United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Savings in Construction Act of 1995 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including "hard-metric conversion" and "soft-metric conversion." Prohibits Federal agencies from: (1) using construction or procurement guidelines that require the use of hard-metric products if a majority of the related contracts would be likely to result in a certification under this Act; and (2) establishing bidding requirements or preferences for federally-assisted construction contracts that specify the use of hard-metric products if soft-metric production is feasible, and, as certified by an industry representative, hard-metric alternatives are not readily available, would exceed specified capital costs, and would result in negligible benefits, or would reduce competition or create special hardships.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Amends the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 to repeal its mandate for United States Information Agency (USIA) implementation of certain au pair programs until another Federal agency is authorized to implement them. Authorizes the USIA Director to continue to administer an au pair program on a world-wide basis through FY 1997. Requires the Director to report to specified congressional committees regarding continued extension of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Senior Citizens' Access to Health Care Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations participating in the Medicare Program to offer coverage for out-of-network services to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled with such organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1995 - Prohibits insurance providers from: (1) denying or canceling health insurance coverage or varying the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage on the basis of genetic information or on the basis that the individual or family involved has requested or received genetic services; (2) requesting or requiring insured individuals or applicants to disclose genetic information; or (3) disclosing genetic information without prior written authorization. Provides for enforcement by the Secretary of Labor regarding employee health benefit plans and by State insurance commissioners in other cases. Allows a private right of action. Allows a State to establish or enforce requirements only if they are more restrictive than this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Child Protection and Ethics I Education Act of 1995 - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to determine whether programs, lectures, texts, or other pedagogical materials involving sexuality used by agencies, universities, or elementary and secondary schools (institutions) that receive Federal funds for educational purposes significantly or particularly rely on the scholarship of, directly or indirectly consisting of, or based on the studies entitled "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male" and "Sexual Behavior in the Human Female" authored by Alfred Kinsey and his team of researchers, published in 1948 and 1953 (Kinsey reports). Authorizes the General Accounting Office to evaluate whether the contents of the Kinsey reports are erroneous, wrongfully obtained by reason of fraud or criminal wrongdoing (i.e., systematic sexual abuse of children), or both. Directs: (1) the Comptroller General to complete such study and report to the Congress by May 1, 1996; and (2) the Secretary of Education, if the Comptroller General's determination is in the affirmative, to ensure that for FY 1997 and subsequent fiscal years no Federal funds are provided to any persons or institutions for any educational purpose which instruct in Kinsey's work, derivative Kinseyan scholars, or scholarship without indicating the unethical and tainted nature of the Kinsey report. Directs the chief executive officer of the State involved to certify to the Secretary which such agencies or school programs cite such materials.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
East Timor Human Rights Accountability Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of assistance under that or any other Act to the Government of Indonesia unless the President determines and certifies to the Congress that: (1) any assistance for the preceding fiscal year has not been used to violate human rights in East Timor or to support the occupation of East Timor by Indonesia; and (2) such Government has provided assurances to the President that assistance for the current fiscal year will not be used for either such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
Urges: (1) the immediate and unconditional release of Wei Jingsheng and the dismissal of all charges against him; and (2) if he is not immediately released, that he be afforded all internationally recognized human rights and that his trial be open to the domestic and foreign press, diplomatic observers, and international human rights monitors; and (3) the State Department to make his release and the protection of his rights among its primary objectives in relations with the Government of China and to raise these issues in every available bilateral and multilateral forum. Recommends that Wei Jingsheng once again be nominated and carefully considered for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Nigeria Democracy Act - Imposes certain economic sanctions against Nigeria to promote democracy and human rights there. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of Transportation to revoke the right of Nigerian air carriers to service, and prohibit U.S. air carriers from servicing, routes between the United States and such country. Authorizes waiver of such sanctions if the President certifies to the Congress that such waiver is important to the national interest. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should exclude Nigerian sporting teams from participating in any sporting event in the United States; and (2) no later than 60 days before the opening of the 1996 Olympic Games, the President should determine the appropriateness of issuing visas for Nigerian participants in such Games. Directs the President to report periodically to the Congress on the extent to which Nigeria has made progress toward democracy, civilian rule, and respect for internationally-recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age. Retains the current limit on substantial gainful activity earnings applicable to individuals under age 65 who are eligible for disability benefits based on blindness. (Sec. 3) Establishes a Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account for OASDI disability benefits in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to estimate annually the present value of savings to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund which will accrue for all years as a result of cessation of benefit payments resulting from continuing disability reviews carried out pursuant to specified requirements during the fiscal year. Directs the Managing Trustee to: (1) transfer to the Account from amounts otherwise in the Trust Fund an amount equal to the estimated savings certified by the Chief Actuary; and (2) make available to the Commissioner of Social Security from funds in the Account an amount certified by the Chief Actuary as currently required to meet expenditures necessary to provide for required continuing disability reviews (including expenditures for the cost of staffing, training, purchase of medical and other evidence, and processing related to appeals and overpayments and related indirect costs). Includes under required information in a specified annual report a final accounting of amounts transferred to the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund during the year, the amount made available from such Account during such year pursuant to certifications made by the Chief Actuary of the SSA and expenditures made by the Commissioner of Social Security for the specified purposes during the year, including a comparison of the number of continuing disability reviews conducted during the year with the estimated number of continuing disability reviews upon which the estimate of such expenditures was made. Terminates the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account at the end of FY 2002, and provides that any balance in such Account shall revert to funds otherwise available in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Provides for appointment by the Commissioner of a Chief Actuary in the SSA. (Sec. 4) Bases entitlement of stepchildren to child's insurance benefits solely on their actual dependency on stepparent support. Repeals the requirement that the stepchild actually be living with the stepparent. Requires termination of any child's insurance benefits based on the wages and self-employment income of the stepparent six months after the Commissioner is formally notified of the natural parent's divorce from the stepparent. (Sec. 5) Extends the length of time required for recomputation of benefits after normal retirement age. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the role of the SSA in processing attorney's fees. Prohibits any person, agent, or attorney from charging in excess of $4,000 (or, if the Commissioner approves, a higher fee) for services performed in connection with any claim before the Commissioner. Directs a court, in determining a reasonable fee, to take into consideration the amount of the fee, if any, that an attorney may charge the claimant for services (eliminating the current limitation of such fee to 25 percent of the total past-due benefits to which a judgment entitles the claimant). (Sec. 7) Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be disabled for OASDI purposes, or for supplemental security income (SSI) purposes under title XVI of the Act (thus denying them benefits), if alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. (Continues disability benefits based on a separate disabling condition to individuals also disabled by drug addiction or alcoholism.) Requires the payment of OASDI or SSI benefits based on disability to a representative payee if such payment would serve the interest of an individual who also has an alcoholism or drug addiction condition that prevents the individual from managing such benefits. Requires the Commissioner to refer such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the approved State plan for substance abuse treatment services. Appropriates additional specified amounts to supplement State and Tribal alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs funded under the Public Health Service Act. Requires State or Tribal governments receiving such an allotment to consider as priorities activities relating to the treatment of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. (Sec. 8) Permits members of the clergy to file to revoke their exemption from social security tax coverage under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) to secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to their conscience, nothing in the Constitution shall prohibit acknowledgement of the religious heritage, beliefs, or traditions of the people or prohibit student-sponsored prayer in public schools; and (2) neither the United States nor any State shall compose any official prayer, compel joining in prayer, or discriminate against religious expression or belief.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1995
Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the perpetrators of crimes against humanity in the conflict among republics of the former Yugoslavia (the republics) and persons in positions of authority in the republics who are responsible for crimes against humanity should be condemned; (2) persons who are indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICT) should not occupy positions of authority in any government or entity in the republics; (3) the United States should insist upon the full cooperation of the republics in bringing indicted individuals to justice and should oppose amnesty for any indicted war criminals from the conflict; (4) future support for the reintegration of the republics into the international community should be dependent on their full cooperation and support of the ICT; and (5) ICT investigators should be given full access to all sites, witnesses, and evidence of alleged and suspected war crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Calls on: (1) the Burmese Government to begin a political dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, other democratic leaders, and representatives of ethnic minorities to release detained Members of Parliament and other political prisoners, to repeal repressive laws, to resume negotiations with the International Committee of the Red Cross on access to prisoners, and to help control the flow of heroin from Burma; and (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to support and promote a resolution at the upcoming session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly reiterating the concerns of the international community and calling on the State Law and Order Restoration Council to take steps to fulfill its obligations to guarantee respect to basic human rights and to restore civilian, democratic rule to Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995
