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 · 22 March 1996
Amends Federal law to exempt from hazardous material transportation regulation certain vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that the hazardous material involved poses a significant risk to health and safety or property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1996 - Directs the President to impose certain economic sanctions against persons who with actual knowledge or reason to know: (1) export certain petroleum and natural gas-related goods or technology that would significantly and materially enhance Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; or (2) make an investment of $40 million or more in any 12-month period that directly contributes to Iran's development of such resources. Specifies exceptions to trade sanctions, among other things for certain defense-related articles or services essential to U.S. national security. Prohibits with respect to any sanctioned person: (1) extension of Export-Import Bank assistance; (2) licenses or permits for the exportation of goods or technology; (3) importation into the United States of products produced by such person; and (4) loans from U.S. financial institutions. Specifies sanctions against financial institutions. Authorizes the Secretary of State upon request to issue an advisory opinion to any person as to whether a proposed activity would be subject to sanctions. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or ballistic missiles and missile launch technology; and (2) been removed from the list of countries determined, under the Export Administration Act of 1979, to have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to persuade other countries to: (1) pressure Iran to cease its weapons of mass destruction programs and support of international terrorism; and (2) ask Iran to reduce the presence of Iranian diplomats and other personnel and withdraw any of them who participated in the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. Requires the President to ensure continued reports to the Congress on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support for acts of international terrorism. Applies the sanctions required under this Act to persons making investments for the development of petroleum resources in Libya. Declares that determinations to impose sanctions under this Act are not reviewable in any court.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) for assistance to specified private sector development enterprise funds for foreign countries. Prohibits the President from establishing any new private sector development enterprise funds. Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated to AID for assistance to any private sector development enterprise fund in which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) (or any other international financial institution of which the United States is a member) participates, or which is financed by that Bank or institution, including: (1) the Russia Small Business Fund; (2) the Regional Venture Fund for the Lower Volga Region; and (3) the Slovenia Development Capital Fund. Directs the President to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the World Bank and any other international financial institution of which the United States is a member to use the U.S. vote to oppose participation of the World Bank or institution in, or financing by that Bank or institution of, any private sector development enterprise fund named in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1996
Fast and Efficient Tax Filing Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the use of any private designated delivery service under the timely-mailing-as-timely-filing rule.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Declares that it is U.S. policy that: (1) the European Union's prohibition on the importation into European Union (E.U.) member states of meat from animals treated with hormones and the European Community's Third Country Meat Directive are nontariff trade barriers; and (2) it is in the public interest to remove such barriers to exports of U.S. meat products. Directs the President to prohibit the entry, or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, into the customs territory of the United States of all meat products of E.U. member states. Declares that such prohibition shall remain in effect until the Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative have submitted to the Congress their joint determination that the E.U. has removed such prohibition, and that U.S. meat products are permitted access to their markets.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Condemns: (1) the visit of Louis Farrakhan to Libya, Iran, and Iraq; and (2) his statements made during those visits which support the governments of these countries (all of which have been designated by the Secretary of State as state sponsors of terrorism). Calls upon the President to direct appropriate Government agencies to determine if Farrakhan violated any Federal laws by such visits or by actions resulting from agreements or understandings reached during these visits and to vigorously prosecute any such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996
Permits the National Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary to sponsor a public event, the 15th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, on the Capitol grounds on May 15, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1996
Highway Rail Grade Crossing Safety Formula Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to direct the Secretary of Transportation, for FY 1997, to set aside five percent of the funds authorized for the surface transportation program to be apportioned among the States for railway-highway crossings based on a formula which takes into account the number of accidents and fatalities at public railway-highway crossings over a three-year period, the number of such crossings, and the number of such crossings with passive warning devices in each State relative to all States. Provides for exclusive availability of specified apportioned funds for railway-highway crossings and for hazard elimination programs in FY 1997.
