United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the realization of women's rights is vital to people of all nations; and (2) the Senate should give its advice and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1995
Amends the Federal Judgeship Act of 1990 to provide that the first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of specified judicial districts occurring five years or more after the date on which the first appointment of a judge to that office is confirmed by the Senate (currently, after the effective date of such Act) shall not be filled.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Prohibits a Member of Congress from receiving basic pay for any period in which: (1) there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (2) the Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit has been reached. Provides that no pay forfeited in accordance with this Act may be paid retroactively.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Lobbying Disclosure Title II: Congressional Gift Rules Title I: Lobbying Disclosure - Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 45 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than twenty percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. (Sec. 104) Specifies registration contents. Exempts from such registration requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $5,000 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $20,000 or less (for all lobbying activities) (adjusted periodically for inflation). (Sec. 105) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports. Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to satisfy such requirements by filing a copy of a certain required Internal Revenue Service form. (Sec. 106) Details the responsibilities of the Secretary and the Clerk with respect to disclosure and enforcement. (Sec. 107) Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. (Sec. 109) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) eliminate references to political propaganda and, in certain cases, replace them with references to informational materials; and (2) modify registration exemption provisions. (Sec. 110) Revises (Byrd Amendment) requirements for a declaration by persons requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement with respect to any payments made in connection with it which would be prohibited if made with appropriated funds. Requires, in lieu of information currently required, the: (1) name of any registrant under this Act who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of the person with respect to that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and (2) certification that the declarant has not made, and will not make, any prohibited payment. (Sec. 111) Repeals: (1) the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; and (2) provisions on lobbyist activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949. (Sec. 113) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 114) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet specified criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Permits entities for which deduction of lobbying and political expenditures is denied also to make good faith estimates of such expenditures. Requires any registrant electing to make such estimates to so inform the Secretary and the Clerk. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on differences in meaning between this Act and the Internal Revenue Code of "lobbying activities," "lobbying expenditures," "influencing legislation," and related terms. Title II: Congressional Gift Rules - Makes conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives with regard to restrictions on gifts by lobbyists and foreign agents to covered subjects.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to declare that civilian employees of the National Guard may not be required to wear military uniforms while performing civilian service.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Amends rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House of Representatives to consider a conference report on any bill making appropriations for the legislative branch for a fiscal year until all other regular appropriation bills for that fiscal year are enacted into law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Prior Domestic Commercial Use Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal judicial code to create a defense to patent infringement with respect to any subject matter the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, or importation of which in the United States would otherwise infringe one or more claims in the patent being asserted, if a person had, acting in good faith, commercially used the subject matter before the effective filing date of such patent. Specifies that the sale or other disposition of the subject matter of a patent by a person entitled to assert the defense shall exhaust the patent owner's rights to the extent they would have been exhausted had such disposition been made by the patent owner. Subjects the defense to specified limitations and qualifications regarding: (1) the scope of the defense (the defense is not a general license under all claims of the patent at issue but extends only to the subject matter claimed in the patent that the person asserting the defense had commercially used before the effective filing date of the patent, with exceptions); (2) effective and serious preparation; (3) burden of proof (on the person asserting the defense); (4) abandonment of use; (5) who may assert the defense (it is a personal defense); (6) a one-year limitation (the subject matter on which the defense is based must have been commercially used or reduced to practice more than one year prior to the effective filing date of the patent); (7) unsuccessful assertion of the defense (directs the court to find the case exceptional for purposes of awarding attorney's fees); and (8) invalidity of a patent (a patent shall not be deemed invalid solely because a defense is raised or established under this Act).
