United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolition of Department of Education Title II: Education Program Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Statements of Policy Back to Basics Education Reform Act - Eliminates the Department of Education and redefines the Federal role in education. Title I: Abolition of Department of Education - Abolishes the Department of Education. (Sec. 102) Establishes (and sunsets) an Office of Economic Opportunities in the Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that the Office shall be: (1) headed by a Director for Economic Opportunities, who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (2) administered under the supervision and direction of the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Families and Children. Transfers Department of Education functions to the Office. Abolishes the Office and all of its functions upon the expiration of the authorization for the programs under its jurisdiction. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint as principal officers of the Office: (1) an Assistant Director of Childhood Schooling; and (2) an Assistant Director of Advanced Schooling. (Sec. 104) Allows the Secretary of Education to serve as Director of the Office until an individual is appointed to such position or until the end of a 120-day period, whichever is earlier. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as is necessary or appropriate, to: (1) allocate or reallocate any function of the Office among its officers; and (2) consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Office any organizational entities that were entities of the Department of Education. Prohibits transfer of any function or personnel of the Office to any agency outside of the Office. (Sec. 106) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan for winding up the affairs of the Department of Education in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 107) Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a report with recommendations for the most efficient means of achieving, in accordance with this Act: (1) the complete abolition of the Department of Education; and (2) the termination, transfer, or other continuation of functions of the Department of Education. (Sec. 110) Limits Federal expenditures in each fiscal year for the administration of a function transferred by this Act to not more than 70 percent of the total amount expended for the administration of that function during fiscal year 1995. Title II: Education Programs - Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education - Chapter 1: Elementary and Secondary Education Block Grant - Authorizes the Director of the Office to provide an elementary and secondary education block grant to the Governor of each State that complies with specified requirements. (Sec. 202) Authorizes such block grant program, and sets forth provisions for State eligibility, general State requirements, amount of State allotment, local fiscal accountability, and participation of children enrolled in private schools. (Sec. 209) Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Other Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Repeals: (1) titles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and parts B and C of title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; (4) specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act; and (5) the National Education Statistics Act of 1994. Amends ESEA provisions relating to impact aid. Requires that impact aid programs provided under title VIII of ESEA be administered by the Department of Defense through the Assistant Secretary for Force Management Policy. Provides that Indian education programs under part A of title IX of ESEA shall be administered by the Department of the Interior through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to transfer authority from the Department and Secretary of Education to the Department and Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 212) Amends IDEA definitions of excess costs and of native language. (Sec. 213) Transfers of IDEA administering authority to the Office. (Sec. 214) Revises IDEA provisions relating to outreach services for certain institutions of higher education. Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs - Chapter 1: Elimination and Reduction of Programs - Repeals the Higher Education Act of 1965, with exceptions for its short title and provisions relating to Pell Grants, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Perkins Loans, needs analysis, certain general provisions, definitions, and the program integrity triad. (Sec. 221) Provides that such repeal of HEA provisions shall not affect Federal authority to collect loans. Discontinues Federal contributions for FY 1997 or any succeeding year to student loan funds established under Perkins Loans provisions of HEA. Limits Federal funds for Howard University under specified Federal law and the Howard University Endowment Act to: (1) specified maximum amounts and uses in fiscal years through FY 2000; and (2) nothing for FY 2001 and thereafter. (Sec. 222) Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise the Federal Credit Reform Act with respect to defining the cost of a direct loan. (Sec. 223) Amends HEA to provide for the sale of Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) loan portfolios. (Sec. 224) Makes a statement of policy that the Federal student loan programs should be reviewed to evaluate whether reforms need to be made based on the principles of risk sharing, market-based orientation, privatization, and deregulation. (Sec. 225) Eliminates in-school interest subsidies under HEA guaranteed loan programs. Chapter 2: Higher Education Block Grant - Authorizes block grants to States to assist institutions of higher education to improve access to higher education and the quality of educational programs. (Sec. 232) Sets forth such block grant program provisions for distribution of funds, State assurances, use of funds, and public disclosure. (Sec. 236) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect continued funding for Gallaudet University, the American Printing House for the Blind, or the National Institute for the Deaf at FY 1995 levels through FY 2000. (Sec. 242) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) consult with the Congress before issuing regulations regarding the grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title; and (2) issue only regulations necessary for the timely distribution of such funds to the States. (Sec. 243) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a consolidated application for grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title. Requires that consolidated applications also be permitted at the local level. (Sec. 244) Limits the amount that is authorized to be appropriated for programs under chapter 2 of subtitle A, subtitle B, and chapter 1 of subtitle C to not more than the amount appropriated for such programs for FY 1995. Requires that such programs be authorized through FY 2000. (Sec. 245) Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the applicability of civil rights laws relating to any program established, transferred, or consolidated under this Act. Sets forth education-related civil rights enforcement and reporting duties of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements relating to certain references, exercise of authorities, savings provisions, transfer of assets, delegation and assignment, authority of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to functions transferred, and proposed changes in law. Title IV: Statements of Policy - Sets forth statements of policy regarding: (1) Federal education funding (review and evaluation as to the feasibility of further enhancing the ability of States and local communities to fund education by reducing the Federal tax burden and commensurately eliminating Federal Government involvement in providing grants for education programs); (2) job training programs (review and transfer all those under jurisdiction of the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and consolidate them into one or more block grants); and (3) Indian education (review programs transferred to the Department of the Interior to ensure that they benefit Native American children who live on reservations).