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 · 1 February 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to certify any State program for brownfields (abandoned industrial sites in need of hazardous waste remediation before they may be returned to productive use) if the program: (1) covers only sites that have been contaminated prior to enactment of this Act and are not listed on the National Priorities List; (2) provides for public participation prior to a landowner's release from liability upon completion of site remediation (carried out under a certified program) under State law and under abatement and response provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); (3) provides for a reopening of a cleanup proposal under specified conditions; (4) contains standards for the sites that protect public health and the environment; and (5) includes coordination among State agencies for environmental protection and economic development. Provides (in addition to the release of landowners from liability described above) for the release from liability under State law and under CERCLA, upon completion of remediation, of lenders and developers (except with respect to pollution directly caused by them), prospective purchasers, and local governments not involved in the management of a site. Allows the Administrator to waive Federal permit requirements if the State program includes a waiver of State permit requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for payments into a tax-exempt Hazardous Waste Remediation Reserve to be used exclusively to pay costs of the taxpayer to: (1) assess the extent of a site's environmental contamination and its expected remediation cost; and (2) remediate the contamination.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that Federal funds made available to hire or rehire career law enforcement officers are used by the entity receiving such funds to ensure that such entity achieves a net gain of the number of law enforcement officers who perform nonadministrative public safety service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1996
Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to apply leasing requirements to any lease of space by a Federal agency in the same manner and to the same extent as if such space were being leased by the Administrator of General Services, except that certain required functions of the Administrator concerning such leasing shall be carried out by the Federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
National Motor Vehicle Safety, Anti-Theft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Authorizes States to use Federal highway safety funds to defray the costs of establishing new procedures to comply with such requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of the above acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit customs officers from allowing the export of self-propelled vehicles from the United States by transport (current law permits the export of used self-propelled vehicles provided ownership information is given), unless the exporter presents proof of ownership to such officer. Sets forth a civil penalty for violations of this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the standards proposed by the National Center for History in the Schools for the teaching of U.S. and world history.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Condemns the court-martial of Specialist Michael New of the United States Army in response to his refusal to accept United Nations (UN) commanders and wear the UN insignia on his military uniform. Calls on the President, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, to override New's conviction and restore his status with a place of honor in the Army.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996
Prohibition on United Nations Taxation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) or any of its agencies if the U.N.: (1) attempts to impose a tax on any U.S. person; or (2) borrow funds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Monetary Fund, or any other similar or regional international financial institution. Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the U.N. or any of its agencies, including the U.N. Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the U.N. or such agency is not engaged in any effort to develop or promote any taxation proposals in order to raise revenue for the U.N. or any such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Canada should eliminate its tolls along the St. Lawrence Seaway and join with the United states in identifying ways to maximize the movement of goods and commerce through the Seaway.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
International Dolphin Conservation Program Act - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow authorizations for the incidental taking of marine mammals during commercial yellowfin tuna fishing. Removes provisions requiring that, for purse seine yellowfin fishing, the goal of reducing incidental kill or serious injury to insignificant levels approaching zero be satisfied by the best safety techniques and equipment economically and technologically practicable. Modifies requirements regarding export by another nation to the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested with purse seine nets in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Exempts a U.S. citizen from the Act in specified circumstances. Changes requirements regarding the issuance of general permits for the taking of marine mammals. Amends the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act regarding the circumstances in which tuna products may be labeled "Dolphin Safe," including allowing such labeling if (among other qualifying circumstances): (1) with regard to harvesting in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the vessel's captain and a Program-approved observer state that no dolphins were killed during the sets in which that tuna was caught; and (2) with regard to harvesting outside the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the vessel's captain (or in certain circumstances the captain and an observer) state that no purse seine net was intentionally deployed on or to encircle dolphins during the voyage. Mandates implementing regulations, including regulations addressing the use of weight calculation and well location. (Sec. 5) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to declare that it is U.S. policy to support the International Dolphin Conservation Program and to ensure that the U.S. market does not act as an incentive to tuna harvesting that is not in compliance with the Program. Mandates regulations to authorize and govern the incidental taking of marine mammals in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, including any species designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 but not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Authorizes emergency regulations in certain circumstances. Requires undertaking or supporting scientific research to further the Program's goals. Repeals existing research program provisions. Repeals provisions relating to bans on imports from countries failing to implement a moratorium on purse seine harvesting of tuna. Replaces provisions concerning permits for taking dolphins with provisions mandating issuance of a permit to a U.S. vessel authorizing participation in the Program. Prohibits U.S. vessels from operating in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna fishery without such a permit. Authorizes permit sanctions for violations of prohibited acts provisions of the Act. Modifies the list of prohibited acts. (Sec. 6) Amends the Tuna Conventions Act to modify the composition of the U.S. representation on the International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Modifies requirements regarding a related advisory committee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1995
