United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996
Urges the national broadcast television networks to renew their commitment to voluntarily reserving the first hour of prime-time broadcasting for programming suitable for American family members of all ages.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Transportation Empowerment Act - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, the bridge program, the Federal lands highways program, public lands highways, and parkways and park roads through FY 2001. Repeals all funding for the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and Federal Highway Administration highway safety (including research and development) programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend until October 1, 2001, the availability of HTF funds for authorized expenditures; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to States for transportation purposes. Terminates transfers to the HTF's Mass Transit Account on and after October 1, 1997. (Sec. 6) Grants congressional consent to States to enter into interstate compacts to: (1) promote the continuity, quality, and safety of the Interstate System; (2) develop programs to promote and fund safety initiatives and establish safety standards; (3) conduct long-term planning for transportation infrastructure in, and develop transportation infrastructure design and construction standards to be used by, participating States; and (4) establish transportation infrastructure banks. Sets forth provisions regarding financing and establishment of infrastructure banks. (Sec. 7) Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) assist State and local governments in efforts to privatize the transportation infrastructure assets of the State and local governments; and (2) approve requests from State and local governments to privatize transportation infrastructure assets and waive or modify any grant condition, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding criteria for approval of requests, lack of obligation to repay Federal grant funds, use of proceeds from the privatization of a transportation infrastructure asset, and cost recovery. (Sec. 8) Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels funding HTF. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress describing technical and conforming amendments and other laws that are appropriate in light of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996
Precision Agriculture Research, Education, and Information Dissemination Act of 1996 - Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to emphasize competitive grants that promote precision agriculture (as defined by this Act) research projects and to promote dissemination of such projects' results. Provides for the establishment of multistate and national agriculture partnerships, including existing partnerships between national laboratories (Secretary of Energy) and the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to include precision agriculture within the research categories of the Fund for Rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual Retirement Security Program Title II: Social Security Benefit Reforms Social Security Solvency Act of 1996 - Title I: Individual Retirement Security Program - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to publish in the Federal Register each year the reallocation percentage for amounts otherwise appropriated for the following fiscal year to the OASDI trust funds from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes imposed with regard to wages and self-support income. Defines reallocation percentage as the Commissioner's best estimate of the maximum percentage by which such appropriations may be reduced: (1) in any fiscal year before FY 2012, so as to maintain a linear annual reduction in the trust funds performance ratio from the amount of such ratio for the fiscal year preceding such fiscal year to an amount of such ratio for FY 2012 equal to 1.00; and (2) in any fiscal year after FY 2011, so as to maintain a trust funds performance ratio for such fiscal year of 1.00. Defines trust funds performance ratio for any fiscal year as the ratio of the total amount paid into the OASDI trust funds (with specified exceptions) to the total benefit amount which will be paid out (with specified disregards). Requires a reduction in trust fund appropriations, to the extent attributable to the taxes paid with respect to a covered employee or individual during the fiscal year, by the reallocation percentage for the fiscal year involved in any case in which such an employee or self-employed individual has elected to enter into elective retirement status under the new individual retirement security program established by this Act. Creates a new Individual Retirement Security Program under OASDI in which a covered employee or covered self-employed individual may elect to enter into elective retirement status and have retirement contributions made to one or more designated personal retirement savings accounts. Provides for adjustments to primary insurance amounts of such covered individuals in elective status under such program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any amount deposited in a personal retirement savings account. Includes distributions in gross income as if they were social security benefits. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to appropriate into the hospital insurance trust fund and each payor fund revenues from increases in the income tax on social security benefits. Title II: Social Security Benefit Reforms - Amends SSA title II to provide for: (1) a specified limitation on the payment of certain benefits in excess of contributions during years of higher income; (2) a gradual increase in retirement age (up to 69 and beyond after December 31, 2015) and early retirement age; (3) adjustments to bend points in determining primary insurance amounts; (4) information relating to benefit limitations provided in social security account statements; (5) coverage of newly hired State and local employees; and (6) phased reduction in spousal benefits other than survivor's benefits to 33 percent of primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Declares that upon Federal receipt of the document "To Strengthen Michigan Families" relating to a specified demonstration project conducted by the State of Michigan: (1) the appropriate Federal official is deemed to have waived the compliance requirements for any Federal entitlement program specified in such document; and (2) certain implementation costs which would not otherwise be included as program expenditures shall be regarded as project expenditures during the testing period to the extent they do not exceed what would have been expended on the programs involved in the absence of the demonstration project. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to affect certain other waivers granted to the State of Michigan. Permits the State to elect to participate in the same programs as modified by any subsequent legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Social Security Preservation Act of 1996 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance)(OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (trust funds) to ensure that the annual surplus of the trust funds is invested in: (1) marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed by the United States; or (2) certificates of deposit in insured depository institutions. Prescribes a formula for determining the annual surplus of the trust funds. Prohibits disinvestment of trust fund amounts from public debt obligations, any refraining from making such investments, or any delay in making normal deposits in such trust funds for public debt limit-related purposes. Authorizes the sale of trust fund public debt obligations for the payment of OASDI cash benefits and administrative expenses, with conditions, including notification to each House of Congress and the Comptroller General at least three days in advance of such sale.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Standard Trade Relations Act - Declares that any duty or other import restriction or duty-free treatment proclaimed in any trade agreement shall apply to products of all countries, whether imported directly or indirectly. Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974 to replace the terms "most-favored-nation" and "reciprocal nondiscriminatory treatment" with the terms "standard trade relations" and "standard trade relations principle," respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996
Defense of Marriage Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1996
