United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to imposition of the excise tax for failure of group health plans to meet certain requirements, to require any preexisting condition limitation period with respect to an individual who commences coverage after December 31, 1995, to be reduced by the aggregate of the individual's prior periods of coverage under a plan. Treats a period as zero if a break in coverage of greater than 60 days has occurred between the most recent qualified coverage and commencement of the current coverage. Prohibits, with respect to an individual whose periods of previous coverage are greater than zero, the establishment by a plan of eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or contribution requirements based on factors directly related to health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, disability, or evidence of insurability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Sets forth the open rule for the consideration of H.R. 614 (directing the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the State of Minnesota the New London National Fish Hatchery production facility).
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that economically targeted investments violate specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to a fiduciary's responsibility to serve the interests of employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries exclusively. Requires that the application of such ERISA provisions to employee benefit plan asset investments be determined without regard to a specified Department of Labor (DOL) interpretive bulletin or any other similar directive regarding economically targeted investments. Prohibits DOL officers or employees from traveling, lecturing, or otherwise expending DOL resources to promote, directly or indirectly, economically targeted investments. Amends ERISA to prohibit Federal agencies or instrumentalities from establishing or maintaining any clearinghouse or other database relating to economically targeted investments for employee benefit plans. Directs Federal agencies and instrumentalities to immediately terminate contracts or other arrangements which violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Revolving Door Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth new provisions prohibiting public officials, within a specified period following termination of their public service, from knowingly making, with intent to influence, any communication or appearance before congressional or executive branch officials or employees, on behalf of any other person seeking official action (lobbying). Prohibits the following individuals, for two years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any Member, officer, or employee of Congress: (1) the President or Vice President; (2) Members of Congress; (3) individuals who serve in executive agency positions on a full-time basis, who have a rate of basic pay of at least $70,000, and who are not appointees of the senior foreign service or as uniformed service commissioned officers; and (4) officers or employees of Congress with a rate of pay of $70,000 or above. Prohibits: (1) Members of Congress, the President or Vice President, such executive branch employees, or such congressional employees, for two years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any officer or employee of an executive department or agency; (2) Members of Congress or such congressional employees, for five years after termination of their service, from lobbying any congressional committee Members or employees who are members of, or employed by, the committee on which such former Members served or for which such employee worked; or (3) the President, Vice President, or such executive branch employees, for five years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any officer or employee of the department or agency in which such person served. Prohibits such a Member, officer, or employee of the Congress from knowingly, after leaving such position, holding a supervisory position over any person who is likely to lobby Congress or executive agencies. Bans any former Member of Congress who is convicted of a felony from lobbying. Applies restrictions on lobbying on behalf of foreign entities to lobbying on behalf of foreign nationals. Prohibits such a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, after leaving such office, from lobbying on behalf of a foreign national for compensation. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent an individual from: (1) making requests for appointments, status of Federal action, or other similar ministerial contacts if there is no attempt to influence an officer or employee of the legislative or executive branch; (2) making communications in response to a notice in the Federal Register, Commerce Business Daily, or other similar publication soliciting communications from the public and directed to the agency official specifically designated in such notice; (3) making communications or appearances in compliance with written agency procedures regarding an adjudication conducted by an agency under adjudication provisions; or (4) submitting written comments filed in a public docket and other communications that are made on the record. Requires compensation recovered pursuant to imposition of a civil penalty upon former officers, employees, and elected officials of the executive and legislative branches for violation of lobbying restrictions to be deposited in the Treasury for deficit reduction. (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit an individual who has excess campaign funds and is neither a candidate for, nor an incumbent of, a Federal office and who is registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act from making any contribution from such excess campaign funds to another individual who is a candidate for Federal office or to any authorized committee of such other individual. (Sec. 4) Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit lobbyists from being entitled to the privilege of admission to the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any former Member of Congress who is registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act from being permitted to enter any dining area of the Capitol or any gymnasium facility which is reserved for Members.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1995
Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to establish a National Forest System ski area permit fee formula. Withdraws ski areas from the operation of mining and mineral leasing laws.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Human Rights in India Act - Prohibits development assistance for India for any fiscal year unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Government of India: (1) has released all prisoners of conscience; (2) ensures that all political prisoners are brought to trial promptly and fairly or released and have access to legal counsel and family members; (3) has eliminated the practice of torture by the military and police forces; (4) impartially investigates all allegations of torture and deaths of individuals in custody; (5) has established the fate or whereabouts of all political detainees who have disappeared; (6) brings to justice members of the military and police forces responsible for torturing or improperly treating prisoners; (7) permits citizens who are critical of such Government to travel abroad and return to India; (8) ensures that human rights monitors are not targeted for arrest or harassment by the military and police forces; and (9) permits human rights organizations and television, film, and print media full access to all states in India where significant human rights problems exist. Waives such prohibition if such waiver is in the national security interest.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise provisions regarding the acceptance of gifts by Members, officers, or employees of the House. Prohibits Members, officers, or employees from accepting gifts from lobbyists registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or any successor statute unless: (1) the lobbyist is a member of the immediate family of the Member, officer, or employee to whom the gift was made; or (2) the Member, officer, or employee did not have reason to know that the gift was given because of his or her official position, was given through a member of the Member's, officer's, or employee's immediate family or an entity controlled by the Member, officer, or employee, or was given by a lobbyist who was reimbursed or provided compensation for the gift's value or deducted the gift's value from his or her Federal income tax liability and the Member, officer, or employee disclosed the gift to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Bars House Members, officers, or employees from accepting a gift from persons other than lobbyists unless conditions described above under which gifts may be accepted from lobbyists apply to such a person or the gift: (1) consisted of a meal; (2) was a contribution to a legal defense fund established for the Member's, officer's, or employee's benefit; (3) was an extension of personal hospitality; or (4) was attendance at a charity, conference, association dinner, or other widely-attended event. Lists items that are not considered to be gifts, including: (1) informational material; (2) receptions and food and refreshments of a nominal value; (3) products from the home State of the Member which are of nominal value; (4) objects of little intrinsic value; or (5) payments or reimbursements for reasonable expenses for travel, for a period not exceeding three days within the United States or seven days outside the United States, exclusive of travel time, to events related to the Member's, officer's, or employee's official duties, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to waive gift restrictions in unusual circumstances and to make such waivers public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1995
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act Amendments of 1995 - Exempts a physician clinical office laboratory from Public Health Service Act certification requirements, except when such laboratory performs a Pap Smear (Papanicolaous Smear) analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reductions in Government Overregulation Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process Subtitle B: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments Subtitle F: Federal Home Loan Bank Amendments Title II: Streamlining Government Regulations Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Lender Liability Financial Institutions Regulatory Relief Act of 1995 - Title I: Reductions in Government Overregulation - Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to transfer regulatory authority to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Eliminates redundant regulators by adding certain administrative enforcement provisions. (Sec. 102) Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and RESPA to provide for comparability of terms. (Sec. 103) Provides for increased regulatory flexibility and exemptive authority for the Board under TILA. (Sec. 104) Provides for reductions in RESPA regulatory burdens with respect to: (1) lenders' disclosures to federally related mortgage loan applicants relating to assignment, sale, or transfer of loan servicing; (2) second mortgages; and (3) consistency of RESPA and TILA exemption of business loans. (Sec. 105) Provides for alternative disclosures for adjustable rate mortgages under TILA. (Sec. 106) Amends TILA with respect to treatment of certain charges, including third party fees, taxes on security instruments or evidences of indebtedness, preparation of loan documents, and fees relating to pest infestations, inspections, and hazards. (Sec. 107) Exempts from rescission, under TILA, certain transactions (other specified types of mortgages) which constitute refinancings or consolidations of existing extensions of credit and which are secured by a first lien. (Sec. 108) Adds to TILA provisions relating to tolerances for accuracy and to the basis of disclosure for per diem interest. (Sec. 109) Amends TILA to establish certain limitations on liability, including: (1) limitations on liability for disclosures relating to certain fees and charges other than finance charges; and (2) an exemption from liability for finance charge disclosures within tolerance limits. (Sec. 111) Sets forth a limitation on the rescission period under TILA. (Sec. 112) Revises TILA provisions for the calculation of actual damages. (Sec. 113) Makes assignees liable, under specified TILA provisions, only if violations are apparent on the face of transaction documents. Provides that a servicer of a consumer credit transaction shall not be treated as: (1) an assignee for liability purposes unless the servicer is the owner of the obligation; or (2) the owner on the basis of an assignment for administrative convenience. (Sec. 114) Revises certain TILA provisions for recovery of fees. (Sec. 115) Repeals a