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that: (1) in any case during FY 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for programs, projects, and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, payments of existing veterans' benefits and payments to contractors of the Veterans Health Administration for patient health and safety services are still made; and (2) in any case during FY 1996 in which certain Government functions are delayed, deferred, or canceled due to a limitation on the ability to borrow funds, payments of existing veterans' benefits are still made.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1995
Emergency Lumber Act of 1995 - Imposes a 25 percent ad valorem duty on imported Canadian wood and lumber products. Requires the administering authority to initiate a countervailing duty investigation with respect to such products. Declares that the President is authorized to negotiate with free trade area countries for the purpose of entering into an agreement to modify certain terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement to provide: (1) that the exclusive review by binational panels shall not apply to antidumping and countervailing duty determinations involving their merchandise; and (2) that such determinations shall be subject to judicial review in the same manner as determinations made with respect to non-free trade area countries. Declares further that: (1) such negotiations shall not affect the rights of the United States or a free trade area country to apply its domestic antidumping and countervailing duty laws to the imports of another country; and (2) if an agreement has been entered into pursuant to such negotiations, the President shall submit implementing legislation to the Congress. Extends "fast track" procedures to such legislation. Applies the requirements of this Act to goods from Canada or Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1995
Breast Implant Accountability Act - Requires each manufacturer of a breast implant to notify each individual with a silicone gel or saline implant implanted before 1994 that the manufacturer will pay for removal and will allow the recipient to select the physician and hospital or center for the removal. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct or contract for research on the physiological, neurological, and immunological effects of chemicals found in, or used in the manufacture of, breast implants. Prohibits: (1) physicians from doing silicone breast implants without patient execution of a consent form prescribed by the Secretary and from refusing the treatment of a patient because the patient has received a breast implant; (2) grants to an organ procurement organization if the organization has allowed an individual who has a breast implant to donate an organ; and (3) licensing of any blood collection entity if the entity receives blood from such an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Savings in Construction Act of 1995 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including "hard-metric conversion" and "soft-metric conversion." Prohibits Federal agencies from: (1) using construction or procurement guidelines that require the use of hard-metric products if a majority of the related contracts would be likely to result in a certification under this Act; and (2) establishing bidding requirements or preferences for federally-assisted construction contracts that specify the use of hard-metric products if soft-metric production is feasible, and, as certified by an industry representative, hard-metric alternatives are not readily available, would exceed specified capital costs, and would result in negligible benefits, or would reduce competition or create special hardships.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Provides that any individual who performs Operation Joint Endeavor services (United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina) shall be entitled to the same tax benefits under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are provided to U.S. military personnel who perform service in an area designated by the President as a combat zone. Makes this Act effective for periods beginning on or after December 4, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1995 - Provides that where a professional sports league approves the relocation of a team from a community in which the team has been located for at least ten years: (1) the registered mark that is used to identify the team becomes the property of the league; (2) the league shall reserve the mark for use only by the community from which the team is relocating until the earlier of the mark's expiration or the date on which the community informs the league that a team will not be using the mark; and (3) the mark may not be used by another team in the same league. (Sec. 4) Requires a team owner seeking to relocate the team to provide notice to the local government for the community in which the team's stadium or arena is located, the owner or operator of such stadium or arena, and each team that is a member of the professional sports league not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the team is to play in the new community. (Sec. 5) Directs the league, within a year after the submission of the name of an investor to a league, to grant to the investor a new expansion professional sports team franchise at a fee no greater than 85 percent of the franchise fee charged for the last expansion team franchise granted. Makes such requirement applicable to a league in any case in which: (1) the league approves, on or after January 1, 1993, the relocation of a team from one community to another; (2) not later than three years after such relocation, the community in which the team was previously located submits the name of an investor to be granted a new team franchise in such community; and (3) the investor demonstrates that he is financially able to purchase and support a team by placing the prescribed amount, plus the sale price of the last team sale approved by the league, in an escrow account. Authorizes the league, for ten years after granting an expansion team franchise, to