran, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995
Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or impose requirements regarding: (1) the transfer of distilled spirits between bonded premises and between importation and bonded premises; (2) operations as a bonded dealer conducted on the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant; (3) establishment and operation of such a plant by a bonded dealer; (4) election to be treated as a bonded dealer; (5) the time at which the tax on distilled spirits is determined; (6) distilled spirits lost or destroyed in bond or returned to bonded premises; (7) the time for tax payment and payment by electronic transfer; and (8) application to a plant used by a bonded dealer of provisions relating to sales by proprietors of controlled premises.
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 · 4 August 1995
Leave Equity for Adoptive Families Act of 1995 - Entitles any employee who needs it, because of the placement of a child with that employee for adoption or foster care, to any leave benefit provided by the employer for care of an employee's newborn biological child or for recovery from the employee's own illness, injury, or disability. Requires that such leave commence no later than 12 months after such placement. Authorizes civil actions to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to exempt disability and survivor annuities from provisions delaying the cost-of-living adjustment in Federal employee retirement benefits during FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a free press is vital to the development and consolidation of democracy in Russia; (2) freedom of the press and freedom of expression must be safeguarded; (3) to protect such freedoms, the right and opportunity of independent entrepreneurs to establish, operate, and maintain independent media outlets must be protected; (4) Russian Government leaders should fully support such freedoms in Russia; and (5) the President and the Secretary of State are requested to convey to appropriate Russian officials this expression of the views of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to revise peanut poundage quota, acreage allotment, and marketing provisions. Extends peanut experimental and research programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise and extend the peanut price support program.
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 · 24 July 1995
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make such corrections to specified Coastal Barrier Resources System maps as necessary to ensure consistency with the depictions of areas on maps on file with the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage Subtitle A: Insurance Reform Subtitle B: Benefits Subtitle C: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions Subtitle D: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Removal of Financial Barriers to Access Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self- Employed Subtitle B: Premium and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program and Supplemental Benefits Program for Low-Income Individuals Title III: Access Improvements Subtitle A: Improved Access in Rural Areas Subtitle B: Public Health Grants Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers Title IV: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines Title V: Market Incentives to Containing Costs Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification Subtitle B: Antitrust Title VI: Medicare Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency Subtitle B: Savings Health Care Improvement Act of 1995 - Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Insurance Reform - Requires each carrier that offers health insurance coverage in the individual and small group market to make coverage available to each qualified individual or small employer and to accept every applying small employer and qualifying individual. Prohibits denial, cancellation, or refusal to renew except for specified reasons. Limits preexisting condition exclusions. Regulates enrollment periods. (Sec. 1011) Sets forth requirements for plans that use managed care, including regarding consumer disclosure and provider disclosure and due process. Prohibits requiring physician referral for obstetric or gynecological services. Preempts certain State law restrictions on managed care. (Sec. 1012) Mandates a study and report on utilization review. (Sec. 1013) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to treat the account beneficiary of a medical savings account (MSA) as the owner of the account and subjects them to taxation on the account in accordance with specified provisions. Includes in gross income, and imposes a penalty regarding, any account expenditure not used exclusively for medical expenses of the beneficiary or the beneficiary's spouse or dependents. Excludes limited employer payments to an MSA from the employee's gross income and from the definition of "wages" for purposes of provisions relating to Social Security contributions. Amends the Social Security Act to make a similar change in the definition of "wages." Amends the IRC to exclude such payments from the definition of: (1) "compensation" for provisions relating to railroad retirement taxes; and (2) "wages" for provisions relating to unemployment taxes and to withholding. (Sec. 1021) Regulates premium rate variation, allowing limited variation based on the factors of age, geographic area, family class (individual, individual with children, couple without children, or couple with children), benefit design, and administrative categories. (Sec. 1022) Requires each carrier or plan to accept and apply any premium certificate issued under a State premium assistance program under specified Social Security Act provisions. (Sec. 1023) Mandates development of a model risk adjustment system composed of one or more risk adjustment mechanisms. Requires each State to establish and maintain a conforming risk adjustment system. (Sec. 1031) Sets forth information carriers and plans must disclose to prospective enrollees, brokers, plans, and States. (Sec. 1032) Prohibits carriers from: (1) varying or conditioning remuneration to a person, or terminating or failing to renew an agent or broker, based on the claims experience or health status of individuals enrolled by or through the person; or (2) conditioning coverage on the purchase of any other product. (Sec. 1033) Requires carriers and plans to meet Social Security Act requirements relating to advance directives. Subtitle B: Benefits - Defines "qualified health coverage" as meeting the requirements of subtitle A above and including standard or high-deductible coverage consistent with this subtitle. (Sec. 1102) Includes in standard coverage: (1) hospital, surgical, in-hospital medical, ambulatory, supplemental, and obstetrical services; (2) drugs, medicines, and prosthetic devices; (3) routine medical costs of treatment as part of an approved research trial; (4) drug off-label use if listed in specified compendia; and (5) preventive measures (without cost sharing). Sets forth actuarial value requirements. Prohibits benefits in any benefit category from being less than the narrowest scope and shortest duration in any of the plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. (Sec. 1103) Requires that high-deductible coverage provide the benefits of standard coverage and use the deductible amount established under this Act, with the actuarial value of coverage equivalent to 80 percent of the actuarial value for standard coverage. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and modify benefit valuation procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the deductible amount for high-deductible coverage; and (2) model benefit packages. (Sec. 1105) Regulates supplemental coverage. (Sec. 1106) Requires each carrier and plan to provide for an option under which children under 26 years old are treated as family members. (Sec. 1107) Mandates certain coverage relating to Christian Science. Subtitle C: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions - Mandates development of standards regarding the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 1202) Requires each State to report on steps the State is taking to implement and enforce the standards. Provides for Federal action in the event of uncorrected State deficiency. (Sec. 1204) Deems provisions of this title, as they relate to plans or employers and for purposes of administration and enforcement provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), to be provisions of ERISA. Amends the IRC to impose a tax on the failure of a carrier to comply with specified provisions of this Act. (Sec. 1205) Prohibits a single employer plan from offering coverage other than through a carrier unless the plan has at least 100 eligible employees. Subtitle D: Definitions; General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this Act and effective dates for this title. Title II: Removal of Financial Barriers to Access - Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self-Employed - Amends the IRC to phase in a permanent 100 percent deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 2002) Allows individuals who are not self-employed to deduct 25 percent of the amount paid for insurance which constitutes medical care for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents, except for months in which the taxpayer is eligible to participate in any subsidized plan maintained by an employer of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse. Allows the deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. (Sec. 2003) Includes in employee gross income employer-provided coverage provided through a flexible spending or similar arrangement if any amount of cost-sharing may be paid for or reimbursed under the arrangement. Amends the definition of "qualified benefit," for cafeteria plan provisions, to exclude any benefits or coverage if any amount of cost-sharing or more than 20 percent of any premium may be paid for or reimbursed under the plan. Provides for transfers from flexible spending arrangements to medical savings accounts during 1997. Subtitle B: Premium and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program and Supplemental Benefits Program for Low-Income Individuals - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI entitled "State Acute Care Benefits Programs For Low-Income Individuals." Outlines specific requirements for State premium and cost-sharing subsidy programs, as well as State supplemental acute care benefits programs, for low- income individuals. Requires operation of a premium and cost-sharing subsidy program as a State plan requirement under Medicaid. (Sec. 2102) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the division of Medicaid benefits into core benefits and supplemental benefits for AFDC, SSI, and non-cash Medicaid beneficiaries. Places a limitation on the amount of Federal financial participation for benefits for acute medical services for such beneficiaries. Title III: Access Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Access in Rural Areas - Mandates grants to an eligible State for the development of plans to increase access to health care services for residents of chronically underserved areas. (Sec. 3002) Requires that funds be made available for technical assistance (including regarding eligibility for other Federal programs) and advice, concerning establishing or enhancing a community rural health network in an underserved rural area, for: (1) entities receiving a grant under this subtitle for such a network; (2) state or local governmental units; and (3) entities providing health care services (including health professional education services) in the area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3003) Mandates financial assistance for the development and implementation of such networks. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that, in order to provide for that authorization of appropriations and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out, after FY 1996: (1) the rural health transition grant program of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987; and (2) the rural health outreach program. (Sec. 3011) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made on behalf of the taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 3012) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that, for frontier health professional shortage areas, the decision on whether the area is a rational area for the delivery of health services be made without regard to the travel time between population centers or to contiguous area resources. (Sec. 3013) Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the Scholarship Program (mandating a set-aside for nurse education) and the Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 3021) Authorizes grants to States to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Requires that projects under existing provisions relating to communications technologies and rural trauma care include demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and facilities with useful expertise or equipment. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to trauma care and emergency medical services. (Sec. 3022) Mandates grants to States for the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3031) Mandates a demonstration project to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice. Requires a portion of direct graduate medical education cost payments (under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act) be used for payments to States and training consortia. Authorizes grants to States and consortia for developing and evaluating the projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3041) Mandates demonstration projects to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice. Requires payments to participating health care training consortia and prohibits payments under Medicare for direct and indirect costs of graduate medical education during the participation. Subtitle B: Public Health Grants - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to States for specified public health programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3102) Mandates programs of scholarships and educational loan repayment for attendance at schools of public health in return for the scholarship and loan recipients agreeing to provide services in public health positions, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, serving a population with significant unmet need. Applies to these programs existing provisions of the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers - Mandates studies of: (1) the feasibility and desirability of making payments to facilities that are not hospitals for the direct and indirect costs of graduate medical education costs attributable to residents trained at the facilities; (2) the funding needs of health professions schools. Title IV: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth findings and, regarding this title, purposes