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Family Medical Savings and Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual covered under a catastrophic coverage health plan a tax deduction for contributions to a medical savings account. Defines an eligible individual as one who is covered under a catastrophic health plan at any time during such month and is not covered by any other health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to exempt qualified current or former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms. Specifies that a State or political subdivision thereof may require such individuals to provide appropriate authorities with prior notice of the intent of the individual to carry a concealed firearm, but makes such requirement inapplicable to such an individual who is passing through the jurisdiction without undue delay en route to another jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Federal Power Asset Privatization Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell, at the highest possible price, all Federal electric power generation and transmission facilities supervised by, or coordinated with, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Restricts such sales to domestic entities or U.S. citizens. Requires the Secretary to terminate Federal Power Marketing Administration operations upon completion of the sales. Directs the Secretary to retain a private sector firm through a competitive bidding process to serve as financial advisor with respect to such sales. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purchaser of any such facilities should offer to employ former Federal Power Marketing Administration personnel. Mandates that sale proceeds be deposited into the Treasury. Sets forth a sales completion deadline for each Power Marketing Administration. Mandates that the pertinent sales agreements require each purchaser providing electric power to customers within any region to insure that the price of electric power does not increase above the baseline price at a rate greater than ten percent annually. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue to the purchaser of a hydroelectric generation facility a ten-year original license under the Federal Power Act to insure that the project will continue operations under the same conditions as were applicable prior to the sale. Grants FERC Federal Power Act jurisdiction over any such facility sold. Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the proscription against the use of appropriated funds for studies regarding a changeover from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or other noncost-based methodology for pricing hydroelectric power.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Federal Prison Health Services Privatization Act of 1995 - Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding medical services in prisons to direct the Attorney General to: (1) provide for necessary medical care for prisoners in Federal penal and correctional institutions through contracts with non-governmental entities specializing in prison health services or correctional managed health care; and (2) establish a system of requiring copayments by prisoners within those institutions for health care. Authorizes: (1) the deduction of such copayments from commissary accounts or other similar credits given to prisoners for work; and (2) advances against such credits for the purposes of paying the copayment. Permits such copayments to be paid only after the prisoner has received essential medical care. Prohibits the denial to a prisoner of essential medical care because of the inability to pay such a copayment.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Entrepreneurial New and Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recognize, if elected by the taxpayer, gain (other than ordinary income) on the sale of any eligible small business investment only to the extent the amount realized exceeds the cost of any other small business investment purchased by the taxpayer during the previous six months. Applies to the amendments made by this Act rules (from provisions relating to a 50 percent exclusion for gain from certain small business stock) relating to stock conversion, pass-through entities, transfers, and short positions. Mandates basis reductions for unrecognized gain. Treats a loss on an eligible small business investment, if the loss would otherwise be from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, as an ordinary loss.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Replaces the Department of Commerce (DOC) with the Commerce Programs Resolution Agency (CPRA), which is limited to three years to wind up and terminate the functions and obligations of the DOC before the CPRA itself is abolished. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the most efficient means of abolishing the DOC, and transferring or terminating its functions. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations, liabilities, and related rights owned by DOC under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all DOC grants made under such Act in FY 1995. (Sec. 202) Transfers all export control functions of the DOC under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to the Secretary of State, the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General. Authorizes transfer of a limited number of specified DOC special agents to the Customs Service. Abolishes the Office of Foreign Availability and the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, and provides for the appointment of an Industries Board to advise the Secretary of State. (Sec. 203) Transfers specified national security functions: (1) granted by the Trade Expansion Act to the International Trade Commission (ITC); and (2) granted by the Defense Production Act to the Secretaries of Defense and of the Treasury. Directs the President to appoint committees of industry representatives to advise the National Security Council. (Sec. 204) Transfers to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the functions of the DOC's International Trade Administration, and powers granted by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to make the Secretary of the Treasury chairman and executive officer of the Foreign Trade Zones Board. Renames the United States and Foreign Commercial Service the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service), abolishes specified functions, and transfers it to the USTR. Conveys all export promotion functions of the DOC to the USTR, authorizing the USTR to require private entities to pay for promotion services. Transfers the authority to collect and evaluate information on international investment and trade services to the Secretary of the Treasury. Abolishes the international economic policy analysis functions of the DOC. Terminates the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), and divides CITA's tasks among the USTR, the ITC, the Commercial Service, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Transfers all DOC functions under the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to the ITC. Requires the appointment of industry boards to advise the Secretary of the Treasury and the USTR regarding their new powers. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal authorities for trade adjustment assistance to firms injured by import competition. (Sec. 205) Transfers the Patent and Trademark Office to the Department of Justice, and requires that the activities of that Office be funded solely by fees. (Sec. 206) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Transfers the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the National Science Foundation, and transfers its laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. Eliminates funding for, and requires the sale of assets of, the National Technical Information Service. (Sec. 207) Transfers the Bureau of the Census to the Department of the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such Bureau should: (1) implement the Census Address List Improvement Act of 1994 in a timely fashion; and (2) streamline census questionnaires to promote savings in the collection and tabulation of data. (Sec. 208) Transfers the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Reserve System, requiring the director of that Bureau to report to the Congress on: (1) the availability of private resources capable of handling a portion or all of the Bureau's assigned tasks; and (2) the feasibility of a fee system to defray costs. (Sec. 209) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). (Sec. 210) Transfers specified functions under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. (Sec. 211) Terminates: (1) funding of specified fishery assistance programs; (2) the fisheries trade promotion program; (3) the authority to guarantee obligations for fishing vessels and facilities; (4) future compensation for damage, loss, or destruction of fishing vessels or fishing gear; and (5) funding of specified Federal fishery research projects. Eliminates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and conveys specified functions of both to the National Weather Service. Transfers the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System Data Centers in part to the CPRA to be sold, and in part to the National Weather Service. Terminates certain functions of the National Weather Service, and transfers it to the Department of the Interior. Reallocates specified functions of the National Marine Fisheries Services to the Secretary of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Agriculture. Conveys specified functions of the National Ocean Service to the United States Geological Survey and the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers certain NOAA environmental research laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. (Sec. 212) Abolishes the following DOC agencies and programs: (1) Economic Development Administration; (2) Minority Business Development Administration; (3) United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (4) National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (5) Advanced Technology Program; and (6) Manufacturing Extension Programs. (Sec. 214) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the head of each agency performing a function vested by this Act should, wherever feasible, explore and implement user fees for services provided in the performance of such function, to offset operating costs. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1994 expenditures for the performance of such function.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the disclosure of any tax information to a State that is taxing the retirement income of an individual who is neither a resident nor a domiciliary of that State (pension source tax).
