Bill· HRH.R. 5279 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development Title III: Community Regulatory Relief Title IV: Community-Based Housing Development Title V: Response to Urban Environmental Challengers Subtitle A: Environmental Cleanup Subtitle B: Environmental-Economic Recovery New Urban Agenda Act of 1994 - Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require executive agencies to expend not less than 15 percent in a fiscal year for the purchase of goods from businesses located in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or enterprise zones. Requires agencies, to the maximum extent practicable, to purchase recycled products from businesses located in such zones. (Sec. 102) Requires not less than 15 percent of foreign assistance provided in a fiscal year to be for the purchase of U.S. goods produced, manufactured, or assembled in such zones. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in designating and providing financial assistance to Manufacturing Technology Outreach Centers, to give preference to centers located in such zones. (Sec. 104) Establishes a preference for the construction, improvement, or relocation of Federal facilities in distressed urban areas. Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the offset for rental real estate activities under passive activity rules to increase the rehabilitation credit under such rules. (Sec. 202) Allows the rehabilitation investment credit to offset a portion of tentative minimum tax. (Sec. 203) Allows the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities, freestanding parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, or industrial parks. Makes termination dates on such tax-exempt bonds inapplicable to bonds issued to finance manufacturing facilities. (Sec. 204) Increases the permitted amount of qualified small issue bonds for facilities to be used by related persons. (Sec. 205) Provides an exception to arbitrage interest rebate provisions if 100 percent of available construction proceeds are spent for governmental purposes within three years of the issuance of the tax-exempt bonds. Title III: Community Regulatory Relief - Provides that any requirement under a Federal statute or regulation which creates a Federal mandate shall apply to State or local government only if all funds necessary to pay the direct costs incurred by the government in conducting the activity are provided by the Federal Government for the fiscal year in which the direct cost is incurred. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to analyze the effects of each bill or resolution on each state and local government's compliance with a Federal mandate. Requires each measure reported or considered in either House of the Congress to be accompanied by such analyses. Requires reports by the Director to the President and the Congress estimating the direct costs of such compliance for each fiscal year in which a Federal mandate will be in effect. Title IV: Community-Based Housing Development - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase section 8 rental subsidies. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Comptroller General on the feasibility of consolidating existing public and low-income housing programs into a comprehensive block grant system of Federal aid. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress with an analysis of such report and recommendations. (Sec. 403) Provides, when practicable, for the reconstruction of public housing dwelling units on the same property on which such units were demolished or disposed, and for the relocation of displaced tenants to such new units. Title V: Response to Urban Environmental Challenges - Subtitle A: Environmental Cleanup - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude local governments that are owners or operators of facilities in distressed urban areas from liability under such Act. Requires the President to establish standards for the degree of cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants released into the environment for facilities located in distressed urban areas. Subtitle B: Environmental-Economic Recovery - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make no more than three loans to units of local government for distressed urban areas for the establishment of facilities to dispose of, and obtain inexpensive electrical power and steam from, solid waste. Requires a report to the Congress on the results of financing such facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 5243 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for grants to public works facilities through FY 1997. Repeals a limitation on financial assistance for sewer and other waste disposal facilities. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) conduct projects to demonstrate methods of assisting isolated small businesses to access small business services provided by Federal, State, and local governments; and (2) establish three business outreach centers. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Strategic Economic Development Planning and Policy within the Economic Development Administration; and (2) within such Office an Office of Economic Development Information. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council for Economic Development to develop a Government-wide strategic plan for economic development. Authorizes appropriations. Requires applicants for economic development assistance to certify that a redevelopment area meets at least one criterion regarding per capita income, unemployment rates, job losses, population growth, employment declines, concentrations of low-income individuals, or outmigration. Voids designations of redevelopment areas made before this Act's enactment. Revises annual review provisions to permit assistance to a project only if the applicant has submitted an overall economic development plan or investment strategy to the Secretary for approval. Provides for approval of existing economic development plans and programs to the maximum extent practicable. Directs the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development to publish guidelines to expedite the processing of applications for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue and implement regulations containing criteria and procedures to prioritize allocations of Federal assistance made under this Act so that the level of economic distress in an area is the primary factor in determining whether the area receives an allocation; (2) develop a general, simplified application form for grant assistance under this Act that may be used by all Federal agencies that provide such assistance; and (3) conduct biennial evaluations of university centers and economic development districts receiving grant assistance to assess performance and contribution toward job creation. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to establish a competitive communities pilot program for the purpose of investing in identified business transactions that will create opportunities for long-term employment in economically distressed communities; and (2) assistance to be available for projects on military installations to be closed or realigned or for communities adversely affected by such closure or realignment. Authorizes appropriations. Requires funds expended pursuant to this Act to be in compliance with the Buy American Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5134 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals Title II: Reform of Exclusionary Rule Title III: Prisons Title IV: Enhanced Gun Penalties Title V: Death Penalty Title VI: Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act Title VII: Conditions of Confinement Victims' Rights Act of 1994 - Title I: Eliminating Excessive and Redundant Appeals - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for Federal prisoners filing for collateral relief. (Sec. 106) Sets forth special habeas corpus procedures for cases brought by prisoners in State custody who are subject to a capital sentence, provided that: (1) a State establishes by rule of its court of last resort or by statute a mechanism for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable litigation expenses of competent counsel in State post-conviction proceedings brought by indigent prisoners whose capital convictions and sentences have been upheld on direct appeal to such court or have otherwise become final; and (2) such rule or statute provides standards of competency for the appointment of counsel. Provides for a mandatory stay of execution during the post-conviction review initiated pursuant to this title. Details conditions which will cause such stay to expire. Prohibits a Federal court from entering a stay of execution or granting relief in a capital case unless specified conditions are met. Sets forth time limits for determining petitions. Authorizes the State or Government to enforce such time limits by applying to the court of appeals or the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus. Title II: Reform of Exclusionary Rule - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure on the grounds that the search or seizure was in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution if the search or seizure was carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with such amendment. Makes the fact that evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant prima facie evidence of the existence of such circumstances. Prohibits the exclusion of evidence on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure unless expressly authorized by statute or rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Title III: Prisons - Requires the Attorney General to implement and enforce regulations which: (1) mandate prison work for all able-bodied inmates in Federal penal and correctional institutions; and (2) prohibit the Government provision in inmates' cells of television, radio, telephone, stereo, or similar amenities. (Sec. 302) Directs the Bureau of Prisons to take care that: (1) prisoners under its jurisdiction do not engage in any activities designed to increase both their physical strength and their fighting ability; and (2) all equipment designed for this purpose be removed from Federal correctional facilities. Title IV: Enhanced Gun Penalties - Enhances penalties for persons convicted of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a felony. Title V: Death Penalty - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise procedures involving jury findings in capital cases. Directs the jury or, if there is no jury, the court to: (1) consider whether aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factors; (2) recommend a sentence of death if it unanimously finds at least one aggravating factor and no mitigating factor or if it finds one or more aggravating factors which outweigh any mitigating factors; and (3) not recommend such sentence in any other case. Requires the jury to be instructed that: (1) it must avoid any influence of sympathy, sentiment, passion, prejudice, or other arbitrary factors in its decision and should make such a recommendation as the information warrants; and (2) its recommendation concerning a sentence of death is to be based on the aggravating and mitigating factors found, but that the final decision concerning the balance of aggravating and mitigating factors is a matter for the jury's judgment. Title VI: Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act - Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to prohibit any civil action for deprivation of rights from being brought by an adult convicted of a crime confined in any correctional facility until available plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies are exhausted. Specifies that such exhaustion of administrative remedies may not be required unless the Attorney General has certified or the court has determined that such remedies are in substantial compliance with specified minimum acceptable standards (as under current law) or are otherwise fair and effective. (Sec. 602) Requires the court to dismiss any such action if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted or is frivolous or malicious. (Sec. 603) Repeals a provision requiring that the minimum standards provide for an advisory role for employees and inmates in the formulation, implementation, and operation of the system. (Sec. 604) Requires the Attorney General to develop a procedure for the prompt review and certification of systems for the resolution of grievances of adults confined in any correctional or pretrial detention facility if such systems are in substantial compliance with the minimum standards (current law) or are otherwise fair and effective. Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend or withdraw certification at any time he has reasonable cause to believe that such procedure is no longer in substantial compliance or is no longer fair and effective. (Sec. 605) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court to request an attorney to represent a person financially unable to employ counsel (current law) at any time. Requires (current law authorizes) the court to dismiss the case if the allegation of poverty is untrue, or if satisfied that the action is frivolous or malicious. Requires: (1) a prisoner in a correctional institution who files an affidavit of indigency to include a statement of all assets such prisoner possesses; and (2) the court to make inquiry of the institution for information relating to the extent of the prisoner's assets and to require full or partial payment of filing fees according to the prisoner's ability to pay. Title VII: Conditions of Confinement - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny the district court in any action challenging the constitutionality of conditions of confinement in any correctional institution housing persons accused or convicted of a crime or juveniles adjudicated delinquent, jurisdiction to issue or enforce any order that: (1) imposes a ceiling on the population of any institution or requires any adjustment of the release dates of inmates; or (2) prohibits the use of tents or prefabricated structures for housing inmates.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 415 (103rd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1994