and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Applies this subtitle to any medical malpractice liability action in a Federal or State court, and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system (ADR), initiated after a specified date. (Sec. 4102) Prohibits medical malpractice actions in State or Federal courts unless the claim has been initially resolved under an ADR. Requires establishment of an ADR process for claims against the United States. (Sec. 4103) Sets forth filing procedures, including regarding a certificate of merit and standard interrogatories and requests. (Sec. 4104) Limits the dollar amount of noneconomic damages. Prohibits punitive or exemplary damages against manufacturers of medical products. Requires several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic damages, except for defendants found liable as a result of gross negligence or fraud. Requires the total amount of punitive damages to be paid to the State in which the action is brought or in which the services were rendered to carry out activities to assure the safety and quality of health care. Requires development and submission to the Congress of alternative limits on noneconomic damages, including separate limits for specified categories of limits. (Sec. 4105) Prohibits requiring a single payment of damages for future economic loss over a specified amount, subject to waiver. (Sec. 4106) Requires claims to be initiated within 2 years after the alleged injury was or should have been discovered. (Sec. 4107) Prohibits finding malpractice against a provider of services during labor or delivery, if the provider did not previously treat the claimant, unless the malpractice is proved by clear and convincing evidence. (Sec. 4108) Allows finding malpractice only if the defendant's conduct was not reasonable unless, in accordance with State law, the action is based on a strict liability theory. (Sec. 4110) Declares that this title supersedes any State law only to the extent that State law permits greater damages or establishes a less strict standard of proof. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) - Sets forth basic requirements for State ADRs, including: (1) application to all medical malpractice claims; (2) if multiple ADR procedures are available, allowing the parties to select the procedure to be used, assigning a procedure if the parties do not agree; and (3) transmitting findings of malpractice to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers. Applies the provisions of subtitle B of this title, subject to exception, to claims brought under the State ADR. (Sec. 4202) Provides for State certification of ADRs meeting applicable requirements. Mandates establishment of a Federal ADR system for the resolution of claims in States without certified ADRs. (Sec. 4203) Mandates grants to States for implementing and operating ADRs. Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines - Mandates grants to States for the development of medical practice guidelines for health care professionals that may be applied to resolve claims and actions. Title V: Market Incentives to Containing Costs - Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification - Requires adoption of standards: (1) consistent with the objective of reducing the costs of providing and paying for health care; and (2) in use and generally accepted, developed, or modified by the standard-setting organizations accredited by the American National Standard Institute. (Sec. 5012) Mandates adoption of standards to make uniform and compatible for electronic transmission through the health information network the data elements of any health information the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines appropriate for transmission in connection with standard transactions under this subtitle. Establishes a system to provide for a standard unique health identifier for each individual, employer, plan sponsor, and provider. (Sec. 5013) Requires adoption of technical standards consistent with the health information network privacy standards under this subtitle relating to the transmission method for health information. Mandates regulations specifying procedures for the electronic transmission and authentication of signatures. (Sec. 5014) Requires adoption of information privacy standards. (Sec. 5021) Declares to be standard transactions (and requires the information transmitted in the transaction to be in the form of standard data elements): verification of benefit eligibility, coordination of benefits, claim submission, claim attachment submission, claim status notification, claim status verification, claim adjudication, payment and remittance advice, and certification or authorization of a referral to a non-network provider. (Sec. 5022) Requires a health information security organization certified under this subtitle to make certain non-identifiable information available to a Federal or State agency, on a cost-type contract, as requested by the agency to fulfill a requirement of this Act. (Sec. 5023) Mandates establishment of a procedure under which a sponsor or provider that does not have the ability to transmit standard data elements directly and does not have access to a health information network may comply with these provisions. (Sec. 5031) Requires the establishment of: (1) standards regarding the operation of health information network services; and (2) a certification procedure for network services. (Sec. 5032) Prohibits an individual or entity, after the establishment under this subtitle of standards to make data elements uniform and compatible for electronic transmission, from requiring any additional data element in connection with the transaction or an inquiry regarding the transaction. Makes a similar prohibition regarding the transmission method. Allows waivers. (Sec. 5033) Declares that a provision, requirement, or standard under this subtitle supersedes any contrary provision of State law. Subtitle B: Antitrust - Mandates the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans. (Sec. 5102) Directs the Attorney General to issue a certificate of public advantage to each eligible health care collaborative activity complying with the requirements of this paragraph. Declares that such activity and the parties to it shall not be liable under any of the antitrust laws (as defined in specified provisions of the Clayton Act, including specified provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act relating to unfair methods of competition, and similar State laws). Requires issuance of the certificate if the likely benefits outweigh the likely reduction in competition and the reduction is necessary to obtain the benefits. Title VI: Medicare - Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency - Outlines various specified requirements for HMOs and other eligible organizations under the Medicare program, including the use of metropolitan statistical areas to determine adjusted average per capita cost and enrollment periods for Medicare HMOs. (Sec. 6002) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to permit Medicare select policies in all States. Revises requirements of such policies under the Medicare program. (Sec. 6003) Includes notice of available HMOs in the annual notices to Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 6004) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the voluntary enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in private health insurance plans. (Sec. 6005) Provides for optional interim enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in