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Franked Mail Savings Act - Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to establish an Official Mass Mailing Allowance for Members of the House of Representatives. Requires the Official Mass Mailing Allowance to be: (1) available only for postage for any mass mailing sent by a Member as franked mail; (2) the sole source of funding for any such postage; and (3) available in a session of Congress in an amount that does not exceed the total amount allocated to the Official Mail Allowance of a Member in such session. Treats the Official Mass Mailing Allowance and mass mailings separately from the Official Mail Allowance. Continues the applicability of current provisions of law relating to mass mailings sent by a Member or Member-elect. Prohibits a mass mailing from being sent if it would be postmarked during any session that begins in an even-numbered calendar year, except mail matter sent after election day, mailed by a chairperson of a congressional committee, or which relates to an emergency or disaster declared by the President. Sets forth requirements for the submission of samples of mass mailings to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. Revises the formula for determining the Official Mail Allowance (thereby reducing the maximum allocation allowed). Prohibits the transfer of any amount (except for amounts from the Official Mass Mailing Allowance) to or from the Official Mail Allowance of a Member. (Currently, transfers up to a specified amount are allowed from the Official Expenses and Clerk Hire Allowances.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to prohibit the payment of appropriated funds to the International Monetary Fund, unless: (1) the Fund has agreed, before it uses any resources for monetary stabilization, to report to the Secretary of the Treasury on all conditions, limitations, and restrictions imposed on any country with respect to such use; and (2) the Fund has not violated the agreement. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the Fund to propose amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the Fund as are necessary to require, as a condition of membership in the Fund, that each member country make public, on a monthly basis, a report on its financial condition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Selective Service Standby Act of 1995 - Amends the Military Selective Service Act to prohibit: (1) requiring a person to submit to registration under the Selective Service System (SSS) unless a declaration of national emergency is in effect; (2) the President from appointing a person as a member of a civilian local board, civilian appeal board, or similar local agency of the SSS, except during a national emergency; and (3) any such board from meeting. Prohibits any person from being denied any right, privilege, benefit, or employment position under Federal law by reason of failure to so register after the effective date of this Act. Requires the SSS Director to submit to the Congress a standby emergency manpower mobilization program to be used by the SSS only during national emergencies for the registration of appropriate persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
International Tax Simplification and Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine the degree and nature of the direct and indirect investment (share holding) of a domestic corporation in one or more foreign corporations that is required for both the domestic and the foreign corporations to receive a foreign tax credit for indirectly paying another corporation's foreign income taxes. (Sec. 3) Requires that, with specified exceptions, accrued translated foreign taxes are to be adjusted according to an average exchange rate for the period during which foreign taxes were paid. Makes a special rule for taxes not paid within two years. (Sec. 5) Defines "foreign personal holding company income" as excluding any income when: (1) it derives from sources within the country where the controlled corporation was formed; and (2) the corporation's predominate activity is banking, financing, or similar business, or the income was made on the sale or exchange of specified stock or securities derived from investments by a qualifying insurance company. Declares that the investment income of a person related to a corporation shall be subject to the "look-thru" treatment. Limits "foreign based company services income" by excluding income from services directly related to the conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business if: (1) that business is the corporation's predominate activity; and (2) the corporation's income is derived from sources within the country where the corporation was formed. (Sec. 6) Extends the number of periods to which excess foreign taxes for a given year may be carried. (Sec. 7) Declares that under certain specified circumstances: (1) a portion of dividends earned by a taxpaying corporation on investments in noncontrolled foreign 902 corporations shall be treated as income in a separate category; and (2) generally such dividends shall not be treated as are other dividends. (Sec. 8) Declares that, for the taxation of foreign based company income, the countries in the European Union are treated as one. (Sec. 9) Declares that certain specified statutes do not apply to a taxpayer who is a United States shareholder with respect to a foreign controlled corporation. (Sec. 10) Permits a taxpayer calculating a deductible expense on the basis of assets to use the adjusted bases of assets. (Sec. 11) Permits a taxpayer who sustains an overall domestic loss to recharacterize a specified portion of taxable income in succeeding taxable years as income from outside the United States. Defines (1) "domestic loss" as the amount deductions exceed gross income from in the United States, and (2) "overall domestic loss" as any domestic loss that offsets taxable income from outside the United States not including any loss for a year in which the taxpayer does not choose to recharacterize his income. (Sec. 12) Raises the sum of foreign base company income plus gross insurance income required (de minimis rule) for a taxpayer to treat any portion of gross income as foreign base income or gross insurance income. (Sec. 13) Increases the deduction allowed for specified research and experimental expenditures. (Sec. 14) Requires the filing of a tax return by a U.S. person who: (1) owns ten percent of a foreign corporation's stock (up from five percent); or (2) is an officer or director of a foreign corporation the stock of which is at least ten percent owned by a U.S. person (up from five percent). (Sec. 15) Requires that earnings and profits of any foreign corporation be determined according to the United States' generally accepted accounting principles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Government Accountability Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make prohibitions against fraud and false statements regarding any matter within the jurisdiction of any U.S. department or agency applicable with respect to any matter under the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, or any department or agency thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Vietnam POW-MIA Full Disclosure Act of 1995 - Prohibits the usage of Federal funds for the advancement of diplomatic or economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam unless the President: (1) provides a listing of the Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War about whom Vietnam is most likely to be able to provide remains or additional information; (2) certifies that Vietnam is cooperating fully with regard to recovery and repatriation of American remains, resolution of discrepancies, live-sightings and field activities, implementation of trilateral investigations with the Lao, and provision of documents on POW/MIAs; and (3) certifies that