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a free press is vital to the development and consolidation of democracy in Russia; (2) freedom of the press and freedom of expression must be safeguarded; (3) to protect such freedoms, the right and opportunity of independent entrepreneurs to establish, operate, and maintain independent media outlets must be protected; (4) Russian Government leaders should fully support such freedoms in Russia; and (5) the President and the Secretary of State are requested to convey to appropriate Russian officials this expression of the views of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1995
Downed Animal Protection Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyard Act, 1921 to make it unlawful for any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer to buy, sell, give, receive, transfer, market, hold, or drag any nonambulatory livestock unless such livestock has been humanely euthanized. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
ERISA Child Abuse Accountability Act of 1995 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to allow the creation or assignment of rights to employee pension benefits, under a qualified child abuse order, if this is necessary to satisfy a judgment against an employee benefit plan participant or beneficiary for physically, sexually, or emotionally abusing a child.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1995
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LIII to authorize the House, by resolution, to declare the office of a Member vacant whenever the Member, having been elected as the candidate of a political party, publicly announces a change in his or her political party affiliation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1995
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LIII to require a Member who changes political party affiliation to pay to the former political party an amount equal to the amount of all contributions received by him or her from that political party with respect to the most recent election of that Member to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1995
Bovine Growth Hormone Milk Labeling and Residue Test Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to impose labeling requirements on milk and milk products intended for human consumption produced from cows treated with synthetic bovine growth hormone (BGH). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for recordkeeping by persons who sell, purchase, distribute, or use synthetic BGH. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a detection test for synthetic BGH residues in milk.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Labeling Title II: Reduction in Price Title III: Residue Test Bovine Growth Hormone Milk Act - Title I: Labeling - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to impose labeling requirements on milk and milk products intended for human consumption produced from cows treated with synthetic bovine growth hormone (BGH). Directs the Secretary to issue recordkeeping regulations for persons who sell, buy, distribute, or use synthetic BGH. Establishes civil penalties for labeling, recordkeeping, or related violations. Title II: Reduction in Price - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce the price received for milk produced by cows injected with synthetic BGH. Title III: Residue Test - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a detection test for synthetic BGH residues in milk.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Criminal Law Title II: Judicial Financial Administration Title III: Judicial Process Improvements Title IV: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections Title V: Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations Title VI: Criminal Justice Act Amendments Title VII: Places of Holding Court Title VIII: Miscellaneous Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1995 - Title I: Criminal Law - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize probation and pretrial services officers, if approved by the district court, to carry firearms under such rules as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may prescribe. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the court to direct the U.S. marshal to arrange or furnish: (1) transportation expenses to enable a defendant who is financially unable to provide transportation to consult with an attorney or to return to the place of arrest or bona fide residence; and (2) lodging expenses during the defendant's travel to his or her destination during any proceedings at which an appearance is required or while consulting with counsel. (Sec. 103) Amends the Contract Services for Drug Dependent Federal Offenders Treatment Act of 1978 to reauthorize appropriations. Title II: Judicial Financial Administration - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that in FY 1995 and each fiscal year thereafter a specified amount shall be transferred annually to the judiciary into a special fund of the Treasury (special fund) for specified expenses incurred in: (1) adjudication of civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings; (2) representation of offenders whose assets have been seized in forfeiture proceedings; and (3) supervision by U.S. probation officers of offenders under home detention or other forms of confinement outside of Bureau of Prisons facilities. (Sec. 202) Increases: (1) the fee for filing a civil action; and (2) the amount taken from such fees, or as part of a judgment for costs, to be deposited into the special fund. (Sec. 203) Provides that: (1) for FY 1995 and thereafter, of each fee collected for admission of an attorney to practice, $30 of that portion of the fee exceeding $20 shall be deposited into the special fund; and (2) any portion exceeding five dollars of the fee for a duplicate certificate of admission or certificate of good standing shall be deposited into the special fund. (Sec. 204) Directs