private health plans. (Sec. 6011) Directs the Secretary to take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate the administration of Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) over a four year period. (Sec. 6021) Provides under Medicare for notice of advance directive rights to individuals entering Medicare. Subtitle B: Savings - Provides for a reduction in: (1) the conversion factor for the physician fee schedule for non-primary care services; and (2) hospital outpatient services through establishment of the prospective payment system. (Sec. 6103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for individuals with high income. (Sec. 6104) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicare hospital disproportionate share adjustment payments. (Sec. 6105) Provides for imposition of 20 percent coinsurance on laboratory services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should pursue policies that: (1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities; (2) conserve and develop the Nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents to learn or maintain skills in a language other than English; (3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures; (4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and (5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital national interests and individual rights, and oppose "English-only" measures and similar language restrictionist measures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan that provides any emergency services coverage to cover emergency services furnished to a plan enrollee without regard to: (1) whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan; and (2) prior authorization. Mandates prompt payment in a reasonable and appropriate amount and prohibits cost-sharing greater for hospital emergency services than for other settings. Requires specified measures relating to the timeliness of prior authorization determinations regarding needed care identified in initial evaluations. Prohibits plans from discouraging appropriate use of the 911 emergency telephone number or from denying coverage or payment for an item or service solely on the basis that an enrollee uses the number. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, and managed care plans to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Allows State laws that provide protections exceeding those of this Act. Provides for civil money penalties for violations.
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 · 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 · 27 June 1995
Middle East Peace Compliance Act and PLO Accountability of 1995 - Declares that the Congress has determined that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) continues to disregard the commitments it has made under specified agreements with Israel. Prohibits U.S. assistance to the PLO and the Palestinian Authority until the President: (1) certifies to the Congress that they have complied with the requirements of such agreements; and (2) reports to specified congressional committees on all U.S. and international assistance provided to such entities, including any misuse of such assistance by them. Requires the President to report to such congressional committees on: (1) all the PLO's and Palestinian Authority's assets and income for the year before enactment of this Act; (2) whether the PLO is cooperating in the arrest and transfer to the United States for prosecution of PLO-connected individuals who have been responsible for terrorist attacks on specified American citizens or property since 1964; and (3) PLO steps to provide full and fair compensation to U.S. victims of PLO terrorism. Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General to provide assistance in obtaining explosive detection devises and other counterterrorism technology to foreign countries facing terrorist attack that threatens the national interest of the United States or puts U.S. nationals at risk. Requires transmittal to Congress of all agreements, understandings, or promises, either formal or informal, connected with the implementation of the Declaration of Principles. Authorizes the President to suspend specified provisions of Federal law for renewable 90-day periods, subject to prior consultation with certain congressional committees. Prohibits any Federal agency from undertaking, or any funds from being obligated for, any activity for the establishment of a U.S. diplomatic post in any area under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Calls on France to abide by the international moratorium on nuclear testing, refrain from conducting its announced testing, and prepare to close its underground nuclear testing sites at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1995
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) Social Security should be maintained; and (2) any changes to the program should be made only to preserve benefits and strengthen its long-term solvency and integrity.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services Title II: Care Grant Program Title III: Early Intervention Services Title IV: General Provisions Title V: Additional Provisions Title VI: Effective Date Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1995 - Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services - Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to formula grants for emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) services (emergency relief grants) to modify or create: (1) the criteria for determining which geographic areas are eligible; (2) the representation mandated on and the duties of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services planning council in areas receiving grants; (3) grant distribution time limits; (4) limits on reductions in grants; (5) requirements regarding supplemental grants; (6) a requirement that formula and supplemental grants be expended in accordance with priorities established by the area's council; (7) the primary purposes of the grants; (8) the entities eligible to receive financial assistance from grant funds (including allowing for-profit entities in certain circumstances); (9) a requirement to use a specified percentage of grant funds for services to infants, children, and women with HIV disease; (10) limitations on administrative expenditures; and (11) application requirements (including allowing a single application for both formula and supplemental grants). Authorizes planning grants to assist an area that is projected to be eligible for a formula grant in the subsequent fiscal year in preparing for its responsibilities under the grant. Title II: Care Grant Program - Changes or adds provisions concerning a program of grants for health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease (care grant program) relating to: (1) the uses of the grants; (2) grants to establish HIV care consortia (including allowing grants to for-profit providers in certain circumstances); (3) application requirements; (4) State allocation of assistance; and (5) technical assistance. Title III: Early Intervention Services - Amends provisions relating to early intervention services to alter or establish provisions relating to: (1) the uses of categorical grants; and (2) making for-profit entities eligible. Authorizes early intervention services planning grants. Modifies application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for categorical grants. Title IV: General Provisions - Replaces provisions authorizing demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric