United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster General that a postage stamp be issued honoring Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1994
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into and complete negotiations with the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, on a specified loan contract regarding the Nueces River Reclamation Project, Texas. Requires the Secretary to discount the remaining Federal debt obligation based on the actual water yield to the city from the project. Sets forth the total remaining cost of the project. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer title for the project to local sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1994
Multiple Sclerosis Home Treatment Equity Act of 1994 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide coverage and payment for self-administered betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) for patients with multiple sclerosis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) June 21, 1994, is designated as Freedom Summer Remembrance Day; and (2) it reaffirms the goal of removing remaining barriers to full voter participation in this Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that for purposes of issuing final guidelines under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relating to unlawful harassment in employment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should exclude harassment based on religion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, to the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity. States that no appropriations are authorized to implement this Act. Declares that the medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
U.S. Colonias Water Pollution Control Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to any U.S. State along the U.S.-Mexican border or to any entity designated by the President for construction of treatment works to serve U.S. colonias in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Bases the determination of whether a community is a colonia on objective criteria, including lack of potable water supply or adequate sewage systems. Limits Federal funding to 50 percent of construction costs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
U.S.-Mexico Border Water Pollution Control Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial and other assistance to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, Federal, State, or local governmental entities, and the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico for planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment works in the U.S.-Mexican border area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Designates September 16, 1994, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at: (1) all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1994 (Memorial Day), September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1994 (Veterans Day); and (2) the White House and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Selective Service System on September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate students who volunteer to perform community service. Mandates that all surcharges received from such coin sales be paid to the National Community Service Trust to fund innovative community service programs at American universities, including the service, research, and teaching activities of the faculty and students involved in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes a four-year term of office for Members of the House of Representatives following the next reapportionment of Representatives. Requires Districts for the elections of Representatives of each State to be numbered consecutively corresponding to the number of Representatives to which such State is entitled. Requires a Representative who officially declares candidacy for another elected office of which the term begins before his or her term as Representative ends to resign from the office of Representative.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and expeditiously implement a uniform case assessment protocol that will ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses attributed to service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; (2) expedite efforts to develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with such service; and (3) develop and implement a comprehensive outreach program to inform such veterans and their families of health-care services, including comprehensive medical evaluations, that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness that became manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within one year after completion of active duty in the Gulf War, with exceptions. Terminates compensation payments three years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) FY 1995 through 1997 for conducting research of the health risk and effects of service during the Gulf War and the treatment of such effects; and (2) FY 1995 for a survey of Persian Gulf veterans as to the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in such veterans and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
National Security Budgeting and Deficit Control Act of 1994 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings) to extend the caps on defense and nondefense discretionary spending through FY 1998. Requires the special budget authority adjustment required in the final sequestration report for FY 1995 under such Act to be equally divided between the defense and nondefense categories for each applicable fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1994
National Undersea Research Program Act of 1994 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish the National Undersea Research Program (the Program) to enhance scientific understanding of processes in the world's oceans and large lakes through programs conducted by the National Undersea Research Centers established under this Act. Establishes the Office of Undersea Research in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Designates priority research areas. Directs the Under Secretary to establish the National Undersea Research Advisory Committee. Assigns undersea regions to extant Centers. Prescribes guidelines under which the Under Secretary may establish a new Center for any undersea region. Directs each Center director to annually: (1) solicit individual proposals from the scientific community for research advancing the Program's priority research areas; and (2) submit a proposed Center program to the Program Director. Instructs the Under Secretary to: (1) develop procedures for the joint review of research proposals; and (2) issue final rules establishing those procedures. Authorizes the Under Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to fund Center programs. Exempts such grants and contracts from review by the Financial Assistance Review Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994