Vietnam is being fully forthcoming in providing access to Central Committee-level records pertaining to Americans captured or held during the war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Small Business Tax Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow partnerships or S corporations (electing small business corporations) to elect to have a taxable year other than the required taxable year, in which case the entity shall pay estimated tax in quarterly installments (determined under one of three methods) at the applicable rate on behalf of the owners (partners or shareholders). Exempts entities with an aggregate liability of less than $5,000 from such estimated payment requirements. Imposes a penalty for underpayment of any required quarterly installment. Allows a tax credit for an owner's allocable share of estimated tax payments made by an entity. Prohibits elections of a different taxable year under existing provisions by entities whose first taxable year under such election would begin after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Medicare Dependent Hospital Relief Act of 1995 - Directs the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to: (1) develop separate applicable percentage increases for Medicare dependent and certain non-Medicare dependent hospitals to ensure that the average annual Medicare margins of the two hospitals are equalized while ensuring budget neutrality; and (2) include in each of its March reports to the Congress the percentage increases for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as recommendations on methods for ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries who receive Medicare dependent hospital services have the same access and quality of care as those beneficiaries furnished with certain non-Medicare dependent hospital services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1995
Nuclear Decommissioning Costs Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the deduction for payments made to a Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund, to: (1) eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of the Treasury determine certain amounts necessary to fund the taxpayer's portion of nuclear power plant decommissioning costs; and (2) provide rules for the treatment of amounts either deducted in excess of the allowable amount for the taxable year or that reflect a contribution shortfall.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide that a Member of Congress after he or she has completed 12 years of service in the Congress shall not: (1) have retirement deductions made from any pay or service performed as a Member; (2) have Government contributions made on his or her behalf; or (3) have any service performed as a Member taken into account for purposes of computing retirement pay (except in the case of a disability annuity). Provides that only service performed after the 103d Congress shall be taken into account with respect to the 12-year service requirement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that economically targeted investments violate specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to a fiduciary's responsibility to serve the interests of employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries exclusively. Requires that the application of such ERISA provisions to employee benefit plan asset investments be determined without regard to a specified Department of Labor (DOL) interpretive bulletin or any other similar directive regarding economically targeted investments. Prohibits DOL officers or employees from traveling, lecturing, or otherwise expending DOL resources to promote, directly or indirectly, economically targeted investments. Amends ERISA to prohibit Federal agencies or instrumentalities from establishing or maintaining any clearinghouse or other database relating to economically targeted investments for employee benefit plans. Directs Federal agencies and instrumentalities to immediately terminate contracts or other arrangements which violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Revolving Door Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth new provisions prohibiting public officials, within a specified period following termination of their public service, from knowingly making, with intent to influence, any communication or appearance before congressional or executive branch officials or employees, on behalf of any other person seeking official action (lobbying). Prohibits the following individuals, for two years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any Member, officer, or employee of Congress: (1) the President or Vice President; (2) Members of Congress; (3) individuals who serve in executive agency positions on a full-time basis, who have a rate of basic pay of at least $70,000, and who are not appointees of the senior foreign service or as uniformed service commissioned officers; and (4) officers or employees of Congress with a rate of pay of $70,000 or above. Prohibits: (1) Members of Congress, the President or Vice President, such executive branch employees, or such congressional employees, for two years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any officer or employee of an executive department or agency; (2) Members of Congress or such congressional employees, for five years after termination of their service, from lobbying any congressional committee Members or employees who are members of, or employed by, the committee on which such former Members served or for which such employee worked; or (3) the President, Vice President, or such executive branch employees, for five years after termination of their service or employment, from lobbying any officer or employee of the department or agency in which such person served. Prohibits such a Member, officer, or employee of the Congress from knowingly, after leaving such position, holding a supervisory position over any person who is likely to lobby Congress or executive agencies. Bans any former Member of Congress who is convicted of a felony from lobbying. Applies restrictions on lobbying on behalf of foreign entities to lobbying on behalf of foreign nationals. Prohibits such a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, after leaving such office, from lobbying on behalf of a foreign national for compensation. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent an individual from: (1) making requests for appointments, status of Federal action, or other similar ministerial contacts if there is no attempt to influence an officer or employee of the legislative or executive branch; (2) making communications in response to a notice in the Federal Register, Commerce Business Daily, or other similar publication soliciting communications from the public and directed to the agency official specifically designated in such notice; (3) making communications or appearances in compliance with written agency procedures regarding an adjudication conducted by an agency under adjudication provisions; or (4) submitting written comments filed in a public docket and other communications that are made on the record. Requires compensation recovered pursuant to imposition of a civil penalty upon former officers, employees, and elected officials of the executive and legislative branches for violation of lobbying restrictions to be deposited in the Treasury for deficit reduction. (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit an individual who has excess campaign funds and is neither a candidate for, nor an incumbent of, a Federal office and who is registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act from making any contribution from such excess campaign funds to another individual who is a candidate for Federal office or to any authorized committee of such other individual. (Sec. 4) Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit lobbyists from being entitled to the privilege of admission to the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. (Sec. 5) Prohibits any former Member of Congress who is registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act from being permitted to enter any dining area of the Capitol or any gymnasium facility which is reserved for Members.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Repeals rule XLIX of the Rules of the House of Representatives relating to concurrent and joint resolutions that increase or decrease the statutory limit on the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1995
