United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose Title II: Binding Budget Law Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law Subtitle B: Line Item Reduction Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited Subtitle D: "Pay-as-You-Go" Requirement for New Spending Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism Title V: Protection of Social Security Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. (Sec. 202) Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to require a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law. Repeals authority for consideration of spending bills prior to adoption of the budget resolution. (Sec. 203) Prohibits baseline budgeting. Requires objective year- to-year comparisons under budget law, with the starting point for both Presidential and congressional budgets the levels of budget outlays for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 204) Amends the CBA to establish a rainy day fund for natural disasters. Requires budget law to include a major functional category for natural disasters, under specified conditions. (Sec. 205) Amends Federal law relating to the contents of the President's annual budget submission to the Congress to require the President to submit: (1) a budget of the U.S. Government for the following fiscal period on a single page, which sets forth specific budget ceilings in each major functional category, by the first Monday in February of each year before that in which a fiscal period commences; and (2) a detailed budget for that fiscal period, on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget for the following budget period is enacted. Title III: Enforcement of Budget Discipline - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Amends CBA to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of each spending bill before being voted on by the Senate or the House. (Sec. 301) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. (Sec. 302) Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to exercise line-item reduction authority if the Congress exceeds the budget ceilings in the binding budget law or an automatic continuing resolution for a fiscal period. Declares that such authority shall permit the reduction of over-budget spending in a major functional category to the level established in the binding budget law or automatic continuing resolution. Sets forth procedures for congressional introductions of line-item bills after the President transmits a special message to rescind an item of budget authority. Prohibits amendments to such bills. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." (Sec. 306) Amends CBA to require fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except Social Security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. (Sec. 307) Requires Executive agencies to adjust expenditures, including program eligibility requirements and benefit levels, to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. (Sec. 308) Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Amends CBA to prohibit the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House or in the Senate to waive such prohibition. Sets forth special rules in the case of legislation that exceeds a budget ceiling for the natural disaster functional category. Repeals a CBA provision for an exemption in the House from pay-as- you-go rules. Subtitle E: "Lock-Box" for Savings From Spending Reductions - Amends CBA to: (1) establish "lock-box" procedures to ensure budget savings from House and Senate amendments to appropriations bills result in actual spending cuts; (2) require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports on such procedures; and (3) mandate reduction of spending allocations to House and Senate committees and subcommittees to meet "lock-box" levels. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. (Sec. 402) Provides for contingency regulations for automatic continuing resolutions. Grants each State the option of receiving an aggregate amount for the fiscal period for social safety net programs equal to the allocation to the State for such programs in the preceding fiscal period. (Sec. 403) Restricts consideration of legislation providing budget or spending authority to only that reported by the Committees on Appropriations. Makes such restriction inapplicable in the case of Social Security benefits. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require or permit reductions in otherwise payable Social Security benefits. (Sec. 502) Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Technical Amendments to Federal Law to Carry Out This Act - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Changes the definition of budget authority to exclude offsetting receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Savings in Construction Act of 1996 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including: (1) full and open competition; (2) total installed price; (3) hard-metric; (4) cost or pricing data or price analysis; and (5) Federal facility. Requires the implementation of such Act in the acquisition of construction services and materials for Federal facilities. Directs that if the requirements of this Act conflict with specified Federal procurement provisions, then such provisions shall take precedence. Sets forth exceptions with respect to the implementation of such Act concerning concrete masonry units and recessed lighting fixtures. Requires the agency head to determine in writing according to specified criteria that specifications can only be satisfied by hard-metric versions. Requires the head of each agency that awards construction contracts within the United States and its territories to designate a senior agency official as a construction metrication ombudsman to, among other things, be: (1) responsible for reviewing and responding to complaints from prospective bidders, subcontractors, suppliers, or their designated representatives concerning use of the metric system of measurement in contracts for the construction of Federal buildings; (2) independent of the contracting officer for construction contracts; and (3) responsible for ensuring that the agency is not implementing the metric system of measurement in a manner that is either impractical, likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to U.S. firms, or inconsistent with specified guidelines while ensuring that the goals of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 are observed.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1996
Urges the President to categorically disavow any intention of issuing presidential pardons to James and Susan McDougal and Jim Guy Tucker, and thereby affirm the principle that in the American system, no one is above the law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Hydrogen Title II: Fuel Cells Title III: DOE Scientific and Technical Program Quality Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 - Title I: Hydrogen - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to replace its mandate for a comprehensive five-year program management plan for hydrogen research with a mandate that the Secretary of Energy conduct a research and development program relating to hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and use, with the goal of enabling the private sector to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using hydrogen for industrial, residential, transportation, and utility applications. Requires a detailed progress report to the Congress, including recommendations of the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. (Sec. 103) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal the mandate for a renewable hydrogen energy program, effective October 1, 1998. (Sec. 104) Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary to require a commitment from non-Federal sources of at least 50 percent of demonstration costs. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to foster the exchange of generic, nonproprietary information and technology, developed pursuant to the Act, among industry, academia, and the Federal Government to help the United States economy attain the economic benefits of the relevant information and technology. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2001. Title II: Fuel Cells - Instructs the Secretary to solicit proposals for projects to prove the feasibility of integrating fuel cells with: (1) photovoltaic systems for hydrogen production; or (2) systems for hydrogen production from solid waste via gasification or steam reforming. Mandates proposal evaluation on a competitive basis using peer review. Prescribes proposal review guidelines. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998, to remain available until September 30, 1999. Title III: DOE Scientific and Technical Program Quality - Authorizes the Secretary to appoint scientific, technical, and professional personnel on leave of absence from academic, industrial, or research institutions to work for DOE for a limited term, or on a temporary basis. Sets forth compensation guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend the Electric and Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Program, including deadlines for the submission of certain reports concerning the extent to which human health is affected by exposure to electric and magnetic fields produced by electric energy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Restores Federal armed forces provisions relating to the status of missing persons as in effect before amendments made by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to admit duty-free certain structures, parts, and components used in the Gemini Telescopes Project, in Mauna Kea, Hawaii, after March 31, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment to educational and scientific instruments and apparatus that are imported for assembly into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Promotion of Commercial Space Opportunities Title II: Remote Sensing Title III: Federal Acquisition of Space Transportation Services Space Commercialization Promotion Act of 1996 - Title I: Promotion of Commercial Space Opportunities - Requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to deliver to the Congress a market study that examines the role of commercial ventures which could supply, use, service, or augment the International Space Station. (Sec. 102) Amends Federal law to include reentry vehicles and launch and reentry operations within the scope of commercial space launch activities. Mandates an annual report. Permits States to license commercial spaceports if final regulations have not been issued. Prohibits States from issuing a license except under specified circumstances. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal law and the Federal Procurement Policy Act to except from employment restrictions certain employees or former employees of NASA, with an exception. (Sec. 104) Sets forth provisions concerning retirement and health benefits for certain employees transferring from NASA. (Sec. 105) Encourages the President to promote U.S. Global Positioning System standards. (Sec. 106) Directs NASA to purchase, to the maximum extent possible, space science data from the private sector. Title II: Remote Sensing - Makes amendments to the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 respecting the commercialization of land remote sensing space systems. Repeals the technology demonstration program. (Sec. 202) Directs the Administrator to: (1) acquire space-based and airborne Earth remote sensing data provided by the private sector to meet Government goals for Mission to Planet Earth; and (2) conduct a study to determine the extent to which baseline scientific requirements of Mission to Planet Earth can be met by the private sector, and how NASA will meet such requirements which cannot be met by the private sector. Title III: Federal Acquisition of Space Transportation Services - Requires the Federal Government to procure commercial space transportation services whenever such services are required in the course of its activities. (Sec. 303) Repeals amendments to the Launch Services Purchase Act of 1990 regarding commercial launch services provisions. (Sec. 304) Provides for authorized Federal and educational uses of excess intercontinental ballistic missiles.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Transportation Empowerment Act - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, the bridge program, the Federal lands highways program, public lands highways, and parkways and park roads through FY 2001. Repeals all funding for the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and Federal Highway Administration highway safety (including research and development) programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend until October 1, 2001, the availability of HTF funds for authorized expenditures; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to States for transportation purposes. Terminates transfers to the HTF's Mass Transit Account on and after October 1, 1997. (Sec. 6) Grants congressional consent to States to enter into interstate compacts to: (1) promote the continuity, quality, and safety of the Interstate System; (2) develop programs to promote and fund safety initiatives and establish safety standards; (3) conduct long-term planning for transportation infrastructure in, and develop transportation infrastructure design and construction standards to be used by, participating States; and (4) establish transportation infrastructure banks. Sets forth provisions regarding financing and establishment of infrastructure banks. (Sec. 7) Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) assist State and local governments in efforts to privatize the transportation infrastructure assets of the State and local governments; and (2) approve requests from State and local governments to privatize transportation infrastructure assets and waive or modify any grant condition, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding criteria for approval of requests, lack of obligation to repay Federal grant funds, use of proceeds from the privatization of a transportation infrastructure asset, and cost recovery. (Sec. 8) Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels funding HTF. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress describing technical and conforming amendments and other laws that are appropriate in light of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Restoring Control of Elections to Individuals Title II: Strengthening Political Parties Title III: Disclosure and Enforcement Title IV: Worker Right to Know Title V: General Provisions Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Restoring Control of Elections to Individuals - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress from accepting contributions from individuals other than local individuals residents which exceed the total amount of contributions accepted from local individual residents. Sets forth penalties for exceeding contribution limitations. (Sec. 102) Decreases allowable contribution amounts for political action committees in Federal elections to the level allowed for individuals in any calendar year. (Sec. 103) Modifies the limitations on contributions when a candidate spends or contributes amounts exceeding personal fund spending limitations. Requires the principal campaign committee of a House candidate to submit certain notifications of expenditures or contributions of such personal funds. (Sec. 105) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office or an individual holding Federal office from establishing or controlling a political committee, other than a principal campaign committee. (Sec. 106) Prohibits bundling of contributions to candidates for Federal office by political action committees. (Sec. 107) Redefines the term independent expenditure. (Sec. 108) Sets forth requirements for the use of payroll deductions for contributions. Title II: Strengthening Political Parties - Modifies contribution limits with respect to contributions made by an individual to a political party or a political party committee. Limits contributions made by individuals to State political parties. (Sec. 202) Allows political parties to offset funds carried over from previous elections. (Sec. 203) Set forth limitations on the use of funds not subject to the limitations of the Act. (Sec. 204) Permits national and State political party committees (including any subordinate committee of a State committee) to exclude from expenditure limits any amounts expended by the committee for communications with members unless the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a specific candidate for election to Federal office. (Sec. 205) Excludes from the definition of contribution State or local political party committee payments for specified volunteer and grassroots activities. Requires that all State and local party committees allocate their expenses for mixed activities based on a specified ballot composition method. Title III: Disclosure and Enforcement - Modifies political committee reporting requirements, including requiring: (1) certain reports to be made available within 24 hours; (2) making reports available on the Internet; (3) certain reporting by secondary campaign committees; (4) additional post election reporting; and (5) certain information on aggregate contributions. (Sec. 302) Revises Federal Election Commission rules and procedures, including provisions concerning: (1) judicial interpretation standards; (2) requiring written responses to certain questions; (3) oral arguments before the commission; (4) publication of an index to advisory opinions; (5) treating commercial loans not as contributions; (6) abolishing the Ex-Officio membership of the Clerk of the House on the Commission; (7) granting the Commission the authority to waive reporting requirements, if consistent with the purposes of the Act; (8) solicitations by corporations or labor organizations; (9) protections against force and reprisals; (10) banning a candidate or political committee from accepting any cash contributions from any individual which, in the aggregate, exceed $100; and (11) partnership contributions. Title IV: Worker Right to Know - Amends the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to limit the scope of allowable union security agreements to requiring employee payment of union dues or fees related only to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment necessary to performing the duties of exclusive representation. (Sec. 404) Requires, under NLRA, employee consent in an annual signed written agreement before a union may accept that employee's payment of dues or fees for purposes beyond the scope of the union security agreement as limited by this Act. Requires such an agreement to include a ratio of the dues or fees related to the limited purposes and those related to other purposes. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 to prohibit payroll deduction for union dues unrelated to the limited scope purposes, unless a written agreement authorizes such deduction. (Sec. 405) Requires, under NLRA, employers to post notice of worker rights to organize and collectively bargain, as well as of the limited scope of any union security agreement. (Sec. 406) Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to require every labor union to attribute and report expenses by function classification in detail necessary to allow its members to determine whether such expenses were related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment necessary to performing the duties of exclusive representation or were related to other purposes. Requires disclosure under such Act to employees required to pay any union dues or fees (under a union security agreement) as well as to union members. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe related regulations. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) effective date; (2) severability; and (3) Supreme Court review of constitutional issues.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Restoring Control of Elections to Individuals Title II: Strengthening Political Parties Title III: Disclosure and Enforcement Title IV: General Provisions Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Restoring Control of Elections to Individuals - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress from accepting contributions from individuals other than local individuals residents which exceed the total amount of contributions accepted from local individual residents. Sets forth penalties for exceeding contribution limitations. (Sec. 102) Decreases allowable contribution amounts for political action committees in Federal elections to the level allowed for individuals in any calendar year. (Sec. 103) Modifies the limitations on contributions when a candidate spends or contributes amounts exceeding personal fund spending limitations. Requires the principal campaign committee of a House candidate to submit certain notifications of expenditures or contributions of such personal funds. (Sec. 105) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office or an individual holding Federal office from establishing or controlling a political committee, other than a principal campaign committee committee. (Sec. 106) Prohibits bundling of contributions to candidates for Federal office by political action committees. (Sec. 107) Redefines the term independent expenditure. (Sec. 108) Sets forth requirements for the use of payroll deductions for contributions. Title II: Strengthening Political Parties - Modifies contribution limits with respect to contributions made by an individual to a political party or a political party committee. Limits contributions made by individuals to State political parties. (Sec. 202) Allows political parties to offset funds carried over from previous elections. (Sec. 203) Set forth limitations on the use of funds not subject to the limitations of the Act. (Sec. 204) Permits national and State political party committees (including any subordinate committee of a State committee) to exclude from expenditure limits any amounts expended by the committee for communications with members unless the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a specific candidate for election to Federal office. (Sec. 205) Excludes from the definition of contribution State or local political party committee payments for specified volunteer and grassroots activities. Requires that all State and local party committees allocate their expenses for mixed activities based on a specified ballot composition method. Title III: Disclosure and Enforcement - Modifies political committee reporting requirements, including requiring: (1) certain reports to be made available within 24 hours; (2) making reports available on the Internet; (3) certain reporting by secondary campaign committees; (4) additional post election reporting; and (5) certain information on aggregate contributions. (Sec. 302) Revises Federal Election Commission (the Commission) rules and procedures, including provisions concerning: (1) judicial interpretation standards; (2) requiring written responses to certain questions; (3) oral arguments before the commission; (4) publication of an index to advisory opinions; (5) treating commercial loans not as contributions; (6) abolishing the Ex-Officio membership of the Clerk of the House on the Commission; (7) granting the Commission the authority to waive reporting requirements, if consistent with the purposes of the Act; (8) solicitations by corporations or labor organizations; (9) protections against force and reprisals; (10) banning a candidate or political committee from accepting any cash contributions from any individual which, in the aggregate, exceed $100; and (11)partnership contributions. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) effective date; (2) severability; and (3) Supreme Court review of constitutional issues.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Clarion River in Pennsylvania as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Specifies parts of such segment to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as recreational rivers and parts to be administered as scenic rivers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Reform Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY 1997 for specified aviation programs; and (2) instruct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider the advice of a certain research advisory committee in establishing research and development priorities. Earmarks the research and development appropriations authorized for the support of all FAA research and development activities falling within the categories of basic and applied research and development, including the design and development of prototypes in accordance with specified classifications. Mandates that: (1) the President's annual FAA budget request include all research and development activities within a single budget category; and (2) all FAA activities within the categories of basic and applied research and development be placed within such category. Directs the research advisory committee in the FAA to review annually the Administrator's appropriation allocation among major research and development activities, and give advice and recommendations on whether such allocation is appropriate to meet certain needs and objectives. Amends the guidelines for the national aviation research plan with respect to the goals, priorities, and resources of research and development activities. Directs the FAA to develop, implement, and maintain a disciplined acquisition management system, based on specified operational principles. Authorizes the FAA to implement its own proposed acquisition management system which the Congress recognizes as substantially compatible with such principles.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1996
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund should submit to the Congress without further delay its annual report due on April 1, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Subtitle A: National Science Foundation Authorization Subtitle B: General Provisions Title II: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle C: International Space Station Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: United States Fire Administration Title IV: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Subtitle A: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs Subtitle B: Marine Research Subtitle C: Program Support Subtitle D: Streamlining of Operations Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Title V: Environmental Protectional Agency Title VI: National Institute of Standards and Technology Title VII: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Title VIII: National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Title IX: Miscellaneous Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization Act of 1996 - Title I: National Science Foundation - National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1997. (Sec. 114) Provides for reprogramming of appropriations. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to direct NSF to include in its annual report to the President a strategic plan defining its goals, criteria, and procedures. (Sec. 122) Requires NSF to submit to the Congress an annual upgrade and maintenance plan for national research facilities. (Sec. 123) Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to give research facility grant priority to institutions or consortia that have not received such funds in the preceding five years. (Sec. 124) Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, and the Education for Economic Security Act. (Sec. 126) Subjects NSF temporary employees to the same financial disclosure requirements as apply to permanent employees. (Sec. 127) Requires an institution of higher education receiving NSF funds to grant a military-educational leave of absence to a student on active military duty (other than training). (Sec. 128) Renames the Critical Technologies Institute as the Science Studies Institute. (Sec. 129) Requires NSF to consider the impact of a grant on undergraduate and graduate education before its award. (Sec. 130) Authorizes the Director of NSF to appoint up to six Assistant Directors. (Sec. 131) Renames: (1) the National Science Foundation as the National Science and Engineering Foundation; and (2) the National Science Board as the National Science and Engineering Board. Title II: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Subtitle A: General Provisions - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1997 - Makes various findings regarding the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Sets forth definitions for purposes of this title. Subtitle B: Authorization of Appropriations - Chapter 1: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology, including facilities construction and research and early detection systems for breast and ovarian cancer and other women's health issues; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. (Sec. 215) Limits the total NASA FY 1997 authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 216) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Commercial and Space Transportation for FY 1997. (Sec. 217) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Space Commerce for FY 1997. Chapter 2: Restructuring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Requires that the: (1) Administrator of NASA transmit to the Congress by July 31, 1996, a report on restructuring activities; and (2) President propose, no later than September 30, 1996, all enabling legislation required to carry out the actions described by the Administrator's report. Chapter 3: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities. Subtitle C: International Space Station - Requires the Administrator to deliver to the Congress a market study that examines the role of commercial ventures which could supply, use, service, or augment the International Space Station. (Sec. 244) Authorizes the Administrator: (1) to submit annually to the Congress a Space Station Accounting Report containing a complete accounting of all costs of the space station, including cash and other payments to Russia; and (2) to obtain quarterly reports from the Russian Space Agency which fully account for the disposition of funds paid or transferred by NASA to Russia. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal law to include reentry vehicles and related launch operations within the scope of commercial space launch activities. Mandates an annual report. (Sec. 252) Requires an independent cost analysis of a specified NASA project that is projected exceed a cost of $75 million before any funds may be obligated for Phase C of such project. (Sec. 253) Establishes the Office of Space Commerce within the Department of Commerce. (Sec. 254) Requires the Administrator to delay, on the request of a private sector entity for a period from one day up to five years, unrestricted public disclosure of technical data developed by research funded jointly by NASA and that entity under specified conditions. Requires the Administrator to annually report to the Congress on all determinations made respecting such public disclosure of technical data. (Sec. 255) Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish within the Office of Space Access and Technology a procurement demonstration program; and (2) coordinate a technology procurement initiative. (Sec. 256) Requires the Administrator to determine, prior to new facility construction or lease, that no existing NASA or other Federal facility is appropriate for the intended use. (Sec. 257) Directs NASA to maximum extent possible, to purchase space science data from the private sector. (Sec. 258) Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit to the Congress a report on Mission to Planet Earth; (2) acquire space-based and airborne Earth remote sensing data provided by the private sector; (3) conduct a study to determine the extent to which baseline scientific requirements of Mission to Planet Earth can be met by the private sector; (4) prepare for transition from the Federal operation, or Federal management of contracted operation, of space transportation systems to the Federal purchase of commercial space transportation services for all nonemergency launch requirements; and (5) conduct a study of the feasibility of implementing the recommendation of the Independent Shuttle Management Review Team that NASA transition toward privatization of the Space Shuttle and submit a report on the study to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 261) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993 to make the launch voucher demonstration program permanent. (Sec. 262) Directs the Administrator to provide for the privatization of NASA microgravity parabolic flight operations. (Sec. 263) Amends the Unitary Wind Tunnel Plan Act of 1949 to include hypersonic activities. (Sec. 264) Requires the Administrator, whenever feasible, to meet NASA facilities needs by selecting abandoned and underused buildings, grounds, and facilities in depressed communities. (Sec. 266) Requires the Administrator to establish the position of Procurement Ombudsman for NASA to be responsible for: (1) reviewing proposed new missions to determine if such missions can be fulfilled by U.S. commercial providers; and (2) serve as a point of contact for procurement contractors and U.S. commercial providers. Title III: United States Fire Administration - Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for FY 1997. (Sec. 303) Prohibits Federal funds for Department of the Army housing unless it is protected by hard-wired smoke detectors by the earlier of the date of occupancy by the first Federal employees who were not occupants as of October 25, 1992, or October 25, 1998. (Sec. 304) Permits successor fire safety standards to be used as guidelines in addition to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 74, NFPA Standard 13 or 13-R, or NFPA Standard 101 (Life Safety Code) for installation of hard-wired, single-station smoke detectors or automatic sprinkler systems in: (1) places of public accommodation affecting commerce; and (2) federally-assisted buildings. (Sec. 305) Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to report to the Congress: (1) at least 60 days in advance of the termination or transfer to a private sector entity of any significant function of the Administration; and (2) on the manner in which the Administration intends to implement the budgetary reduction represented by the difference between the amount appropriated to it for FY 1997 and the amount requested in the President's FY 1997 budget request. Title IV: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs - Authorizes FY 1997 appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research and public warning and forecast; (2) construction, repair, and modification regarding new and existing weather forecast offices; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) satellite observing systems; and (6) environmental data and information services. Authorizes appropriations to complete the acquisition and deployment of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System and NOAA Port (AWIPS) for all fiscal years beginning with FY 1997. Prohibits funding for any fiscal year, unless certain certifications are made to the Congress. Amends the Weather Service Modernization Act to repeal provisions providing for: (1) restructuring field offices of the National Weather Service; and (2) the Modernization Transition Committee. Subtitle B: Marine Research - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) observation and prediction; (4) ocean and earth science; (5) estuarine and coastal assessment; (6) the National Status and Trends Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and the Hazardous Materials Response Program; (7) the Damage Assessment Program; and (8) the Coastal Ocean Program. (Sec. 422) Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for marine prediction research. Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to: (1) program or project grants and contracts; (2) fellowships; and (3) administration of the National Sea Grant College Program. Revises the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources." Subtitle C: Program Support - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) central administrative support; and (3) retired pay. Mandates contracts (including multiyear contracts) for the use of vessels to conduct oceanographic and fisheries research, monitoring, enforcement, and management, and to acquire other data necessary to carry out NOAA missions. Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) marine services; (2) aircraft services; and (3) facilities repairs and renovations. Subtitle D: Streamlining of Operations - Prohibits appropriating funds for specified programs, centers, and activities. Repeals provisions of: (1) the National Sea Grant College Program Act relating to marine policy fellowships; and (2) the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the sea grant international program. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. (Sec. 442) Limits the total dollar amounts: (1) authorized to be appropriated for FY 1997 by this or any other Act for NOAA for all activities associated with operations, research, and facilities; and (2) authorized to be used for NOAA travel and related expenses. (Sec. 443) Terminates the NOAA Corps of commissioned officers after FY 1996. Authorizes related separations, making separated officers eligible only for severance (not separation) pay. Authorizes: (1) with the approval of the Secretary of Defense, the transfer of separated officers to the armed services; (2) with the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, transfer of separated officers to the U.S. Coast Guard; and (3) with the approval of NOAA's Administrator, NOAA employment of separated officers as civil service members. Repeals related specified provisions of Federal law. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, damage, or interfere with any National Data Buoy Center weather data buoy. Provides for civil monetary penalties and rewards. (Sec. 452) Makes the Secretary of Commerce, through the NWS, responsible for: (1) forecasts, serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuance of storm warnings; (3) collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Prohibits the NWS from competing (or assisting other entities in competing) with the private sector when a service is or can be provided by commercial enterprise unless the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service and the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Removes existing provisions relating to the duties of the Secretary regarding weather forecasting. Modifies provisions relating to NWS appropriations and estimates. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees detailing all NWS activities not conforming to this paragraph and outlining a timetable for their termination. (Sec. 453) Establishes the National Oceanographic Partnership Program and sets forth the purposes of the program. Establishes the: (1) National Ocean Research Leadership Council; (2) Ocean Research Partnership Coordinating Group; and (3) Ocean Research Advisory Panel under the program. Sets forth the composition of membership and specified duties of each. Mandates certain annual reports. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for the National Oceanographic Partnership Program for FY 1997. Title V: Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1996 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1997 for : (1) science and technology activities, including program management and support, for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities; (2) oil pollution research; and (3) research related to leaking underground storage tanks. Specifies that no funds are authorized to be appropriated for: (1) the Environmental Technology Initiative; (2) the Climate Change Action Plan; (3) indoor air pollution research; (4) the North Dakota Center for Air Toxic Metals research; (5) drinking water research conducted by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation; (6) the Water Environmental Research Foundation; (7) the National Urban Air Toxics Research Center; (8) the Gulf Coast Hazardous Substances Research Center; (9) urban waste management research at the University of New Orleans; (10) the Resources and Agricultural Policy Systems Program; or (11) the Oil Spill Remediation Research Center. (Sec. 504) Directs the Administrator to assign to the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development the duties of: (1) developing a strategic plan for scientific and technical research activities throughout EPA; (2) integrating that strategic plan into ongoing EPA planning activities; and (3) reviewing all EPA research to ensure the research is of high quality and does not duplicate any other research being conducted by EPA. Directs the Assistant Administrator to report annually to the Administrator and specified congressional committees on EPA research that is duplicative or not of sufficiently high quality. (Sec. 505) Requires the Administrator to ensure that any graduate fellowship award to a student selected after the enactment of this Act is used only to support research that would further missions of the Office of Research and Development in fields in which there exists or is projected to exist a shortage in the number of scientists. (Sec. 506) Mandates that the Science Advisory Board submit to the Congress and the Administrator an annual report that contains the views of the Board on proposed research programs as described in the President's budget for research, development, and demonstration activities at the EPA and conditions that such report be submitted to the Congress after the submission of the President's budget to the Congress. Requires the Science Advisory Board to conduct evaluations of the current and planned research, development, and demonstration activities of the EPA. Authorizes the Board to annually review research activities of the EPA and include the results of such review in the annual report. Requires the Administrator to submit to the Congress, no later than 60 days after its receipt, any report required by law to be submitted to the Administrator by the Science Advisory Board. Title VI: National Institute of Standards and Technology - Authorizes FY 1997 appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for: (1) Scientific and Technical Research and Services; and (2) Construction of Research Facilities. Title VII: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development - FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Management Reform Act of 1996 - Mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) develop, implement, and maintain a disciplined acquisition management system that is based on and incorporates specified management principles. (Sec. 705) Allows the FAA to implement a proposed acquisition management system as a suitable compliance. (Sec. 706) Authorizes FY 1997 appropriations for: (1) specified research, engineering, and development activities and (2) such sums as may be necessary for other research, engineering, and development activities described in the President's FY 1997 budget request to the Congress. (Sec. 708) Creates a budget designation for all research and development activities carried out by the Federal Aviation Administration. Requires that the President's annual budget request for the FAA include all research and development activities within a single budget category. (Sec. 710) Revises certain requirements of the National Aviation Research Plan. Title VIII: National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to authorize FY 1997 appropriations for the activities of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program for: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); (2) the U.S. Geological Survey; (3) the National Science Foundation for engineering research and geosciences research; and (4) the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Title IX: Miscellaneous - Prohibits the use of any funds authorized under this title from being used for any lobbying activity. (Sec. 902) Sets forth limitations on appropriations for FY 1997 and for subsequent fiscal years. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the head of each Federal agency for which funds are authorized under this Act to exclude, for a period of five years, any individual who received funds from any Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process after FY 1996, from consideration for financial assistance awards made by that agency after FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