Amends Federal law to require that the President's annual budget include a detailed plan to achieve a balanced budget in the following six years. Requires the Congressional Budget Office's Director to determine, certify, and inform the Congress regarding whether that plan achieves a balanced budget. Requires the Congress, if the budget is certified as not being balanced, to return the budget to the President. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it not in order in the House to consider any budget concurrent resolution unless it provides for a balanced budget. Allows the House to waive that rule if a declared war is in effect or the United States faces an imminent and serious military threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law. Prohibits the Rules Committee from reporting any rule or order waiving that rule.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1996
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund should submit to the Congress without further delay its annual report due on April 1, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
Flood Map Correction Act - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prohibit an area from being considered to be located within an area identified by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an area having special flood hazards if the Director receives from the owner or lessee of the area at issue a written notice that includes: (1) information identifying such area; and (2) a certification by a licensed and bonded surveyor or by the Army Corps of Engineers that the elevation of the area is higher than the elevation required for inclusion in an area having special flood hazards.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Recognizes the importance to the present and future of the United States of a nationally designated Character Counts Week and of the character development of young people. Encourages community, school, and youth organizations to recognize and integrate the six core elements of character articulated in the Aspen Declaration into programs for students and children.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Amendments Title II: Animal Drugs Food Amendments and the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 - Title I: Food Amendments - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to state the mission of the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 102) Modifies requirements regarding label claims of a relationship between a nutritional ingredient and a health-related condition. (Sec. 104) Prohibits construing FDCA provisions relating to misbranding or food additives to require a separate disclosure of a method of production or an ingredient other than in the statement of ingredients, unless necessary to protect the public health. (Sec. 105) Allows certain labeling and additive (including color additive) petitions to be submitted to an accredited person and deems the person's recommendation to be a decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary makes certain findings. Provides for accreditation. (Sec. 107) Allows an additive in feed for food-producing animals, and allows approval of a new animal drug, if the additive or drug presents a small risk (currently, if the additive will not adversely affect the animals and if no residue will be found in food from the animal). (Sec. 108) Prohibits States and subdivisions from having any requirement for a human food, a drug or biological product, or a cosmetic of the type authorized or required under the adulteration, misbranding, or new drug provisions of the FDCA, subject to exception and waiver. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to regularly meet with other countries regarding reducing regulation and seeking reciprocal arrangements. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements that have not been promulgated in accordance with Federal rulemaking requirements to require any action to be taken to satisfy an FDCA requirement. (Sec. 111) Amends the FDCA and the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove or repeal provisions regulating the sale, public eating place serving, and advertising of colored oleomargarine or colored margarine. Repeals related definitions. Title II: Animal Drugs - Amends the FDCA to revise the definition (for new animal drug provisions) of "substantial evidence." Modifies requirements regarding approval of supplemental applications. Exempts use in a minor species and the minor use of a drug from provisions prohibiting approval if there is a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have its purported effect. Revises requirements regarding combination drugs. (Sec. 202) Reduces the period for approval of new animal drug applications. (Sec. 203) Empowers applicants to declare that a review impasse exists. Sets forth a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements regarding drug residues and tolerances. (Sec. 205) Regulates animal feed drugs that are limited by approved applications to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (veterinary feed directive drugs) (VFDDs). Deems animal feed with a new animal drug unsafe unless its labeling, distribution, holding, and use (currently, its labeling and use) conform to specified FDCA requirements. Allows withdrawal of approval for certain VFDD recordkeeping violations. Adds to the prohibited acts list the refusal to permit record access as required by VFDD provisions and the failure to maintain records or make reports as required by VFDD provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to equalize the limitation on multicandidate political committee candidate contributions with the limitation applicable to other persons. (Sec. 4) Limits the number of total contributions a House of Representatives candidate may accept from sources other than in-State sources. (Sec. 5) Limits the total amount of personal loans a House candidate may make to his campaign. (Sec. 6) Permits States to impose voluntary campaign spending limits with respect to Federal elections. (Sec. 7) Revises definitions relating to independent expenditures. (Sec. 8) Sets forth reporting requirements: (1) for certain independent expenditures; and (2) concerning reservation of broadcast time. (Sec. 9) Revises provisions concerning the Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members. (Sec. 10) Reduces the maximum amount that may be allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of a Member. Allows transfers from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance of a Member to the Official Mailing Allowance of a Member. (Sec. 11) Revises the definition "contribution or expenditure" to include political committee contributions made by national banks, corporations, and labor organizations with respect to contributions or expenditures. Makes applicable certain requirements to labor organizations. (Sec. 12) Sets forth requirements for print, broadcast, and cablecast campaign advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1996
Congratulates the people of Taiwan on holding the first democratic presidential election in Chinese history. Declares that the United States is committed to: (1) moving nations toward freedom and democracy; and (2) encouraging and protecting its democratic friends on Taiwan, within the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Federal Agency Anti-Lobbying Act - Prohibits the use of any appropriated funds by Federal agencies for any activity that includes the preparation, publication, or distribution of any written, oral, or visual material promoting public support or opposition to any legislative proposal, including the confirmation of the nomination of a public official or ratification of a treaty on which congressional action is not complete, with the exception of: (1) the President; (2) Vice-President; (3) specified congressional communications; and (4) public communications by any Federal agency official on the views of the President for or against any pending legislative proposal.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Children's Right to Know Act of 1996 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to direct that the report accompanying the concurrent resolution on the budget include an analysis, prepared after consultation with the Congressional Budget Office Director, of the generational accounting consequences of the concurrent resolution. Amends Federal law to require the President's annual budget to include an analysis of the generational accounting consequences of the budget.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1996