Atlantic Striped Bass Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to authorize the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to prepare and submit a fishery management plan governing fishing for Atlantic striped bass in the exclusive economic zone in the Council's area. Declares that the prohibitions relating to such bass under specified Federal regulations shall be in effect until the later of: (1) January 1, 2001; or (2) the date on which such a plan takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1995
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for the ground deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of any peacekeeping operation or implementation force, unless funds for such deployment have been specifically appropriated by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. travel and tourism. Establishes the National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal non-profit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy. Directs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to: (1) place priority on implementing recommendations by the National Tourism Board; and (2) cooperate with the National Tourism Organization. Authorizes the President to transfer up to 25 staff members of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration to the Foreign Service or the Commercial Service for two years to assist the Organization in its start-up activities. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee's (TPCC) Federal trade promotion plan to reflect, among other things, recommendations by the National Tourism Board. Makes the President of the National Tourism Organization a member of the TPCC.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Designates the Republic of Korea for one year as a visa waiver pilot program country. Requires the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to submit a report to the Congress evaluating such designation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for the ground deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of any peacekeeping operation or implementation force, unless the deployment is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Amends Federal employment provisions to provide veterans' hiring preference status to members of the armed forces who served on active duty in connection with Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm, whether or not such service took place in the Persian Gulf theater of operations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1995
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of certain additional oral anticancer drugs prescribed for use in an anticancer nonsteroidal antiestrogen and aromastase inhibitor regimen.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1995
Davis-Bacon Act Reform Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) to provide for wage determinations based on the locality where the work is performed. Requires contractors and subcontractors covered by DBA to pay laborers and mechanics: (1) unconditionally; (2) at least weekly; and (3) without subsequent deduction or rebate. Applies DBA requirements to laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor to: (1) work directly upon the site of the work, including work at fabrication plants, batch plants, tool yards, or similar facilities not on the project site but dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to project construction (except previously established facilities whose location and continuance in operation are determined wholly without regard to the contract work); or (2) transport materials, supplies, and equipment to or from the worksite. Increases the minimum threshold (currently $2,000) for DBA coverage of contracts for public buildings and works to: (1) $100,000 for new construction, complete rehabilitation, or reconstruction; and (2) $25,000 for repairs or alterations. Sets conditions for coverage of leased property. Provides for periodic adjustments of such thresholds. Prohibits splitting contracts. Sets forth wage requirements in cases of contract option provisions. Sets preemption conditions. Sets forth provisions relating to apprentices, trainees, and helpers. Sets forth requirements relating to wages. Revises DBA enforcement provisions, including: (1) administrative procedures, including the Secretary of Labor's authority with respect to payment of workers, debarment of contractors, and coordination of enforcement; (2) review procedures, including court review of coverage determinations; and (3) creation of an administrative petition procedure for workers for wages, benefits, and damages. (Sec. 3) Amends the Copeland Act to: (1) eliminate weekly payroll data submission for contracts of $100,000 or less; and (2) change such weekly requirement to a monthly one for contracts of more than $100,000, with provisions for waivers for contractors or subcontractors who have demonstrated compliance with DBA and other labor standards. Revises enforcement provisions to: (1) require contractors and subcontractors to maintain payroll and related records for three years after completion of contract work and make them available upon request of the contracting officer or the Secretary; (2) grant the Secretary subpoena and debarment authority with respect to records; and (3) establish penalties for false records. Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to provide that: (1) the Secretary, rather than the Comptroller General, shall initiate debarment action for violations; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) shall include the names of those debarred on a government-wide list.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1995