Congratulates the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone for holding their first democratic multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in nearly 30 years. Encourages them to continue to negotiate an end to the civil war and to work together. Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to helping nations move toward freedom and democracy and to encouraging peace, democracy, and economic development on the African continent.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Medical Device Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mission. (Sec. 3) Allows device approval applicants to declare a review impasse and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 4) Revises requirements regarding: (1) investigational devise exemptions; (2) premarket approval requirements (mandating a device review priority); (3) humanitarian device exceptions; (4) safety and effectiveness performance standards (allowing consensus standards recognition); (5) effectiveness determinations (as used in classifying devices); (6) premarket notification; (7) classification panels; and (8) premarket approval application review (allowing review by accredited persons). (Sec. 12) Mandates procedures for accrediting parties that review premarket approval applications and conduct good manufacturing practice inspections. (Sec. 13) Mandates reclassification of certain devices. (Sec. 14) Modifies requirements regarding: (1) device tracking; (2) postmarket surveillance; and (3) good manufacturing practice regulations (including foreign harmonization) and inspections (including adding references to accredited entities and post-inspection procedural requirements). (Sec. 18) Regulates the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, displays at trade shows, and other material. (Sec. 19) Removes distributors from record keeping and reporting requirements. Declares that the failure of a device to perform as labeled or in an acceptable manner does not constitute a malfunction when caused by improper servicing. Repeals user reporting requirements. (Sec. 20) Prohibits subjecting a person to penalties if the person acted in good faith and had no reason to believe the acts violated the law. (Sec. 21) Allows using monetary penalties for violation correction. Entitles violators to reasonable discovery. (Sec. 22) Mandates an information system to track the status of each submission requesting FDA action. (Sec. 23) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the FDCA from requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement or assessment. (Sec. 24) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on any statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 25) Mandates training programs for FDA employees regarding FDCA regulations and policies. Allows the FDA to conduct or contract for scientific research only if directly related to FDCA implementation. (Sec. 26) Regulates communications to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of related investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Drug and Biological Products Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to set forth the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and mandate an annual report to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 3) Modifies new drug requirements regarding: (1) clinical investigation commencement; (2) application contents and review; (3) effectiveness determinations; (4) the use of scientific advisory panels; and (5) marketing approval application review by accredited persons. (Sec. 8) Provides for the accreditation of persons to: (1) review applications for new drugs or for certification of insulin-containing drugs; and (2) conduct good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections. (Sec. 9) Allows applicants to declare an impasse in a review or a submission for an investigational use exemption and mandates use of a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 10) Adds references to accredited persons to provisions relating to GMP inspections. Imposes post-inspection requirements. Deems certain chemistry, manufacturing, and controls to comply with current GMP and prohibits actions to delay or prevent the manufacture or marketing of a drug for failure to conform to GMP, subject to exception. (Sec. 12) Allows a new drug manufactured in a small facility to be used to show safety and effectiveness. (Sec. 13) Regulates changes in the manufacture of a new drug, biological product, new animal drug, blood, or blood component. (Sec. 14) Repeals provisions relating to the certification of drugs containing insulin or antibiotics. (Sec. 15) Requires that applications or petitions requesting conversion from prescription to nonprescription status and all matters relating to nonprescription drugs be reviewed by a single office in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Allows a single scientific advisory panel to provide recommendations. (Sec. 16) Mandates an applicant-accessible information system to track applications and submissions to the FDA. (Sec. 17) Prohibits actions by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from requiring an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment. (Sec. 18) Regulates drugs compounded by a licensed pharmacist on the order of a licensed physician. (Sec. 19) Directs the Secretary to meet with foreign countries to discuss harmonization of regulatory requirements. (Sec. 20) Controls the effect of the dissemination of medical texts, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and other material. (Sec. 21) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements not promulgated in accordance with rulemaking requirements to require any action under the FDCA. (Sec. 22) Mandates training for FDA employees on regulations and policies under the FDCA. (Sec. 23) Regulates: (1) the delegation of authority under the FDCA; (2) judicial review of decisions regarding investigational new drugs and new drugs; and (3) communication to non-FDA persons regarding certain matters before completion of an investigation. (Sec. 26) Defines "biological product" and "human tissue." Declares that blood, a blood component, an organ, milk, or human tissue is not a drug. Prohibits subjecting computer software developed or modified by, or used in, a human tissue establishment to any premarket clearance requirement. Requires such software to be validated to demonstrate that it achieves its intended purpose before use and subjects it to the GMP requirements of the FDCA. Requires licenses to introduce biological products, blood, and blood components into interstate commerce. Regulates licensing. Allows regulation of human tissue only if the Secretary demonstrates that voluntary regulation is inadequate to protect the public health. Provides for such regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Amendments Title II: Animal Drugs Food Amendments and the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 - Title I: Food Amendments - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to state the mission of the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 102) Modifies requirements regarding label claims of a relationship between a nutritional ingredient and a health-related condition. (Sec. 104) Prohibits construing FDCA provisions relating to misbranding or food additives to require a separate disclosure of a method of production or an ingredient other than in the statement of ingredients, unless necessary to protect the public health. (Sec. 105) Allows certain labeling and additive (including color additive) petitions to be submitted to an accredited person and deems the person's recommendation to be a decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary makes certain findings. Provides for accreditation. (Sec. 107) Allows an additive in feed for food-producing animals, and allows approval of a new animal drug, if the additive or drug presents a small risk (currently, if the additive will not adversely affect the animals and if no residue will be found in food from the animal). (Sec. 108) Prohibits States and subdivisions from having any requirement for a human food, a drug or biological product, or a cosmetic of the type authorized or required under the adulteration, misbranding, or new drug provisions of the FDCA, subject to exception and waiver. (Sec. 109) Directs the Secretary to regularly meet with other countries regarding reducing regulation and seeking reciprocal arrangements. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the Secretary from relying on statements that have not been promulgated in accordance with Federal rulemaking requirements to require any action to be taken to satisfy an FDCA requirement. (Sec. 111) Amends the FDCA and the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove or repeal provisions regulating the sale, public eating place serving, and advertising of colored oleomargarine or colored margarine. Repeals related definitions. Title II: Animal Drugs - Amends the FDCA to revise the definition (for new animal drug provisions) of "substantial evidence." Modifies requirements regarding approval of supplemental applications. Exempts use in a minor species and the minor use of a drug from provisions prohibiting approval if there is a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have its purported effect. Revises requirements regarding combination drugs. (Sec. 202) Reduces the period for approval of new animal drug applications. (Sec. 203) Empowers applicants to declare that a review impasse exists. Sets forth a dispute resolution process. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements regarding drug residues and tolerances. (Sec. 205) Regulates animal feed drugs that are limited by approved applications to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (veterinary feed directive drugs) (VFDDs). Deems animal feed with a new animal drug unsafe unless its labeling, distribution, holding, and use (currently, its labeling and use) conform to specified FDCA requirements. Allows withdrawal of approval for certain VFDD recordkeeping violations. Adds to the prohibited acts list the refusal to permit record access as required by VFDD provisions and the failure to maintain records or make reports as required by VFDD provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Defend America Act of 1996 - Expresses U.S. policy to deploy by the end of 2003 a National Missile Defense (NMD) system that: (1) is capable of providing a highly effective defense of U.S. territory against limited, unauthorized, or accidental ballistic missile attack; (2) will be augmented over time to provide a layered defense against larger and more sophisticated ballistic missile threats; and (3) does not feature an offensive-only form of deterrence. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment an affordable and operationally effective NMD system which shall achieve an initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines system elements, including the use of missile interceptors on the ground, at sea, and in space. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to implement the NMD system development upon enactment of this Act, including the conduct of an integrated systems test by the end of 1998. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the Secretary's plans for the development and deployment of the NMD system. Urges the President to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year after enactment of this Act, to consider exercising the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 Title II: Amendments to Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 Title III: Amendments to the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1996 - Title I: Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to restate findings and purposes of the Act regarding the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Treaty and implementation of the Protocol. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts by any person (currently, U.S. citizens) to modify the prohibitions, in accordance with the Protocol, and make unlawful the following activities in or respecting Antarctica: (1) introduction of any prohibited product onto land or ice shelves or into water; (2) disposal of any waste onto ice-free land areas or into fresh water systems or of any prohibited waste; (3) engaging in open burning of waste; (4) transporting passengers by any seagoing vessel not required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, except by agreement under which the vessel owner or operator must comply with Annex IV; (5) failure of an organizer or operator to notify members of an expedition of the environmental protection obligations of this Act and means of compliance by participants; (6) damage to historic sites or monuments; (7) refusal of permission to any authorized U.S. officer or employee to board a U.S. vessel, vehicle, or aircraft for purposes of search or inspection in connection with enforcement of this Act and forcible assault of or other interference with an authorized U.S. officer or employee in the conduct of such activities; (8) resisting lawful arrest or detention for a prohibited act; (9) interference with the apprehension, arrest, or detention of another person, knowing that the other person has committed a prohibited act; (10) violation of any regulation, or a term or condition of a permit, issued pursuant to this Act; and (11) attempting to commit or cause to be committed any prohibited act. Prohibits specified other activities in Antarctica (including disposal of waste and introducing any member of a nonnative species) except as authorized by permit. Exempts from prohibitions these activities and certain of those enumerated above under defined emergency circumstances. (Sec. 104) Provides standards and procedures for the environmental impact assessment of Federal agency activities in Antarctica (which shall be the sole and exclusive obligations regarding such assessment) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, allowing an activity to proceed after an initial evaluation if it is determined that the activity is likely to have no more than a minor or transitory impact. Excepts from these procedures activities conducted jointly or in cooperation with foreign signatory governments where it is determined that the major part of the activity is being conducted by one or more other governments and another government is coordinating environmental assessment procedures. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations regarding environmental assessment of certain nongovernmental activities. Conditions decisions to proceed with a comprehensively evaluated activity upon consideration of the draft evaluation at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. Provides exceptions from this Act's environmental assessment requirements under emergency circumstances. (Sec. 105) Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings and harmful interferences or entry into Specially Protected Areas. (Sec. 106) Revises requirements for the issuance of regulations by the Director of the National Science Foundation. Removes general consultation requirements. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations to implement certain provisions of the Protocol and this Act regarding vessels. Title II: Amendments to Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 - Amends the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 to revise its findings to state that the Protocol prohibits indefinitely Antarctic mineral resource activities and to state as its purpose to provide legislative authority to implement the Protocol. (Sec. 202) States the indefinite prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities, eliminating references to further agreements. Title III: Amendments to the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships - Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply the requirements of Annex IV to the Protocol, for purposes of such Act, to all vessels in Antarctica over which the United States has jurisdiction. Applies the Act to vessel activities regulated under the Protocol and provides authority to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer and enforce Annex IV to the Protocol (including the Protocol in provisions concerning violations, penalties, and the promulgation of regulations).