Designates the week beginning October 16, 1994, as National Penny Charity Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5082 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from three years to five years the period during which Medicare select policies may be issued.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 413 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Designates November 1, 1994, as National Family Literacy Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 5062 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the limited deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 411 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Designates October 29, 1994, as National Firefighters Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 4956 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Financial Services Competitiveness Act - Sets as a prerequisite for the establishment of a diversified financial services holding company (DFSHC) compliance with the notice and procedural requirements prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) pursuant to this Act. States that a noncomplying company shall cease to be a DFSHC as of its date of noncompliance. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Banking Act of 1933 to exclude from their purview financial services institution holding companies (and their affiliates) that have filed notice with the Board pursuant to this Act. Subjects a DFSHC to the acquisition and capitalization requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Prescribes capitalization guidelines for an undercapitalized insured depository institution subsidiary of a DFSHC (including conservatorship and divestiture orders). Prohibits any Federal banking agency from imposing capital requirements upon a DFSHC. Subjects a DFSHC to the: (1) insider lending restrictions of the Federal Reserve Act; and (2) tying restrictions of the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970. Prescribes guidelines for regulatory oversight by the appropriate Federal banking agencies, including criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4912 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution to support programming related to the 150th anniversary and general activities of the Smithsonian Institution; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
Bill· HRH.R. 4874 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1994
Amends the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act to require the final report of the National White House Conference on Small Business to be published in the Federal Register and distributed through the regional offices of the Small Business Administration.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 390 (103rd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Designates September 17, 1994, as Constitution Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 4788 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1994 - Defines "continuum of health care" and "noninstitutional long-term care" under veterans' health care provisions. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a continuum of health care to veterans eligible for veterans' benefits. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary to provide institutional nursing home care to certain disabled veterans or those in receipt of a veterans' pension. Allows for recovery of nursing home care costs by the Secretary if the veteran is also eligible for such care through a State plan under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Designates a Department of Veterans Affairs facility as a Medicare provider for purposes of any program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Declares a Department medical center as a Medicare HMO. Directs the HHS Secretary to reimburse a Department facility or medical center for providing services as a Medicare provider in the case of care for a non-service-connected disability of a veteran eligible for Medicare benefits. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to implement the provision of institutional long-term care for veterans who: (1) have a service-connected disability of less than 50 percent; (2) have an annual income below a formulated amount; (3) have a catastrophic nonservice-connected disability; or (4) require such care as a follow-up to inpatient care. Outlines, with respect to such care, provisions concerning: (1) premiums and copayments for covered veterans; (2) the issuance of a long-term care insurance contract; and (3) a report from the Secretary to the Congress on the costs of the plan and the insurance contract and legislation required for plan implementation. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to administer a program of health insurance known as the VA Group Health Plan as a managed-care plan meeting specified requirements. Allows any eligible veteran and his or her spouse or child to be enrolled in the Plan. Provides Plan enrollment requirements. Prohibits the Plan from imposing a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment for certain preexisting conditions. Directs the Secretary to administer the Plan so that no appropriated funds are required for Plan operation. Requires an annual report to the Congress by the Secretary on Plan operation, as well as an initial report. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to administer the health programs of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through use of a managed care medical practice model, with limitations. Directs the Secretary to organize the VHA health care delivery and resources into geographic regions known as veterans service areas. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1995 through 1999 for: (1) acquiring medical equipment to relieve existing medical equipment backlogs in Department facilities; and (2) infrastructure improvement, patient care amenities, primary care services and personnel, and medical facility construction projects.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 269 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not undertake any military action against Haiti unless the President first certifies to the Congress that there exists a clear and present danger to the citizens of the United States and that U.S. interests require such action.