Significant Regulation Oversight Act of 1996 - Prohibits a significant rule (as so specified or described in the authorizing Act) from taking effect before the enactment of a joint resolution comprised solely of the text of such rule. Provides that, before a proposed significant rule takes effect as a final rule, the agency proposing the rule shall submit to each House of Congress a report containing a copy of the rule, a concise summary of its purpose and anticipated effects, any cost-benefit analysis prepared for the rule, the specific statutory interpretation under which the rule is proposed, and any other relevant information or executive order. Bars a court or agency from inferring any intent of the Congress with regard to such a rule or a related statute if it fails to enact a joint resolution approving a proposed significant rule. Provides for the revision or revocation of an existing rule upon enactment of a joint resolution introduced pursuant to a petition for review signed by 30 Members in the Senate or 120 Representatives in the House and containing the rule affected and the rule as it would exist if the joint resolution were enacted. Sets forth congressional procedures for the introduction, referral, and consideration of such joint resolutions for the approval of significant proposed rules or the review of existing rules. Exempts from this Act any rule concerning monetary policy proposed or implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
Patient Right to Know Act of 1996 - Prohibits an entity offering a health plan from: (1) providing, in any contract or agreement with a health care provider, any restriction on or interference with any medical communication; or (2) taking retaliatory action against a provider on the basis of a medical communication. Defines "medical communication" as being between a provider and: (1) a current, former, or prospective patient; (2) any employee or representative of the entity; or (3) any representative of any State or Federal authority with responsibility for licensing or oversight regarding the entity or plan. Mandates civil money penalties. Allows State requirements more protective of medical communications than the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agricultural Credit Subtitle A: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Subtitle B: Amendments to the Farm Credit Act of 1971 Title II: Rural Development Title III: Conservation Subtitle A: Consolidation of Conservation Financial Assistance Programs of the Department of Agriculture Subtitle B: Water Quality Conservation Program for Livestock Operations Subtitle C: Highly Erodible Cropland Conservation Subtitle D: Environmental Conservation Acreage Reserve Program Subtitle E: Wetland Conservation Reform Title IV: Agricultural Trade Subtitle A: Public Law 480 and Related Law Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Subtitle D: Dairy Export Programs Title V: Extension of Research Authorities Title VI: Issuance of Orders for Promotion, Research, and Information Activities Regarding Agricultural Commodities Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: General Conservation Provisions Subtitle B: Inspection Agricultural Regulatory Relief and Trade Act of 1996 - Title I: Agricultural Credit - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to target ownership and operating loans to (citizen) family farmers. (Sec. 103) Eliminates specified non-income producing loans and authorities. (Sec. 104) Prohibits (with exceptions) loans to previously defaulting borrowers. (Sec. 105) Reduces emergency loan limits. (Sec. 106) Revises specified beginning farmer provisions. (Sec. 107) Repeals target participation rate provisions. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Farm Credit Act of 1971 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 with respect to: (1) loan decisions; (2) loan restructuring and bankruptcy; (3) borrower stock; (4) nonaccrual status; and (5) right of first refusal. Title II: Rural Development - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to authorize State rural development capitalization grants. Eliminates specified rural development provisions and makes conforming amendments to specified agricultural and rural Acts. Title III: Conservation - Conservation Consolidation and Regulatory Reform Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Consolidation of Conservation Financial Assistance Programs of the Department of Agriculture - Part 1: Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program - Establishes the agricultural conservation assistance program to assist soil, water, and related conservation measures undertaken on private lands. Authorizes appropriations. Part 2: Conforming Amendments - Repeals specified programs and makes conforming amendments to specified Acts, including: (1) the Great Plains conservation program; (2) the agricultural conservation program; (3) the Colorado River Basin salinity control program; (4) the rural environmental conservation program; (5) water quality and tree planting programs; (6) the integrated farm management program; (7) certain forestry assistance programs; and (8) the Water Bank Act. Subtitle B: Water Quality Conservation Program for Livestock Operations - Establishes a program of technical and cost-sharing assistance for water quality conservation for livestock operations. Obligates program funds. Subtitle C: Highly Erodible Cropland Conservation - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the highly erodible land conservation program, including: (1) guideline technical requirements; (2) variance procedures; and (3) good faith exemptions. (Sec. 356) Requires notice of possible violations to be provided during on-site inspections. (Sec. 357) Terminates such program authority, including any ineligibility provisions, after a specified date. Subtitle D: Environmental Conservation Acreage Reserve Program - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the conservation reserve program. Revises enrollment provisions. Repeals the environmental easement program. Authorizes owners or operators to terminate program contracts. Subtitle E: Wetland Conservation Reform - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the wetland conservation program, including program ineligibility provisions. Establishes a mitigation banking program. Title IV: Agricultural Trade - Subtitle A: Public Law 480 and Related Law - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 480) to extend the trade and development and food for development programs. Makes program revisions including: (1) country priorities; (2) eligible private entities; (3) sale conditions; (4) commodities; and (5) local currencies. (Sec. 420) Extends and increases obligation authority for the farmer-to-farmer program. (Sec. 421) Extends the food for progress program. (Sec. 422) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1980 to rename title III as the Food Security Commodity Reserve Act of 1995. Expands the commodities eligible for the food security commodity reserve (currently the food security wheat reserve). Extends and revises such program. Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to extend export credit guaranties. (Sec. 434) Revises agricultural embargo protection payment provisions. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - Repeals provisions of specified agricultural trade-related Acts, including: (1) export enhancement; and (2) agricultural aid and trade missions. (Sec. 449) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend funding for promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (currently, emerging democracies). (Sec. 452) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to monitor foreign compliance with the Agriculture Agreement of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, including World Trade Organization member compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures. (Sec. 453) Provides for a limitation on durum wheat export subsidies. (Sec. 454) Extends the market promotion program. (Sec. 455) Extends funding for the export enhancement program. (Sec. 458) Amends the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988 to extend funding obligations for sunflower seed oil and cottonseed oil export sales. (Sec. 459) Amends the Agricultural Trade Acts of 1978 to establish a foreign market development cooperation program. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Dairy Export Programs - Directs the Secretary to assist the dairy industry to establish an export trading company, and designate an entity if the industry is unable to establish one. Title V: Extension of Research Authorities - Amends specified Acts to extend the following: (1) national genetics resources program; (2) national agricultural weather information system; (3) agricultural storage program; (4) water quality program; (5) livestock product safety and inspection program; (6) mesquite program; (7) prickly pear program; (8) deer tick program; (9) agricultural telecommunications program; (10) national centers for agricultural product quality; (11) pilot project to coordinate food and nutrition education programs; (12) assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities; (13) national rural information center clearinghouse; (14) Indian subsistence farming demonstration grant program; (15) Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences; (16) National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board; (17) food and agricultural sciences grant program; (18) commodity-based alcohol and hydrocarbon development program; (19) food science and nutrition research center; (20) nutrition education program; (21 ) animal health science research advisory board; (22) animal health and disease research programs; (23) regional animal health and disease research; (24) 1890 land-grant college programs of resident instruction and facilities upgrades; (25) national research and training centennial centers; (26) specified research and education programs; (27) alternative crop development; (28) aquaculture assistance; (29) rangeland research; (30) dairy goat research; (31) Federal agricultural research facilities construction; (32) competitive, special, and facilities research program; (33) research facilities program; (34) critical agricultural research; and (35) pseudorabies eradication program. Title VI: Issuance of Orders for Promotion, Research, and Information Activities Regarding Agricultural Commodities - Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 - Authorizes the Secretary to issue agricultural producer, handler, and importer commodity marketing orders. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: General Conservation Provisions - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to provide that State water use or allocation shall not be superseded by National Forest System resource planning provisions. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to extend the application deadline for specified water system rights-of-way. (Sec. 705) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to repeal the composting research program. (Sec. 706) Repeals the Farms for the Future Act of 1990. (Sec. 708) Authorizes a program of technical and educational assistance for private grazing land conservation. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to permit use of State inspectors. Expands State inspection authority. (Sec. 723) Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Social Security Preservation Act of 1996 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (trust funds) to ensure that the annual surplus of the trust funds is invested in: (1) marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed by the United States; or (2) certificates of deposit in insured depository institutions. Outlines provisions for determining the annual surplus of the trust funds. Prohibits disinvestment of trust fund amounts from public debt obligations, any refraining from making such investments, or any delay in making normal deposits in such trust funds for public debt limit-related purposes. Authorizes the sale of trust fund public debt obligations for the payment of cash benefits and administrative expenses, with conditions, including notification to each House of Congress and the Comptroller General at least three days in advance of such sale.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Balanced Budget Act of 1995 - Prohibits issuing any obligation subject to the limitation (under specified provisions of Federal law relating to the public debt limit) after December 31, 2001, except an obligation issued to refund an obligation issued before January 1, 2002. Provides for the suspension of that prohibition on the enactment of a joint resolution declaring a national emergency. Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, an increase in the public debt limit shall not be effective if it makes the limit greater than: (1) $5.432 trillion between October 1, 1997, and September 30, 1999; or (2) $5.908 trillion after September 30, 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Amends Federal law to increase the public debt limit to $4.92 trillion. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from delaying a deposit or credit to, or refraining from investment in public debt obligations in, any Federal fund if the purpose is to reduce or not increase public debt. Allows, notwithstanding the public debt limit, the sale or redemption of public debt obligations held by a covered benefits fund in order to get the cash necessary for payment of benefits or administrative expenses. Prohibits issuance, after December 31, 2001, of public debt obligations subject to limitation under specified provisions of Federal law. Declares that the prohibition does not apply to any obligations issued to refund an obligation issued before January 1, 2002. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, when the Government is unable to borrow sufficient funds because of the public debt limit, to manage the U.S. cash position under the priorities established by the President for making payments. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from selling any U.S. property if the primary purpose of the sale is to avoid the public debt limit.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Balanced Budget Act of 1995 - Prohibits issuing any obligation subject to the limitation (under specified provisions of Federal law relating to the public debt limit) after December 31, 2001, except an obligation issued to refund an obligation issued before January 1, 2002. Provides for the suspension of that prohibition on the enactment of a joint resolution declaring a national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agricultural Market Transition Program Title II: Conservation Title III: Agricultural Promotion and Export Programs Title IV: Miscellaneous Title V: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture Title I: Agricultural Market Transition Program - Agricultural Market Transition Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to enter into production flexibility contracts through crop year 2002 with eligible agricultural operators and owners with respect to conservation, wetlands, and planting flexibility requirements. Requires contracts to be entered into by April 15, 1996, with certain exceptions for conservation reserve lands. Defines eligible "owners and operators" and "farmland." Sets forth: (1) contract payment amounts for each of FY 1996 through 2002 and allocation amounts for wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, and rice; and (2) annual payment rate factors. Permits any commodity or crop to be planted on contract acreage with special provisions and limitations for haying and grazing, alfalfa, and legumes. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to make nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for crop years 1996 through 2002 to producers of wheat, feed grains (corn, grain sorghum, barley, and oats), upland and extra long staple cotton, and oilseeds (sunflower, canola, rapeseed, safflower, mustard, flaxseed, and other oilseeds). Sets forth commodity loan rate, term, and repayment provisions. Directs the Secretary to make loan deficiency payments to producers (of other than extra long staple cotton) who forego obtaining such nonrecourse loans in an amount equal to the difference between a commodity's loan rate and repayment level. Establishes special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton, including: (1) first handler marketing certificates; (2) cotton user marketing certificates; (3) a special import quota; and (4) a limited global import quota for upland cotton. (Sec. 105) Establishes fiscal year payment limitations for individuals of: (1) $40,000 for flexibility contracts; and (2) $75,000 for marketing loan and loan deficiency payments. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) make nonrecourse loans available to quota peanut producers at $610 per ton and to additional peanut producers at appropriate rates; (2) make related warehouse storage loans available; (3) provide for marketing area pools for quota and additional peanuts, with separate pools for New Mexico-produced Valencia peanuts; (4) require that all domestic and export peanuts comply with specified quality standards; and (5) provide for a nonrefundable marketing assessment. Provides that: (1) net gains from each marketing pool shall be distributed only to pool producers; and (2) losses in quota pools shall be covered using a specified order of priority. Prohibits the Secretary from making quota peanut loans if producers have disapproved poundage quotas. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 with regard to the peanut program to: (1) extend peanut quota provisions through crop year 2002; (2) eliminate the minimum national poundage quota; (3) eliminate seed peanuts from the national poundage quota determination; (4) create a temporary quota allocation for seed peanuts; (5) eliminate the Texas increased quota allocation; and (5) authorize transfers of additional peanuts to the quota pool where natural disasters prevented quota poundage harvesting and marketing. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to make recourse loans available to processors of domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets at 18 cents per pound and 22.9 cents per pound, respectively. Sets loan terms at the earlier of nine months or the end of the fiscal year, with supplemental loans available for loans made in the last three months of a fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to provide nonrecourse loans when the imported tariff rate quota for sugar imports exceeds 1.5 million short tons raw value. Sets forth first processor sugarcane and sugar beet marketing assessment rates for FY 1996 through 2003, which shall be collected monthly and remitted to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Sets forth enforcement and reporting provisions. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal marketing allotment provisions. Makes this section applicable to the 1996 through 2002 crops of sugarcane and sugar beets. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle through the CCC. (Sec. 109) Repeals the Agricultural Act of 1949, with specified sections transferred to the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938. (Eliminates permanent price support authority.) Makes conforming amendments to the Agricultural Act of 1938. Title II: Conservation - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide mandatory FY 1996 through 2002 funding through the CCC for the conservation reserve and wetlands programs, and the livestock environmental assistance program. Establishes the livestock environmental assistance program to provide FY 1996 through 2002 technical assistance and cost-sharing and incentive payments to livestock producers who enter into land management and structural contracts to protect water, soil, and related resources from livestock-related degradation. (Makes waste management facility construction ineligible for cost-sharing payments.) Replaces wetlands reserve program permanent easement authority with 15-year easement authority. Limits conservation reserve program total acreage enrollment to 36.4 million acres. Authorizes producers to terminate program participation. Prohibits new acreage enrollment in 1997. Title III: Agricultural Promotion and Export Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to: (1) authorize specified FY 1996 through 2002 appropriations for the market promotion program; and (2) authorize specified FY 1996 through 2002 funding from the CCC for the export enhancement program. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize the Secretary, in consultation with insurance providers, to offer catastrophic risk protection in a State (or portion of a State) through local Department of Agriculture offices if the Secretary determines insufficient coverage is otherwise available. Provides for the transfer of current policies to private insurers. States that beginning with the spring-planted 1996 crop catastrophic coverage shall not be required for agricultural program benefits if the producer signs a written emergency crop loss assistance waiver. Extends crop insurance provisions to seed crops. (Sec. 402) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize the Secretary to collect fees to cover the costs of providing import quarantine and inspection services. Establishes in the Treasury the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection User Fee Account. (Sec. 403) Increases the CCC interest rate applicable to agricultural commodity loans by 100 basis points. Title V: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture - Establishes the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture which shall assess: (1) the changes in U.S. production agriculture resulting from this Act; and (2) the current and future condition of U.S. production agriculture and the appropriate agricultural role of the Government. Terminates the Commission upon submission of a required report.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1995
Youth Development Community Block Grant Act of 1995 - Establishes a youth development block grant program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Sets forth formulae for allocation of funds to States for distribution to local boards for community-based youth development services. Sets forth requirements relating to distribution: (1) of State allotments; (2) of local allocations; (3) to other entities (Native American, including Native Hawaiian, organizations); and (4) to grant recipients. Provides for reallotments and reallocations. (Sec. 11) Requires establishment of county or multicounty Community Youth Development Boards to receive such assistance and make grants for youth development programs. Requires such Boards to submit community strategic plans and to carry out certain monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and reporting activities. (Sec. 13) Requires, as a condition for any entity within a State to receive such assistance, establishment or designation of a State entity to receive youth development input, review community youth development plans, monitor operations of community boards, provide technical assistance in developing and implementing community plans, and provide annual reports and audits. (Sec. 14) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish and implement a mechanism to receive youth development advice and input; (2) develop and issue national policy goals and a national strategic plan for youth development; (3) establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded under this Act; (4) coordinate programs funded under this Act with other Federal programs serving youth and families; and (5) establish a system for providing training and technical assistance to States and local communities to increase their capacity to provide quality youth development services. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to provide financial assistance to appropriate entities to carry out time-limited, research-based youth development demonstration programs designed to improve the knowledge base of the youth development and youth prevention fields. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) report biennially to the President and the Congress; and (2) correct instances of noncompliance by providing training and technical assistance first and then, if necessary, terminating funding. (Sec. 15) Repeals specified provisions under: (1) certain Federal law relating to the Local Partnership Act; (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 relating to crime prevention programs and to urban recreation and at-risk youth; (3) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) relating to school dropout demonstration assistance and to drug free schools and communities; (4) the Public Health Service Act relating to grants for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among high-risk youth; (5) the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 relating to gang-free schools and communities, to mentoring, and to local delinquency programs; (6) the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to demonstration partnership agreements; (7) the Community Services Block Grant Act relating to the National Youth Sports Program; and (8) the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 relating to drug abuse prevention relating to youth gangs and runaway and homeless youth. (Sec. 17) Provides for transfer of a limited amount of funds from such repealed programs to the program under 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 · 6 December 1995
Congressional Responsibility Act of 1995 - Prohibits a regulation from taking effect before the enactment of a bill comprised solely of the text of the regulation. Requires an agency, whenever it promulgates a regulation, to submit to each House of the Congress a report containing its text and an explanation. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for consideration of agency regulations.
