United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining the employment status of individuals as employees, a service provider shall not be treated as an employee, a service recipient shall not be treated as an employer, and a payor shall not be treated as an employer if: (1) a service provider has a significant investment in assets and training, incurs significant unreimbursed expenses, agrees to perform the service for a specified amount of time or to complete a specific result and is responsible for damages for early termination without cause, receives payment primarily on a commission basis, or has purchased resale products; (2) the service provider has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service in the service recipient's place of business, or pays a fair market rent for use of the recipient's place of business or does not have to perform service only for the service recipient and, in the current year or in the proceeding or subsequent years, has performed or has offered to perform a significant amount of service for other persons; and (3) the services by an individual are performed according to a written contract between the service recipient or payor which provides that the individual will not be treated as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize annual grants to States to develop coastal zone management programs. Limits each State to four (currently, two) grants. Authorizes grants to States to implement program changes. Allows financial assistance under existing provisions for research and monitoring in a national estuarine reserve to be used for research outside such a reserve if the activities support research inside the reserve. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such development grants; (2) administering State management programs; (3) resource management improvement grants; (4) coastal zone enhancement grants; (5) grants under the National Estuarine Research Reserve System; (6) technical assistance; and (7) expenses incidental to the administration of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Middle East Peace Compliance Act of 1995 - Declares that the Congress has determined that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) continues to disregard the commitments it has made under specified agreements with Israel. Prohibits U.S. assistance to Palestinians living under the administrative control of the PLO or the Palestinian Authority until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the PLO and the Palestinian Authority have complied with the requirements of such agreements; (2) a financial audit has been made by the General Accounting Office (GAO) which provides a full accounting of all U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority; (3) the GAO has accounted for all U.S. and international assistance that it believes may have been misused by such entities; (4) the PLO has taken steps to provide information leading to the arrest and extradition to the United States for prosecution of PLO-connected individuals alleged to be responsible for terrorist attacks on specified American citizens or property since 1964; (5) full and fair compensation is provided by the PLO to U.S. victims of PLO terrorism; and (6) equipment and technology for security examination of cargo and vehicles have been made available to Israel. Directs the President to disclose in a classified manner to certain congressional committees the substance of any secret agreements, understandings, or promises, either formal or informal, between the United States and Israel, and the United States and the PLO, connected with the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, that commits the United States to certain courses of action or provisions of assistance. Authorizes the President to suspend specified provisions of Federal law until May 31, 1996, subject to prior approval of the Chairmen of certain congressional committees. Directs the President to request both the PLO and the Palestinian Authority to provide a financial statement of their assets and income for the year before enactment of this Act. Prohibits funds to the Palestinian Authority until the President reports such information to the relevant congressional committees. Prohibits the President from making any commitments or providing funds for any activity for the establishment of a U.S. diplomatic post in any area under the administrative control of the PLO or the Palestinian Authority.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Condemns the arrest and detention of Peter H. (Harry) Wu. Calls for: (1) the People's Republic of China to allow the U.S. consul to see Mr. Wu, to provide full information to the U.S. Government regarding his arrest and detention, and to immediately and unconditionally release him; and (2) the President of the United States to use every diplomatic means available to ensure Mr. Wu's safety and immediate release.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits any Federal, State, or local government or any official of such a government from interfering with or usurping the right of a parent to govern the upbringing of a child of the parent. Disallows any exception to this Act unless the government or official is able to demonstrate, by appropriate evidence, that such interference or usurpation is valid to accomplish a compelling government interest, in which case only the least amount of interference may be used.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Medical Training Nondiscrimination Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government, and any State that receives Federal financial assistance, from discriminating against any health care entity because: (1) the entity refuses to undergo training in the performance of induced abortions, to provide such training, to perform such abortions, or to provide referral for such abortions; (2) the entity refuses to make arrangements for any such activities; or (3) the entity attends a post-graduate physician training program that does not require or provide training in the performance of induced abortions or make arrangements for the provision of such training.