HIV disease patients and pregnant women with HIV disease with provisions authorizing grants providing women, infants, and children: (1) opportunities to participate as subjects in research of potential clinical benefit regarding HIV disease; and (2) outpatient health care. Authorizes the use of limited funds for training and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants for demonstration projects that provide for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease that assess treatment model effectiveness, are innovative, and have the potential to be replicated locally or nationally. Requires reserving a specified percentage of the amounts available under title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act for grants under this paragraph. Removes existing provisions relating to special projects of national significance. Transfers provisions (currently located in title VII (Health Professions Education) of the Public Health Service Act) authorizing grants and contracts to assist in training health care practitioners regarding HIV disease to such title XXVI. Modifies the projects for which the assistance may be used. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces an authorization of appropriations for carrying out provisions on evaluations and reports regarding title XXVI with provisions requiring that those evaluation and reporting provisions be carried out with amounts available under evaluation and reporting provisions of title II (Administration and Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Public Health Service Act. Title V: Additional Provisions - Modifies the formulas for determination of the amount of emergency relief grants and care grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the emergency relief grant program and the care grant program. Mandates development of a methodology for adjusting the percentages made available to each of those two programs. Repeals existing provisions authorizing appropriations separately for the two programs. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
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
Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to: (1) require a State to pay or agree to pay at least five dollars per resident, as determined by the latest official census, before such State or local government receives Federal assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster in the State; and (2) revise the formula used to determine the Federal share of such assistance as well as the Federal share for debris and wreckage removal from publicly and privately owned lands resulting from such disaster. Allows an increase of such assistance only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (Sec. 5) Adds provisions concerning disaster mitigation. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish and carry out natural disaster hazard mitigation (mitigation) programs that support natural disaster research, technology, and education. Gives the effect of law to a specified executive order relating to earthquake design and construction standards for federally leased, assisted, or regulated buildings. Requires the Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing: (1) national minimum building construction standards for residential and commercial building construction; and (2) standards for the training and licensing of home inspectors and for using such inspections as a means of promoting mitigation for residential property. Requires the Director to define which States should be classified as natural disaster-prone for purposes of the Act. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either: (1) adopt multihazard building and safety codes for all new and substantially modified building construction in that State; or (2) certify that the State's local communities have adopted and are enforcing building codes which meet the appropriate minimum mitigation requirements of that State. Requires each State designated as flood-prone to either adopt relevant flood protection standards or certify that its flood-prone local communities are in compliance with appropriate State flood protection standards. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either develop a multihazard mitigation plan or designate an existing plan which includes specified compliance and response requirements. Outlines provisions concerning State compliance with the establishment, adoption, and implementation of appropriate mitigation plans. Provides penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Director, after crediting premiums from the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation (established under this Act), to allocate funds from a Mitigation Account (established under this Act) to States which comply with all mitigation requirements under this Act. Provides an allocation formula. Requires such funds to be used to support mitigation activities, especially those necessary to bring a State into compliance with building and safety code requirements enumerated under this Act. Requires audits of fund uses. Exempts a State, under specified conditions, from a particular mitigation requirement if it receives inadequate funds from the Account to cover the costs of complying with such requirement. Encourages each private insurer that participates in the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation to take mitigation measures into account in setting rates and deductibles for its property insurance. Establishes the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation as a not-for-profit membership corporation to provide primary insurance coverages and reinsurance coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Requires the Corporation's Board of Directors (Board) to: (1) develop a plan of operation describing the Corporation's administration and the provision of the insurance coverages it provides; and (2) develop and adjust, when necessary, actuarially sound rates for such coverages. Establishes an independent Natural Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries (Independent Board) to review and approve such plan and rates. Requires the Board to file with each State insurance regulator information copies of the initial material and future revisions to its insurance rates, terms, or conditions. Requires the Corporation to establish and maintain a: (1) primary insurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims and loss adjustments expenses to private insurers acting as service providers of the primary insurance coverages; and (2) reinsurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims to private insurers which purchased such coverage. Outlines provisions concerning the Corporation's use of funds from other accounts and funds to pay for losses in excess of trust account funds or funds raised by issuing obligations in the private market (requiring repayment of funds borrowed from such accounts or funds). Requires the trust accounts to be kept separate. Prohibits: (1) the borrowing of monies between such accounts; and (2) the authorization or appropriation of Federal funds for Corporation activities. Requires the Comptroller General to audit and report to the Congress on Corporation and Independent Board activities. Requires the Corporation to: (1) issue primary insurance coverages that insure against physical damages and losses to residential property, including debris removal, additional living expenses incurred as a result of direct damage to such property, and ordinance and law coverages, resulting