approve a resale of the team but not the team's relocation. Makes this section inapplicable to a team that relocates within 60 miles of the community. (Sec. 6) Permits under the antitrust laws a league to enforce rules or agreements authorizing its membership to decide whether a member team may relocate from one community to another. Requires a league, in determining whether to approve such a relocation, to make specific findings, including regarding fan loyalty, the extent to which the team received public financial support, and whether there is a bona fide investor offering fair market value that will retain the team in the current community. (Sec. 7) Sets forth penalties for failure to comply with this Act. Provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Water Supply Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for establishing water supply infrastructure accounts in State water pollution control revolving loan fund programs to provide assistance for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply systems. Sets forth specific requirements for grant agreements. Applies certain provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act regarding authorized uses of water pollution control revolving funds, corrective action, and auditing, reporting, and fiscal controls to water supply construction accounts. Sets forth amounts to be allotted to States and U.S. territories. Reserves a specified amount for grants to Indian tribes. Directs the Administrator to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) an estimate of the cost of needed construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply systems in all States; and (2) a study of the economic impact on affected units of government of the cost of installation of water supply systems. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a recipient of assistance under this Act should purchase American-made equipment and products. Directs the Administrator to provide to each recipient of assistance a notice describing such sense of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 6 December 1995
Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose the creation of any financing mechanism (international bailout fund) designed to prevent or resolve the insolvency of sovereign nations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
Fair International Standards in Trade (FIST) Act - Authorizes the President to enter into a trade agreement only if it requires each country party to the agreement to: (1) adopt laws that afford internationally recognized worker rights to workers and that promote internationally recognized environmental standards in that country; and (2) treat as an actionable unfair trade practice the denial of such rights and standards as a means for such country to gain a competitive trade advantage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the ban against representing, aiding, or advising foreign entities on any person who has been the U.S. Trade Representative to extend the ban: (1) from three years after leaving the position to any time after leaving the position; and (2) to the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and any Commissioner of the International Trade Commission. (Sec. 1) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit appointment as U.S. Trade Representative, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, or Commissioner of the International Trade Commission of any person who has represented, aided, or advised a foreign entity in any trade negotiation or trade dispute with the United States. (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the post-Federal employment ban relating to foreign entities on certain senior and very senior personnel (including the Vice President) of the executive branch and independent agencies, and on members of Congress and officers and employees of the legislative branch. Applies the same ban to the President. Makes such ban permanent with respect to knowingly acting as an agent or attorney for or otherwise representing or advising, for compensation, a foreign government or foreign political party, if the representation or advice relates directly to a matter in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest. Sets a five-year ban on knowingly acting, for compensation, as an agent or attorney for or otherwise representing or advising in such a matter: (1) any person outside of the United States, unless such person is an individual U.S. citizen domiciled within the United States, or an organization created by Federal or State law with a principal place of business within the United States; or (2) any partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country. (Sec. 3) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) rename it the Foreign Interests Representation Act; (2) change "agent of a foreign principal" to "representative of a foreign principal"; and (3) cover as such a representative any person who engages in political activities for purposes of furthering commercial, industrial, or financial operations with a foreign principal. Declares that a foreign principal controls a person in major part if the foreign principal holds: (1) more than 50 percent equitable ownership in such person; or (2) (subject to rebuttal evidence) between 20 percent and 50 percent equitable ownership in such person. Excludes from the meaning of "representative of a foreign principal": (1) U.S.-organized news or press services or associations and newspapers and periodicals whose officers, directors, and at least 80 percent of whose beneficial owners are U.S. citizens, and which are not owned or financed by any representative of a foreign principal required to register under such Act; or (2) any U.S.-organized incorporated, nonprofit membership organization that is a registered lobbying organization whose activities are directly supervised or subsidized in whole by U.S. citizens. Repeals the exemption from the registration requirements of such Act for persons, or their employees, whose foreign principal is the government of a foreign country whose defense is presidentially deemed vital to defense of the United States. Revises the exemption from such registration requirements for lawyers engaged in legal representation of a disclosed foreign principal before any Federal agency to limit such exemption to legal representation before the Patent and Trademark Office. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to file required registration statements, or for false statements, or omission of material facts from such statements. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth misdemeanor penalties for misappropriation of any person's name in connection with a lobbying contact about any legislation before the Congress or nomination pending before the Senate. (Sec. 5) Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to establish a joint registry to record visits by registered lobbyists to Members of the House and Senators. Requires lobbyists to record each such visit in the registry, including date and subject.