Low-Income Housing Incentive Act - Requires a General Accounting Office study regarding public housing demolition and disposition and the need for larger public housing dwelling units. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a five-year demonstration assistance program to State housing agencies for development of affordable rental housing. Requires participating housing agencies to carry out qualifying affordable housing incentive loan programs. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) merge the section 8 certificate and voucher programs into a new low-income housing program; and (2) temporarily exclude from eligibility determinations income increases resulting from employment of previously unemployed family members.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
Elderly Housing Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for an individual who maintains a household which includes a qualified elderly relative.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
United States Botanic Garden Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the United States Botanic Garden; and (2) pay all surcharges received from such coin sales to the National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs Title II: Administration and Other Accounts Title III: Miscellaneous NOAA Programs National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1994 - Title I: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for FY 1994 and 1995 for use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the following programs and activities: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) weather observation and prediction; (4) estuarine and coastal assessment; and (5) marine prediction research, including research activities at the Great Lakes and the Southeast Florida and Caribbean Areas. Title II: Administration and Other Accounts - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1994 and 1995 for NOAA marine service activities. Title III: Miscellaneous NOAA Programs - Requires one-sixth of the fiscal year fees collected by the NOAA from the sale of nautical products (and from licensing of such products) to be deposited in a specified account and used only for the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of certain systems and equipment, as well as other activities directly related to the modernization and improvement of maritime safety. Provides that such fees shall not be considered to be offsetting receipts and shall not be used for administrative costs of NOAA or the Department of Commerce. (Sec. 301b) Directs the Secretary to deploy in Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel a Physical Ocean Real-Time System (PORTS system). (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the NOAA should expand its efforts to further the use of defense-related technologies, data, and other resources to support its oceanic missions. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the status of NOAA marine navigation safety programs. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to give priority consideration to designating Mullica River, New Jersey, as a national estuarine reserve under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to take into account specified factors in selecting a replacement site for the National Marine Fisheries Service Lab at Tiburon, California. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees concerning facility needs for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to establish a PORTS system for San Francisco Bay after conducting a hydrodynamics study of the Bay. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 308) Directs the Secretary to convey to Massachusetts the National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory at Gloucester, Massachusetts, under certain terms and conditions, including continued use of such property by such Service. (Sec. 309) Provides reimbursement from the United States to NOAA, after settlement of a collision damage claim involving the NOAA research vessel DISCOVERER, for use in vessel repair. (Sec. 310) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into specified contracts for FY 1995 to implement the NOAA fleet modernization plan. Provides certain limitations on expenditures for repairs and maintenance under the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1994
Ocean Radioactive Dumping Ban Act of 1994 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to remove the definition for, and certain references to, "high-level radioactive waste." Removes provisions which prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing a permit for the disposal of radioactive waste in the ocean until the permit applicant prepares a Radioactive Material Disposal Impact Assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law Title III: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADE) Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health Title VI: Antitrust Provisions Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Health Reform Consensus Act of 1994 - Title I: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a standard plan and a catastrophic plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. (Sec. 1011) Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, failure to maintain minimum participation rates (in the case of a small employer) misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. (Sec. 1021) Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Imposes a civil penalty ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements of sections 1011 through 1013, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a standard plan and a catastrophic plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a standard or catastrophic plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "health plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing or only catastrophic coverage; (2) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; (3) meets specified consumer protection standards; and (4) meets any participation requirements with respect to an applicable reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism. States that standard coverage includes: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physicians' services; (3) diagnostic tests; (4) specified preventive services; and (5) specified inpatient hospital care for mental disorders. Sets forth coverage scope, including that there be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of items number one, two, and three in the preceding sentence. Sets forth exceptions. Sets forth limitations on deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Defines a catastrophic benefits package. Provides for the determination of target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available health plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of health plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases; and (5) for standard and catastrophic coverage. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of health plan standards and consumer protection standards by the States; (2) the Federal role; and (3) consumer protection standards. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, health plans; (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. (Sec. 1211) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. (Sec. 1231) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1241) Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals. Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control health care fraud and abuse; (2) conduct investigations, audits, and inspections relating to the delivery of payment for health care; and (3) facilitate enforcement of provisions of the Social Security and other Acts applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary. (Sec. 2003) Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Excludes from participation in Medicare and State health care programs any individual or entity convicted of: (1) fraud in connection the delivery of a health care item or service; or (2) a felony related to a controlled substance. (Sec. 2103) Subjects to a civil monetary penalty any individual or entity offering inducements to individuals to receive any service or supply from a particular provider. (Sec. 2104) Permits the imposition of intermediate sanctions in addition to the current option of termination, for Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. Requires each government agency and health care plan to report to the Secretary any final adverse action taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner. Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law - Establishes a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment for knowingly: (1) defrauding any health care plan; or (2) fraudulently obtaining money or property in connection with the delivery of health care items, benefits, or services. Permits a payment of up to $10,000 to any person furnishing information relating to any such crime. Title III: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth, for this title, findings, purposes, and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Makes this subtitle applicable to any medical malpractice liability action brought in a Federal or State court and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system. (Sec. 3102) Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice liability action in either a State or Federal court unless there has been an initial resolution of the action under an alternative dispute resolution system. Directs the Attorney General to establish an alternative dispute resolution process for medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States. (Sec. 3104) Sets limits on both noneconomic damages and punitive damages. (Sec. 3105) Provides for the periodic payment of future losses. (Sec. 3106) Limits attorney's fees. (Sec. 3108) Sets forth special provisions for certain obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution System (ADR) -Requires a State's alternative dispute resolution system, among other things to: (1) apply to all medical malpractice liability claims within the jurisdiction of the State's courts; (2) issue a written opinion resolving the dispute within six months of a defendant receiving notice; (3) qualify individuals who hear and resolve claims under the system; and (4) notify the appropriate State agency if there is a finding of malpractice, unless the provider contests the ADR decision. (Sec. 3202) Directs the Secretary to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Board in order to advise the Secretary regarding the establishment of State and Federal ADR systems. Provides for the certification of State ADR systems by the Board. Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. (Sec. 4102) Provides for the confidentiality of electronic health care information. (Sec. 4003) Directs the Secretary to establish national goals for the health care industry concerning: (1) standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information; (2) use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (3) priority of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (4) availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two more plans. Requires the Secretary to promulgate requirements if the industry does not meet the goals. Provides for monetary penalties on any health plan that does not meet the Secretary's requirements. Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care - Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary to operate a program under which States establish projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of various innovative health care delivery approaches through the operation of community health authorities. Requires a community health authority to be a nonprofit entity that: (1) serves a geographic area that includes those designated by the Public Health Service Act as medically underserved or as being in a health professions shortage area; (2) enrolls the Medicaid eligible; and (3) provides for the provision of at least preventive services, primary care services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and other services. (Sec. 5002) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to migrant and community health centers for the development of health service networks to serve high impact areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1999. Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health - Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for the following: (1) immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases; (2) prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers; (5) the Office of Minority Health Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; and (6) the Office of Minority Health; and (7) the preventive health and health services block grant. Title VI: Antitrust Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans; and (2) establish a review process under which the administrator or sponsor of a health plan may submit a request to the Attorney General to obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice on the plan's conformity with Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the issuance of a certificate of public advantage by the Attorney General to each eligible health care collaborative activity if there is a finding that the benefits that are likely to result from carrying out the activity outweigh any reduction in competition that is likely to result and such reduction is reasonably necessary. Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants - Requires certain executive branch agencies to prefund government health benefits contributors for their annuitants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Access to Children's Health Care Act of 1994 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to treat certain clinics operated by children's hospitals as federally-qualified health centers under Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Honors James Norman Hall for his outstanding contributions to the United States, France, Tahiti, and the South Pacific. Requests the President to provide for the presentation of a copy of this concurrent resolution to the President of Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia) to be publicly displayed at the James Norman Hall Museum in Tahiti.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Opal Creek Forest Preserve Act of 1994 - Establishes the Opal Creek Forest Preserve in Oregon. Provides for the addition to the Preserve of the Bornite Project Area lands under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