from the natural disasters enumerated in this Act that meet specified terms and conditions; and (2) make, under certain conditions, excess reinsurance coverage available to private insurers and State insurance pools for residential losses (including quota-share amounts retained by the private insurers under this Act not already insured by the Corporation under the primary insurance coverage policies) and commercial losses that are proximately caused by specified natural disaster perils. Prohibits making or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by residential property located in an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, or hurricane-prone State unless the property is covered by: (1) primary insurance coverages; or (2) coverage issued by a private insurer which has equivalent terms, conditions, and rates as such coverages for seismic perils and that meets such terms and conditions as those required for the hurricane peril. Provides an escrow requirement with respect to insurance premiums for such coverage. Outlines requirements that must be met by residential property owners in natural disaster-prone States before the owners can receive any financial assistance under the Act or any similar Federal disaster assistance. Requires the Director and the Corporation to jointly report to the Congress on any additional sanctions or other measures deemed necessary to assure that policyholders purchase Federal flood insurance pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Requires private insurers which exclude coverage for physical damage caused by flooding to include in the contract a specified warning statement to that effect (or an appropriate alternative warning statement). Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund. Establishes within the Fund a separate Private Loss Account, Public Loss Account, and Mitigation Account. Requires the three accounts to be kept separate and prohibits the borrowing of monies between them. Requires the Private Loss Account to provide direct Federal loans to cover shortfalls in the Corporation's primary insurance and reinsurance accounts. Requires the Public Loss Account to: (1) retain reserve funds sufficient to cover the anticipated costs resulting from natural disasters up to the annual ten-year historical average of disaster relief provided by the Director; and (2) provide grants to States for the repair or restoration of critical facilities and lifelines, public facilities, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed by natural disasters and for pre-natural disaster mitigation. Allows the Federal share of such grants to be increased only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Requires: (1) the Mitigation Account to provide funds to States for appropriate mitigation efforts described in this Act; and (2) the Corporation to pay a specified percentage of the annual net premiums collected for the primary insurance coverages and the reinsurance coverages for mitigation purposes. Provides for appropriate transfers and credits to the Public Loss Account and the Mitigation Account. Authorizes appropriations to such Accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Establishes the Yellowstone Headwaters National Recreation Area within the Gallatin and Custer National Forests in Montana. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer the Area in accordance with this Act and with the provisions of law generally applicable to national forest system units; (2) develop a management plan for the Area to reflect its establishment and to conform to this Act; and (3) acquire lands or interests in lands within the Area's boundaries that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Withdraws such lands from U.S. mining laws, mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and from disposal of mineral materials under the Materials Act of 1947. Prohibits: (1) a patent from being issued after June 14, 1995, for any location or claim made in the Area under U.S. mining laws; (2) Federal lands from being used in connection with any mining or mining-related activity within the Area; and (3) such activities involving any surface disturbance of lands or waters within such Area, except in accordance with requirements imposed by the Secretary. Requires: (1) the Secretary to complete an expedited program to examine all unpatented mining claims within the Area; and (2) if the Secretary of the Interior determines that a claim is invalid, to declare it to be null and void. Prohibits a Federal department or agency from issuing authorizations to persons for mining or mining-related activities within the Area until the Secretary has determined that previous mining related environmental damage that has occurred on lands owned or used by such person or any person who controls, is controlled by, or under common control with, such person has been remediated in accordance with applicable Federal and State requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Medicaid Certification Act of 1995 - Makes certain technical corrections to title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, allowing, among other changes, for physician reimbursement for certified osteopathic physician services provided to children and pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid. Makes this Act effective as if included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1995 - States that the standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders require that such plans provide for coverage of services essential to the effective treatment of such disorders in a specified manner. Sets forth the criteria under which an employer plan may meet such standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax of up to 25 percent of the amounts received by the carrier or under the plan for coverage if a carrier or an employer health benefit plan fails to comply with the standards relating to the nondiscriminatory treatment of neurobiological disorders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Specific Coins Authorized Title II: General Provisions United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995 - Title I: Specific Coins Authorized - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue ten-dollar gold coins to commemorate the bicentennial of United States gold coinage. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman. Directs coin sale surcharge distribution to the Harry S. Truman Library Foundation and the U.N. Association. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue coins commemorating: (1) the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (2) the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C.; (3) the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the first U.S. National Park, Yellowstone National Park; and (4) the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety, with surcharge proceeds paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. Title II: General Provisions - Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