provision of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 for homeownership debt counseling notification. (Sec. 116) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to revise exemption provisions. Exempts from coverage under such Act specified types of institutions with total assets, in their last full fiscal year, of $50 million or less (currently $10 million or less). Authorizes the Board to exempt those with greater assets where the burden of compliance outweighs the usefulness of the information required to be disclosed. Provides that a depository institution satisfies certain public availability of information requirements if: (1) such information is kept at the home office; (2) notice that such information is available through request to the home office is posted at the specified branch locations; and (3) the information is supplied to the requester in a paper copy or, if acceptable to the requester, via a form of electronic medium. Subtitle B: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) to revise the expression of congressional intent. (Sec. 122) Exempts a regulated financial institution from the examination requirements of, or any regulations issued under, CRA if: (1) its main office (and each branch) is located in a local government unit with a population of not more than 30,000, which is not part of a metropolitan statistical area; and (2) the institution and its parent bank holding company have aggregate assets of not more than $100 million (to be adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers). (Sec. 123) Provides for self-certification of CRA compliance by qualifying financial institutions, with certain public notice requirements. (Sec. 124) Adds provisions for community input and conclusive rating, including requirements for publication of exam schedule, opportunity for comment, evaluation by the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, and procedures for requests for reconsideration of rating. (Sec. 125) Directs Federal financial supervisory agencies, in conducting certain CRA assessments, to develop compliance standards consistent with the specific nature of special purpose banks (which do not generally accept retail deposits, such as credit card banks and trust banks). (Sec. 126) Gives institutions credit, for purposes of satisfying CRA requirements, for investments in, and loans, to: (1) minority or women's depository institutions; and (2) joint ventures or other entities or projects providing benefits to distressed communities (whether such institutions or communities are located within or outside of the regulated financial institution's service area. (Sec. 127) Prohibits regulations requiring certain additional recordkeeping and reporting under CRA. (Sec. 128) Applies a requirement of metropolitan area distinctions only to institutions that maintain domestic branches in two or more States. (Sec. 129) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to make certain reporting requirements inapplicable to members receiving an outstanding or satisfactory grade under specified CRA provisions. Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms - Amends the Truth in Savings Act (TISA) to prohibit depository institutions or deposit broker from making misleading or inaccurate advertisements or disclosures. Repeals TISA provisions relating to disclosure of interest rates and terms of accounts, account schedules, disclosure requirements for certain accounts, distribution of schedules, periodic statements, civil liability, and effect on State law. Revises provisions for regulations and definitions. (Sec. 132) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to revise provisions relating to unauthorized electronic fund transfers. (Sec. 133) Amends TILA to add provisions relating to cardholder liability for unauthorized use of credit cards. (Sec. 134) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to revise provisions for regulations governing insured banks to allow depository institutions or their affiliates or subsidiaries to transfer information among themselves without any restriction or limitation if such possible information sharing is disclosed and the consumer is given the opportunity to direct that such information not be so communicated, prior to initial communication. (Sec. 135) Revises EFTA definitions of: (1) accepted card or other means of access; and (2) account. Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments - Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments of 1995 - Combines and simplifies the adverse action notification requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). (Sec. 143) Revises ECOA requirements for written notifications of, and statements of reasons for, adverse actions to be given to credit applicants. Exempts from liability for a violation of such requirements any persons who show by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the alleged violation they maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 144) Revises specified FCRA requirements on users of consumer reports to eliminate coverage of credit denials and of adverse actions based on reports of persons other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 145) Amends ECOA and the Fair Housing Act to add incentives for self-testing. (Sec. 146) Provides that creditors shall be deemed in compliance with ECOA nondiscrimination requirements with respect to any credit decision based solely on the use of an empirically derived, demonstrably and statistically sound, credit scoring system if such system does not use: (1) any protected category; or (2) any criterion so directly associated as to be a functional equivalent of such a category. (Does not preclude using age as a factor in such a system as otherwise permitted under ECOA.) Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments - Consumer Leasing Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) to direct the Board to: (1) write regulations or staff commentary to update and clarify requirements and definitions for lease disclosures, contracts, and other issues related to consumer leasing which would carry out the purposes of the Consumer Leasing Act; and (2) publish model disclosure forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with such disclosure requirements and aid the consumer in understanding the transaction. (Sec. 154) Revises CCPA provisions for consumer lease disclosures to require prior separate leasing disclosures of specified items in a tabular format. (Sec. 155) Revises CCPA provisions relating to consumer lease advertising. Subtitle F: Federal Home Loan Bank Amendments - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) to revise an FHLB system membership eligibility location requirement to allow institutions to apply for membership in an adjoining district, for the institution's convenience, with Federal Housing Finance Board (FHFB) approval. (Sec. 162) Revises FHLBA audit provisions to: (1) prohibit the FHFB from participating in the hiring of external auditors by banks; (2) permit the FHFB to establish requirements for external audit contracts and accounting standards; and (3) require all 12 banks to contract for an annual audit with a single provider. Title II: Streamlining Government Regulations - Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act (BHCA) to revise and streamline notice and other requirements relating to both nonbanking and bank acquisitions by well-capitalized and well-managed banking organizations. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to eliminate: (1) Bank Merger Act filing and approval requirements for insured depository institutions already controlled by the same holding company; and (2) redundant approval requirements for "Oakar" transactions (generally, conversion, by acquisition or similar means, of a Bank Insurance Fund member to a Savings Association Insurance Fund member, or vice versa). (Sec. 205) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to eliminate duplicative requirements imposed on bank holding companies. (Sec. 206) Eliminates a BHCA requirement that approval be obtained for divestitures. (Sec. 207) Eliminates specified requirements for certain branch applications by: (1) national banking associations, under the Revised Statutes relating to banks and banking; (2) State member banks, under the Federal Reserve Act (FRA); and (3) State nonmember banks, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA). (Sec. 208) Eliminates branch applications and requirements for automatic teller machines (ATMs) and similar facilities, under the Revised Statutes and FDIA. (Sec. 209) Eliminates a requirement for approval of investments in bank premises for well-capitalized and well-managed banks. (Sec. 210) Eliminates specified filing requirements under FDIA for officer and director appointments. (Sec. 211) Streamlines the BHCA process for determining new nonbanking activities. Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions - Eliminates the per-branch capital requirement for national banks and State member banks under the Revised Statutes. (Sec. 222) Revises FDIA requirements relating to notification of branch closures to exempt specified entities under certain conditions. (Sec. 223) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to exempt management officials of depository institutions or holding companies with small market shares from prohibitions against dual service with unaffiliated institutions or companies in the same area, town, or village. Revises provisions relating to dual service among larger organizations. Extends a specified grandfather exemption which allows certain management officials to continue to serve despite interlocks prohibitions. (Sec. 224) Abolishes the Appraisal Subcommittee established under the Federal Financial Institutions Council Act of 1978, and consolidates its functions into the Financial Institutions Examination Council. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) to revise provisions relating to rosters of State certified or licensed appraisers. Provides for reduction of assessments on appraisers. (Sec. 225) Eliminates certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements relating to loans to executive officers under FRA and BHCA. Permits extensions of credit made under certain FRA provisions pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank. (Sec. 226) Amends FDIA to provide for expanded regulatory discretion for small bank examinations. (Sec. 227) Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to revise cost reimbursement provisions to specifically include corporate customers under references to customer records. (Sec. 228) Amends specified Federal law relating to money and finance to eliminate certain provisions requiring depository institutions to identify their nonbank financial institution customers. (Sec. 229) Requires each appropriate Federal banking agency to conduct a paperwork reduction review. (Sec. 230) Repeals certain reporting requirements under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. (Sec. 231) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to revise a specified regulation under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide for daily confirmations for hold-in-custody repurchase transactions. (Sec. 232) Requires the Financial Institutions Examining Council to carry out, and report to the Congress on, a regulatory review of regulations. (Sec. 233) Amends the International Lending Supervision Act to: (1) grant Federal banking agencies discretion in imposing certain country risk requirements with respect to reserves; and (2) repeal certain additional country risk reserve requirements. (Sec. 234) Revises specified FDIA audit provisions with respect to exemptions due to costs. Authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the appropriate Federal banking agency to designate certain information in such audits as privileged, confidential, and not available to the public. (Sec. 235) Sets forth certain due process protections under FDIA and the Federal Credit Union Act. (Sec. 236) Revises FDIA provisions relating to: (1) culpability standards for outside directors; and (2) rules on deposit taking. (Sec. 238) Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to revise the transition period for new regulations. (Sec. 239) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to revise provisions relating to foreign bank applications and examinations. (Sec. 241) Amends TILA to revise provisions relating to second mortgages. Title III: Lender Liability - Amends FDIA to add provisions relating to lender, fiduciary, and Government agency environmental liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1995