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the People's Republic of China should: (1) reaffirm its commitment to conduct relations with Taiwan by peaceful means; (2) engage in diplomatic negotiations to discuss any disagreement with Taiwan without any threat of military or economic coercion against Taiwan; and (3) immediately live up to its commitment to work for a peaceful resolution of any disagreements with Taiwan and desist from military actions designed to intimidate Taiwan. Calls on Taiwan to adhere to its commitment to negotiate its future relations with the mainland by mutual, not unilateral, decision. Calls for the United States: (1) to maintain its commitment to resist any resort to force or use other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan, consistent with its undertakings in the Taiwan Relations Act; (2) to maintain a naval presence sufficient to keep open the sea lanes in and near the Taiwan Straits; (3) in the face of the several overt military threats by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan, and consistent with the commitment of the United States under the Taiwan Relations Act, to supply Taiwan with defensive weapons systems; and (4) to assist in defending the people of Taiwan against invasion, missile attack, or blockade by the People's Republic of China.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse former employees of the White House Travel Office whose employment in that Office was terminated on May 19, 1993, for any legal expenses and related fees they incurred with respect to that termination.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1995
Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to designate the Calverton Pine Barrens in Calverton, New York, as the Otis G. Pike Preserve.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Designates the nursing care center at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, as the H. John Heinz, III Department of Veterans Affairs Nursing Care Center.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Designates the Federal Triangle Project under construction at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, in the District of Columbia, as the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Subtitle A: National Science Foundation Authorization Subtitle B: General Provisions Title II: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Department of Energy Title IV: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Subtitle A: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs Subtitle B: Marine Research Subtitle C: Program Support Subtitle D: Streamlining of Operations Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Title V: Environmental Protection Agency Title VI: Technology Subtitle A: Technology Administration Title VII: United States Fire Administration Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: National Science Foundation - National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 114) Provides for reprogramming of appropriations. (Sec. 115) States that nothing in this title shall preclude additional FY 1996 authorization of appropriations for NSF. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to direct NSF to include in its annual report to the President a strategic plan defining its goals, criteria, and procedures. (Sec. 122) Requires NSF to submit to the Congress an annual upgrade and maintenance plan for national research facilities. (Sec. 123) Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to give research facility grant priority to institutions or consortia that have not received such funds in the preceding five years. (Sec. 124) Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, and the Education for Economic Security Act. (Sec. 126) Requires certain research instrumentation and facilities guidelines to be incorporated into NSF grant notices. (Sec. 127) Subjects NSF temporary employees to the same financial disclosure requirements as apply to permanent employees. (Sec. 128) Requires an institution of higher education receiving NSF funds to grant a military-educational leave of absence to a student on active military duty (other than training). (Sec. 129) Prohibits the use of any funds authorized under this title from being used for any lobbying activity. (Sec. 130) Renames the Critical Technologies Institute as the Science Studies Institute. (Sec. 131) Requires NSF to consider the impact of a grant on undergraduate and graduate education before its award. (Sec. 132) Authorizes the Director of NSF to appoint up to six Assistant Directors. (Sec. 134) Excludes from NSF awards for five years any person who received project funds not subject to competitive merit-based awards. (Exempts persons who are members of a law-specified class.) Title II: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Subtitle A: General Provisions - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1996 - Sets forth definitions for purposes of this title. Subtitle B: Authorization of Appropriations - Chapter 1: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology, including facilities construction; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. (Sec. 215) Limits the total NASA FY 1996 authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 216) Authorizes additional FY 1996 NASA appropriations for Mission to Planet Earth, subject to certain obligations and expenditure requirements. Chapter 2: Restructuring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Directs the Administrator of NASA to contract for an asset-based review of NASA. Prohibits closure of any NASA field centers prior to such review. Chapter 3: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities, including limitations on transfers to Russia. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal law to include reentry vehicles and related launch operations within the scope of commercial space launch activities. (Sec. 242) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Air and Space Commercialization. (Sec. 243) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 244) Authorizes the Administrator to delay for up to five years unrestricted public disclosure of technical data developed by joint NASA-private sector research under specified conditions. (Sec. 245) Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish within the Office of Space Access and Technology a procurement demonstration program; and (2) coordinate a technology procurement initiative. (Sec. 246) Requires the Administrator to determine, prior to new facility construction or lease, that no existing NASA or other Federal facility is appropriate for the intended use. (Sec. 247) Directs NASA to purchase space science data from the private sector. (Sec. 248) Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit to the Congress a report on Mission to Planet Earth; and (2) request proposals for a single prime contractor for the space shuttle program. (Sec. 251) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993 to make the launch voucher demonstration program permanent. (Sec. 252) Directs the Administrator to provide for the privatization of NASA microgravity parabolic flight operations. (Sec. 253) Prohibits, with exceptions, NASA financial assistance to a person who received nonmerit-based Federal funding. (Sec. 254) Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this title for lobbying activities. (Sec. 256) Amends the Unitary Wind Tunnel Plan Act of 1949 to include hypersonic activities. Title III: Department of Energy - Department of Energy Civilian Research and Development Act of 1995 - Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations for Department of Energy: (1) energy supply research and development activities; (2) general science and research activities; (3) fossil energy research and development activities; and (4) energy conservation research and development activities. (Sec. 304) Sets forth funding limitations. (Sec. 306) Establishes requirements for: (1) funding assistance merit review; and (2) capital project and construction reporting. (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into negotiations with the European Organization for Nuclear Research concerning U.S. participation in the planning and construction of the Large Hadron Collider. (Sec. 310) Prohibits any funds authorized by this title from being used for lobbying activities. (Sec. 311) Excludes from Department of Energy financial assistance for five years any person (subject to exception) who received Federal funds for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Title IV: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research and public warning and forecast; (2) construction, repair, and modification regarding new and existing weather forecast offices; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program; (6) satellite observing systems; (7) environmental data and information services. Repeals provisions of the Weather Service Modernization Act relating to: (1) restructuring of Weather Service field offices; (2) a Weather Service Modernization Transition Committee; and (3) a requirement, in developing a National Implementation Plan, to consult with that Committee and with public entities responsible for providing or using weather services. Subtitle B: Marine Research - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) observation and prediction; (4) the Circulatory Survey Program; (5) ocean and earth science; (6) estuarine and coastal assessment; (7) the National Status and Trends Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and the Hazardous Materials Response Program; (8) the Damage Assessment Program; and (9) the Coastal Ocean Program. (Sec. 422) Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for marine prediction research. Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to: (1) program or project grants and contracts; (2) fellowships; and (3) administration of the National Sea Grant College Program. Revises the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources." (Sec. 423) Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that NOAA should expand its efforts to develop interagency agreements to further the use of defense-related technologies, data, and other resources to support its oceanic missions. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of expanding the use of those resources for such purposes. Subtitle C: Program Support - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) central administrative support; and (3) retired pay. Authorizes contracts for data or days-at-sea to fulfill NOAA missions of marine research, climate research, fisheries research, and mapping and charting services. Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) marine services; (2) aircraft services; and (3) facilities repairs and renovations. Subtitle D: Streamlining of Operations - Prohibits appropriating funds for 19 specified programs, centers, and activities, including: (1) the National Undersea Research Program; (2) the Fleet Modernization, Shipbuilding, and Construction Account; and (3) Regional Climate Centers. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees certifying that, by a specified date, all 19 will be terminated. Repeals provisions of: (1) the National Sea Grant College Program Act relating to marine policy fellowships; and (2) the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the sea grant international program. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. (Sec. 442) Declares that, unless specifically authorized by Act of Congress, no funds are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year after FY 1996 for carrying out programs, projects, and activities for which funds are authorized by this Act. Limits the total dollar amounts: (1) authorized to be appropriated for FY 1996 by this or any other Act for NOAA for all activities associated with operations, research, and facilities; and (2) authorized to be used for NOAA travel and related expenses. (Sec. 443) Limits the number of commissioned officers on the active list of NOAA and decreases that limit in succeeding fiscal years, reaching zero after FY 1998. Authorizes related separations without separation pay. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, damage, or interfere with any National Data Buoy Center weather data buoy. Provides for civil monetary penalties and rewards. (Sec. 452) Makes the Secretary of Commerce, through the NWS, responsible for: (1) forecasts, serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuance of storm warnings; (3) collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Prohibits the NWS from competing (or assisting other entities in competing) with the private sector when a service is or can be provided by commercial enterprise unless the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service and the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Removes existing provisions relating to the duties of the Secretary regarding weather forecasting. Modifies provisions relating to NWS appropriations and estimates. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees detailing all NWS activities not conforming to this paragraph and outlining a timetable for their termination. (Sec. 453) Provides for the disposition of all amounts received relating to the allision of the vessel Zachery into the NOAA vessel Discoverer. (Sec. 454) Excludes from consideration for NOAA financial assistance any person who received funds appropriated from any Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes this exclusion effective for a specified period after the person received the funds. Exempts from the exclusion members of a class specified by law for which assistance is awarded according to a formula provided by law. (Sec. 455) Prohibits funds authorized by this Act from being available for any activity whose purpose is to influence legislation before the Congress. (Sec. 456) Mandates a review and report to specified congressional committees on NOAA laboratories. Title V: Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1996 for the Office of Research and Development for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities. Specifies that no funds are authorized to be appropriated for: (1) the Environmental Technology Initiative, the Climate Change Action Plan, or indoor air pollution research; (2) carrying out programs and activities after FY 1996; or (3) carrying out activities in FY 1996 for which sums are not specifically authorized to be appropriated by this title. (Sec. 504) Directs the Administrator to assign to the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development the duties of: (1) developing a strategic plan for scientific and technical research activities throughout EPA; (2) integrating that strategic plan into ongoing EPA planning activities; and (3) reviewing all EPA research to ensure the research is of high quality and does not duplicate any other research being conducted by EPA. Directs the Assistant Administrator to report annually to the Administrator and specified congressional committees on EPA research that is duplicative or not of sufficiently high quality. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this title for lobbying activities. (Sec. 506) Requires the Administrator to exclude from consideration for awards of financial assistance made by the Office after FY 1995 persons who received funds appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1995 from any Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes the exclusion effective for a five-year period after the person receives such funds. Exempts awards to persons who are members of a class specified by law for which assistance is awarded according to a prescribed formula. (Sec. 507) Requires the Administrator to ensure that any graduate fellowship award to a student selected after the enactment of this Act is used only to support research that would further missions of the Office in fields in which there exists or is projected to exist a shortage in the number of scientists. Title VI: Technology - Subtitle A: Technology Administration - American Technology Advancement Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary for Technology - Office of Technology Policy; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (Sec. 603) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to: (1) increase National Institute of Standards and Technology Visiting Committee membership from nine members to 15 members; (2) authorize certain transportation services; and (3) increase the size of the postdoctoral program. (Sec. 604) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to: (1) eliminate the Secretary of Commerce's authority to expand the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award categories; and (2) increase the maximum number of annual subcategory awards from two to four. (Sec. 605) Extends indefinitely a specified personnel management demonstration project under the National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987. (Sec. 606) Amends the Fastener Quality Act with regard to heat mill certification, commingling, and minor nonconformance. (Sec. 607) Prohibits funds authorized by this title from being used for lobbying activities. (Sec. 608) Specifies that: (1) this title is the only authorization for all FY 1996 activities under this title; and (2) no funds are authorized for activities under this title after FY 1996 unless they are specifically authorized by Act of Congress with respect to such fiscal year. (Sec. 609) Makes a person who received a Federal noncompetitive nonmerit award after FY 1995 ineligible for financial assistance from the Under Secretary for Technology - Office of Technology Policy or NIST. (Exempts certain class-based awards.) (Sec. 610) Requires NIST to report to the Congress regarding conformity assessment implementation. (Sec. 611) States that this Act shall not preclude further authorization of appropriations for the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships program. Title VII: United States Fire Administration - Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 703) Prohibits Federal funds for Department of the Army housing unless it is protected by hard-wired smoke detectors by the earlier of the date of occupancy by the first Federal employees who were not occupants as of October 25, 1992, or October 25, 1998. (Sec. 704) Permits successor fire safety standards to be used as guidelines in addition to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 74, NFPA Standard 13 or 13-R, or NFPA Standard 101 (Life Safety Code) for installation of hard-wired, single-station smoke detectors or automatic sprinkler systems in: (1) places of public accommodation affecting commerce; and (2) federally-assisted buildings. (Sec. 705) Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to report to the Congress: (1) at least 60 days in advance of the termination or transfer to a private sector entity of any significant function of the Administration; and (2) on the manner in which the Administration intends to implement the budgetary reduction represented by the difference between the amount appropriated to it for FY 1996 and the amount requested in the President's FY 1996 budget request.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interstate Waste Title II: Flow Control State and Local Government Interstate Waste Control Act of 1995 - Title I: Interstate Waste - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste (OSW) for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new (entered into on or after enactment of this Act) or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the State, as provided in this Act). Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding the landfill or incinerator (facility) available prior to seeking authorization from an affected local government to receive such waste pursuant to a new host community agreement. Sets forth other formal requirements for the authorization process, including those for notification of the State, contiguous local governments, and contiguous Indian tribes. Requires, for an exemption, that the owner or operator provide either information establishing that: (1) the owner or operator of the facility received before enactment of this Act a State permit specifically authorizing acceptance of the waste; or (2) the facility received shipments of such waste during 1993, and such information is in such documented form as would result in criminal penalties under State law in case of false or misleading information. Authorizes States to establish limits on the amount of OSW received annually for disposal at each facility pursuant to an exemption for documented shipments (under paragraph (2), above) and affected local governments to limit the amount received at a particular facility pursuant to such an exemption. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented OSW before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993. Authorizes States that imported more than 750,000 tons of such waste in 1993, in lieu of this freeze, to establish limits for calendar years after 1996 that are percentages of the waste received during 1993, beginning with 85 percent in 1997 and declining to 50 percent after 2000. Allows any comprehensive solid waste management plan approved under Federal or State law and any implementation of such plan through the State permitting process to take into account local regional needs for solid waste disposal capacity. Allows an affected local government to determine that there is no need for a new landfill or incinerator or major modification at an existing facility under its jurisdiction, but prohibits a plan from expressly prohibiting importation of solid waste from out of State. Declares that prohibitions, limitations, and the planning and permitting processes under, and laws and regulations implementing, this Act shall not be considered to impose an undue burden on or to otherwise impair, restrain, or discriminate against interstate commerce. Requires owners or operators of facilities to annually report to Governors of the States in which the facilities are located the amount of OSW received during the preceding year. Title II: Flow Control - Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables), directing such waste and materials to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated and in operation on May 15, 1994, if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of May 15, 1994; and (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act of the State or subdivision that was in effect on May 15, 1994, or would have been in effect on such date but for the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Permits the exercise of such authority for only the classes or categories of waste or recyclables to which flow control authority was applicable on May 15, 1994, or immediately before the effective date of an injunction or other court order referred to above and only if the facility received municipal solid waste in those classes or categories prior to May 15, 1994, or the effective date of the injunction or court order. Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise such authority with respect to facilities other than those designated and in operation on May 15, 1994, if, in addition, the State or subdivision has taken one or more of specified actions (relating to permits, execution of contracts and agreements, and presentation of revenue bonds) prior to such date to commit to the designation of such facilities. Sets limits on the duration of flow control authority. Permits States or political subdivisions, upon the request of a municipal solid waste or recyclables generator, to authorize the diversion of waste generated by such generator to a solid waste facility other than the designated facility. Prohibits a State or local government from requiring any generator or transporter to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any site listed on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the generator or transporter has been indemnified by the government against all liability under that Act with respect to such materials. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which the Supreme Court decision in C & A Carbone v. Clarkstown, New York has affected the ability of public and private entities to secure or retain financing for solid waste management facilities or services and is likely to interfere with the implementation of State solid waste management plans, recycling, or composting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Congress should adopt a Peace Through Strength Strategy for the post-Cold War era, based on the following general principles and goals: (1) the United States must accept and maintain global leadership through a clear and consistent articulation of vital U.S. national interests and goals; (2) the United States must maintain highly trained, well-equipped, combat-ready military forces and the national will to prevail in any conflict; (3) U.S. interests are promoted through participation in global and regional political, military, and economic organizations, treaties, and alliances, but the United States must retain its sovereignty and reserve the right to act unilaterally; (4) national wealth and economic strength are the foundation of all forms of power; (5) the economic vitality of the United States rests not only on free market competitiveness but also on responsible financial management; (6) the United States must expand effective human and technical intelligence capabilities to anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging threats; (7) the United States will act to lessen, prevent, and eliminate security threats, including those posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of high technology conventional arms, terrorism, drug trafficking, and disruption of access to vital resources; (8) national security policy must be explained to the public in the clear context of national interests and a realistic strategy for protecting those interests; (9) the United States must maintain a strong technological and industrial base with a skilled workforce to support superior U.S. global economic competitiveness and military preparedness; and (10) the United States must systematically and sharply reduce its dependence on imported oil.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 1995 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 regarding title to intellectual property arising from cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) to provide: (1) the collaborating partner with the option to choose an exclusive or nonexclusive license for a field of use for a resulting CRADA invention; (2) confidentiality of commercial information; and (3) limited Government use rights under specified circumstances, such as public health and safety needs. Provides, with regard to income distribution from intellectual property received by Federal laboratories, for: (1) agency payments of $2000 plus 15 percent of future royalties to the inventor, and payments to other contributing personnel; and (2) laboratory use of royalties for related research and other expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program Subtitle D: Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle E: General Provisions Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities Subtitle A: Block Grants Program Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency Subtitle E: Effective Date Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration Subtitle C: Transition Provisions Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reestablishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Housing and Urban Development Programs Resolution Agency (Agency) which shall be an independent Executive agency headed by the Resolution Administrator. Terminates the Agency as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to report on the most efficient manner of abolishing HUD and transferring its functions. Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Sets forth specified transfers of HUD functions. (Sec. 122) Reestablishes the (HUD) Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight as an office in the Department of the Treasury. (Sec. 123) Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association. Requires the Resolution Administrator to develop a phase-out plan. (Sec. 124) Abolishes the (HUD) Office of Public Affairs. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth transfer provisions, including authorizing the Office of Management and Budget to make any necessary transfer determinations. Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance - Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Housing Voucher Agency (established by this Act) to make State block grants for (low-income) housing voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including waiver of voucher program requirements and alternate State grant uses. Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program - Establishes a Federal housing voucher assistance program of monthly payments on behalf of renting or first-time owning low-income families. Limits assistance to five years. Provides assistance portability within the same State or metropolitan area. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program - Directs the Administrator (Voucher Administrator) of the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (established by this Act) to establish: (1) a State housing assistance need formula; and (2) a limit on assisted families per State and a maximum State allocation. (Sec. 252) Authorizes a State to elect State block grant voucher assistance (subtitle A) rather than Federal voucher assistance (subtitle B). Subtitle D: Office of Federal Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (to be headed by the Voucher Administrator) which shall carry out the housing assistance programs under this title and certain other transferred housing authorities. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for specified provisions of this title. Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Programs - Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing - Replaces the following housing programs with a five-year interim public housing block grant program: (1) tenant-based section 8 assistance; (2) project-based section 8 assistance; (3) tenant-based rental assistance for disabled families; (4) rental assistance for persons with AIDS; (5) shelter plus care rental assistance for homeless persons; (6) tenant opportunity program; (7) flexible subsidies; (8) preservation programs; (9) service coordinators for assisted projects; and (10) Indian public housing, childhood development, and rental assistance. (Sec. 312) Provides for the transition of housing assistance from the interim block grant program to the voucher assistance programs. (Sec. 313) Provides for: (1) the transfer of specified remaining HUD authority to the Voucher Administrator; and (2) benefits to families assisted under terminated programs. Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation - Terminates the following housing programs: (1) public housing under title I or III of the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) urban revitalization program; (3) public housing childhood development; (4) perinatal services demonstration; (5) youth sports demonstration; and (6) public and assisted housing drug elimination. (Sec. 322) Provides for the deregulation of public housing authorities (PHAs). Requires PHAs to develop a strategic plan as a condition of assistance eligibility. (Sec. 325) Establishes the Public Housing Block Grant Fund for grants to PHAs for public housing management and operations. Sets forth program provisions, including lead-based paint requirements. States that participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be mandatory. (Sec. 330) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities - Subtitle A: Block Grants Program - Requires the Director of the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency to make an housing assistance block grant to eligible States, entitlement areas, and Indian tribes. Sets forth program provisions, including at least 90 percent low-income use and one percent set-asides for Indian tribes. Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing - Obligates specified block grant funds for State housing programs for low-income special populations (elderly families, disabled families, or persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families). (Sec. 422) Obligates specified block grant funds for Indian housing authorities. Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants - Authorizes block grant appropriations. Repeals specified housing and related programs. Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency - Establishes the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency as an independent Executive agency. Subtitle E: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this title. Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund (Fund). States that Fund amounts shall be for: (1) payment of losses to qualified mortgage insurers; (2) payment of certain claim notes; (3) investment; and (4) certain annual assessments. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Fund Administrator to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified mortgage insurers for single family home mortgage insurance coverage. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration which shall administer the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle C: Transition Provisions - Prohibits new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan or mortgage activities. Repeals specified FHA insurance authorities. Provides for the sale of FHA mortgage insurance interests and transfer of remaining authority to the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous and administrative provisions. Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget - Establishes in the Office of Management and Budget the Office of Federalism whose duties shall include: (1) review of policy and legislation's effect on the Federal-State relationship; and (2) federalism issues liaison services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports Establishment Act - Establishes the National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports as a charitable, nonprofit corporation to promote participation by private organizations in the activities of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (Council). Subjects to a civil action by the Foundation for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the consent of the Foundation in conjunction with the Council, uses for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition: (1) the Council's or Foundation's official seal; or (2) any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the Council or Foundation. Allows the Foundation, in conjunction with the Council, to authorize contributors and suppliers of goods or services to use such trade name, trademark, seal, symbol, insignia, or emblem in advertising under specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Continues existing average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles until such standards are specifically amended or changed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1995
Equal Opportunity Act of 1995 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in Federal employment and contracting on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex, or entering into a consent decree requiring, authorizing, or permitting any such discrimination or preference. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) employment recruiting or encouraging contract bidding or requiring or encouraging Federal contractors to so recruit or encourage, if the recruiting or encouraging does not involve a numerical objective or otherwise granting a preference; (2) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; (3) any action under a Federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes; or (4) classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Government, contractor, or subcontractor, the classification is designed to protect privacy, a U.S. national security interest is involved, or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member on active duty in a theatre of combat operations. Allows as remedies only injunctive or equitable relief (including back pay), attorney's fees, and costs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle A: Authorization Subtitle B: Restructuring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Subtitle C: Limitations and Special Authority Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology, including facilities construction; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. (Sec. 105) Limits total FY 1996 authorization of appropriations. Subtitle B: Restructuring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Directs the Administrator of NASA to contract for an asset-based review of NASA. Subtitle C: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Federal law to include reentry vehicles and related launch operations within the scope of commercial space launch activities. Authorizes appropriations for commercial space launch activities. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Air and Space Commercialization. (Sec. 203) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 205) Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish within the Office of Space Access and Technology a procurement demonstration program; and (2) coordinate a technology procurement initiative. (Sec. 207) Directs NASA to purchase space science data from the private sector. (Sec. 208) Directs the Administrator to: (1) transmit to the Congress a report on Mission to Planet Earth; and (2) request proposals for a single prime contractor for the space shuttle program. (Sec. 211) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993 to make the launch voucher demonstration program permanent. (Sec. 212) Prohibits, with exceptions, NASA financial assistance to a person who received nonmerit-based Federal funding. (Sec. 213) Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this Act for lobbying activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining the employment status of individuals as employees, a service provider shall not be treated as an employee, a service recipient shall not be treated as an employer, and a payor shall not be treated as an employer if: (1) a service provider has a significant investment in assets and training, incurs significant unreimbursed expenses, agrees to perform the service for a specified amount of time or to complete a specific result and is responsible for damages for early termination without cause, receives payment primarily on a commission basis, or has purchased resale products; (2) the service provider has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service in the service recipient's place of business, or pays a fair market rent for use of the recipient's place of business or does not have to perform service only for the service recipient and, in the current year or in the proceeding or subsequent years, has performed or has offered to perform a significant amount of service for other persons; and (3) the services by an individual are performed according to a written contract between the service recipient or payor which provides that the individual will not be treated as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Space Business Incentives Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for an amount equal to the aggregate amount paid during the taxable year for the purchase of qualified Commercial Space Stock. Excludes gain on the sale or exchange of qualified space corporation stock held for more than five years, with limitations. Provides for the treatment of space launch and launch support facility bonds as exempt facility bonds. Excludes from gross income: (1) income from the commercial sale of any product manufactured in space and returned to Earth; and (2) income from any services performed in space in a commercial space activity. Exempts a product which was manufactured in space and which was launched from and returned to Earth or manufactured at a facility in outer space from all Federal excises, imposts, and duties and any other Federal tariffs. Directs the President to encourage State and local governments to offer tax and other incentives to encourage commercial space activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 - Subjects anyone who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to a fine or imprisonment for not more than two years or both. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as partial, vaginal delivery of the fetus prior to killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Permits the parents or the maternal grandparents (if the mother has not attained the age of 18 at the time of the abortion) through a civil action to obtain relief which would include money damages for all injuries and statutory damages equal to three times the cost of the partial-birth abortion, even if any party consented to an abortion. Permits the affirmative defense to a prosecution or a civil action, which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, that the physician reasonably believed: (1) the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life; and (2) no other form of abortion would have sufficed for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Safety and Health Improvement and Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to revise provisions for OSHA standards. Requires promulgation and modification of such standards to be based of certain analyses and criteria, including a specified type of regulatory impact analysis, as well as a risk assessment and a cost-benefit analysis which are industry-specific. (Sec. 2) Repeals provisions for separate rules for toxic materials or harmful physical agents. Deems a variance to have been issued as of the date the application for it was filed,if the Secretary has failed to approve or disapprove such application within 90 days of such filing (unless the Secretary of Labor and the applicant agree to a longer period). Sets forth requirements relating to such regulatory impact analyses (both a preliminary and a final one), risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses. Directs the Secretary, within seven years of the effective date of this Act, to review each OSHA standard in effect as of such effective date under specified criteria, and to modify or revoke such standards as appropriate. Allows each person affected by a promulgated OSHA standard to petition the Secretary to modify or revoke such standard pursuant to this review process. Sets forth substantive and procedural requirements relating to such provisions. Repeals the mandate that, in determining the priority for establishing OSHA standards, the Secretary give due regard to: (1) the urgency of the need for such standards for particular industries, trades, crafts, occupations, businesses, workplaces, or work environments; and (2) the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding such need. Directs the Secretary, upon determining that a rule should be promulgated or modified to serve OSHA objectives, to appoint an independent and external peer review panel to review the scientific and economic data which forms the basis for such standard and such data's relevance to industries and workers that would be affected by it. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions for notices of violations and citations. Directs the Secretary to give notices of violations, with specified periods for abatement (at least 30 days, except that a reasonable shorter period may be ordered if the condition constitutes a direct threat to employees). Authorizes the Secretary to issue citations after a follow-up inspection if the violation remains and the abatement period has expired. Provides that such notice of a violation before issuance of a citation shall not be required in cases of alleged violations causing death or serious injury, or constituting an imminent danger, to an employee. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish an office to promote, administer, and coordinate the following worksite-based incentives programs and activities. Exempts from general OSHA inspections workplaces which: (1) the employer certifies have been reviewed under a Federal-State consultation services program or a workplace review provided by a certified person; or (2) the Secretary chooses to certify as having significant involvement of their employees in their safety and health program. Directs the Secretary to establish programs to: (1) certify persons to conduct such reviews; (2) give special recognition (including exemption from random OSHA inspections) to worksites, companies, and other organizations which have implemented particularly effective programs addressing occupational safety and health in the workplace; and (3) provide education, training, and technical assistance to employers and employees in providing safe and healthful workplaces and complying with OSHA requirements. Reserves at least one-half of the annual appropriation under OSHA for such worksite-based incentives programs, effective in the first fiscal year beginning three years after the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 5) Makes certain restrictions under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act inapplicable to employee participation on certain committees, teams, or other arrangements dealing with employers concerning health and safety of working conditions or related matters. (Sec. 6) Revises provisions for inspections. Revises provisions relating to employee requests for inspections to: (1) eliminate such requests by employee representatives; and (2) make a special inspection discretionary rather than mandatory, while having the Secretary make an inquiry with the employer, upon determination that there are reasonable grounds that the alleged violation or danger exists and that the employer has failed to correct it. Requires that certain inspections be conducted by at least one individual who has technical expertise by training or experience in the industry or types of hazards being inspected. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with other Federal agencies and with States to train inspection personnel of agencies which inspect employers to inspect places of employment to determine if employee fire protection is adequate; and (2) establish a system for referral of fire hazards to the Secretary after notification to the employer, if the employer fails to take corrective actions. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting routine inspections of (or enforcing any OSHA standard, rule, regulation, or order with respect to): (1) any person engaged in a farming operation that does not maintain a temporary labor camp and is employing ten or fewer employees; and (2) any employer of not more than 50 employees that has an occupational injury or a lost work day rate less than the national average. Sets forth certain exceptions from such exemption. (Sec. 7) Adds employer defenses of employee misconduct, or alternative safe methods, or other inconsistent or conflicting requirements. (Sec. 8) Revises OSHA penalties. Eliminates provisions relating to willful and repeated violations. Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to: (1) assess all civil penalties, giving due consideration to their appropriateness with respect to specified factors; and (2) not assess a penalty greater than that proposed by the Secretary. Allows reduction of a civil penalty by the cost to the employer of correcting the violation. Authorizes the Secretary to propose that a special assessment penalty of up to ten times greater be applied in the circumstances of employee fatalities, or an excessive history of serious injuries to employees, caused by violations of certain OSHA standards. Prohibits penalties where no standard or regulation exists. Provides for jurisdiction for prosecution under State and local criminal laws. (Sec. 9) Revises enforcement procedures with respect to Commission review of the Secretary's citations or proposed penalties for employers. Revises judicial review provisions to require upholding, if reasonable, of the Commission's conclusions of law with respect to the construction of OSHA, or regulations, rules, standards, or orders adopted under OSHA. Increases Commission membership from three to five, and quorums from two to three members. Requires at least one Commission member to have expertise or experience in mining. Revises provisions for Commission hearings and records to provide that, if the parties so agree, there shall not be required any formal proceedings, including requests for production of documents or requests for admissions, interrogatories, or depositions. (Sec. 10) Repeals OSHA provisions for: (1) the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), thus abolishing it; (2) NIOSH research and related activities; and (3) NIOSH training and employee education activities. (Sec. 11) Repeals OSHA provisions relating to the already terminated National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws. (Sec. 12) Revises OSHA conditions for approval of State plans. Makes certain conditions inapplicable if the State has adopted alternative performance measures to assure that its program is at least as effective as the Federal program in assuring safe and healthful employment and places of employment. (Sec. 13) Revises procedures for discrimination protection for whistle-blowers under OSHA. (Sec. 14) Provides for OSHA coverage of Federal agencies. (Sec. 15) Repeals provisions for separate occupational safety and health programs for Federal agencies. (Sec. 16) Authorizes employers to establish alcohol and substance abuse testing programs where there is a reasonable probability that any employee's safety or health could be endangered because of use of alcohol or a controlled substance in the workplace. Requires such programs to conform to specified Federal guidelines. Allows employer pre-employment testing for alcohol or substance abuse under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to test employees for use of alcohol or controlled substances during any investigation of a work-related fatality or serious injury. (Sec. 17) Repeals titles I, II, III, and V of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (FMSHA). Transfers the functions, responsibilities, and authorities of: (1) the Mine Safety and Health Administration to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health; and (2) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Deems FMSHA standards to have been promulgated under OSHA. Prohibits the Secretary from enforcing any other standards promulgated prior to the effective date of this Act, with respect to activities, conditions, or processes which were subject to FMSHA. Repeals specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Prohibits requirements of a specified part of CFR from being enforced with respect to any sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, or surface limestone mine. Establishes OSHA requirements for mine safety inspections, enforcement orders, and penalties. Requires the National Mine Health and Safety Academy to be: (1) maintained as an agency of the Department of Labor; and (2) responsible for training of mine safety and health inspectors and technical support personnel, and for any other training programs for mine inspectors, mining personnel, or other personnel designated by the Secretary. (Sec. 18) Revises specified OSHA provisions for recordkeeping, reporting, and statistics. (Sec. 19) Adds definitions of the terms "serious injury" and "industry." (Sec. 20) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress regarding activities under OSHA, including recommendations to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve coordination with other Federal laws; and (2) provide for a means for certification of equipment safety, to be conducted by nongovernmental agencies, unless such agencies with professional or technical personnel or materials and equipment are not available.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
Homesteading and Neighborhood Restoration Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make equal grants to Habitat for Humanity International and other national or regional organizations or consortia for the construction of new, safe, and sanitary dwellings in the United States, including land acquisitions and infrastructure improvement. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the time period in which the Secretary is authorized to insure and make commitments to insure loans made under the multifamily rural housing program. Allows any interest in the ownership of a project for which a loan is made or insured under to be transferred only if the Secretary determines that such a transfer would be in the best interest of the tenants of the housing. Repeals provisions which prohibit the Secretary from denying loans because an area is excessively remote. Requires the Secretary to establish objective procedures to identify the counties and communities that have the greatest need for rental housing assistance and designate those counties and communities to receive assistance. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to deny equity loans to extend low income use unless the Secretary determines that other incentives available are not adequate to provide a fair return on the investment of the borrower, to prevent prepayment of the loan, or to prevent displacement of tenants of the housing for which the loan was made. Authorizes the Secretary to make commitments to nonprofit organizations, an agency or body of any State government, or a private entity to guarantee loans from lenders approved by the Secretary for the development costs of housing and related facilities that consists of five or more adequate dwellings available for occupancy only by low or moderate income families or persons, and will remain available according to commitments required by the Secretary. Terminates guarantee authority after September 30, 1995. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
![Official portrait of Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000068_200.jpg)