Iran Foreign Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain twelve-month economic sanctions against foreign persons who, with requisite knowledge, export goods or technology that would contribute to Iran's ability to extract, refine, produce, store, or transport petroleum or natural gas products. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) substantially improved its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights; (2) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles or related delivery systems; and (3) ceased support for acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such a waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support, if any, for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1995
Congressional Award Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend through 1997 the requirement that the Comptroller General determine that the Director of the Congressional Award Program has ensured that appropriate procedures for fiscal control and fund accounting are established for the financial operations of the Program and that such operations are administered by personnel with expertise in accounting and financial management. Extends the Congressional Award Board until October 1, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1995
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of the Iranian Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'i community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; (3) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights; and (4) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Government of Iran, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1995
Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide: (1) hospital care and medical services to Persian Gulf veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during such service; and (2) outpatient services to such veterans. Extends through December 31, 1997: (1) the authority to contract with community-based treatment facilities for the care of eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities; (2) the authority of a pilot program for furnishing veterans with noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care (requires a report); (3) the Department's health professionals scholarship program (requires a report); (4) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases of Department real property (requires a report); (5) the authority under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for a pilot program providing community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans; and (6) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing program. Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 for a pilot program to expand and improve Department benefits and services to homeless veterans. Extends through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating specified veterans' programs. Directs the Secretary to review and report to the veterans' committees on the scientific evidence concerning military service during the Persian Gulf War and any disease associated with such service. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for providing care and treatment for veterans at the Department's Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to authorize the display of the POW-MIA flag on the grounds of Department medical centers on any day in which the U.S. flag is displayed. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the provision of utilities to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, as the Jonathan M. Wainwright Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1995
Medicare Patient Choice Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans, among other things, to: (1) have a minimum 85 percent loss-ratio of benefits-to-premiums; (2) assure Medicare enrollees timely access to in-network primary and specialty health care providers and out-of-network providers as well; (3) establish a cost-sharing schedule for out-of-network services; (4) establish a grievance process with board of appeals hearings within 30 days of the filing of a complaint; and (5) provide each enrollee with an explanation of the enrollee's rights and a copy of the most recent consumer report card for the organization. Prohibits provider incentive plans that fail to meet specified criteria. Applies the same requirements to Medicare select policies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Coordination of Federal Enforcement Title II: Revisions to Criminal Law Title III: Anti-Fraud Initiatives Under Medicare and Medicaid Health Care Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1995 - Title I: Coordination of Federal Enforcement - Requires the Inspectors General of specified Federal agencies to conduct audits, investigations, inspections, and evaluations regarding the prevention, detection, and control of health care fraud and abuse. Requires the Inspector General and the Attorney General to establish a health care fraud and abuse program that takes into account the activities of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, Federal and State health care provider licensing and certification agencies, and certain State agencies. (Sec. 102) Mandates State designation of State agencies that conduct, supervise, and coordinate such audits, investigations, inspections, and evaluations. Allows State designation of a State agency to act as a Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Unit for purposes of this title. Sets forth Unit requirements. Requires annual payments to States. (Sec. 104) Establishes in the Treasury the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account containing: (1) fines, penalties, damages, and the proceeds of seizures and forfeitures relating to the provision of health care items and services; and (2) gifts, bequests, and devises. Makes amounts available to the Inspector General and the Attorney General for expenses under specified provisions of this Act and reimbursements to other Inspectors General and Federal, State, and local agencies. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the acceptance, use, and disposal of gifts, bequests, or devises. (Sec. 106) Requires reimbursement: (1) to Federal agencies for the expenses of carrying out provisions of this title; and (2) subject to availability of funds, to State or local law enforcement agencies that participated directly in any activity that led to Account deposits. (Sec. 107) Establishes the Account Payments Advisory Board to make recommendations regarding the equitable allocation of amounts from the Account. (Sec. 108) Mandates establishment of a data base for the reporting of final adverse actions taken by a Government agency against health care providers, suppliers, practitioners, or benefit programs. Requires each Government agency to report such actions. Makes the information in the data base available to the public, Federal and State agencies, and benefit programs. Allows disclosure fees. Title II: Revisions to Criminal Law - Amends the Federal criminal code to define "Federal health care offense" to include violation of, or conspiracy or attempt to violate, specified provisions of: (1) that code; (2) the Social Security Act; (3) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); (4) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA); or (5) the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986. (Sec. 202) Mandates fines or imprisonment for (in connection with a health care benefit program) defrauding or attempting to defraud, theft or embezzlement, knowing and willful false statements, bribery, certain remunerations (including kickbacks and rebates), and obstruction of a criminal investigation of a health care offense. Authorizes civil actions, civil penalties, and injunctive relief for health care offenses. (Sec. 210) Authorizes the Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to issue summonses. (Sec. 211) Authorizes disclosure of grand jury information for use in a civil investigation or proceeding related to a health care offense. (Sec. 212) Includes Federal health care offenses in: (1) the definition of "specified unlawful activity" for provisions relating to money laundering; and (2) provisions allowing additional penalties for telemarketing that victimizes or targets persons over the age of 55. Authorizes the interception of wire or oral communications in cases where the interception may provide evidence of health care bribery, illegal remunerations, or fraud. Adds references to health care bribery, theft, embezzlement, and fraud to the definition of "racketeering activity" for provisions relating to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO). Mandates forfeiture of any property constituting or derived from a Federal health care offense. Allows a reward for information on a Federal health care offense. Title III: Anti-Fraud Initiatives Under Medicare and Medicaid - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the SSA) of an individual who has an ownership or control interest in, or who is an officer, director, agent, or managing employee of, an entity: (1) convicted of any offense under specified SSA mandatory or permissive exclusion provisions; (2) against which a civil penalty has been assessed under specified SSA provisions; or (3) that has been excluded from Medicare or Medicaid. Imposes civil fines on a person for presenting a claim for an item or service provided by the person's excluded employee or agent. Requires funds received as civil fines and assessments under certain SSA provisions and remaining after other dispositions (required by current law) to be deposited in the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account established under this Act (currently, to be deposited as miscellaneous receipts in the Treasury). (Sec. 302) Provides for the modification of existing and the establishment of new safe harbors. (Sec. 303) Requires implementation of an initiative of December 1994 to expedite Medicare payment inherent reasonableness adjustments. (Sec. 304) Requires inclusion of information on waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare information distributed under specified provisions. (Sec. 305) Mandates a system providing for a unique identifier for each individual or entity (currently, for each physician) who furnishes items or services for which Medicare payment may be made. (Sec. 306) Requires reimbursement from agencies or organizations that facilitate payment to Medicare providers, and from carriers used for the administration of Medicare benefits, for any amounts paid for a service while the provider is excluded from Medicare participation. Replaces provisions allowing payment to individuals eligible for benefits for services provided by excluded individuals or entities in certain circumstances with provisions prohibiting providers from billing or collecting for items or services provided while the provider is excluded. Makes the recipient not liable for payment of any bill submitted in violation and allows certain sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to provide for payments to State and local prisons for monthly reports on the identities of inmates ineligible for benefits, especially those erroneously paid such a benefit. Denies SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained such benefits while in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995
Adds to the medical care authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans in vet centers: (1) counseling to combat veterans of World War II or the Korean conflict; (2) preventive health care services; (3) medical services reasonably necessary in preparation for hospital admission; and (4) referral services to assist veterans in obtaining specialized care. Requires a report from the Secretary on the implementation of such additional care.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Veterans' Housing Programs Title II: Veterans' Employment and Training Title III: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services Veterans Housing, Employment Programs, and Employment Rights Benefits Act of 1995 - Title I: Veterans' Housing Programs - Extends permanently the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) negotiate interest rates charged to veterans on housing loans which are guaranteed or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) carry out a demonstration project for guaranteeing veterans' housing loans in a manner similar to that in which adjustable rate mortgages are insured under the National Housing Act; (3) guarantee loans made to veterans for the purchase or construction of homes; (4) allow lenders of guaranteed loans to review home appraisals; and (5) enter into specified agreements with States, their political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for the provision of housing assistance for homeless veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the issuance of, and guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on, certificates or other securities evidencing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans representing Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed housing loans, as long as such securities are issued on or before December 31, 2000 (currently, December 31, 1995). (Sec. 102) Requires specified veterans' housing loan information to be included in a current annual Department budget report required to be submitted to the Congress. Repeals superseded reporting requirements under the Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992. (Sec. 103) Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) extend through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for homeless veterans' reintegration projects; (2) revise the amount of appropriations authorized for FY 1997 and 1998; and (3) extend through FY 1998 the general authorization of appropriations and the authority under such Act. Title II: Veterans' Employment and Training - Directs the Secretary of Labor to assign regional administrators for the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (Service) in at least five geographic regions of the United States. (Currently, such representatives are required for each region for which the Secretary operates a regional office.) (Sec. 202) Authorizes the hiring of other support personnel for Directors and Assistant Directors for the Service. Revises eligibility requirements for persons appointed as Directors and Assistant Directors in any State for at least two years. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to conduct a pilot program under which the primary responsibilities of local veterans' employment representatives will be case management and the provision and facilitation of direct employment and training services to veterans. Limits the pilot program to no more than five States. Requires reports to the Congress and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Terminates pilot program authority on October 1, 1998. Title III: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services - Requests the prompt reemployment of persons upon completion of any military service. (Currently, such request is limited to those who completed such service under honorable conditions.) Revises generally: (1) provisions prohibiting discrimination or acts of reprisal against persons who exercise certain employment or reemployment rights provided under current law, whether or not such person has performed military service; and (2) provisions guaranteeing reemployment rights to persons who serve in the armed forces. (Sec. 306) Prohibits an employer from requiring a person engaged in military service to use vacation, annual, or similar leave during such period of service. (Sec. 309) Allows a person to submit a complaint against the Office of Personnel Management for the enforcement of any employment or reemployment right. (Sec. 313) Empowers the Secretary, in conducting investigations concerning employment and reemployment rights of former military personnel, to interview persons with information relevant to such investigation. (Sec. 314) Provides transition rules and effective dates.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hospital care and medical services to Persian Gulf veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during such service, as long as symptoms become manifest before January 1, 1997. Extends through December 31, 1997: (1) the authority to contract with community-based treatment facilities for the care of eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities; (2) the authority of a pilot program for furnishing veterans with noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care (requires a report); (3) the Department's health professionals scholarship program (requires a report); (4) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases of Department real property (requires a report); (5) the authority under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for a pilot program providing community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans; (6) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing program; and (7) the authority under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 for a pilot program to expand and improve Department benefits and services to homeless veterans. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating specified veterans' programs. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for providing care and treatment for veterans at the Department's Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Leave Equity for Adoptive Families Act of 1995 - Entitles any employee who needs it, because of the placement of a child with that employee for adoption or foster care, to any leave benefit provided by the employer for care of an employee's newborn biological child or for recovery from the employee's own illness, injury, or disability. Requires that such leave commence no later than 12 months after such placement. Authorizes civil actions to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Bear Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prohibit: (1) the import into, or export from, the United States of bear viscera; and (2) the sale, barter, offer of sale or barter, purchase, or possession with intent to sell or barter, in interstate or foreign commerce, of bear viscera. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the bear viscera trade and any U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to monitor it. Requires the United States Trade Representative and the Secretary to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services of registered dieticians and nutrition professionals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Independent Commission on Medicare Title II: Controlling Outlays Under Medicare Program Commission to Save Medicare Act of 1995 - Title I: Independent Commission on Medicare - Establishes the Independent Commission on Medicare to: (1) report to the Congress and the President during December of each year on certain aspects of the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act involving projected outlays and benefits; and (2) report to the Congress during July of each year specific recommendations on certain changes to ensure that total program outlays for the fiscal year involved do not exceed specified limits. Precludes such recommendations from including changes relating to the payment of payroll taxes for financing the program. Provides procedures for expedited congressional consideration of recommendations. Title II: Controlling Outlays Under Medicare Program - Provides that Congress, not later than April 15 of each year, shall, in the concurrent resolution on the budget for the following fiscal year, establish a limit on total outlays to be made under the Medicare program for the fiscal year involved. Provides for the enforcement of such limits through sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