Congressional Pension Reform Act of 1995 - Provides for the deduction and withholding of seven percent (currently, eight and seven and one-half percent, respectively) of the basic pay of a Member of Congress or congressional employee under the Civil Service Retirement System, thus making such deduction and withholding equivalent to that of a Federal employee. Makes provisions regarding immediate retirement, entitlement to annuities, and deferred retirement for Federal employees applicable to Members. Removes specified provisions regarding annuities, reduced annuities, and deferred retirement for Members. Removes a provision that entitles a Member to an annuity if he or she serves in nine Congresses. Continues the applicability of existing provisions regarding immediate Member annuities and deferred retirement with respect to Members serving on or after this Act's effective date who, as of the day before such effective date, satisfy the existing age and service requirements for entitlement to immediate annuities or deferred retirement. Revises the formula for computing annuities of Members and congressional employees with at least five years of service to restrict creditable service to service performed before this Act's enactment date. Makes similar amendments with respect to the computation of Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) annuities for Members and congressional employees. Makes the reduction in annuity for Federal employees retiring before age 55 applicable to Members as well. Repeals provisions that provide for a different reduction formula for Members. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) annuities for surviving spouses of Members entitled to deferred annuities; (2) the treatment of annuities during periods of reemployment; and (3) eligibility for annuities of Members or survivors. Makes deductions and withholding and the formula for Government contributions under FERS for Members and congressional employees conform to those of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Requires funds made available in any appropriation Act for FY 1995 or any succeeding fiscal year for the official expenses allowance, the clerk hire allowance, or the official mail allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives that remain unobligated at the end of such fiscal year to be transferred to the Deficit Reduction Fund established by Executive Order 12858. Provides that such funds shall be in addition to the amounts specified in such order and shall be subject to its requirements and limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Newborn Infant HIV Notification Act - Requires a State, if it requires that the results of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of an infant be reported to it (or if the State conducts an HIV test of the infant), to disclose such results to: (1) the biological mother of the infant if the mother is the legal guardian; or (2) specified State agencies if the State is the legal guardian of the infant. Directs the State, in disclosing such results (other than to State agencies), to ensure that appropriate counseling on HIV is provided to the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
National Right-to-Work Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that require employees to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Highway Mandates Repeal Act of 1995 - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to repeal provisions relating to the use of asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1995
Frequent Flier Reform Act - Restricts the use of any travel award that accrues by reason of official travel of a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives to official travel only.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Establishes the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund, consisting of amounts contained in deficit reduction lock box provisions of appropriations Acts. Reduces discretionary spending limits by amounts transferred to the Fund. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that amounts resulting from reduced spending under general appropriations bills be placed in the Fund. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to score all general appropriations measures as passed by the House and Senate and to publish such scorecard in the Congressional Record.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Bosnia and Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of 1995 - Directs the President to terminate the U.S. arms embargo of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the date of receipt of a request from such government for assistance in exercising its right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter or on May 1, 1995, whichever comes first.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Makes persons who have been elected to the: (1) Senate two times ineligible for election to the Senate; and (2) House of Representatives six times ineligible for election to the House. Provides that election before this article is ratified shall not be taken into account, but makes valid any State limitation on service for Members of Congress, provided such limitation does not exceed the limitation set forth by this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995
Medical Procedures Innovation and Affordability Act - Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any invention or discovery of a technique, method, or process for performing a surgical or medical procedure, administering a surgical or medical therapy, or making a medical diagnosis. Provides that if a technique, method, or process is performed by or as a necessary component of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or improvement which is itself patentable subject matter, the patent on such machine, manufacture, or composition may claim the technique, method, or process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
Provides that, in the administration of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, minors under age 18 shall be permitted to load materials into balers or compactors that meet specified safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle A: Block Grants to States Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle C: Effective Dates Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit Title III: Repeal of Temporary Futa Surtax Employment Enhancement Reform Act - Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Block Grants to States - Establishes a block grant program to prepare individuals for employment by increasing their occupational and educational skills. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make such grants, for up to five-year periods subject to annual approval and availability of appropriations, to States to provide employment assistance to eligible individuals. Reserves funds for grants to Indian tribes and migrant and seasonal farmworker organizations. (Sec. 103) Allocates such grants to States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) unemployed in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) excess unemployed; and (3) economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Sets forth requirements for applications, use of grants, and conduct of State programs. Requires State programs to provide employment assistance to the following types of eligible individuals: (1) economically disadvantaged and 14 years or older; (2) certain types of dislocated workers; (3) individuals with disabilities; (4) Armed Forces members being separated under other than adverse conditions; (5) unemployed veterans; and (6) displaced homemakers. Requires States to: (1) profile and evaluate individuals to determine the employment assistance services to be provided; (2) notify individuals of other sources of supportive services; (3) provide appropriate employment assistance, within specified limits; (4) monitor rates of individuals successfully obtaining employment after separation from the program, according to specified criteria; and (5) establish one-stop-shop centers throughout the State for program information and profiling and evaluation. Authorizes certain discretionary activities under State programs. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to make biennial determinations of State success in placing individuals in employment. Authorizes reduction or termination of payments when a State has not been successful, and reinstatement or increase of payments when a State implements appropriate modifications of its program. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Chapter 1: Consolidation of Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to eliminate community mental health services demonstration projects for homeless individuals who are chronically mentally ill. (Sec. 112) Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to add requirements for State collaborative programs of supported employment services for individuals with the most severe disabilities, special recreation activities and services, and projects with industry. Repeals other provisions for special project grants for supported employment programs, special recreational programs, projects with industry, and supported employment services for individuals with severe disabilities. Chapter 2: Repeal of Programs - Repeals Higher Education Act of 1965 provisions for special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work. (Sec. 122) Repeals: (1) the disabled veterans outreach program and the local veterans employment representative program under Federal law relating to veterans; and (2) the homeless veterans reintegration project under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 123) Repeals: (1) the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act; (2) employment and training program provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (but allowing college students who are parents responsible for care of a dependent child under age six to be eligible for the food stamp program); and (3) the older American community service employment program under the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 124) Repeals the Job Training Partnership Act, except those provisions relating to the Job Corps. Authorizes appropriations for the Job Corps. (Sec. 125) Repeals the Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations program under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (Sec. 126) Repeals certain provisions relating to rules for computing the targeted jobs credit under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 127) Repeals the JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills training) program provisions for recipients of AFDC (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 128) Repeals: (1) the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991; and (5) the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 133) Repeals special programs relating to adult education for Indians, under the Indian Education Act of 1988. (Sec. 134) Repeals special Social Security Act provisions relating to Indian tribes and JOBS training programs. (Sec. 135) Repeals provisions for the VISTA Literacy Corps under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 136) Repeals: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment agencies); (2) the adult education for the homeless grants program and the job training for the homeless demonstration grants program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (3) the trade adjustment assistance for workers program under the Trade Act of 1974; (4) FY 1993 and 1994 authorizations of appropriations for certain grants, as well as certain technical assistance conditions, under the Homeownership and Opportunity through HOPE Act; and (5) the State legalization impact-assistance grants program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Subtitle C: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates. Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit - Amends the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require that notice of availability of the earned income tax credit be provided to applicants for and former recipients of AFDC, Medicaid, or food stamps. (Sec. 202) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to require printing of a notice of the availability of the earned income tax credit and the dependent care tax credit on W-4 forms for employee withholding exemptions. Title III: Repeal of Temporary FUTA Surtax - Repeals the temporary FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) surtax under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to make permanent the authorization of appropriations for programs, functions, and activities of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. Repeals a provision of such Act which requires quadrennial requests to the Congress for such authorization of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995