Private Property Owners Bill of Rights - Requires Federal agency heads to: (1) comply with applicable State and tribal government laws in implementing and enforcing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and the permitting program for dredged or filled material under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA); (2) administer and implement the Acts in a manner that least affects the private property owners' constitutional and other legal rights; (3) develop and implement rules and regulations for ensuring that such rights are protected when making any final decision that restricts the use of private property; (4) obtain the consent of the property owner and provide appropriate notice before entering privately-owned property in order to collect information on it; and (5) give the property owner an opportunity to review and dispute the data collected before using it to implement or enforce any of the Acts. Amends ESA and FWPCA to provide for administrative appeals of certain actions, including those related to the denial of permits and the imposition of administrative penalties. Entitles a private property owner deprived of 50 percent or more of the fair market value or the economically viable use of a portion of property as a consequence of a final qualified agency action to receive compensation upon request in accordance with specified guidelines. Amends ESA to require the Secretary of the Interior to notify all private property owners or lessees of property subject to a management agreement and provide an appropriate opportunity for their participation in such an agreement when the Secretary enters into it with any non-Federal person establishing restrictions on property use.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey the vessel USS SPHINX to the Rio Grande Military Museum for use as a military museum if certain conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Office of Minority Health Title II: Primary Health Services Title III: Health Professions Programs Title IV: Research Title V: Native Hawaiian Health Care Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: General Provisions Minority Health Improvement Act of 1994 - Title I: Office of Minority Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the duties of the Office of Minority Health. Provides for the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning minority health. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1997. (Sec. 102) Requires each of the following agencies to establish its own Office of Minority Health: (1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (3) Health Resources and Services Administration; (4) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and (5) National Institutes of Health. Reserves 0.5 percent of an agency's appropriation for such Office. Title II: Primary Health Services - Provides for the treatment of pregnant women for substance abuse by migrant health centers and community health centers. Authorizes the development and operation of more than one migrant or community health center in a catchment area if specified circumstances exist. Permits such centers to offer offsite services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Extends, through FY 1998, authorizations of appropriations for health services for: (1) the homeless; and (2) residents of public housing. (Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions concerning grants for: (1) loan repayment programs regarding obligated service of health professionals; (2) the operation of State offices of rural health; and (3) demonstrations for community scholarship programs regarding obligated services of health professionals. (Sec. 207) Revises provisions concerning programs regarding birth defects. (Sec. 208) Authorizes grants for up to 19 demonstration prjects for the purpose of reducing the incidence of: (1) infant mortality; (2) fetal deaths; (3) maternal mortality; (4) fetal alcohol syndrome; and (5) low-birthweight births. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 209) Provides for demonstration projects regarding diabetic-retinopathy. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Health Professions Programs - Revises provisions concerning scholarships for students of exceptional financial need. Requires students receiving such a scholarship to be from a disadvantaged background. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 304) Revises provisions concerning Centers of Excellence. Requires grants to be made only to designated health professions schools. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 305) Revises provisions concerning educational assistance regarding undergraduates. Authorizes grants to assist disadvantaged students who are interested in a career in the health professions who are students of either elementary, secondary, or higher level schools. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Research - Directs the Director of the Office of Research on Minority Health to establish the Advisory Committee on Research on Minority Health. (Sec. 402) Revises activities of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics for health statistical and epidemiological activities. Title V: Native Hawaiian Health Care - Revises the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act completely, including: (1) the findings, declaration of policy, and intent of the Congress; (2) the comprehensive health care master plan for Native Hawaiians; (3) functions of Papa Ola Lokahi; (4) provisions concerning Native Hawaiian health care systems; (5) administration of grants and contracts; (6) scholarship provisions; (7) assignment of personnel; and (8) definitions. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 to carry out the Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations through FY 1997 for health services for Pacific Islanders under the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990. (Sec. 604) Provides for the establishment of such technical and scientific peer review groups and scientific program advisory committees as are necessary to carry out the functions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Title VII: General Provisions - Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Designates the Federal building located at 100 East Houston Street in Marshall, Texas, as the Sam B. Hall, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
World War II Peace Accords Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri should not go unrecognized at the national level; and (2) the United States should recognize such anniversary by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Sets forth specifications for half dollar clad coins. Mandates that the surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation for the purpose of preserving the Pacific War heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
Waterways Obstruction Removal Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to require the owner or operator of a sunken or grounded vessel obstructing a navigable waterway to begin the vessel's removal (or, if appropriate, secure it pending removal to allow navigation to resume) within 24 hours after the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating issues an order to stop or delay navigation in any U.S. navigable waters because of conditions relating to such sinking or grounding. Requires approval by the Secretary of the Army (Secretary) of the removal plan before removal may begin. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty for each day the vessel owner or operator fails to begin removal. Requires the Secretary to remove or destroy the vessel using certain summary removal procedures if the owner or operator fails to begin removal or to secure the vessel pending removal, or fails to complete removal as soon as possible. Allows the Secretary to recover from the owner or operator the actual costs, including administrative costs, of any removal action taken.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1994
Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends Federal boating safety law to prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel under 26 feet in length unless each individual 12 years or younger wears a personal flotation device while on the vessel's deck. Declares that such prohibition shall not be construed to limit a State's authority to establish more stringent requirements for the wearing of personal flotation devices on recreational vessels. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of State recreational boating safety program funds based upon State adoption of laws prohibiting the operation of recreational vessels while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to appropriate State law enforcement officials. Establishes penalties for violation of reporting requirements. Declares that any individual operating a recreational vessel in a negligent manner shall complete a boating safety course approved by the Secretary. Declares that any person operating a recreational vessel in violation of Federal shipping code recreational boating provisions may be ordered to complete a qualified recreational boating safety course.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1994
Condemns: (1) the speech given by Khalid Abdul Muhammad as outrageous hate mongering of the most vicious and vile kind; and (2) all manifestations and expressions of racism, anti-Catholicism, anti-Semitism, and ethnic or religious intolerance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Small Business Empowerment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual retirement account to be pledged as security for a qualified business loan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate an agreement for use of Outer Continental Shelf sand, gravel, and shell resources.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
President Harry S Truman Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Margaret Truman Daniel in recognition of the accomplishments of President Harry S Truman on the 50th anniversary of his first inauguration. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
Authorizes appropriations to the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for FY 1994 through 1998 to expand implementation of the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program to all of the 50 States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should seek a decision by the United Nations to immediately and completely cut off the delivery of natural gas to Serbia; and (2) such cutoff should continue until the regular and unimpeded flow of natural gas to Sarajevo and other areas of Bosnia-Herzegovina is fully restored.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1993
Yellowstone National Park 125th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue coins to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park; and (2) distribute 25 percent of the surcharges received from coin sales to the Secretary of the Interior for the Park, 25 percent to the Secretary for the National Park Service, and 50 percent to the Treasury for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1993
Amends the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to extend: (1) the period of availability of State legalization impact-assistance grants; and (2) the period of State authority to use funds for educational and naturalization services. Makes specified other funds available to States for services provided to eligible legalized aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) seek an international agreement to ban the deliberate ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste and encourage a periodic international scientific review of the environmental impacts of such dumping; and (2) urge all nations to comply with existing and future international agreements prohibiting the deliberate ocean dumping of low- and high-level radioactive waste.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1993
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in the case of specified contaminants listed in the Federal Register for which national primary drinking water regulations have not been promulgated, to: (1) publish maximum contaminant level goals and promulgate such regulations for those contaminants that occur in drinking water and are of public health concern; and (2) eliminate monitoring, compliance, and enforcement requirements for those contaminants that do not occur in drinking water at levels of public health concern. (Current law requires the promulgation of such goals and regulations for specified numbers of such contaminants by certain dates.) Directs the Administrator to promulgate such goals and regulations for new contaminants every five years. Requires the Administrator to establish in each national primary drinking water regulation best technology treatment techniques for public water systems serving fewer than 1,000, between 1,000 and 10,000, and more than 10,000 people, respectively. Directs the Administrator to promulgate national primary drinking water regulations for radionuclides, disinfection and corrosion byproducts, and sulfate. Revises provisions concerning variances from national drinking water regulations to permit the issuance of a variance by a State only if the water system cannot afford to install the best available technology to meet the maximum contaminant level and it is not feasible for the system to connect with another source of water that will meet the standards. Requires variances to be reviewed by the State at least every three years. Repeals provisions that authorize States to exempt public water systems from requirements respecting maximum contaminant levels or treatment techniques. Prohibits treated drinking water from being removed from a public water system or routed through any device or pipes outside the system and returned to the system. Includes such action in the definition of "tampering," a violation for which criminal penalties are imposed. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to pipes and devices totally within the control of one or more public water systems or to connections between water mains. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator to conduct research relating to diseases and other impairments resulting from contaminants in drinking water or to the provision of a safe supply of drinking water. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants for State public water system supervision programs. Requires the Administrator to promulgate revised regulations every five years that list up to 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems. Directs the Administrator to assemble a national drinking water occurrence data base to include information on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated contaminants.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000107_200.jpg)