that, upon an election by a bankruptcy judge or magistrate judge, all of the accrued employer contributions and accrued interest on those contributions made on behalf of the bankruptcy judge or magistrate judge to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall be transferred to the special fund, with exceptions. (Sec. 205) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the use of unclaimed funds deposited in court; and (2) interpreter performance examination fees. Title III: Judicial Process Improvements - Amends the Federal judicial code to expand the duties of a magistrate on an emergency assignment. (Sec. 302) Authorizes: (1) only a person charged with a misdemeanor that is not a petty offense to elect to be tried before a judge of the district court for the district in which the offense was committed; and (2) the magistrate judge, in a petty offense case involving a juvenile, to exercise powers granted to the district court. Prohibits a magistrate judge from proceeding to try a case unless specified conditions are met. (Sec. 303) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) removal of cases under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; (2) elimination of in-State plaintiff diversity jurisdiction; and (3) extension of statutory authority for magistrate judge positions to be established in the district courts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 306) Repeals a provision authorizing any civil action, not of a local nature, against defendants residing in different districts in the same State to be brought in any of such districts. (Sec. 307) Specifies that a judgment in an action for the recovery of money or property entered in any court of appeals, bankruptcy court, or in the Court of International Trade, as well as any district court, may be registered by filing a certified copy of the judgment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 308) Provides that: (1) when the office of clerk of court is vacant, the deputy clerks shall perform the duties of the clerk in the name of the last person who held that office; and (2) when the clerk is incapacitated, absent, or otherwise unavailable to perform official duties, the deputy clerks shall perform such duties. Authorizes the court to designate a deputy clerk to act temporarily as clerk of the court. Repeals a provision allowing the compensation of a deceased Supreme Court clerk to be paid to his personal representatives until his successor is appointed and qualifies. (Sec. 309) Increases the threshold amount in controversy (from $50,000 to $75,000) to qualify for diversity of citizenship jurisdiction. Provides for annual increases in that amount based on the percent change in the Consumer Price Index, effective January 1, 2000. Title IV: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections - Amends Federal judicial retirement provisions to list age and service requirements for retaining office but retiring from regular active service for persons age 60 through 64. (Sec. 402) Authorizes: (1) retroactive credit for resumption of a significant workload by a judge under specified circumstances; and (2) aggregation by a justice or judge for partial years worked. (Sec. 403) Revises provisions regarding: (1) the contribution rate for senior judges under the judicial survivors' annuities system; (2) the refund of contributions for deceased deferred annuitants under the judicial survivors' annuities system; (3) disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of annuities for territorial judges; (4) Federal Judicial Center personnel compensation; and (5) creditable service for judicial administrative officials' retirement. (Sec. 408) Amends the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 to provide that: (1) when filling vacancies, the court of appeals may consider reappointing incumbent bankruptcy judges under specified procedures; and (2) all incumbent nominees seeking reappointment may be considered for such a reappointment, pursuant to a majority vote of the judges of the appointing court of appeals under such procedures. (Sec. 409) Authorizes judicial officers of the United States to carry firearms under regulations promulgated by the Judicial Conference. Grants immunity to any such officer who possesses or uses a firearm carried under the authority of this section and such regulations from any civil suit arising out of such possession or usage to the maximum extent provided by common law. (Sec. 410) Provides that the first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of specified judicial districts occurring five years or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill a temporary judgeship created by this Act, shall not be filled. (Sec. 411) Amends the Federal judicial code to consider a court reporter to be a full-time employee during any pay period for which the reporter receives a salary at the annual salary rate fixed for a full-time reporter. (Sec. 412) Repeals a provision barring from jury service members of fire and police departments and public officers actively engaged in the performance of official duties. (Sec. 413) Expands workers' compensation coverage for jurors to cover traveling to or from the courthouse pursuant to a jury summons or sequestration order, or as otherwise necessitated by court order. (Sec. 414) Authorizes: (1) the Director of the Administrative Office to pay a claim by a person summoned to serve or serving as a grand juror or petit juror for loss of, or damage to, personal property that occurs incident to that person's performance of duties; and (2) the presiding judicial officer to appoint a certified or otherwise qualified sign language interpreter to provide services to a participant in a judicial proceeding upon determining that such participant suffers from a hearing impairment. (Sec. 416) Includes the Northern Mariana Islands within the ninth judicial circuit. (Sec. 417) Makes provisions regarding annual and sick leave of Federal employees applicable