Condemns the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sends condolences to the families. Commends rescue and volunteer workers, law enforcement officials, and the President. Urges the President to use all necessary means to find and punish the perpetrators. Supports the President's and Attorney General's position that Federal prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty, for those responsible. Declares that the House of Representatives will expeditiously approve legislation to strengthen the authority and resources of all Federal agencies involved in combating such acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Title II: Administrative Provisions America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 1995 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin wilderness areas; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert wilderness areas; (3) the Grand Staircase Wilderness and the Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) Escalante Canyon wilderness areas; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) Cedar Mesa wilderness areas; (8) Canyonlands wilderness areas; (9) San Rafael Swell wilderness areas; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin wilderness areas. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Reserves the Federal Government's rights to a quantity of water sufficient for each wilderness area designated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who do not itemize deductions a charitable contribution deduction to the extent the amount claimed exceeds $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return). Excepts charitable contribution deductions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan Privatization Act of 1995 - Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise its Federal Credit Reform Act provisions relating to budget accuracy of accounting for Federal costs associated with the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to phase-out the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSL) in a specified manner. Eliminates related requirements involving loan volume limits and administrative expenses for such program. Repeals HEA authority for such program as of the end of FY 1997. Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program - Amends HEA to revise provisions under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) relating to: (1) recovery of guaranty agency reserves; and (2) return to the Treasury of reserve funds returned or recovered by the Secretary. Terminates FDSL consolidation loan authority. Consolidates FDSL program loans under the FFEL program. Prohibits certain administrative funds from being expended to support public relations activities (by Department of Education employees or pursuant to contracts with the Department) or marketing of institutions to encourage participation in the FDSL program. Provides for sale of FDSL loan portfolios. Directs the Secretary to provide a copy of all reports and analyses prepared in connection with auctions, for purposes of such sales, to the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office and of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires all proceeds received as a result of such auctions to be returned to the Department of the Treasury after deduction of connected expenses incurred by the Department of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Fair Indian Gaming Act - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (Act) to shift the burden of proof from a State to an Indian tribe in a compact negotiation-related action initiated by a tribe. (Sec. 3) Includes, under provisions for determining whether gaming activities on newly acquired Indian lands are to be allowed, consideration of communities across State borders that would be seriously affected, as well as consultation with officials of such communities. Transfers primary authority to make such determinations from the Secretary of the Interior to the Governor and the State legislature. Authorizes gaming for newly acknowledged or restored tribes under specified circumstances. (Sec. 4) Requires an individual's physical presence in order to participate in class II or class III gaming on Indian lands. (Sec. 5) Sets forth class II and class III gaming restrictions. (Sec. 6) Excludes video bingo from the definition of class II gaming. Includes video bingo and any other forms of electronic video games or devices within the definition of class III gaming. (Sec. 7) Establishes a two-year moratorium on new class III gaming. (Sec. 8) Specifies that in a State whose constitution specifically authorizes class II or class III gaming such gambling on Indian lands shall be subject to the same laws, terms, and conditions as the State's gambling. (Sec. 9) Increases the membership of the National Indian Gaming Commission. (Sec. 10) Subjects Indian gaming establishments to specified reporting and bookkeeping requirements. (Sec. 11) Directs the Attorney General to conduct related background investigations. (Sec. 12) Amends Federal criminal law to extend current State authority in specified States to gaming violations on Indian lands. (Sec. 13) Amends the Act to prohibit the use of appropriated funds for the Commission. Increases gaming fee limits for Commission funding.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Public Pension Equity Restoration Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow deferred compensation to be included in governmental retirement plans. Makes inapplicable to governmental plans the rule which limits benefits to 100 percent of the average compensation for the highest three years. Removes excess benefit arrangements and survivor and disability benefits from limitations on governmental plans. Provides a mechanism to pay benefits above limitations to certain employees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies; and (2) the U.S. Government should immediately encourage the UN to take action by considering the unique situation of Taiwan in the international community and adopting a comprehensive solution to accommodate Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends the Taiwan Relations Act to prohibit the democratically elected leadership of Taiwan from being excluded from the United States based on a determination by the Secretary of State that the entry or proposed activities of such individuals would have potentially adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise provisions regarding the acceptance of gifts by Members, officers, or employees of the House. Prohibits Members, officers, or employees from accepting gifts from lobbyists registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or any successor statute unless: (1) the lobbyist is a member of the immediate family of the Member, officer, or employee to whom the gift was made; or (2) the Member, officer, or employee did not have reason to know that the gift was given because of his or her official position, was given through a member of the Member's, officer's, or employee's immediate family or an entity controlled by the Member, officer, or employee, or was given by a lobbyist who was reimbursed or provided compensation for the gift's value or deducted the gift's value from his or her Federal income tax liability and the Member, officer, or employee disclosed the gift to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Bars