Sets forth the modified open rule for the consideration of H.R. 925 (compensation of private property owners for the effect of certain regulatory restrictions).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Authorizes and directs standing committees of the House of Representatives with subject matter jurisdiction over laws under which Federal agencies prescribe rules and regulations to report legislation during this congressional session which would cause those agencies to amend or repeal rules or regulations in order to: (1) reduce the cost of regulatory compliance to State and local governments and the private sector; (2) reduce or eliminate unfunded or partially funded Federal mandates; (3) streamline administrative processes; (4) require cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments; and (5) require periodic assessment of those rules and regulations. Requires the reporting of legislation to eliminate or consolidate Federal entities as well.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Repeals provisions regarding the Joint Committee on Printing. Transfers responsibilities of the Committee to the Public Printer. Directs the Public Printer to: (1) remedy neglect, delay, duplication, and waste in public printing and binding and the production of Government publications; (2) prescribe quality standards; (3) utilize requests for proposals and similar authorized purchasing methods where total or partial migration to new technologies is appropriate or when requested by the user; (4) prescribe Government specifications for printing paper and writing paper; (5) assist with the acquisition and transfer of equipment requisitioned by facilities previously authorized and with the disposal of such equipment; and (6) establish policy for the acquisition of printing and Government publications, formulated to maximize competitive procurement from the private sector (but which may provide for use of Government in-house printing and duplicating operations if they provide printing and duplicating at the lowest cost to the Government). Requires the Public Printer to promulgate rules and regulations for the procurement of printing and Government publications by the Government Printing Office (GPO) not inconsistent with this Act. Mandates that the annual report to the Congress include a report on: (1) the printing costs of each branch of Government; and (2) a cost comparison of printing and publications as procured through GPO, produced by each Federal agency, produced by commercial sources that are not Federal entities under contract with a Federal agency (other than GPO), and produced by commercial sources that are not Federal entities under contract with GPO. Directs the Public Printer to establish and maintain the following separate GPO accounts: (1) Superintendent of Documents; (2) Executive and Judicial Print Procurement; and (3) Congressional Services. Requires that all printing and Government publications for the Congress, the executive office, the judiciary (other than the Supreme Court), and every executive department, agency, independent office and establishment or Government entity be procured from private sector commercial entities by GPO, with exceptions. Revises provisions regarding: (1) competitive procurement; (2) limits on Government printing production; (3) the use of illustrations; (4) the form and style of work for departments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) departmental distribution of publications; (2) availability, inventory, dissemination, and re-publication of Government publications; (3) projections and reporting on costs for printing by Federal agencies; (4) scoring of sales of assets; (5) "Buy American" requirements; and (6) cost ceilings for certain congressional documents.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from transferring any Angeles National Forest lands in California out of Federal ownership for use as a solid waste landfill.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Volunteer Protection Act of 1995 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal financial liability for acts on behalf of the organization or entity. Sets forth exceptions and conditions that a State may impose on the granting of such immunity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to a State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State has, within two years, certified to the Secretary that it has enacted a State law which provides such immunity. Provides for the continuation of such increase based on an annual recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Franked Mail Savings Act - Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to establish an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Requires the Official Mass Mailing Allowance to be: (1) available only for postage for any mass mailing sent by a Member as franked mail; (2) the sole source of funding for any such postage; and (3) available in a session of Congress in an amount that does not exceed the total amount allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of a Member in such session. Treats the Official Mass Mailing Allowance and mass mailings separately from the Official Mail Allowance. Continues the applicability of current provisions of law relating to mass mailings sent by a Member or Member-elect subject to certain conditions. Sets forth requirements for the submission of samples of mass mailings to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. Revises the formula for determining the Official Mail Allowance (thereby reducing the maximum allocation allowed). Prohibits the transfer of any amount (except for amounts from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance) to or from the Official Mail Allowance of a Member. (Currently, transfers up to a specified amount are allowed from the Official Expenses and Clerk Hire Allowances.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995
Helium Privatization Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the Helium Operations of the Bureau of Mines.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995
Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being included in either the Federal budget as submitted by the President or in the congressional budget. Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget limitation. (Sec. 3) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year: (1) the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the amount by which unfunded aviation authorizations does or does not exceed net aviation receipts; and (2) make appropriate adjustments to amounts authorized to be appropriated and the amounts available for obligation from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund based on the difference. (Sec. 4) Sets forth similar provisions with respect to the Inland Waterways and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current link should be maintained between: (1) the levels of earnings allowed for blind individuals entitled to disability insurance benefits; and (2) the exempt amounts allowed for purposes of the social security earnings test for individuals who have attained retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to deny SSI benefits for a disability if alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the determination that the individual is disabled.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995