to positions in the judicial branch designated as court unit executive positions by the Judicial Conference. Title V: Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise bankruptcy provisions to allow a bankruptcy judge to hear a proceeding that is not a core proceeding but that is otherwise related to a case under title 11. Directs the bankruptcy judge, in such proceeding, to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the district court. Directs that any final order or judgment be entered by the district judge after considering the bankruptcy judge's proposed findings and conclusions and after reviewing de novo those matters to which any party has timely and specifically objected. Specifies that: (1) a party shall be deemed to consent to the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by a bankruptcy judge unless the party files a timely objection; and (2) if a timely objection is not filed, the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the bankruptcy judge shall become final and the bankruptcy judge shall enter an appropriate order thereon. (Sec. 502) Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the National Labor Relations Board, if any person violates a final order issued by the Board with respect to an unfair labor practice, to petition any U.S. district court in which the practice occurred, or in which such person resides or transacts business, for imposition of a monetary penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each day such person violates the order. Grants the district courts jurisdiction to impose such penalty. (Sec. 503) Amends the Federal judicial code to require the chief judge of the Court of International Trade to be the judge of the court in regular active service who is senior in commission of those judges who: (1) are 64 years of age or under; (2) have served for one year or more as a judge of the court; and (3) have not served previously as chief judge. Sets forth provisions regarding the precedence of judges in acting as chief judge. Title VI: Criminal Justice Act Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a Federal defender organization be established for any district, part of a district, or combination of districts where the Judicial Conference determines that: (1) such an organization would be cost effective; or (2) the interests of effective representation otherwise require establishment of such an organization. Authorizes two adjacent districts or parts of districts to establish a defender organization to serve both areas. (Sec. 602) Permits the plan for any district which has not established a Federal defender organization to provide for the establishment of a panel attorney support office to assist the court in managing the panel of attorneys who provide representation pursuant to such plan. Requires such office to provide advice to appointed counsel, maintain a list of members of the panel, review vouchers for compensation prior to submission to judicial officers for approval, coordinate training of members of the panel, and perform any other duties in administering the plan for the district which the court may delegate. Requires the district court to appoint an administrator to direct such office. Specifies that: (1) the Administrator may be employed on a part-time or full-time basis and may appoint such number of employees as may be approved by the Director of the Administrative Office; and (2) such employees shall be subject to removal by the Administrator. (Sec. 603) Provides for the Judicial Conference to determine: (1) compensation for attorneys appointed by the court; and (2) maximum amounts of compensation for services other than counsel. (Sec. 605) Specifies that the services of paralegals and qualified law students shall be compensated or reimbursed at hourly rates established by the Judicial Conference. (Sec. 606) Amends the Federal judicial code to make provisions of the Tort Claims Act applicable to any claim for money damages for injury, loss of liberty, loss of property, or personal injury or death arising from malpractice or negligence of an officer or employee of a Federal Public Defender Organization in furnishing representational services. Title VII: Places of Holding Court - Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) direct that court for the Southern District of New York be held at New York and White Plains (as under current law) and in the Middletown-Wallkill area of Orange County or in an appropriate nearby location and that court for the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas be held at Sherman (as under current law) and Plano; and (2) authorize the Texarkana Divisions of the Western Division of Arkansas and the Eastern Division of Texas to be held anywhere within the Federal courthouse in Texarkana that is located astride the Texas-Arkansas State line. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Makes technical amendments relating to: (1) the selection of district judges to attend the annual judicial conference; (2) the Director and Deputy Director of the Administrative Office as Federal officers; (3) the filing of a notice of removal of a criminal proceeding from a State court; and (4) Federal Judicial Center retirement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Reduces the number of Department of Defense Operational Support Aircraft: (1) after September 30, 1996, to no more than two-thirds of the number available as of June 1, 1995; and (2) after September 30, 1997, to no more than one-half of the number of such aircraft available as of June 1, 1995, except if the Secretary of Defense certifies to the Congress that additional aircraft are needed for wartime purposes or to retain aircrew readiness. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) designate the Secretary of one of the military departments to administer the maintenance and operation of all fixed-wing aircraft which previously had performed the functions of Operational Support Aircraft; (2) issue regulations for maintaining, operating, and using the fixed-wing aircraft; and (3) designate the United States Transportation Command as the manager for all fixed-wing Operational Support Aircraft. Reduces by half the number of Department of Defense helicopters used for administrative purposes (excluding support of the President) in the National Capital area after September 30, 1996. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on implementation of this Act and on the number of fixed-wing aircraft in the Department's inventory as of June 1, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1995 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) current provisions of law requiring funding for abortion services in cases of life endangerment, and for victims of rape or incest, to women eligible for medical assistance are essential to their health; (2) Federal resources are necessary to ensure that women have safe access to reproductive health facilities and that health professionals can deliver services in a secure environment free from threats of force; (3) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; (4) the program of grants under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) should receive a level of funding that is adequate for all States to receive grants under such title; (5) the program of research centers under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program; and (6) the program of loan-repayment contracts under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited provided specific requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to provide for certain minimum requirements under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program with respect to obstetrical benefits, including at least: (1) 48 hours of inpatient care following a vaginal delivery; and (2) 96 hours of inpatient care following a caesarean section. Waives such requirements if a contract's post-delivery care coverage meets specified home care criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Calls on France to abide by the international moratorium on nuclear testing, refrain from conducting its announced testing, and prepare to close its underground nuclear testing sites at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Defense Nuclear Workers' Health Insurance Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide for payments to certain former Department of Energy (DOE) employees who were employed at a DOE defense nuclear facility and who are not entitled to Medicare benefits for all reasonable expenses above $25,000 for certain health care services for the treatment of specified conditions related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services Title II: Care Grant Program Title III: Early Intervention Services Title IV: General Provisions Title V: Additional Provisions Title VI: Effective Date Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1995 - Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services - Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to formula grants for emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) services (emergency relief grants) to modify or create: (1) the criteria for determining which geographic areas are eligible; (2) the representation mandated on and the duties of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services planning council in areas receiving grants; (3) grant distribution time limits; (4) limits on reductions in grants; (5) requirements regarding supplemental grants; (6) a requirement that formula and supplemental grants be expended in accordance with priorities established by the area's council; (7) the primary purposes of the grants; (8) the entities eligible to receive financial assistance from grant funds (including allowing for-profit entities in certain circumstances); (9) a requirement to use a specified percentage of grant funds for services to infants, children, and women with HIV disease; (10) limitations on administrative expenditures; and (11) application requirements (including allowing a single application for both formula and supplemental grants). Authorizes planning grants to assist an area that is projected to be eligible for a formula grant in the subsequent fiscal year in preparing for its responsibilities under the grant. Title II: Care Grant Program - Changes or adds provisions concerning a program of grants for health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease (care grant program) relating to: (1) the uses of the grants; (2) grants to establish HIV care consortia (including allowing grants to for-profit providers in certain circumstances); (3) application requirements; (4) State allocation of assistance; and (5) technical assistance. Title III: Early Intervention Services - Amends provisions relating to early intervention services to alter or establish provisions relating to: (1) the uses of categorical grants; and (2) making for-profit entities eligible. Authorizes early intervention services planning grants. Modifies application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for categorical grants. Title IV: General Provisions - Replaces provisions authorizing demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric HIV disease patients and pregnant women with HIV disease with provisions authorizing grants providing women, infants, and children: (1) opportunities to participate as subjects in research of potential clinical benefit regarding HIV disease; and (2) outpatient health care. Authorizes the use of limited funds for training and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants for demonstration projects that provide for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease that assess treatment model effectiveness, are innovative, and have the potential to be replicated locally or nationally. Requires reserving a specified percentage of the amounts available under title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act for grants under this paragraph. Removes existing provisions relating to special projects of national significance. Transfers provisions (currently located in title VII (Health Professions Education) of the Public Health Service Act) authorizing grants and contracts to assist in training health care practitioners regarding HIV disease to such title XXVI. Modifies the projects for which the assistance may be used. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces an authorization of appropriations for carrying out provisions on evaluations and reports regarding title XXVI with provisions requiring that those evaluation and reporting provisions be carried out with amounts available under evaluation and reporting provisions of title II (Administration and Miscellaneous Provisions) of the Public Health Service Act. Title V: Additional Provisions - Modifies the formulas for determination of the amount of emergency relief grants and care grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the emergency relief grant program and the care grant program. Mandates development of a methodology for adjusting the percentages made available to each of those two programs. Repeals existing provisions authorizing appropriations separately for the two programs. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Landmine Use Moratorium Act of 1995 - Directs the President to support, at the 1995 United Nations review conference, proposals to modify Protocol II to the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention to implement the U.S. goal of the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Declares a U.S. moratorium, for a one year period beginning three years after enactment of this Act, on the use of such landmines except along internationally recognized national borders within a perimeter marked area monitored by military personnel and protected by adequate means to ensure the exclusion of civilians. Urges the President to encourage other nations to join in such moratorium. Prohibits the United States from selling, licensing for export, or transferring any defense article or service to a foreign country that sells, exports, or transfers antipersonnel landmines. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition, after notice to the Congress, if an emergency exists which makes such waiver vital to the interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Establishes the Yellowstone Headwaters National Recreation Area within the Gallatin and Custer National Forests in Montana. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer the Area in accordance with this Act and with the provisions of law generally applicable to national forest system units; (2) develop a management plan for the Area to reflect its establishment and to conform to this Act; and (3) acquire lands or interests in lands within the Area's boundaries that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Withdraws such lands from U.S. mining laws, mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and from disposal of mineral materials under the Materials Act of 1947. Prohibits: (1) a patent from being issued after June 14, 1995, for any location or claim made in the Area under U.S. mining laws; (2) Federal lands from being used in connection with any mining or mining-related activity within the Area; and (3) such activities involving any surface disturbance of lands or waters within such Area, except in accordance with requirements imposed by the Secretary. Requires: (1) the Secretary to complete an expedited program to examine all unpatented mining claims within the Area; and (2) if the Secretary of the Interior determines that a claim is invalid, to declare it to be null and void. Prohibits a Federal department or agency from issuing authorizations to persons for mining or mining-related activities within the Area until the Secretary has determined that previous mining related environmental damage that has occurred on lands owned or used by such person or any person who controls, is controlled by, or under common control with, such person has been remediated in accordance with applicable Federal and State requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Counterterrorism Technology Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Institute of Justice Science and Technology Office in the Department of Justice to develop technologies to combat terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Franked Mail Savings Act - Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to establish an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Requires the Official Mass Mailing Allowance to be: (1) available only for postage for any mass mailing sent by a Member as franked mail; (2) the sole source of funding for any such postage; and (3) available in a session of Congress in an amount that does not exceed the total amount allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of a Member in such session. Treats the Official Mass Mailing Allowance and mass mailings separately from the Official Mail Allowance. Continues the applicability of current provisions of law relating to mass mailings sent by a Member or Member-elect. Prohibits a mass mailing from being sent if it would be postmarked during any session that begins in an even-numbered calendar year, except mail matter sent after election day, mailed by a chairperson of a congressional committee, or which relates to an emergency or disaster declared by the President. Sets forth requirements for the submission of samples of mass mailings to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. Revises the formula for determining the Official Mail Allowance (thereby reducing the maximum allocation allowed). Prohibits the transfer of any amount (except for amounts from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance) to or from the Official Mail Allowance of a Member. (Currently, transfers up to a specified amount are allowed from the Official Expenses and Clerk Hire Allowances.)