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 · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 14 November 1995
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1995
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for the ground deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of any peacekeeping operation or implementation force, unless funds for such deployment have been specifically appropriated by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. travel and tourism. Establishes the National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal non-profit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy. Directs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to: (1) place priority on implementing recommendations by the National Tourism Board; and (2) cooperate with the National Tourism Organization. Authorizes the President to transfer up to 25 staff members of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration to the Foreign Service or the Commercial Service for two years to assist the Organization in its start-up activities. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee's (TPCC) Federal trade promotion plan to reflect, among other things, recommendations by the National Tourism Board. Makes the President of the National Tourism Organization a member of the TPCC.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1995
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) in the negotiation of any peace agreement between the parties to the conflict in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there should not be a presumption, and it should not be considered to be a prerequisite to the successful conclusion of such a negotiation, that enforcement of such agreement will involve deployment of U.S. armed forces on the ground in the territory of the Republic; and (2) no U.S. armed forces should be deployed on the ground in such territory to enforce a peace agreement until the Congress has approved the deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Requires the Secretary of Energy to transfer, without compensation, the Tatum Dome Test Site to the State of Mississippi after certification from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the State that any contamination of such property has been remedied in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Subjects such transfer to retention by the United States of the following: (1) the subsurface estate below the depth of 2700 feet below sea level unless a lesser depth is agreed upon by the Secretary; (2) rights of access for monitoring wells for sampling; and (3) the right to install wells additional to those identified in the remediation plan to the extent deemed necessary by the Secretary to monitor potential pathways of contaminant migration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Prohibits any member of the armed forces from being required to wear any uniform item or insignia which indicates an allegiance to or affiliation with the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for the ground deployment of U.S. forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of any peacekeeping operation or implementation force, unless the deployment is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
Increases by 800 percent the rate of duty on imported French beaujolais wine until the President certifies to the Congress that France has terminated its underground nuclear test program and begun dismantling its nuclear testing facilities in the South Pacific.
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 · 18 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Remedy Selection and Community Participation Title II: Liability Title III: Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanups Title IV: Natural Resource Damages Title V: State Role Title VI: Federal Facilities Title VII: Miscellaneous Title VIII: Amendments to Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Title IX: Remediation Waste Management Title X: Funding Subtitle A: Expenditures from the Hazardous Substance Superfund Subtitle B: Five-Year Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund Reform of Superfund Act of 1995 - Title I: Remedy Selection and Community Participation - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund) to add new provisions establishing a national risk protocol. Requires that risk assessments conducted under the Act: (1) provide scientifically objective and unbiased estimates and characterizations which neither minimize nor exaggerate the nature and magnitude of risks to human health and the environment; (2) distinguish scientific findings from other considerations; and (3) be based on relevant and current scientific, technical, and exposure-related information, including epidemiological data, data on bioavailability, and site-specific information. Requires the President to publish guidelines which, among other requirements, define the use of probabilistic modeling, population risk estimates, and approaches for addressing cumulative potential risks posed by multiple contaminants or multiple exposure pathways. Requires further that the guidelines provide methodology for establishing protective exposure levels that are set, to the extent feasible and scientifically appropriate, at the final 90th percentile of exposure probability distribution. Directs the President to conduct a review and assessment of the health effects values and toxicological profiles of 25 specified hazardous substances considered to be carcinogens. Requires publication of the finalized assessment with explanations of assumptions, inferences, models, and other factors. (Sec. 102) Replaces existing remedial action selection provisions with provisions requiring, among other factors, protection from realistic and significant risks through cost-reasonable means. Adds drinking water standards requirements for remedies. Revises standards for protective remedies and the methods of remediation. Requires consideration of the views of Community Assistance Groups in development of certain recommendations. Requires site-specific risk assessments. Establishes revised procedures for consideration of remedial action alternatives and the factors to be balanced in reaching final decisions, including cost-effectiveness, anticipated uses, and site-specific risk assessments. Allows for generic remedies when demonstrated to be effective. Requires the President to consider new procedures for conducting remedial investigations and feasibility studies in an efficient, cost-effective, and timely manner, providing for their inclusion in the next revised National Contingency Plan. Allows a finding of technical impractability on a site-specific analysis basis without a requirement that the remedial measure first be installed and reviewed, unless the analysis is insufficient or inadequate. States that Federal and State procedural requirements shall not apply to response actions conducted on-site. (Current law refers only to permit requirements.) Revises disposal standards. Adds provisions allowing review and comment by States adjoining certain facilities. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions relating to grants for technical assistance to groups affected by release or threatened release of hazardous substances at facilities on the National Priorities List. Sets a funding limit of $20 million annually. Adds provisions for citizen and community participation in the Superfund decisionmaking process. (Sec. 104) Adds provisions establishing Community Assistance Groups (CAGs) to provide views to the President and others on matters related to facility remediation. Limits eligibility for Technical Assistance Grants. (Sec. 105) Adds under the hazard ranking system of the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances requirements that the President place highest priorities on facilities where there is actual ongoing human exposure at levels of public health concern or demonstrated adverse health effects. (Sec. 106) Removes the requirement for a national registry of serious diseases and illnesses. Specifies that the national registry of persons exposed to hazardous substances is for scientific and public health purposes. Provides that in cases of public health emergencies, exposed persons shall be eligible for referral to accredited medical care providers. (Under current law persons are eligible for admission to Public Health Service facilities.) (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct health effects studies directly or by cooperative agreements and grants. Allows additional types of research studies by ATSDR. Revises ATSDR health assessment, health studies, information distribution, and other directives. (Sec. 112) Extends emergency removal authority. (Sec. 113) Adds provisions authorizing the President to acquire a hazardous substance easement restricting or controlling the use of land, water, or other natural resources. (Sec. 114) Grants Federal court jurisdiction to review of final decisions regarding the selection of a remedy under CERCLA. Title II: Liability - Amends CERCLA to allow potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to receive a reimbursement from the Fund of 50 percent of cleanup costs incurred after October 18, 1995, for liability due to pre-1987 activity. (Sec. 202) Adds provisions creating liability exemptions and limitations for, among others: (1) pre-1987 de minimis contributors; (2) specified National Priorities List (NPL) municipal landfills; (3) municipal solid waste and sewage sludge, if the person is a homeowner or renter, small business, or small, nonprofit organization; (4) de micromis contributors; (5) facilities acquired by inheritance or bequest; and (6) NPL-site contiguous properties. (Sec. 203) Adds new provisions stating that exemptions and limits of liability shall not apply to any person whose liability is based on an act that was illegal at the time. (Sec. 206) Prohibits the President from amending certain administrative orders or issuing additional orders without a subsequent finding of an imminent and substantial endangerment. Describes sufficient causes. Sets limitations on authority for pre-enactment releases at non-NPL facilities. (Sec. 207) Adds new provisions on allocations at multi-party facilities, describing when EPA shall initiate the allocation process, the process itself, and post-settlement litigation. (Sec. 210) Amends provisions governing liability of response action contractors. (Sec. 211) Adds provisions authorizing the use of annuity contracts or other financial instruments by PRPs to make payments for response costs. Adds authority for PRP challenges to cost recovery components of a settlement under certain circumstances. (Sec. 213) Amends CERCLA to require EPA to offer final covenants not to sue to settling parties who meet certain requirements and pay a premium. Authorizes discretionary covenants not to sue when in the public interest. (Sec. 214) Revises expedited final settlement procedures. (Sec. 215) Adds provisions exempting recyclers from liability if they make certain threshold demonstrations. Applies such exemptions to scrap paper, plastic, glass, rubber (other than whole tires), metal, and batteries. (Sec. 216) Makes information available to the public after 45 days. Amends confidentiality requirements regarding information obtained by EPA. Title III: Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanups - Adds new provisions requiring the Administrator to provide assistance to State voluntary response programs. (Sec. 302) Adds definitions of "owner or operator" for purposes of determining cleanup liability to exclude holders of indicia of ownership who are primarily protecting a security interest but do not exercise responsibility for the handling of hazardous substances. Modifies liability of fiduciaries. Limits liability to actual benefit. (Sec. 303) Requires that the standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials be used to determine whether a defendant qualifies as an innocent landholder. (Sec. 304) Adds provisions limiting Federal enforcement actions under CERCLA for States with approved remedial action programs. (Sec. 305) Details conditions under which a bona fide prospective purchaser shall not be considered liable for response costs. Title IV: Natural Resource Damages - Amends CERCLA to define "restoration," "reasonable restoration measures," "cost-effective," "cost-reasonable," "timely," and "baseline condition." Specifies covered damages, limits of liability, and damage measurement conditions. Title V: State Role - Amends CERCLA to add provisions providing that the Administrator may delegate authority to a State to take action at any or all NPL sites