House Members, officers, or employees from accepting a gift from persons other than lobbyists unless conditions described above under which gifts may be accepted from lobbyists apply to such a person or the gift: (1) consisted of a meal; (2) was a contribution to a legal defense fund established for the Member's, officer's, or employee's benefit; (3) was an extension of personal hospitality; or (4) was attendance at a charity, conference, association dinner, or other widely-attended event. Lists items that are not considered to be gifts, including: (1) informational material; (2) receptions and food and refreshments of a nominal value; (3) products from the home State of the Member which are of nominal value; (4) objects of little intrinsic value; or (5) payments or reimbursements for reasonable expenses for travel, for a period not exceeding three days within the United States or seven days outside the United States, exclusive of travel time, to events related to the Member's, officer's, or employee's official duties, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to waive gift restrictions in unusual circumstances and to make such waivers public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1995
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act Amendments of 1995 - Exempts a physician clinical office laboratory from Public Health Service Act certification requirements, except when such laboratory performs a Pap Smear (Papanicolaous Smear) analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1995
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) declare it to be U.S. policy that illegal aliens not be entitled to public education benefits in the same manner as U.S. citizens and lawful resident aliens; and (2) authorize States to deny public education benefits to illegal aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President: (1) should not have granted diplomatic recognition to the Skopje regime that insists on using the Greek name "Macedonia" in the name of its country, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and (2) should reconsider this decision and withdraw diplomatic recognition and any consideration of financial assistance to the Skopje regime until such time as it renounces its use of that name, removes objectionable language in its constitution, removes symbols which imply territorial expansion, ceases propaganda against Greece, and adheres fully to the norms and principles of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), at the licensee's request, to reinstate the expired permit for a specified hydroelectric project (Mt. Hope Waterpower Project), and extend until August 3, 1999, the time period under the Federal Power Act for commencement of construction.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Performance Based Acquisition Process Subtitle A: Performance Goals Subtitle B: Results-Oriented Acquisition Process Subtitle C: Rapid Contracting Subtitle D: Performance Based Contract Management Subtitle E: Financial Management Subtitle F: Defense Acquisition Workforce Subtitle G: Revision of Procurement Integrity Requirements Subtitle H: Clerical Amendments Title II: Reorganization and Reform of the Defense Acquisition System Subtitle A: Streamlining and Improvement of Acquisition Management Subtitle B: Transfer of Functions Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments Subtitle D: Effective Date Title III: Depot-Level Maintenance Department of Defense Acquisition Management Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Performance Based Acquisition Process - Subtitle A: Performance Goals - Amends Federal defense procurement provisions to: (1) require acquisition programs of the Department of Defense (DOD) for each DOD appropriation account to be assessed for achieving on average 90 percent of their cost, performance, and scheduling goals; and (2) direct the Secretary of Defense to terminate any major defense acquisition program that fails to meet at least 50 percent of its cost, performance, and schedule goals. (Sec. 103) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to direct the Secretary to include certain additional incentives such as pay and promotion incentives within a system which encourages excellence in the personnel management of defense acquisition programs (DAPs). Requires a review of such system to be completed by October 1, 1997, and requires a report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees. Subtitle B: Results-Oriented Acquisition Process - Directs the Secretary to revise DOD regulations relating to the acquisition of major systems and information technology systems. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to define in appropriate regulations a simplified acquisition program cycle (cycle) that is results-oriented and consists of the following phases: (1) the integrated decision team meeting; (2) prototype development and testing; (3) product integration, development, and testing; and (4) production and integration into existing systems. Utilizes established maximum time limits for the completion of the cycle and each of its phases, with alternatives to such limits. Requires the acquisition program approval process to have one major decision point which shall occur before the program proceeds into product integration, development, and testing, directing the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition to review, and make certain determinations with respect to, such program. Requires any regulations adopted to ensure that potential users of an item being acquired under a cycle are afforded an opportunity to participate in the acquisition decisions during the appropriate phases. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a notice to proceed with production of a major system until: (1) at least one phase of initial operational test and evaluation has been completed, during both the prototype development and testing phase and again during the product integration, development, and testing phase; and (2) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation has made certain certifications to the Secretary concerning testing and evaluation procedures and conditions. Authorizes the waiver of such requirements under certain conditions, including for national security reasons. Prohibits operational testing of a new system other than a major system until the head of the operational test and evaluation agency of the military department concerned determines the quantity of articles of the system that are to be procured for operational testing. Repeals a Federal provision requiring any increase in the quantity of articles to be procured for low-rate initial production to be made only with the approval of the official making the original quantity determination. Prohibits such quantity from being increased by more than ten percent of the original quantity as of the date on which funds appropriated for procurement are first obligated for the program. Allows such original quantity to be exceeded in addition to the ten percent increase during periods of war or national emergency or when the Secretary makes certain certifications to specified congressional committees concerning the necessity of such action. Requires the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation to report directly to the Secretary (currently, the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Defense), without intervening review or approval. (Sec. 114) Directs the Secretary to revise existing DOD directives regarding development and procurement of certain information systems in order to consolidate those directives into one series of directives that is consistent with the simplified cycle established under this Act. Subtitle C: Rapid Contracting - Directs the Secretary to establish, and take necessary action to achieve, a goal of reducing by 50 percent the time necessary for DOD to acquire an item for the user of that item. (Sec. 122) Authorizes a contracting officer of an agency receiving more than three competitive proposals for a proposed contract to solicit best and final offers from three of such offerors, without conducting discussions with representatives of all of the competitive offers. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a contractor certification system for the procurement of DOD property or services that are acquired on a repetitive basis. Authorizes the head of a DOD agency to enter into such a contract on the basis of a competition among contractors certified under the system. Provides for the termination of such certification under appropriate circumstances. (Sec. 124) Requires solicitations for defense contracts for the procurement of property of services to include a statement of past contractor performance of the offeror and any certification of the offeror under the certification system established under this Act. Directs the Secretary to maintain a contractor performance data base containing performance histories of each contractor under DOD contracts. (Sec. 125) Requires (currently authorizes) the head of a defense agency to enter into multiyear contracts for the purchase of property whenever certain cost savings and other factors are present. (Sec. 126) Directs the Secretary to authorize and encourage the use of leasing in the acquisition of equipment when practicable and otherwise authorized by law. Requires a report on legislative changes required to facilitate such leases. Subtitle D: Performance Based Contract Management - Includes within unallowable defense contractor costs: (1) labor costs in excess of those provided in the contract offer; and (2) bid protest costs. (Sec. 132) Directs the Secretary to prescribe in regulations: (1) policies and procedures that encourage DOD contract administrators to submit to program managers for consideration alternative approaches to contract management, including an analysis of the costs and benefits of each alternative; and (2) a clause, to be included in each cost- and incentive-type contract, that provides contractor rewards for exceeding the contract cost, schedule, or performance parameters, as well as contractor penalties for failing to adhere to such parameters. Subtitle E: Financial Management - Requires the Secretary, before initial funding is made available for a phase of the acquisition program cycle for which an authorization of appropriations is specifically required, to submit to the Congress information concerning the objectives and plans for conducting such phase and the funding requirements for the entire phase. Directs the Congress, in authorizing appropriations for such a phase, to provide a single amount sufficient for carrying out the entire phase. Requires specific identification of the phase being funded. (Sec. 142) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds from appropriations available for a particular acquisition program phase in order to pay the cost of incentives provided to program managers who have been certified by the Secretary as having achieved at least 90 percent of the cost, schedule, and performance goals established for that phase. (Sec. 143) Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on commercial practices regarding DOD accounts payable, and to develop standards to be used by the Secretary for improving DOD contract payment procedures and financial management systems. Empowers the Secretary with certain responsibilities with respect to corrective actions necessary to resolve weaknesses found by the Comptroller General. Subtitle F: Defense Acquisition Workforce - Directs the Secretary to ensure that DOD management policies and procedures provide that education and training in acquisition matters, and past performance of acquisition responsibilities, are major factors in the selection of personnel for assignment to DOD acquisition positions. Requires demonstrated past performance of acquisition duties to be considered under various provisions relating to employee qualifications, requirements, and evaluations. (Sec. 152) Directs the Secretary to provide for the acquisition of professional educational development and training services for the DOD acquisition workforce from commercial sources and through programs provided by Federal sources for all Federal acquisition personnel. Terminates provisions requiring the establishment and maintenance of a defense acquisition university structure. Requires DOD program managers and executive officers to have completed the course of development and training services established under this section. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to the Congress an alternative system of development and training. Subtitle G: Revision of Procurement Integrity Requirements - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (the Act) to: (1) require the head of a procuring activity who approves a recusal request (request for dismissal from participation in a procurement contract due to possible conflict of interests) to retain such request for at least five years and make such request available to the public; and (2) make certain contract officer or employee certification requirements under such Act inapplicable to contracts of less than $500,000. Provides that no individual who, in the year prior to separation from service as a military officer in a covered position or an officer or employee of the Government, participated personally and substantially in acquisition functions related to a contract of $500,000 or more shall knowingly accept or continue employment with the contractor or subcontractor involved under such contract for a period of one year following separation from service, except for employment in an unrelated position. Defines a "covered position" as one which requires such officer or employee to work directly on contracts in excess of $500,000. Requires a procurement ethics training program for procurement officials who are likely to be involved in contracts, modifications, or extensions in excess of $25,000. (Currently, all officials must participate in the program.) (Sec. 162) Provides penalties for those aiding, abetting, counseling, commanding, inducing, or procuring acts of Government officials which affect a personal interest of the individual. (Sec. 163) Repeals certain superseded and obsolete laws. (Sec. 164) Provides implementing regulations and requires Inspector General reports in each of FY 1996 through 1999 on compliance by the head of an agency in designating procurement positions covered by amendments to the Act. Subtitle H: Clerical Amendments - Makes clerical amendments to Federal armed forces provisions, the Federal criminal code, and the Department of Energy Organization Act. Title II: Reorganization and Reform of the Defense Acquisition System - Subtitle A: Streamlining and Improvement of Acquisition Management - Adds specified duties for the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (Under Secretary). Establishes in DOD a Defense Research, Development, and Acquisition Agency, with a Director and a Chief of Engineering and Analysis (Chief). Outlines the duties to be performed by the Agency, including the planning, programming, and carrying out of the research, development, and acquisition (RDA) activities of DOD, the preparation and integration of budgets for RDA activities, and the review of acquisition program plans. Provides for: (1) selection and evaluation of Agency program executive officers; (2) the organization of personnel; (3) policies and procedures for the interaction of commanders of unified and specified combatant commands with program executive officers regarding the initiation and conduct of weapons acquisition programs; and (4) the selection, evaluation, and duties of Agency program managers. Requires the Chief to be responsible for ensuring that all functional analytical capabilities provided to the Agency Director and its officers and managers in connection with DOD acquisition programs are the most advanced capability of their type. Limits the procurement authority of the Secretaries of the various military departments to that considered necessary for the sustainment of operations of that service branch. (Sec. 202) Directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to make recommendations to the Under Secretary regarding the desirability for joint development by the United States and one or more foreign countries of foreign products or systems. Subtitle B: Transfer of Functions - Transfers, with specified exceptions, to the: (1) Secretary all RDA activities of the military departments; and (2) Agency all the functions of specified organizations and commands. Directs the Secretary to terminate all organizations whose functions are so transferred. Provides savings provisions. Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments - Repeals specified Federal provisions concerning the general authorities and responsibilities of the defense acquisition workforce. Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of certain RDA functions made earlier under this Act. Subtitle D: Effective Date - Makes this title and its amendments effective one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Title III: Depot-Level Maintenance - Repeals Federal provisions: (1) prohibiting more than 40 percent of funds made available for military department or defense agency depot-level maintenance and repair workloads from being used to contract for the performance of such workload by nongovernmental personnel; (2) prohibiting the management of DOD civilian depot-level maintenance personnel on the basis of end strengths; (3) providing an exception to (1), above; and (4) requiring a report concerning funds used to contract out for such work. (Sec. 302) States that it is essential for the national defense that DOD preserve an organic maintenance and repair capability to meet readiness and sustainability requirements for the systems and equipment required for contingency plans. Requires the Secretary to identify those DOD maintenance and repair activities that are necessary to preserve such capability (core capability), and prohibits the Secretary from contracting out for their performance. Allows for the contracting out of non-core capability functions. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to provide for the performance by the private sector of all DOD depot-level maintenance and repair work except: (1) when no responsive bids for such performance are received from responsible offerors; or (2) for reasons of national security as determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund, to provide: (1) a means for transferring surpluses between the Fund's accounts to reduce shortfalls in the entire Fund; and (2) a formula to reduce or increase operators' premiums according to the Fund's aggregated surplus or shortfall, respectively. Sets the amount of the per beneficiary health benefit premium. Directs the Trustees of the Combined Fund to disclose to contributors, upon written request, all documents showing its financial and operational status and all documents prepared at trustee or staff request that form the basis for the Fund's actions or reports.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
Calls upon the President to express strong U.S. opposition to Turkey's invasion of northern Iraq and urges the United States, at the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Turkey's illegal act of aggression and bring about an immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Denounces Turkey's consistent pattern of human rights violations against ethnic Kurds. Supports the maintenance of Operation Provide Comfort and the continuation of other non-governmental humanitarian assistance for the Kurds of northern Iraq. Urges the European Parliament to reject the ratification of the proposed customs union agreement between the Government of Turkey and the European Union unless the Turkish Government complies with international human rights standards.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1995
Congressional Pension Reform Act of 1995 - Provides for the deduction and withholding of seven percent (currently, eight and seven and one-half percent, respectively) of the basic pay of a Member of Congress or congressional employee under the Civil Service Retirement System, thus making such deduction and withholding equivalent to that of a Federal employee. Makes provisions regarding immediate retirement, entitlement to annuities, and deferred retirement for Federal employees applicable to Members. Removes specified provisions regarding annuities, reduced annuities, and deferred retirement for Members. Removes a provision that entitles a Member to an annuity if he or she serves in nine Congresses. Continues the applicability of existing provisions regarding immediate Member annuities and deferred retirement with respect to Members serving on or after this Act's effective date who, as of the day before such effective date, satisfy the existing age and service requirements for entitlement to immediate annuities or deferred retirement. Revises the formula for computing annuities of Members and congressional employees with at least five years of service to restrict creditable service to service performed before this Act's enactment date. Makes similar amendments with respect to the computation of Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) annuities for Members and congressional employees. Makes the reduction in annuity for Federal employees retiring before age 55 applicable to Members as well. Repeals provisions that provide for a different reduction formula for Members. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) annuities for surviving spouses of Members entitled to deferred annuities; (2) the treatment of annuities during periods of reemployment; and (3) eligibility for annuities of Members or survivors. Makes deductions and withholding and the formula for Government contributions under FERS for Members and congressional employees conform to those of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Kaliningrad-Konigsberg area should be made into a demilitarized zone and the Russian Federation should remove all its military forces from such area; (2) the administration of such area should be transferred from the Russian Federation to an international body; and (3) appropriate international and regional agencies should be requested to conduct and implement studies to restore the environmental integrity of the area.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Calls for: (1) the United States to use its influence with the Turkish Government and as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to suggest that the Turkish Government ensure the proper protection for the Patriarchate and all Orthodox faithful residing in Turkey, assure that positive steps are taken to reopen the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology, provide for the proper protection and safety of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Patriarchate personnel, establish conditions that would prevent the recurrence of past terrorist activities and vandalism and other personal threats against the Patriarchate, establish conditions to ensure that the Patriarchate is free to carry out its religious mission, and do everything possible to find and punish the perpetrators of any provocative and terrorist acts against the Patriarchate; and (2) the Administration to report to the Congress the status and progress of such concerns on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify pension rules governing nondiscrimination and participation requirements for State judicial retirement plans for judges and justices.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zimmer, Dick [R-NJ-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000008_200.jpg)