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Patent Application Publication Act of 1995 - Requires each patent application, except applications for design patents and provisional applications, to be published as soon as possible after 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought, except for an application that is no longer pending or one subject to a secrecy order. Permits earlier publication at the applicant's request. Prohibits disclosure of information concerning published applications except as determined by the Commissioner of Patents. Prohibits, upon request by certain independent inventors, the publication of rejected applications, with specified exceptions, until three months after the Commissioner notifies the applicant. Requires the applicant to certify that no application was or will be filed for the invention in a foreign country. Entitles a patent application to claim the benefit of an earlier filing date in a foreign country if a claim therefor and a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification, and drawings upon which it is based are filed in the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) at any such time during the pendency of the application as is required by the Commissioner. Allows the Commissioner to consider the failure of the applicant to file a timely claim for priority as a waiver of any such claim. Authorizes the Commissioner to determine the time period within which an amendment containing the specific reference to an earlier filed application shall be submitted. Specifies that a patent shall include the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from any person who, during the period from publication of the application until issue of the patent: (1) makes, uses, or sells in the United States the invention as claimed in the published application or imports such an invention into the United States, or if the invention as claimed in the published application is a process, uses or sells in or imports into the United States products made by that process as claimed in such application; and (2) had actual notice or knowledge of the published patent application. Makes the right to obtain a reasonable royalty unavailable unless the invention claimed in the patent is identical to that claimed in the published application. Specifies the commencement date of the period for obtaining a royalty based upon the international publication of an international application designating the United States. Revises Federal patent law to provide that a person shall not be entitled to a patent if the invention was described in a published patent application by another filed in the United States, or in a published international application, before the invention thereof by the applicant. Directs the Commissioner to recover the cost of early publication by adjusting the filing, issue, and maintenance fees by charging a separate publication fee, or by any combination of such fees. Provides for the extension of the term of a patent the issue which is delayed due to an unusual administrative delay by the PTO. Limits the total duration of all extensions to ten years. Reduces the extension period equal to the time during the processing or examination of the application leading to the patent in which the applicant failed to engage in reasonable efforts (current law provides a reduction for lack of due diligence) to conclude processing or examination of the application. Prohibits the extension of a patent the term of which has been disclaimed beyond the expiration date of the disclaimer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Patent Reexamination Reform Act of 1995 - Amends Federal patent law to expand reexamination request authority to authorize the filing of such requests by any person on the basis of patent specification requirements except for the best mode requirement. (Current law permits reexamination requests only on the basis of prior art.) Establishes procedures for reexamination proceedings based upon third-party (persons who are not the patent owner) requests. Requires documents filed in such proceedings, other than the request, to be served on all parties. Authorizes third-party requesters to file written comments not less than one month from the date of service of the patent owner's response to any Patent and Trademark Office action on the merits of reexamination. Grants third-party requesters the right to appeal final reexamination decisions on the same basis such right is available to patent owners. Estops a third-party requester who files a notice of appeal or who participates as a party to an appeal from later asserting the invalidity of any claim determined to be patentable on appeal on any ground which was or could have been raised during reexamination. Bars patent owners and third-party requesters, once an order for reexamination has been issued, from filing a subsequent reexamination request until a reexamination certificate is published. Prohibits a party, once a final decision has been entered in a civil action that the party has not sustained the burden of proving the invalidity of a patent claim, from requesting reexamination on issues that were or could have been raised in the civil action. Requires the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to review adverse decisions of examiners in reexamination proceedings and authorizes appeals to the Board by patent owners and third-party requesters with respect to reexamination decisions. Permits appeals of Board decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Women's Health Office Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Office of (or on) Women's Health and a related coordinating committee in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Resources and Services Administration, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Amends the PHSA to establish a related advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Sets forth the rule for the consideration H.R. 1535 (revising tax rules on expatriation and to modify the basis rules for nonresident aliens becoming citizens or residents).