Bill· HRH.R. 4766 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1994
Economic Growth and Stabilization Financing Demonstration Act 1994 - Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Commerce may conduct demonstration programs in economically distressed communities to: (1) guarantee loans made by lending institutions to private parties; (2) pay interest rate subsidies; (3) implement an equity financing program; and (4) provide secondary market credit enhancements to pools of financial instruments related to economic growth and stabilization in such communities. Directs the Secretary to conduct performance evaluations and submit an annual status report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4702 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth the conditions under which builders will be allowed to compute on the installment sales method income from the sale of newly constructed one-family residential real property.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 453 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1994
Condemns as genocide the atrocities being carried out in Rwanda.
Bill· HRH.R. 4570 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Locate and Case Tracking Title II: Establishment Title III: Parentage Title IV: Enforcement Title V: Collection and Distribution Title VI: Federal Role Title VII: State Role Child Support Responsibility Act of 1994 - Title I: Locate and Case Tracking - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a Federal registry of child support orders or modifications issued by any State court or administrative order or both. Provides for State access to such registry. (Sec. 102)Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include among the functions of the Federal Parent Locator System: (1) establishing parentage; and (2) establishing, modifying, enforcing child support obligations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide prompt access to the Secretary of all Federal income tax returns filed by individuals. Instructs the Secretary to expand the Parent Locator Service to establish a national network based on the comprehensive statewide child support enforcement systems to expand State access to the national parent locator network. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national reporting system on employees and their child support obligations through the mandatory inclusion of certain child support information on W-4 forms (including the availability of health care insurance). (Sec. 104) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to have in effect statutory mechanisms which: (1) establish a child support order registry to transmit abstracts of State child support orders to the Federal Registry and distribute child support proceeds withheld from a delinquent parent's wages; and (2) allow an individual to bring an action against an employer or State official for noncompliance with this Act. Prescribes parameters for direct wage withholding, State agency access to various data bases, and expanded interaction with the National Parent Locator Network. (Sec. 105) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to integrate child support obligations and payments within the structure of income tax returns, including: (1) assessment and collection of child support arrearages; and (2) payment to State registries of child support amounts collected by the Secretary of the Treasury. Title II: Establishment - Amends part D of SSA title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to set forth procedural guidelines for service of process on Federal employees and members of the armed services in connection with proceedings relating to child support and parentage obligations. (Sec. 204) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to: (1) study and report to the Congress on the advisability of a national child support guideline; (2) develop such a guideline, if advisable. (Sec. 205) Includes among the requisite components of approved State plans: (1) a specified duration of child support; (2) electronic transmittal of State documents; (3) telephonic appearance in interstate cases; (4) uniform terms in child support orders; (5) social security numbers on marriage licenses, divorce decrees, parentage decrees, and birth certificates; (6) administrative subpoena powers; (7) State-conducted surveys and outreach programs for underserved populations; and (8) State guidelines for child health care insurance. (Sec. 213) Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth rules governing modification of sister State child support orders. Title III: Parentage - Requires approved State plans to include prescribed procedures for paternity acknowledgment. Title IV: Enforcement - Requires approved State plans to include prescribed procedures for garnishment of wages for parents in arrears for child support, including: (1) Federal death benefits; (2) black lung benefits; (3) veterans benefits, and (4) workers' compensation. (Sec. 404) Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that: (1) its garnishment restrictions neither pre-empt State law, nor exempt any person from complying with State or Federal laws permitting garnishment for the purpose of securing child support; and (2) a garnishment intended to satisfy a child support debt takes priority over competing debts owed to the Federal government. (Sec. 405) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures to satisfy child support arrearages which: (1) prohibit a State court from applying the doctrine of election of remedies to prevent a custodial parent from collecting child support from the noncustodial parent; (2) prohibit State and Federal occupational licensing or regulating agencies from issuing or renewing occupational, professional or business licenses to individuals who fail to appear or are delinquent in child support cases; (3) prohibit