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 · 22 June 1995
DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2002. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Prohibits a qualified State from submitting an estimate of needs unless the estimate is approved by each management conference that is implementing an approved estuary plan and of which the State is a member. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document establishing requirements for: (1) management conferences to follow in developing and monitoring conservation and management plans; and (2) the Administrator to follow in approving implementation strategies included in such plans and in approving interim actions to protect the water quality of the estuary for which a conservation and management plan is developed. Specifies that a management conference convened under the Act shall be convened for a period of at least five years. Authorizes the Administrator, upon approval of a plan and for purposes of monitoring or implementing the plan, to extend a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur and the extension is necessary to meet specified Act requirements. Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be terminated. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes procedures for interim actions. Prohibits any activity located in U.S. waters or which serves new development in such waters from being included in a conservation and management plan or a State needs estimate unless specified Federal officials determine that: (1) the activity is essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters; and (2) there is no practicable alternative to the proposed activity that would have a less adverse impact on the aquatic habitat.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 - Subjects anyone who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to a fine or imprisonment for not more than two years or both. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as partial, vaginal delivery of the fetus prior to killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Permits the parents or the maternal grandparents (if the mother has not attained the age of 18 at the time of the abortion) through a civil action to obtain relief which would include money damages for all injuries and statutory damages equal to three times the cost of the partial-birth abortion, even if any party consented to an abortion. Permits the affirmative defense to a prosecution or a civil action, which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, that the physician reasonably believed: (1) the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life; and (2) no other form of abortion would have sufficed for that purpose.
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 · 13 June 1995
Family Medical Savings and Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual covered under a catastrophic coverage health plan a tax deduction for contributions to a medical savings account. Defines an eligible individual as one who is covered under a catastrophic health plan at any time during such month and is not covered by any other health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Medicaid Certification Act of 1995 - Makes certain technical corrections to title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, allowing, among other changes, for physician reimbursement for certified osteopathic physician services provided to children and pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid. Makes this Act effective as if included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to exempt qualified current or former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms. Specifies that a State or political subdivision thereof may require such individuals to provide appropriate authorities with prior notice of the intent of the individual to carry a concealed firearm, but makes such requirement inapplicable to such an individual who is passing through the jurisdiction without undue delay en route to another jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Crimes Against Youth and Elderly Double Penalty Act - Revises specified provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding crimes against the elderly to direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that the term of imprisonment for an offense where a victim of the offense is elderly (at least age 65) or a child (under age 12) is double the minimum and maximum term that would otherwise be imposed for the offense.
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
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from expending any funds for preparation, conduct, preleasing, and leasing activities with respect to an oil or gas lease sale on any lands of the Outer Continental Shelf between the seaward boundary between the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island and the seaward boundary between the States of North Carolina and South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit suppliers of durable medical equipment under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income) to furnish an upgraded item and charge the Medicare beneficiary for the difference between its price and that of the standard item, provided the upgraded one was furnished in accordance with certain consumer marketing safeguard standards to be established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Specific Coins Authorized Title II: General Provisions United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995 - Title I: Specific Coins Authorized - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue ten-dollar gold coins to commemorate the bicentennial of United States gold coinage. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman. Directs coin sale surcharge distribution to the Harry S. Truman Library Foundation and the U.N. Association. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue coins commemorating: (1) the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (2) the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C.; (3) the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the first U.S. National Park, Yellowstone National Park; and (4) the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety, with surcharge proceeds paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. Title II: General Provisions - Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Advanced Medical Devices Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Permits coverage under the Medicare program of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient hospital services, even if the device is not approved, as long as it is an investigational device used instead of an approved device. States that a payment made under the Medicare program for any such item or service may not exceed the amount which would have been paid if the item or service were associated with the use of an approved device.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare to make findings and recommendations to the Congress concerning specified aspects of the Medicare program.