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 · 27 July 1995
Equal Opportunity Act of 1995 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in Federal employment and contracting on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex, or entering into a consent decree requiring, authorizing, or permitting any such discrimination or preference. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) employment recruiting or encouraging contract bidding or requiring or encouraging Federal contractors to so recruit or encourage, if the recruiting or encouraging does not involve a numerical objective or otherwise granting a preference; (2) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; (3) any action under a Federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes; or (4) classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Government, contractor, or subcontractor, the classification is designed to protect privacy, a U.S. national security interest is involved, or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member on active duty in a theatre of combat operations. Allows as remedies only injunctive or equitable relief (including back pay), attorney's fees, and costs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1995
Protection of Children From Computer Pornography Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transmission to minors of indecent material from remote computer facilities, electronic communication services, or electronic bulletin boards. Prohibits: (1) the knowing transmittal or attempted transmittal of indecent material to a person under age 18 (and provides penalties of up to five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both); and (2) a remote computer facility operator, electronic communications service provider, or electronic bulletin board service provider from willfully allowing another individual to transmit indecent material to a person under age 18 (and provides penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both). Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress within two years regarding the state of technology that would permit parents to block or filter the transmission of indecent material to minors.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for travel by U.S. officials or delegates to the Fourth World Conference on Women, to be held in Beijing, August and September 1995, unless the Secretary of State certifies to the Congress that: (1) the process of accrediting nongovernmental organizations for the Conference was conducted fairly by China; (2) assurances have been received that it will respect the internationally recognized human rights of the delegates to the Conference and representatives of the organizations; and (3) Harry Wu has been released unharmed and allowed to return to the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Conference should promote an authentic women's perspective on issues of equality, peace, and development; and (2) if the United States sends a delegation to the Conference, it should promote certain women's rights.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995
Access to Medical Treatment Act - Permits any individual to be treated by a health care practitioner with any medical treatment that the individual desires, or that is authorized by the legal representative of the individual, if: 1) the practitioner agrees to treat the individual; and 2) the administration of such treatment does not violate licensing laws. Authorizes health care practitioners to provide any method of treatment to such an individual: 1) there is no evidence that the treatment is a danger to the individual; and 2) if the treatment has not been approved, the individual has been informed that the treatment has not been approved and the food, drug, or device contains a warning to that effect. Requires a practitioner, after administering such treatment and discovering it to be a danger to an individual, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to properly disseminate information with respect to the danger of the medical treatment. Requires a practitioner to immediately report to the Office of Alternative Medicine the positive effects of an unconventional medical treatment for a life-threatening medical condition including: 1) the nature of such treatment; 2) the results of such treatment; and 3) the protocol of such treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to authorize the display of the POW-MIA flag on the grounds of each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. Directs the Administrator of General Services to procure and distribute POW-MIA flags to the medical centers within 30 days of this Act's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Changes the initial month for which cost-of-living increases in military retired pay become payable to March of the following year for those increases which became effective on December 1 of 1993, 1994, or 1995. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any future changes concerning the determination of cost-of-living adjustments should be identical for Federal civilian and military retirees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available for foreign currencies under the Mutual Security Act of 1954 from being available for travel to North Korea unless the President submits to the Congress a certification that North Korea does not have a policy of discriminating, on the basis of national origin or political philosophy, against Members and employees of the Congress in permitting such travel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Adoption Incentives Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income: (1) employee and military adoption assistance benefits; and (2) a withdrawal from an individual retirement account for qualified adoption expenses to the extent that such amount exceeds the sum of such benefits plus any credit allowable with respect to such expenses, as long as such amount does not exceed such expenses.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)