State motor vehicle departments from issuing or renewing a driver's license or vehicle registration to such individuals; (4) require placement of child support liens on certificates of vehicle title; (5) permit attachment of bank accounts; (6) impose liens upon lottery winnings, insurance, court and other settlements; (7) presume fraudulent intent in any property transfer; (8) permit attachment of public and private retirement plans; (9) eliminate statutes of limitations in child support cases; and (10) require child support enforcement agencies to assess and collect interest on child support judgments. (Sec. 418) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to: (1) except from its automatic stay provisions proceedings establishing parentage and debts for child support; (2) require a bankruptcy plan to provide for full payment when due of debts for child support; (3) declare that a debt for child support includes State public debts and assigned child support based on provision of expenditures with respect to aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) and foster care and adoption assistance; (4) include among prioritized claims allowed unsecured claims for child support; (5) preclude a debtor from avoiding the fixing of judicial liens for child support; (6) except from discharge a debt pursuant to divorce or separation; and (7) prohibit trustee avoidance of a transfer that was a bona fide payment of a debt for child support. (Sec. 419) Prescribes procedural mandates for the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with the States in the enforcement of child support obligations of members and former members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 420) Requires each State to have in effect laws which adopt the officially approved version of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Secretary of State to deny or restrict passport privileges to child support debtors subject to State arrest warrants. Denies Federal benefits, loans, guarantees, and employment to debtors with child support arrearages exceeding specified amounts. (Sec. 423) Amends part D of SSA title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to mandate that approved State plans include procedures to satisfy child support arrearages by permitting State courts to order: (1) assignments of life insurance benefits; and (2) assignment of an interest in jointly held property. (Sec. 425) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Mandates that the States treat international child support cases in the same manner as interstate child support cases. (Sec. 426) Prescribes guidelines for shielding depository institutions from liability for providing financial records to State enforcement agencies in child support cases. (Sec. 427) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures to ensure: (1) cost-of-living adjustments in child support orders; (2) annual exchange of financial information by parties to a child support order; and (3) criminal penalties for failure to pay child support and the granting of use immunity may be granted to compel testimony in specified civil child support proceedings. Title V: Collection and Distribution - Prescribes priorities in the distribution of collected child support pursuant to an approved State plan. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on studies and pilot projects of systems under which States would be required to pay child support to the individuals to whom it is owed before making reimbursements to any State for AFDC provided with respect to such child. (Sec. 502) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures which limit State claims against the noncustodial parent to the assistance provided to the child. (Sec. 503) Revises the fee guidelines for State child support collection and paternity determination services. Title VI: Federal Role - Directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the direction of an Assistant Secretary. Expands the training programs for State child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to develop the methodology for determining each State child support and paternity establishment program's staffing requirements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to revise the definition of "medical child support order". (Sec. 606) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) contract for a study of the audit process of the Office of Child Support Enforcement; and (2) make grants to the States for demonstration projects implementing a system of assured minimum child support payments. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 608) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the Children's Trust Fund for making expenditures to implement this Act. (Sec. 609) Instructs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the causes for nonpayment of child support; and (2) the efficacy of processing child support and parentage cases in States that use administrative processes as compared to those that use judicial or quasi-judicial processes. (Sec. 611) Directs the Office of Child Support Enforcement to: (1) produce and update a certain compendium entitled "A Guide to State Child Support and Paternity Laws" and (2) establish a permanent advisory committee on child support matters. Title VII: State Role - Mandates that State plans for child and spousal support include: (1) agency advocacy promoting the greatest economic security possible for children; (2) certain information on plan services for dissemination to each custodial parent; (3) an administrative procedure as the sole procedure for change of payee; and (4) conflict-of-interest restrictions upon State modification of a child support order. (Sec. 705) Provides for increased payments to States under the Child Support and Establishment of Paternity program, repealing provisions for State incentive payments.