Homesteading and Neighborhood Restoration Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make equal grants to Habitat for Humanity International and other national or regional organizations or consortia for the construction of new, safe, and sanitary dwellings in the United States, including land acquisitions and infrastructure improvement. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the time period in which the Secretary is authorized to insure and make commitments to insure loans made under the multifamily rural housing program. Allows any interest in the ownership of a project for which a loan is made or insured under to be transferred only if the Secretary determines that such a transfer would be in the best interest of the tenants of the housing. Repeals provisions which prohibit the Secretary from denying loans because an area is excessively remote. Requires the Secretary to establish objective procedures to identify the counties and communities that have the greatest need for rental housing assistance and designate those counties and communities to receive assistance. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to deny equity loans to extend low income use unless the Secretary determines that other incentives available are not adequate to provide a fair return on the investment of the borrower, to prevent prepayment of the loan, or to prevent displacement of tenants of the housing for which the loan was made. Authorizes the Secretary to make commitments to nonprofit organizations, an agency or body of any State government, or a private entity to guarantee loans from lenders approved by the Secretary for the development costs of housing and related facilities that consists of five or more adequate dwellings available for occupancy only by low or moderate income families or persons, and will remain available according to commitments required by the Secretary. Terminates guarantee authority after September 30, 1995. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Waives certain time limitations with respect to the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of heroism while serving in the Navy during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Diabetes Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations, in addition to any other authorization of appropriations, for the conduct and support of diabetes research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires that, of the amounts appropriated under this authorization, the NIH reserve a specified amount for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the remainder for the other national research institutes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Medigap Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Social Security Act to require that private insurers selling Medicare supplemental policies (Medigap policies) do not increase policyholder premiums on the basis of age attained after enrollment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Open Markets and Fair Trade Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to the Congress on selected countries in which U.S. goods or services, that would otherwise be competitive there, do not have market access. Requires the Secretary, in selecting such countries and sectors, to give priority to any country: (1) with which the United States has a trade deficit if access to such country's markets is likely to have significant potential to increase exports of U.S. goods and services; and (2) in which access to the markets will result in significant employment benefits for producers of U.S. goods and services. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with such countries for the purpose of obtaining access to their markets. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary, in making certain assessments, to monitor each country's compliance with such an agreement, or with any existing trade agreement with the United States. (Sec. 5) Requires, in instances where the United States Trade Representative (USTR) determines that the above-mentioned negotiations have not resulted in an agreement, each restriction on, or impediment to, access to the country's markets be considered, under the Trade Act of 1974, an act, policy, or practice that is unreasonable and discriminatory and restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR, in each case where the Secretary determines that a country is not in material compliance with an agreement for access to their markets to determine what trade relief action to take under a specified section of the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 6) Sets forth expedited procedures for implementation of legislation for presidential action against foreign countries that have unfair trade barriers, or that do not comply with the aforementioned agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1995
Condemns the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sends condolences to the families. Commends rescue and volunteer workers, law enforcement officials, and the President. Urges the President to use all necessary means to find and punish the perpetrators. Supports the President's and Attorney General's position that Federal prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty, for those responsible. Declares that the House of Representatives will expeditiously approve legislation to strengthen the authority and resources of all Federal agencies involved in combating such acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for certain public health programs related to prostate cancer research and education. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support prostate cancer health services and screening and treatment procedures; and (2) provide for the development, periodic review, and updating of clinically relevant guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Public Safety Employer-Employee Relations Act of 1995 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. (Sec. 4) Declares that fire fighters and law enforcement officers have the right to self-organize, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Applies this Act to any State and its local governments if such entity does not have a law or ordinance that provides greater or equal protection for the rights of fire fighters and law enforcement officers as established under this Act. Grants employers or employee labor organizations the right to petition the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to determine whether a State or local government is in compliance. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act. Provides for conciliation of labor disputes involving fire fighters and law enforcement officers. Requires the Director, when the FMCS certifies an impasse, to establish a Board of Inquiry to investigate the issues in the dispute and report its findings and recommendations. Provides for enforcement of this Act through the appropriate U.S. District Court. Provides that a State is not immune from an action in Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of this Act. (Sec. 5) Prohibits public safety employers and employees from engaging in lockouts or strikes. (Sec. 6) Sets forth provisions for suits by and against labor organizations representing public safety officers. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies; and (2) the U.S. Government should immediately encourage the UN to take action by considering the unique situation of Taiwan in the international community and adopting a comprehensive solution to accommodate Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Declares, with regard to AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse, the sense of the Congress concerning women, youth, families, extended family members, and other nonbiological relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and George C. Marshall, its author. Directs the Secretary to pay surcharges received from coin sales to: (1) the George C. Marshall Foundation to be used to support its educational and outreach programs; and (2) the Friends of George C. Marshall to be used solely for the construction of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Vistor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Voluntary Environmental Cleanup Title II: National Environmental Business Development Program Title III: National Environmental Response, Remediation, and Restoration Training Programs Subtitle A: National Environmental Response Training Program Subtitle B: National Environmental Remediation and Restoration Training Program Title IV: National Environment-Related Employment Program Comprehensive Economic and Environmental Recovery Act of 1995 - Title I: Voluntary Environmental Cleanup - Authorizes innocent landowners or responsible owners to submit cleanup plans for affected sites to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Defines: (1) an "affected site" as a facility that has environmental contamination that could prevent its use, development, reuse, or redevelopment and is limited in scope and can be comprehensively characterized and readily analyzed; (2) an "innocent landowner" as a person who intends to own or who owns an affected site and did not contribute to any contamination or the release of hazardous substances; and (3) a "responsible owner" as a person who owns an affected site on which industrial activities take place. Establishes a Cleanup Loan Fund to provide funding to persons undertaking the development and implementation of approved cleanup plans. Requires liens in favor of the United States to arise on contaminated property subject to a loan. Authorizes civil actions to enforce loan agreements. Provides for the annual transfer of a specified amount of funds from the Hazardous Substance Superfund to the Cleanup Loan Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include within the tax deduction allowed for trade and business expenses all amounts paid or incurred in preparing and implementing cleanup plans. Title II: National Environmental Business Development Program - Exempts wages paid to an owner-employee (any employee who is a principal shareholder) of an employer which is a new environmental business from social security taxes. Makes such exemption inapplicable to amounts after the first $100,000 paid to such employee. Defines a "new environmental business" as any corporation which: (1) is a small business concern; (2) meets requirements similar to those under the Internal Revenue Code for targeted urban areas; (3) is a new business for the calendar year; and (4) during such year, trains and certifies environmental response employees and emergency responders, employs such individuals, or performs environmental assessments, remediation, or restoration. Provides for a similar exemption from social security taxes for self-employed new environmental businesses. Terminates such exemptions after 2000. Title III: National Environmental Response, Remediation, and Restoration Training Programs - Subtitle A: National Environmental Response Training Program - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a National Environmental Response Training Program for purposes of: (1) training and certifying targeted urban area residents who are unemployed and underemployed to become environmental response employees and emergency responders; and (2) providing grants to environmental training providers. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and Education to develop an academic or work-site experience curriculum cooperatively with local educational agencies to enable 11th and 12th grade students to become environmental response employees or emergency responders. Provides for grants to communities for purposes of implementing such curriculum. Subtitle B: National Environmental Remediation and Restoration Training Program - Directs the Administrator to establish an education and training program in qualified institutions of higher education to enable qualified individuals to acquire career training in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, or environmental project management as it relates to hazardous waste response, cleanup, and restoration. Makes eligible for such program persons who have a high school diploma or its equivalence, are enrolled in or accepted into a qualified institution of higher education, and reside in targeted areas. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy and the Administrator to provide grants to qualified institutions of higher education, subject to certain conditions. Requires such institutions to use such funds for purposes of establishing consortium programs to provide education and training in environmental restoration to qualified individuals. Title IV: National Environment-Related Employment Program - Requires Federal agencies authorized to award contracts to carry out environmental or emergency response to give preference to firms that: (1) meet the requirements of the contract; (2) are located in a targeted urban area; and (3) have a payroll in which at least 25 percent of their certified environmental response employees and responders reside in a targeted urban area or, in cases where availability of certified environmental response employees and responders does not allow firms to comply, actively participate in a youth apprenticeship program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Waterways Restoration Act of 1995 - Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to delete the requirement that each watershed improvement under such Act must contain benefits directly related to agriculture that account for at least 20 percent of the total project benefits. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and implement a Waterways Restoration Program which provides technical assistance and grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities for carrying out waterway restoration projects. Requires such projects to achieve ecological restoration or protection and one or more of the following objectives: (1) flood damage reduction; (2) erosion control; (3) stormwater management; or (4) water quality enhancement. Provides project descriptions and priorities, including the location of projects in low-income or economically depressed areas adversely affected by poor watershed management. Outlines other project requirements, including a cost-benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary to designate Program administrators for each participating State (including a State agency if approved by the Secretary). Requires program grants to be awarded on an annual basis. Provides project application and selection requirements, including the establishment in each participating State of an interdisciplinary team of specialists to assist in reviewing project applications under the Program. Outlines conditions for receiving assistance under the Program, with sponsor and cosponsor requirements. Requires a non-Federal share of 25 percent of project costs, with a waiver for economically depressed communities. Limits the administrative and technical assistance costs of the Program. Requires the Governor of each participating State to establish a citizens oversight committee to evaluate management of the Program in that State. Requires program administrators to issue annual reports summarizing the Program evaluations of the oversight committees. Requires the Secretary to give a priority to waterways restoration projects in making funding decisions under such Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Meek, Carrie P. [D-FL-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000628_200.jpg)