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 · 18 May 1995
Vietnam POW-MIA Full Disclosure Act of 1995 - Prohibits the usage of Federal funds for the advancement of diplomatic or economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam unless the President: (1) provides a listing of the Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War about whom Vietnam is most likely to be able to provide remains or additional information; (2) certifies that Vietnam is cooperating fully with regard to recovery and repatriation of American remains, resolution of discrepancies, live-sightings and field activities, implementation of trilateral investigations with the Lao, and provision of documents on POW/MIAs; and (3) certifies that Vietnam is being fully forthcoming in providing access to Central Committee-level records pertaining to Americans captured or held during the war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Diabetes Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations, in addition to any other authorization of appropriations, for the conduct and support of diabetes research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires that, of the amounts appropriated under this authorization, the NIH reserve a specified amount for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the remainder for the other national research institutes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Medicare Dependent Hospital Relief Act of 1995 - Directs the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to: (1) develop separate applicable percentage increases for Medicare dependent and certain non-Medicare dependent hospitals to ensure that the average annual Medicare margins of the two hospitals are equalized while ensuring budget neutrality; and (2) include in each of its March reports to the Congress the percentage increases for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as recommendations on methods for ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries who receive Medicare dependent hospital services have the same access and quality of care as those beneficiaries furnished with certain non-Medicare dependent hospital services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
Right to Life Act of 1995 - States that the Congress declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at fertilization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) establish certification criteria for State voluntary cleanup programs at eligible facilities; and (2) certify qualified States to carry out cleanup programs at eligible facilities in lieu of any Federal program that addresses the cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "eligible facility" as a facility that is determined by a State to have environmental contamination that: (1) could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property; and (2) is limited in scope and can be readily evaluated. Requires the Administrator to ensure that State programs continue to meet the terms of certification by conducting biennial audits. Sets procedures for withdrawal of certification where deficiencies are not resolved. Directs the Administrator to require a State program, to be certified, to provide: (1) that only eligible facilities may participate; (2) adequate opportunities for public participation in the development and implementation of cleanup plans; (3) technical assistance throughout each voluntary cleanup; (4) adequate oversight and enforcement authority to ensure that the voluntary cleanups comply with Federal and State laws; and (5) for State certification to the owner or prospective purchaser of an eligible facility that the cleanup is complete. Makes ineligible for such programs facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States. Prohibits requiring a Federal, State, or local permit for any cleanup conducted under and in compliance with a certified State voluntary cleanup program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Project Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot project to provide capitalization loans to States to establish or expand revolving loan funds that provide loans for voluntary environmental cleanups of eligible facilities (those determined by the State to have limited environmental contamination that can be readily and comprehensively evaluated and that could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property). Authorizes appropriations. Makes ineligible for such assistance facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Eliminates threshold dollar amounts under proposed offers to sell defense articles or services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to Saudi Arabia that trigger a requirement by the President to notify the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under the Arms Export Control Act. Makes such requirement inapplicable if the Secretary of State certifies to the Congress that the unpaid claims of American firms against the Government of Saudi Arabia that are described in a specified June 30, 1993, report by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1993 have been resolved satisfactorily.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Makes a veteran exposed to herbicides in Vietnam during the Vietnam era eligible for hospital and nursing home care for any disease for which the National Academy of Sciences, in a report issued under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, has determined that: (1) there is sufficient evidence to conclude a positive association between the occurrence of the disease and exposure to a herbicide; (2) there is evidence suggestive of such an association, though the evidence is limited; or (3) available studies are insufficient to permit such a conclusion. Makes a veteran exposed to radiation during a period of active duty for training or inactive duty training eligible for hospital and nursing home care for: (1) any diseases currently listed in Federal provisions which presume a relation between such disease and a veteran's disability; or (2) any disease for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines there is credible evidence of a positive association between the occurrence of such disease and exposure to ionizing radiation. Extends through December 31, 1997, the authorized period for the provision of hospital, nursing home, and outpatient care for certain veterans, including those herbicide- or radiation-exposed veterans described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations Title XX: General Provisions Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities Title XXII: Department of State Authorities and Activities Title XXIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; The Foreign Service Title XXIV: United States Public Diplomacy; Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title XXV: International Organizations and Commissions Title XXVI: Foreign Policy Provisions Title XXVII: Congressional Statements Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations - Title XX: General Provisions - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997 - Sets forth definitions. Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1996 and 1997 for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) contributions to international organizations and international peacekeeping activities; (3) international conferences and contingencies; (4) purposes of offsetting adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (5) international commissions; (6) migration and refugee assistance; (7) the Asia Foundation; (8) international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs; and (9) purposes of carrying out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Earmarks funds for specified organizations and activities. (Sec. 2102) Makes funds available to the International Atomic Energy Agency only if the Secretary reports to the appropriate congressional committees that Israel is not being denied its right to participate in the Agency. Bars the use of international organization funds for programs for Libya, Iran, or Communist countries listed under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Withholds certain amounts of funds from the United Nations Development Program unless the President certifies that the Program has terminated activities in and for Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar). Prohibits international peacekeeping funds from being made available for contributions to the United Nations Protection Force unless the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the continued presence of such Force within its territory; (2) the Force is carrying out its mandate under specified Security Council resolutions; (3) the Force is providing support to the efforts of the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal to investigate and prosecute war crimes and support to diplomatic, military, and relief personnel; and (4) the Force has investigated and taken appropriate action against any personnel suspected of participating in illegal or improper activities. Makes the authorization of appropriations for international conferences and contingencies effective only after the Secretary makes a certification regarding the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and accreditation of certain nongovernmental organizations. (Sec. 2104) Bars the use of migration and refugee assistance funds for salaries and administrative expenses of the Bureau of Migration and Refugee Assistance. Prohibits the use of such assistance for the repatriation of any person to Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia unless the President makes a specified certification regarding the status of such persons as refugees and whether they have been offered resettlement outside their countries of nationality. (Sec. 2121) Prohibits the authorization of appropriations under this Act for any entity which: (1) provides, supports, assists, or promotes abortion, except where necessary to save the life of the mother or following rape or incest; or (2) conducts, assists, or promotes any activity related to population control or family planning and assistance in the People's Republic of China, until the President certifies that there have been no abortions performed as a result of coercion, duress, or severe psychological pressure within the preceding 12 months. Title XXII: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Adds to the list of actions for which rewards are available the furnishing of information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual aiding or abetting in acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property or in certain narcotics-related offenses. Authorizes appropriations, with limitations. (Sec. 2205) Directs the Secretary to develop a worldwide plan for the consolidation, on a regional or areawide basis, of U.S. missions and consular posts abroad. (Sec. 2231) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) include membership in a terrorist organization as a basis for exclusion from the United States; and (2) authorize the Secretary of State to waive the requirement that a person receive written notice of the provisions under which his or her visa application was denied in the case of any alien deemed excludable on criminal or security grounds. (Sec. 2233) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to limit the amount of fees collected from processing machine readable visas that may be deposited as an offsetting collection to any Department of State appropriation. Removes provisions which prohibit fees from being charged to citizens of countries that are signatories to the North American Free Trade Agreement. (Sec. 2234) Requires visa applicants who are determined to have a criminal history record, have been present in the United States, and are more than 16 years of age to provide a fingerprint record for submission with the application. Directs the Department of State to submit such record to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for analysis to determine whether the applicant has been convicted of a felony under State or Federal law. (Sec. 2235) Sets aside a percentage of the fees collected in FY 1996 and 1997 for expedited passport processing for enhancing passport services, investigating passport fraud, and deterring entry into the United States by terrorists and other criminals. (Sec. 2237) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) include as a basis for exclusion from the United States the confiscation of American property abroad or trafficking in such confiscated property; and (2) revise the definition of "refugee" to provide that a person who has been forced to have an abortion or undergo involuntary sterilization or who has been persecuted for refusing to do so or for other resistance to a coercive population control program shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion. (Sec. 2253) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months on the methods employed by the Cuban Government to enforce the United States-Cuba Immigration Agreement of September 1994 to restrict the emigration of Cuban people to the United States. (Sec. 2254) Prohibits the United States from involuntarily returning, or promoting or assisting the return of, any person to a country in which the person has a well founded fear of persecution. (Sec. 2255) Directs the President to report to specified congressional committees preceding each fiscal year on the foreseeable number of refugees who will be in need of resettlement and the anticipated allocation of refugee admissions during the fiscal year. (Sec. 2256) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 1997 a provision which authorizes admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (independent states), Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution due to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes FY 1997 the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status. Title XXIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; The Foreign Service - Establishes a Coordinator for Counterterrorism within the office of the Secretary. (Sec. 2302) Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet. (Sec. 2303) Establishes a Coordinator for Human Rights and Refugees within the office of the Secretary. Repeals provisions that provide for an Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Establishes the Bureau of Refugee and Migration Assistance within the Department of State. (Sec. 2304) Repeals provisions of law which provide for: (1) an Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs; (2) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Burdensharing; and (3) a Bureau and Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. (Sec. 2305) Establishes an Assistant Secretary for Human Resources within the Department of State. (Sec. 2351) Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel in the Department of State, USIA, and AID during FY 1996 and 1997. Provides for a waiver of such limitations as necessary to carry out foreign affairs functions. (Sec. 2352) Repeals provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 that provide for performance pay for Senior Foreign Service personnel. Title XXIV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to eliminate the permanent authorization for the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange between North and South. (Sec. 2403) Requires the USIA Director to establish educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and Hong Kong and Tibet, respectively. (Sec. 2405) Provides for scholarships to Tibetan and Burmese students and professionals who are outside their countries. (Sec. 2406) Authorizes the USIA Director to make available, upon request, computer readable multilingual text and recorded speech in various languages to the Linguistic Data Consortium of the University of Pennsylvania. (Sec. 2431) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to increase the number of members on the Broadcasting Board of Governors. (Sec. 2432) Requires the USIA Director to submit a plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia to the Congress. (Sec. 2433) Requires the USIA Director to make grants for broadcasting to China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam for purposes of providing broadcasting on an interim basis before Radio Free Asia becomes fully operational. Title XXV: International Organizations and Commissions - Authorizes the Secretary to make improvements to the Rio Grande Canalization Project. (Sec. 2521) Permits the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decisionmaking procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. (Sec. 2523) Prohibits U.S. contributions to any affiliated organization of the United Nations or to the United Nations if they grant full membership as a state to a group that does not have internationally recognized attributes of statehood. (Sec. 2524) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the management of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Title XXVI: Foreign Policy Provisions - Provides that certain provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act concerning defense articles and services and the determination of Taiwan's defense needs supersede any provision of the Joint Communique of the United States and China of August 17, 1982. (Sec. 2602) Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional officials on conditions in Tibet and on the state of relations between the United States and those recognized by the Congress as the true representatives of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, his representatives, and the Tibetan government in exile. Expresses the sense of the Congress that whenever an executive branch report is transmitted to the Congress on a country-by-country basis there should be included a separate report on Tibet. (Sec. 2603) Bosnia Genocide Justice Act - Urges the President to take specified steps to assist efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law committed in the former Yugoslavia since 1991. (Sec. 2642) Sets forth minimum conditions relating to nuclear nonproliferation that the President should uphold in negotiations with North Korea. (Sec. 2643) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) South Korea should play the central role in the project to provide light water reactors to North Korea; and (2) the President should not take steps toward upgrading diplomatic relations with North Korea beyond opening liaison offices or relaxing trade and investment barriers without action by North Korea to engage in a dialogue with South Korea, implementation of the North-South Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and progress toward U.S. policy objectives regarding North Korea and the Korean Peninsula. (Sec. 2645) Makes the provision of assistance to North Korea or the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization contingent on the same terms that govern such assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 2651) Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to encouraging the United Nations Security Council to take certain steps against Burma. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence in Burma. (Sec. 2661) Torture Victims Relief Act of 1995 - States that the United States shall not involuntarily return a person to a country where such person would be subject to torture. Establishes an expedited procedure for processing refugee, asylum, withholding of deportation, and parole entry claims of torture victims. Expresses the sense of the Congress that sufficient funds should be allocated to the Immigration and Naturalization Service's Resource Information Center to maintain information on foreign torture. Provides for specialized training in torture identification and handling of torture victims for consular, immigration, and asylum personnel. Directs the Center for Disease Control to study and report on torture victims residing in the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for respective domestic and foreign treatment centers for torture victims. Authorizes appropriations. Title XXVII: Congressional Statements - Declares that the Secretary, in allocating resources for international organizations, should pay particular attention to funding levels of the Inter-American organizations. (Sec. 2702) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should refuse to recognize the incorporation of any territory of Bosnia-Herzegovina into the territory of a neighboring state or the creation of a new state within Bosnia's borders resulting from the use of force, coercion, or other means inconsistent with international law. (Sec. 2703) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to calling upon the Chinese Government to dismantle the Laogai (system of forced labor camps). (Sec. 2704) Expresses the sense of the Congress that none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated to normalize diplomatic relations with Vietnam until Vietnam: (1) releases all of its political and religious prisoners; (2) accounts for American prisoners-of-war and missing in action from the Vietnam War; (3) holds democratic elections; and (4) institutes policies which protect human rights. (Sec. 2705) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take specified actions with respect to: (1) promoting human and worker rights in China; and (2) requesting the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture to encourage the development and protection of treatment centers.