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 · 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 · 16 November 1995
NAFTA Accountability Act - Requires assessment of the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), further negotiation of certain NAFTA provisions, and withdrawal from NAFTA unless specified conditions are met and certified to. Sets forth conditions for continuing U.S. participation in NAFTA, which must be met before the end of 1996. Requires the President to renegotiate the terms of NAFTA to correct trade deficits, currency distortions, and agricultural provisions in specified ways. Requires certifications by certain U.S. officials with respect to NAFTA, relating to: (1) gains in U.S. jobs and living standards (by the Secretary of Labor); (2) increased U.S. domestic manufacturing (by the Secretary of Commerce); (3) health and environmental standards, with respect to food imports and to U.S.-Mexico border areas (by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency); (4) flow of illegal drugs from Mexico and Canada (by the Attorney General); and (5) Mexican democracy and human freedoms (by the President). Directs the President to consult regularly with the Congress regarding such negotiations. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with appropriate congressional committees in developing technical and conforming amendments that may be required to carry out this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that until the conditions set by this Act are met: (1) the President should not engage in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries; and (2) fast-track authority should not be renewed with respect to the approval of any such NAFTA expansion.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1995
Health Care Tax Equity Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an additional deduction of up to $1800 ($2400 for joint returns) for medical care not compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Reduces such deduction by the value of employer-provided medical coverage or government-paid medical expenses. Excludes such deduction when computing adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1995
Amends rule LI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to replace provisions governing employment practices with provisions that prohibit a House Member, officer, or employee from knowingly accepting a gift except as provided in this Act. Allows such individual to accept a gift (other than cash or cash equivalent) which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to have a value of less than $50 and a cumulative value from one source during a calendar year of less than $100. Provides that no gift with a value below ten dollars shall count towards the $100 annual limit. Considers a gift to a family member to be a gift to such Member, officer, or employee if given with his or her knowledge and acquiescence and if he or she has reason to believe that the gift was given because of his or her official position. Treats only the food and refreshment provided to such Member, officer, or employee as a gift if food and refreshment are also provided at the same time and place to such individual's spouse or dependent. Includes among exempted items: (1) contributions lawfully made under the Federal Election Campaign Act, a limited contribution for election to a State or local government office under such Act, or attendance at a fund raising event sponsored by a political organization; (2) anything provided on the basis of a personal friendship unless such Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (3) otherwise lawful contributions to such individual's legal expense fund; (4) food, refreshments, lodging, and other benefits which result from the outside business or employment activities of such Member, officer, or employee or spouse if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of such individual's official position, which are customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions, or which are provided by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (5) training that is the House's interest; (6) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual other than a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; and (7) certain other opportunities and benefits provided to the public or to Government employees generally. Establishes conditions under which such Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal friendship exception unless the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issues a written determination that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to such Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered to be gifts if advance authorization is received and the reimbursements and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Declares that activities that are substantially recreational in nature shall not be considered to be in connection with official duties. Includes as prohibited gifts to such Member, officer, or employee from a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal: (1) anything provided to an entity that is maintained or controlled by such Member, officer, or employee; (2) a charitable contribution made on the basis of such Member's, officer's, or employee's specification, with the exception of a mass mailing or other solicitation directed to a broad category of persons or entities; (3) a contribution or other payment to such Member's, officer's, or employee's legal expense fund; and (4) a financial contribution or expenditure made relating to a conference or similar event sponsored by, or affiliated with, an official congressional organization for, or on behalf of, such Members, officers, or employees. Provides that a charitable contribution made by a registered lobbyist or agent in lieu of an honorarium to such Member, officer, or employee shall not be considered a gift under this Act if such Member, officer, or employee reports to the Clerk of the House the name and address of the registered lobbyist, the date and amount of the contribution, and the name and address of the designated or recommended charitable organization. Declares that such rules shall be interpreted and enforced solely by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Amends rule X to revise the functions of the Committee on House Oversight to include accepting a gift for the House if such gift does not involve any duty, burden, or condition or is not made dependent upon some future performance by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Animal Drug Availability Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more scientifically sound studies including, as appropriate, in vitro studies, studies in laboratory animals, bioequivalence studies, and any studies voluntarily undertaken by or for the applicant that provide some assurance that the drug will have the intended effect. Excludes a claim for the use of a drug in a minor species or a minor use of a drug from disapproval, if there is an application filed for the drug which is approved prior to the submission of the claim. Allows consideration, when a new animal drug contains more than one active ingredient or its labeling suggests use of the drug in combination with another animal drug, only of whether any of the active ingredients or any of the drugs in the combination, at the longest withdrawal time of any of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination, exceeds its established tolerance or interferes with the methods of analysis for another of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination. Requires the Secretary to issue proposed regulations implementing the provisions of this section which: (1) further define "substantial evidence;" (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute; and (3) provide for the opportunity for a conference to make a decision establishing a submission or an investigational requirement. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within 90 (currently 180) days of receipt of the application. (Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the Secretary to refer disputed issues received in writing from an applicant to an advisory committee or to a special Government employee; and (2) the committee or employee to submit a report containing recommendations regarding the matter. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to refuse approval of an application if information submitted with respect to the drug indicates that any use suggested in labeling proposed for that drug will result in a unsafe amount of residue. (Sec. 7) Permits the export of an unsafe (as defined in the Act) new animal drug, if it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is exported. (Currently, such export is prohibited.)