Congressional Members' Pension Limitation Act of 1995 - Amends Federal civil service retirement system (CSRS) provisions to prohibit deductions and withholdings from the pay of a Member of Congress with respect to any pay period beginning after: (1) such Member has completed five years of civilian service; or (2) the effective date of this Act in the case of a Member whose service exceeds five years. Removes provisions regarding eligibility for annuities of Members of Congress under CSRS. Requires the level of individual and Government contributions under the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to be the percentage of pay specified under existing law (up to ten percent and one percent plus matching contributions, respectively) for Members from whom deductions from pay may not be made by reason of this Act and who have 12 or fewer years of service. Prohibits Government and matching contributions to the TSP for Members with more than 12 years of service. Makes parallel amendments to provisions regarding the Federal Employees' Retirement System, including a prohibition on making deductions under such system from the pay of individuals who become Members on or after this Act's effective date. Excludes any period of service for which such deductions may not be made from the total period of service used in any computation of a basic annuity or other benefits based on service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995
Citizens' Tax Protection Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the House of Representatives or the Senate from considering any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report carrying any retroactive tax increase. Requires a three-fifths affirmative vote of Members of the House of Representatives to allow such consideration. Requires a supermajority point of order in the Senate to allow such consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995
Commercial Aviation Fuel Tax Repeal Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the increase in tax on fuel used in commercial aviation scheduled to take effect after September 30, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act of 1995 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to allow employers to establish, assist, maintain, or participate in an organization or entity in which employees participate to address matters of mutual interest (including issues of quality, productivity, and efficiency) if such organizations or entities cannot negotiate, enter into, or amend collective bargaining agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
A to Z Spending Cuts Plan - Reduces discretionary spending limits for FY 1995 in amounts equal to rescissions under this Act. Declares that reductions in outlays shall not be taken into account for sequestration purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Reduces discretionary spending limits for FY 1995 through 1998 by the amount of rescissions and additional savings under this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each reduction in the discretionary spending caps caused by the spending cuts of this Act shall result in reduction in future spending for that particular program only.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should: (1) ensure that the implementation of the October 21 Agreed Framework between the United States and North Korea is linked to substantive and rapid progress in the dialogue between North and South Korea; and (2) develop specific timetables for achieving measures to reduce tensions between North and South Korea, such as holding a North-South Summit, dismantling North Korea's nuclear reprocessing facility, initiating mutual nuclear facility inspections, establishing North-South Liaison Offices, and establishing a North-South joint military commission. Declares that the President should appoint a senior official to represent him in communicating directly with the North Korean Government regarding such measures and to consult with South Korea and other allies regarding such communications.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
States Rights Empowerment Act of 1995 - Repeals provisions requiring the withholding of certain Federal aid highway funds for noncompliance by States with: (1) a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets; (2) national maximum speed limit provisions; and (3) a minimum drinking age of 21 requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1995
Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the Great Western Scenic Trail, a system of trails to accommodate a variety of travel users in a corridor extending from the Arizona-Mexico border to the Idaho-Montana-Canada border, for study for addition to the national scenic trails system. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study the appropriateness of motorized trail use along the Great Western Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1995
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1995 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Prohibits a Federal reserve bank from placing into circulation any one-dollar Federal Reserve note after the date that the one-dollar coins are first placed in circulation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs).
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1995
Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (an Act which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works). Repeals the Copeland Act (an Act which requires the Secretary of Labor to regulate contractors and subcontractors engaged in the construction or repair of public buildings, public works, or federally financed or assisted buildings or works).
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission Act - Establishes the National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission to: (1) study gambling in the United States and existing governmental policies and practices with respect to the legalization or prohibition of gambling activities; and (2) formulate and propose appropriate changes in such policies and practices for a report to the President and the Congress.
![Official portrait of Rep. Waldholtz, Enid Greene [R-UT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000408_200.jpg)