Bill· HRH.R. 4540 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1994
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Compensation Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a uniform case assessment protocol to ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War (War) veterans suffering from illnesses the origins of which are currently unkown but which may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during such War; (2) develop case definitions or diagnoses for such illnesses; and (3) implement a comprehensive outreach program, including a newsletter and a toll-free telephone number, to inform War veterans and their families of the medical care and other benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of service in such War. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to a War veteran suffering from a disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness if such disability becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within three years of separation from active military service. Provides exceptions to the payment of such compensation (i.e., when there is a preponderance of evidence to show that the disability was not incurred during such service or occurred after such service). Allows the Secretary to cease such payments after providing specified congressional committees with a scientific report showing that such disabilities are not connected to service in the War. Directs the Secretary to enter into: (1) an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for access to all clinical data on War veterans who remain on active duty, and to continually compile such data (with a required annual report); and (2) a contract for the conduct of an epidemiological study designed to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in such War (with appropriate oversight, a status report, and annual and final reports). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 2000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1995 through 1998 for the conduct of research to advance the understanding of health risks and effects of service in the Gulf during such War and the means of treating such health effects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4491 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Juvenile Criminal Act of 1994 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to include among the Act's: (1) findings that emphasis should be placed on identifying hardcore youths who should be transferred from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system; and (2) purposes to assist State and local governments in improving the identification of hardcore juvenile offenders and the removal of such offenders from the juvenile justice system. Requires State plans under the Act to provide: (1) specified funding for the establishment and maintenance of an effective system that requires the prosecution of at least those juveniles who are 14 years of age and older as adults, rather than in juvenile proceedings, for listed offenses (murder or attempted murder; robbery, battery, or rape while armed with a firearm; any other crime the State deems appropriate; and the fourth or subsequent occasion on which such juveniles engage in an activity for which adults could be imprisoned for a term exceeding one year) unless, on a case-by-case basis, the transfer of such juveniles for disposition in the juvenile justice system is determined under State law to be in the interest of justice; and (2) that the State ensure that whenever a juvenile is adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding to have engaged in such offenses that a record be kept relating to that adjudication, the juvenile be fingerprinted and photographed (with such fingerprints and photograph sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), and the court in which the adjudication takes place transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and disposition. Provides for a reduction of sums allotted to a State for a fiscal year by 16 2/3 percent for each of specified paragraphs of the Act with respect to which noncompliance occurs. (Current law provides for a reduction by 25 percent and doesn't include the requirements added by this Act in determining noncompliance.)
Law· HRH.R. 4497 (103rd)enacted
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.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 369 (103rd)referred
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).
Bill· HRH.R. 4386 (103rd)open
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 4267 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to reenact such Act as the Economic Development Financing Act of 1994 (the Act). Prohibits any more than 15 percent of the total appropriations made for grants to States for public works and development facilities from being expended in any one State unless the Secretary of Commerce determines such expenditure is necessary due to the occurence of a major natural disaster. Authorizes appropriations for public works and development facilities grants for FY 1994 and 1995. Allows for the use of funds for: (1) projects constructed under projected costs; and (2) projects for which the purpose or scope is changed after the grants are made if approved by the Secretary. Allows the Secretary to make public works and development facility loans to States, Indian tribes, or any private or public nonprofit organization or association if, among other conditions, the area for the proposed loan has an approved investment strategy (currently, an approved economic development program) for the funds provided. Allows the Secretary to assist in financing and industrial or commercial activity (currently, only those in a redevelopment area). Allows the Economic Development Revolving Fund established prior to this Act to continue to be available to the Secretary in connection with financial assistance extended under this Act before October 1, 1991. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Strategic Economic Development Planning and Policy to support research, evaluation, and demonstration projects, to provide and coordinate policy development, and to disseminate information with respect to economic development planning and policy. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a continuing program of study, training, and research into causes of long-term economic deterioration and to make such research available to interested parties. Requires an annual report. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and report to the Congress concerning a computerized geographic analysis tool to be used by all Federal departments and agencies and grant recipients to evaluate the success of the continuing programs; (2) establish an independent advisory committee to advise and make recommendations to the Office; and (3) establish a Federal Coordinating Council to provide assistance in the development of a government-wide strategic plan for economic development. Allows for grants and contracts for appropriate demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Economic Development Information to serve as a central information clearinghouse on matters relating to economic development and adjustment, industrial retention, disaster recovery, and defense conversion programs and activities of Federal and State governments. Requires the development of information data bases to be used by Federal, state and local agencies, public and private entities, and individuals in applying for assistance under such programs. Requires the establishment of mechanisms for easy access to information compiled and appropriate outreach services. Requires the Secretary to develop and report to the Congress on the use of a general, simplified application form for grant assistance provided under this Act to be used by all Federal departments and agencies. Removes the authority of the Secretary to provide technical assistance to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment in redevelopment areas. Directs the Secretary, with funds made available under this Act, to conduct during FY 1994 through 1996 a project to demonstrate methods of assisting isolated small businesses to access services provided by Federal, State, and local governments. Requires, as part of such project, the establishment of three business outreach centers. Authorizes appropriations. Requires applicants, in order to be eligible for assistance provided under the Act, to make certain certifications for the area in which the economic development project would be located with respect to unemployment, low incomes, sudden job loss, and related factors. Makes ineffective the designation of a redevelopment area made before the date of enactment of the Act. Requires the applicant to submit an investment strategy which identifies the economic development problems to be addressed using such assistance. Provides for the appointment of an Administrator for Economic Development. Directs the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development to publish and submit to specified congressional committees guidelines for the expeditious processing of applications for assistance under the Act. Requires, at least biennially, evaluations of each university center and economic development district receiving grant assistance under the Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to ensure that Regional Counsels of the Economic Development Administration report directly to their Regional Director. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations and procedures for determining priorities in the awarding of grants for special economic development and adjustment assistance to State and local areas having special needs arising from severe unemployment due to economic dislocation. Authorizes the Secretary to make such assistance available to military bases which are closed or realigned and the communities affected by such closures or realignments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 and 1995 for such projects, with a specific amount set aside for defense conversion activities and for any natural disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans made to private borrowers by private institutions and other lenders for the development of land and facilities for industrial or commercial usage or for the provision of working capital. Directs the Secretary, in order to study the possibility of equity financing, to establish a five-year pilot program under which the Secretary provides grants to eligible entities to purchase nonvoting instruments of private U.S. businesses or nonprofit organizations and associations for the purpose of providing capital for any project relating to industrial or commercial development or working capital for such projects. Establishes the Equity Investment Revolving Fund for grant purposes. Outlines conditions concerning the use of payments. Authorizes appropriations. Requires certain public review and comment with respect to revolving loan fund guidelines. Allows for the sale of financial instruments in the Fund, with proceeds to be used for Fund purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish a multiyear demonstration project under which grants are provided to selected recipients on a matching basis for the purpose of establishing substantially leveraged financing for business development and other innovative economic development efforts. Requires the recipient to establish an investment fund for such purposes. Outlines eligibility requirements (low per capita income, high unemployment rate, and related factors). Outlines grant and demonstration project requirements and limitations. Requires evaluations and reports. Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain an integrated, comprehensive data base describing all patents, licenses, technologies, processes, and other proprietary rights owned or held by the Federal Government or which originated in the course of federally funded research in which the Government has an interest. Requires the standardization and accessibility of such information. Requires access to the data base by the public (with restrictions such as national security interests) and by the Business Development and Technology Commercialization Corporation (created under this part). Directs the Secretary to review and report to the Congress on current Federal technology transfer efforts and commercialization activities. Establishes the Business Development and Technology Commercialization Corporation to facilitate the transfer and commercialization of Federal patents, licenses, technologies, processes, and other proprietary rights to qualified concerns. Requires such outreach to include the use of a cable television network devoted to marketing efforts for the commercialization of Federal technologies and processes, with promotional fees paid to the Corporation by the Secretary. Directs the Corporation to: (1) provide technical assistance and services upon request; (2) provide specific outreach services to qualified concerns located in areas of chronically depressed economies or high unemployment; and (3) act as an agent of the Government in facilitating the transfers of Federal technologies and processes. Outlines provisions with respect to the rights of the Government and qualified concerns receiving such technologies and processes, the financing of the Corporation, Corporation consultation with regard to their activities, Comptroller General audits, and jurisdiction when the Corporation is a party to a civil action. Directs the Corporation to act as a one-step clearinghouse for information to assist qualified concerns to identify sources of business development and technology commercialization financing available through the Federal Government, State and local governments, and private sources. Allows the Corporation to charge fees for technical assistance and services.
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