within the State, including Federal facilities. Sets eight categories of authority for delegation. Removes 50 percent cost share requirements in State- or local-operated sites, lowering such requirement to ten percent. Allows State petitions for lower cost shares in certain cases. (Sec. 502) Sets caps on yearly additions to the National Priorities List, prohibiting additions entirely by 2003. (Sec. 503) Revises provisions governing State and local reimbursement for response actions. Title VI: Federal Facilities - Revises existing CERCLA provisions governing the State role at Federal facilities. (Sec. 602) Adds provisions allowing Federal facilities on NPL to be designated by the President for research, development, and application of innovative technologies for remedial action at the facility. Prescribes procedures. Requires reports to the Congress. (Sec. 605) Revises provisions regarding the applicability of specified provisions of CERCLA to the U.S. Government. Makes the United States subject to all Federal, State, interstate, and local substantive and procedural requirements, including administrative orders and penalties and fines, and reasonable service charges. States that neither the United States nor any agent, employee, or officer shall be immune from any court process with respect to the enforcement of injunctive relief. (Sec. 608) Requires Federal agencies to conduct annual studies to determine environmental management priorities at NPL facilities and report to Congress. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Revises existing definitions and adds new definitions of terms, including "municipal solid waste" and "construction contractor." (Sec. 703) Requires the EPA Administrator to establish a small business Superfund assistance section within the EPA small business ombudsman office. Assigns specified functions to the section. (Sec. 706) Revises CERCLA report requirements. Title VIII: Amendments to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to require cost-effective restoration of natural resources and to include natural recovery as a means of natural resource restoration. (Sec. 802) Changes current language to include reasonable and necessary costs and other changes in the measurement of damages. (Sec. 803) Requires the issuance of regulations by August 8, 1998, with requirements for damage assessments and the appointment of a lead trustee under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. (Sec. 804) Adds definitions, including definitions of "cost- effective," "cost-reasonable," and "timely." Title IX: Remediation Waste Management - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add a new title on remediation waste management. Exempts remediation waste from hazardous waste and other regulation. Applies the exemption to orders, permits, enforceable agreements, or other remedial action plans issued by EPA or a State. Directs that remedies required under the corrective action program be necessary to protect human health and the environment from realistic risks in a cost-effective and cost-reasonable manner. Enumerates five factors to be balanced in selecting remedies. Requires the final remedy to be based on the current use of land, water, and other resources at the site unless there is a substantial probability of different future uses. Prescribes procedures for the certification of State hazardous waste programs for the management of remediation wastes. States that the effect of certification is that remediation waste shall no longer be considered hazardous waste or, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, toxic waste. Provides for the establishment of EPA remediation waste programs in States without certified programs. Prescribes enforcement provisions, imposing criminal penalties for violations involving remediation waste regulations. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that petroleum-contaminated media and debris from cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks that is hazardous due to organic constituents shall not be considered hazardous waste. Title X: Funding - Subtitle A: Expenditures from the Hazardous Substance Superfund - Revises authority to use the Fund for technical assistance grants, worker training, and other activities. Makes funds available for certain response, removal, remediation, and other costs. Limits natural resource damage funds to $50 million per year for FY 1996-1998 and $100 million annually thereafter. Limits funding for certain administration, oversight, monitoring, evaluation, enforcement, and other activities to 25 percent of the total for FY 1996-1998, and 20 percent for FY 1996 and thereafter. Sets specified other limitations on the use of Fund monies. Authorizes appropriations to the Hazardous Substance Superfund through FY 2000. Subtitle B: Five-Year Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the collection of Superfund taxes through 2000. Increases the aggregate tax which may be collected from $11.97 billion to $22 billion until December 31, 2000. Extends the repayment deadline. Provides additional sources of funds for Superfund.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1995
Iran Foreign Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain twelve-month economic sanctions against foreign persons who, with requisite knowledge, export goods or technology that would contribute to Iran's ability to extract, refine, produce, store, or transport petroleum or natural gas products. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) substantially improved its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights; (2) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles or related delivery systems; and (3) ceased support for acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such a waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support, if any, for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Amends Federal transportation law to define "air cargo jetport" to mean a public airport used or intended to be used substantially for the shipping of cargo by air. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to use at least three percent of funds made available for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning for grants for air cargo jetports.
![Official portrait of Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000350_200.jpg)