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1995
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the contribution that a multicandidate political committee may make to a congressional candidate. Prohibits: (1) a congressional candidate from accepting contributions from out-of-State persons that, in total, equal or exceed contributions from in-State residents; (2) cash contributions in Federal elections; (3) independent expenditures within seven days before a congressional election; (4) contributions between multicandidate political committees; and (5) bundling of funds. Requires: (1) a multicandidate political committee affiliated with another organization to include such organization's entire name in its own name; and (2) a lobbyist who makes a contribution to disclose his or her lobbyist status. Sets forth reporting requirements for: (1) contributing lobbyists; and (2) out-of-State contributions in House of Representatives elections. Bans soft money in Federal elections.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit nonparty multicandidate political committees from making contributions to congressional candidates.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
PAC Limitation Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) prohibit multicandidate political committees from making contributions to candidates for Federal office; and (2) limit contributions that a House of Representatives candidate may accept from outside his or her district.
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 · 8 September 1995
Discretionary Spending Reduction and Control Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish discretionary spending limits for FY 1996 through 2002. Extends congressional committee allocation and enforcement provisions and the applicability of certain points of order through FY 2002. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise and extend the budgetary amounts through FY 2000 for the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. Revises the general statement of budget enforcement to apply to discretionary spending limits and pay-as-you-go requirements rather than expired maximum deficit amounts. Extends enforcement of discretionary spending limits, pay-as-you-go requirements, and reporting requirements through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a House Member, officer, or employee from knowingly accepting a gift except as provided in this Act. Allows such individual to accept a gift (other than cash or cash equivalent) which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to have a value of less than $50 and a cumulative value from one source during a calendar year of less than $100. Provides that no gift with a value below ten dollars shall count towards the $100 annual limit. Considers a gift to a family member to be a gift to such individual if given with his or her knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of such individual's official position. Treats only the food and refreshment that are provided to such individual as a gift if they are also provided at the same time and place to such individual's spouse or dependent. Includes among exempted items: (1) contributions lawfully made under the Federal Election Campaign Act or attendance at a fund raising event sponsored by a political organization; (2) anything provided on the basis of a personal friendship unless such individual has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (3) otherwise lawful contributions to such individual's legal expense fund; (4) food, refreshments, lodging, and other benefits which result from the outside business or employment activities of such individual or spouse if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of such individual's official position, which are customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions, or which are provided by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (5) training that is the House's interest; (6) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual other than a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; and (7) certain other opportunities and benefits provided to the public or to Government employees generally. Establishes conditions under which such individual may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal friendship exception unless the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issues a written determination that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to such individual for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered to be gifts if advance authorization is received and the reimbursements and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Declares that activities that are substantially recreational in nature shall not be considered to be in connection with official duties. Includes as prohibited gifts to such individual from a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal: (1) anything provided to an entity that is maintained or controlled by such individual; (2) a charitable contribution made on the basis of such individual's specification, with the exception of a mass mailing or other solicitation directed to a broad category of persons or entities; (3) a contribution or other payment to such individual's legal expense fund; and (4) a financial contribution or expenditure made relating to a conference or similar event sponsored by, or affiliated with, an official congressional organization for, or on behalf of, such individuals. Provides that a charitable contribution made by a registered lobbyist or agent in lieu of an honorarium to such individual shall not be considered a gift under this Act if such individual reports to the Clerk of the House the name and address of the registered lobbyist, the date and amount of the contribution, and the name and address of the designated or recommended charitable organization. Declares that such rules shall be interpreted and enforced solely by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Commodity Credit Corporation Farm Expenditures Title II: Activities in Support of Farming Under Agricultural Act of 1949 Title III: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture Title IV: Suspension of Certain Provisions Regarding Program Crops Freedom to Farm Act of 1995 - Title I: Commodity Credit Corporation Farm Expenditures - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 (Act) to establish annual and aggregate limits on Commodity Credit Corporation farm and export expenditures through crop year 2002. Title II: Activities in Support of Farming Under Agricultural Act of 1949 - Amends the Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to offer seven-year market transition contracts for cropland compliance with conservation and wetland requirements. Makes nonrecourse marketing assistance loans available through crop year 2002 for wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, and oilseeds. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise certain agricultural program payment limitations relating to individual attribution of payments to corporations. Permits the use of social security and employer identification numbers for such purposes. Title III: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture - Establishes the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture to assess the current and future condition of U.S. production agriculture, including the appropriate agricultural role of the Government. Terminates the Commission upon submission of a required report. Title IV: Suspension of Certain Provisions Regarding Program Crops - Suspends the application of certain agricultural program requirements for wheat, feed grains, and cotton.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program Subtitle D: Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle E: General Provisions Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities Subtitle A: Block Grants Program Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency Subtitle E: Effective Date Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration Subtitle C: Transition Provisions Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reestablishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Housing and Urban Development Programs Resolution Agency (Agency) which shall be an independent Executive agency headed by the Resolution Administrator. Terminates the Agency as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to report on the most efficient manner of abolishing HUD and transferring its functions. Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Sets forth specified transfers of HUD functions. (Sec. 122) Reestablishes the (HUD) Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight as an office in the Department of the Treasury. (Sec. 123) Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association. Requires the Resolution Administrator to develop a phase-out plan. (Sec. 124) Abolishes the (HUD) Office of Public Affairs. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth transfer provisions, including authorizing the Office of Management and Budget to make any necessary transfer determinations. Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance - Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Housing Voucher Agency (established by this Act) to make State block grants for (low-income) housing voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including waiver of voucher program requirements and alternate State grant uses. Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program - Establishes a Federal housing voucher assistance program of monthly payments on behalf of renting or first-time owning low-income families. Limits assistance to five years. Provides assistance portability within the same State or metropolitan area. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program - Directs the Administrator (Voucher Administrator) of the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (established by this Act) to establish: (1) a State housing assistance need formula; and (2) a limit on assisted families per State and a maximum State allocation. (Sec. 252) Authorizes a State to elect State block grant voucher assistance (subtitle A) rather than Federal voucher assistance (subtitle B). Subtitle D: Office of Federal Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (to be headed by the Voucher Administrator) which shall carry out the housing assistance programs under this title and certain other transferred housing authorities. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for specified provisions of this title. Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Programs - Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing - Replaces the following housing programs with a five-year interim public housing block grant program: (1) tenant-based section 8 assistance; (2) project-based section 8 assistance; (3) tenant-based rental assistance for disabled families; (4) rental assistance for persons with AIDS; (5) shelter plus care rental assistance for homeless persons; (6) tenant opportunity program; (7) flexible subsidies; (8) preservation programs; (9) service coordinators for assisted projects; and (10) Indian public housing, childhood development, and rental assistance. (Sec. 312) Provides for the transition of housing assistance from the interim block grant program to the voucher assistance programs. (Sec. 313) Provides for: (1) the transfer of specified remaining HUD authority to the Voucher Administrator; and (2) benefits to families assisted under terminated programs. Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation - Terminates the following housing programs: (1) public housing under title I or III of the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) urban revitalization program; (3) public housing childhood development; (4) perinatal services demonstration; (5) youth sports demonstration; and (6) public and assisted housing drug elimination. (Sec. 322) Provides for the deregulation of public housing authorities (PHAs). Requires PHAs to develop a strategic plan as a condition of assistance eligibility. (Sec. 325) Establishes the Public Housing Block Grant Fund for grants to PHAs for public housing management and operations. Sets forth program provisions, including lead-based paint requirements. States that participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be mandatory. (Sec. 330) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities - Subtitle A: Block Grants Program - Requires the Director of the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency to make an housing assistance block grant to eligible States, entitlement areas, and Indian tribes. Sets forth program provisions, including at least 90 percent low-income use and one percent set-asides for Indian tribes. Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing - Obligates specified block grant funds for State housing programs for low-income special populations (elderly families, disabled families, or persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families). (Sec. 422) Obligates specified block grant funds for Indian housing authorities. Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants - Authorizes block grant appropriations. Repeals specified housing and related programs. Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency - Establishes the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency as an independent Executive agency. Subtitle E: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this title. Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund (Fund). States that Fund amounts shall be for: (1) payment of losses to qualified mortgage insurers; (2) payment of certain claim notes; (3) investment; and (4) certain annual assessments. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Fund Administrator to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified mortgage insurers for single family home mortgage insurance coverage. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration which shall administer the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle C: Transition Provisions - Prohibits new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan or mortgage activities. Repeals specified FHA insurance authorities. Provides for the sale of FHA mortgage insurance interests and transfer of remaining authority to the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous and administrative provisions. Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget - Establishes in the Office of Management and Budget the Office of Federalism whose duties shall include: (1) review of policy and legislation's effect on the Federal-State relationship; and (2) federalism issues liaison services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Continues existing average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles until such standards are specifically amended or changed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
Wamp Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) place equal ($2000) contribution limits on multicandidate political committees and other persons generally; and (2) limit House of Representatives election contributions from persons other than in-State individual residents.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to manage the cash position of the U.S. Government by making payments to meet the needs of the Government if sufficient funds cannot be borrowed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
Clean Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions to candidates for Federal office by persons other than individuals or political party committees. (Sec. 3) Prohibits congressional candidates from accepting contributions from persons other than political party committees or in-State individual residents. (Sec. 4) Eliminates multicandidate political committees as a separate political committee category for contribution limitation purposes. (Sec. 5) Limits personal loans by candidates for Federal office to their campaigns to $5000. (Sec. 6) Extends the ban on franked mass mailings by Members of Congress to 90 days before an election. (Sec. 7) Extends the annual contribution limitation to all persons other than political party committees. (Sec. 8) Establishes a ban on gifts to members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives. Sets forth exceptions to such prohibition.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Nick [R-MI-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000597_200.jpg)