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exempt from the embargo on trade with Cuba the export of medicines or medical supplies, instruments, or equipment. Sets forth limitations on the President's authority to restrict the exportation of such medicines and supplies to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for: (1) a program of information and education to the public concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders; and (2) the operation of toll-free telephone communications to aid in providing information and education on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Calls on the National Association of Radio and Talk Show Hosts to revoke their 1995 Freedom of Speech Award to G. Gordon Liddy and pass a resolution condemning the use of hateful speech that fosters violence against law enforcement officers.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Patent and Trademark Office Title II: Effective Date; Technical Amendments Patent and Trademark Office Corporation Act of 1995 - Title I: Patent and Trademark Office - Reestablishes the Patent and Trademark Office as a wholly owned Government corporation. Requires the Office to maintain an office in the District of Columbia metropolitan area. Authorizes the Office to retain and use all of its revenues and receipts in carrying out its functions. (Sec. 103) Vests management of the Office in the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks who shall be appointed by the President for a six-year term. Directs the Commissioner to designate a Deputy Commissioner for Patents, a Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and an Inspector General. Exempts the Office from any administratively or statutorily imposed limitation on positions or personnel. Provides that Office employees shall be subject to provisions governing Federal employees, with specified exceptions including provisions governing performance appraisal and General Schedule pay rates. (Sec. 104) Requires the Office to have a Management Advisory Board to review and report annually to the President and specified congressional committees on the Office's policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees and to advise the Commissioner. (Sec. 105) Repeals provisions subjecting the Commissioner's performance to the direction or approval of the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 106) Revises the composition of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to include the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for Patents, the Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and appointed members. (Sec. 107) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revised membership of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences; (2) suits by, and against, the Office; (3) annual report disclosure of the purposes for which receipts were spent; (4) the Commissioner's discretion to designate officers or employees of the Office to conduct hearings relating to suspension or exclusion from practice of certain individuals; (5) receipts, expenditures, and borrowing authority of the Office; (6) annual audit requirements; and (7) the transfer to the Office of Department of Commerce functions, powers, duties, funds (including residual and unappropriated balances within the Office's Surcharge Fund), and property related to the authority and functions which are vested in the Office by this Act. Title II: Effective Date; Technical Amendments - Makes this Act effective six months after its enactment. (Sec. 202) Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Diabetes Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations, in addition to any other authorization of appropriations, for the conduct and support of diabetes research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires that, of the amounts appropriated under this authorization, the NIH reserve a specified amount for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the remainder for the other national research institutes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to entitle certain honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty to five additional points on examinations for entrance into the competitive service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
Provides an income tax exclusion, in the same manner as is provided for workers' compensation benefits, of amounts paid to a police officer or fire fighter employed by a State or political subdivision (or the survivors of such an individual), and determined to be disabled due to occupational injury or sickness, under a State plan that pays disability benefits regardless of the disability's relation to employment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Amends rule XI of the House of Representatives to allow proxy voting in House committee that, by written rule, permits voting by proxy and requires that the proxy authorization be in writing, assert that the Member is absent to participate in debate on any measure or matter in the House or to attend a meeting of a standing committee for the consideration of any measure, is limited to a specific measure or matter and any amendments or motions pertaining thereto, and is for a designated period not to exceed two hours.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Freedom from Toll Fraud Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise the requirements that must be met in order to charge the calling party for information provided during a call to a toll free (800) number. Amends the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act (TDDRA) to modify the definition of "pay-per-call services" to allow the Federal Trade Commission to extend the definition to other services providing audio information or audio entertainment if the Commission determines that such services are susceptible to the unfair and deceptive practices prohibited by rules prescribed under specified provisions of the TDDRA.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000142_200.jpg)