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 · 3 May 1995
Giving Incentive and Volunteer Empowerment (GIVE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase (to a specified percentage above the regularly allowed amount) the tax deduction for charitable contributions by allowing a taxpayer to elect to treat a contribution made not later than the tax return filing date for the taxable year as made on the last day of such taxable year. Allows individuals who do not itemize deductions a charitable contribution deduction to the extent the amount claimed exceeds $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return). Excepts charitable contribution deductions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend permanently the tax credit for expenses of clinical testing of certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions. Allows a three-year carryback and 15-year carryforward of unused credit amounts, except that no credit may be carried to a taxable year beginning before January 1, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Extends through December 31, 1997, the authority of a director of a Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility to use local labor market salary data to determine appropriate salaries for Department nurse anesthetists.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Family Viewing Cable Television Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose a fine and up to two years' imprisonment on any person who knowingly disseminates any indecent material on any channel provided to all subscribers as part of a basic cable television package.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Consumer Fraud Prevention Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject to civil forfeiture any property constituting, derived from, or traceable to any proceeds obtained as a result of telemarketing fraud. Directs that any such property or proceeds be used to the extent needed, as determined by the Attorney General, for the national telemarketing fraud information hotline (established under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994) and other enforcement of telemarketing fraud provisions. Directs the court, in sentencing for telemarketing fraud, to order that the offender forfeit to the United States any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained as a result of the offense. Specifies that the payment of an amount due pursuant to mandatory restitution for telemarketing fraud shall have priority over the payment of fines or the forfeiture of property under criminal forfeiture provisions. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to increase by two levels: (1) the vulnerable victim adjustment; and (2) the level for any fraud offense if the defendant conducted activities to further the fraud from a foreign country in order to impede prosecution. Requires any presentence report required under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to include information about the age of each victim of each fraud offense for which a defendant is convicted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 1995 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of services for the early detection of prostate cancer and certain drug treatments for such cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish fee schedules for such services. Amends Federal law to cover such detection and treatment services for veterans as a preventive health service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for certain public health programs related to prostate cancer research and education. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) conduct and support prostate cancer health services and screening and treatment procedures; and (2) provide for the development, periodic review, and updating of clinically relevant guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies; and (2) the U.S. Government should immediately encourage the UN to take action by considering the unique situation of Taiwan in the international community and adopting a comprehensive solution to accommodate Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to require that determinations of status as: (1) an Indian child be prospective from date of birth; and (2) a member of an Indian tribe be prospective from tribal membership. States that for the purposes of any child custody proceeding involving an Indian child, retroactive effect of tribal membership shall not be permitted.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, for purposes of eligibility for the award of the Purple Heart, to treat a former prisoner of war (POW) who was wounded before April 25, 1962, while held as a POW (or while being taken captive) in the same manner as a former POW who is wounded on or after such date.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)