United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996
Encrypted Communications Privacy Act of 1996 - Allows any person within any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any U.S. territory or possession and any U.S. person in a foreign country to use any encryption, regardless of encryption algorithm selected, key length chosen, or implementation technique or medium used, with exceptions. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) require the use of any form of encryption; or (2) limit or affect the ability of any person to use encryption without a key escrow function or of any person who chooses to use encryption with a key escrow function not to use a key holder. Amends the Federal criminal code to subject to criminal penalties and civil liability any key holder who, without authorization, releases a decryption key or provides decryption assistance. Makes it a complete defense against any such civil or criminal action that the defendant acted in good faith reliance upon a court warrant or order, grand jury or trial subpoena, or statutory authorization. Directs the Attorney General and other specified officials to report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts on the number of orders and extensions served on key holders to obtain access to decryption keys or decryption assistance. Sets penalties for willfully endeavoring by means of encryption to obstruct, impede, or prevent the communication of information in furtherance of a felony to an investigative or law enforcement officer. Allows any person within any State to sell in interstate commerce any encryption. Grants the Secretary of Commerce exclusive authority to control exports of all computer hardware, software, and technology for information security (including encryption), except computer hardware, software, and technology specifically designed or modified for military use. Prohibits requiring any validated license (with limited exceptions) for the export or reexport of any: (1) software, including software with encryption capabilities, that is generally available as is, that is designed for installation by the purchaser, or that is in the public domain or publicly available because it is generally accessible to the public in any form; or (2) computing device solely because it incorporates or employs in any form software (including software with encryption capabilities) exempted from any such requirement for a validated license. Directs the Secretary to authorize the export or reexport of: (1) software with encryption capabilities for nonmilitary end-uses in any country to which exports of software of similar capability are permitted for use by financial institutions not controlled in fact by U.S. persons, unless there is substantial evidence that such software will be diverted to a military end-use or an end-use supporting international terrorism, modified for military or terrorist end-use, or reexported without requisite U.S. authorization; and (2) computer hardware with encryption capabilities if the Secretary determines that a product offering comparable security is commercially available from a foreign supplier without effective restrictions outside the United States. Declares that nothing in this Act: (1) constitutes authority for the conduct of intelligence activity; and (2) shall affect specified conduct by Federal officers or employees related to communications security and communications by or among foreign powers or agents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities Title III: Systems Change Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1996 - Revises the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and extends its authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. Title I: General Provisions - Revises IDEA to declare that the right to equal educational opportunities for all children with disabilities is guaranteed by the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 103) Allows the Office of Special Education Programs to accept voluntary and uncompensated services. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements for: (1) prescribing regulations; (2) eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) discretionary grant programs. Requires the Secretary of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for activities under titles IV and V of this Act. Provides for specified enhanced services to children with disabilities. Lists entities eligible for awards. Authorizes the Secretary to limit, without rulemaking, competitions to projects that give priority to one or more targeted areas, if each project addresses the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Provides for application management, including a peer review process. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds for: (1) payments to nonfederal entities for administrative support; (2) Federal employees to monitor projects; and (3) evaluation of program activities carried out under these programs. (Sec. 107) Repeals IDEA provisions for: (1) acquisition of equipment and construction of necessary facilities; and (2) grants for the removal of architectural barriers. Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities - Revises entitlements and allocations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. (Sec. 201) Authorizes States to determine whether to make subgrants smaller than a specified minimum amount to some local education agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 202) Revises and consolidates State eligibility and planning provisions. Provides that, if a child with a disability qualifies for special education, that child does not have to be classified by a specific impairment or condition. Requires the State educational agency (SEA) to: (1) examine data to determine if significant racial disproportionality is occurring in the identification or placement of children under IDEA; and (2) review and revise policies accordingly. Provides that, if a hearing officer agrees with the parents' unilateral placement of a child with a disability in a private school, the LEA may be required to reimburse the parents. Requires a non-educational agency, if it is responsible for services necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities, to pay for or provide such services directly or by contract or other arrangements. Requires States to: (1) ensure that interagency agreements or other mechanisms are in effect between educational agencies and non-educational agencies for defining respective financial responsibilities, resolving interagency disputes, and interagency coordination; and (2) establish a mechanism by which LEAs may seek reimbursement from agencies for the costs of providing related services. Revises requirements for a comprehensive system of personnel development. Allows LEAs to use appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessionals. Requires States to: (1) establish performance goals and indicators for children with disabilities; (2) ensure that these children participate in general State and district-wide assessments, with appropriate accommodations, where necessary; and (3) develop guidelines for participation in alternative assessments for those children who cannot participate in such general State and district-wide assessments. Consolidates funding and public participation requirements. Revises requirements for State advisory panels and their duties. Repeals requirements for three-year State plans. (Sec. 203) Revises LEA and SEA eligibility and maintenance of effort requirements, with specified exceptions. Allows specified activities, regardless of certain excess cost and noncommingling of funds requirements, including: (1) incidental benefits to non-disabled students; (2) simultaneous services on a space-available basis to non-IDEA-eligible children with disabilities protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); (3) a coordinated services system that links education, health, and social welfare services, systems, and entities to improve educational and transitional results for all children and their families; and (4) a school-based improvement plan. Revises requirements for LEA involvement with a State's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. (Sec. 204) Revises and consolidates specified requirements for State and local administration of evaluations, reevaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and educational placements. Revises IEP content to: (1) focus on measurable annual objectives; and (2) emphasize ensuring that each child, as appropriate, has the opportunity to progress in the general curriculum, and to participate with nondisabled children in various environments. Requires consideration of transition services needs: (1) for all students with disabilities beginning at age 14 (or younger, under specified circumstances); (2) under the applicable components of the IEP; and (3) in light of the student's participation in the general curriculum. Provides for transfer of rights at the age of majority. (Sec. 205) Repeals certain IDEA provisions relating to Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) State agencies. (Sec. 206) Revises procedural safeguards, including provisions for written notices to parents. Requires States to make mediation available to parents of children with disabilities in disputes with LEAs on any matter regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child or the provision of free appropriate public education. Permits the transfer of parental rights to a student with disabilities upon reaching the age of majority under State law. Requires the State to have procedures for appointing the parent or another person to represent the student's interests if, under State law, such a student is determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements for: (1) withholding of payments to non-compliant States and judicial review of such determinations; (2) rulemaking on compliance and eligibility; (3) evaluation and program information; (4) preschool grants; and (5) payments. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct studies and evaluations to assess the effectiveness of efforts to provide free appropriate public education and early intervention services, including assessing the placement of children with disabilities by disability category; and (2) conduct a longitudinal study that measure the educational and transitional services provided to and results achieved by children with disabilities under IDEA. Title III: Systems Change - Establishes a program to promote systems change to improve educational and transitional services and results for children with disabilities. Authorizes competitive grants to SEAs, in partnership with LEAs and other interested individuals, agencies, and organizations, to improve such services and results on a system-wide basis. Allows grant recipients to collaborate in systems change activities with those in other States, through joint arrangements with institutions of higher education and sharing of staff and consultants. Requires coordination with this program of activities under titles IV and V. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 302) Extends authorities and authorizations of appropriations relating to centers and services to meet special needs of individuals with disabilities, including regional centers for the deaf. Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation - Establishes a new program (in part by consolidating certain current activities) for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated research and personnel preparation. (Consolidates current part D personnel preparation provisions and current part E research provisions.) (Sec. 401) Authorizes research and innovation grants and contracts for: (1) new knowledge production in learning styles, instructional approaches, behavior management, assessment tools, assistive technology, program accountability and personnel preparation models; (2) integration of research and practice, through demonstration and dissemination of successful practice; and (3) improvement in the use of professional knowledge by teachers, parents, and others in their classrooms and other learning settings. Authorizes personnel preparation grants and contracts in the areas of: (1) high incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, and behavior disordered groups; (2) leadership preparation; (3) low-incidence disabilities, such as sensory impairment, multiple disabilities, and severe disabling conditions; and (4) projects of national significance. (Sec. 402) Makes conforming amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Sec. 403) Extends the authorization of appropriations for training personnel for the education of individuals with disabilities. Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information - Establishes a new program (in part by consolidating certain current activities) for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination of information. (Sec. 501) Authorizes grants and contracts for: (1) parent training and information centers and community programs; (2) coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination; and (3) technology and media activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 502) Makes conforming amendments to IDEA and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. (Sec. 503) Extends various authorities and authorizations of appropriations. Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities - Revises the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities, with respect to: (1) encouraging States to expand opportunities for infants and toddlers with disabilities who are at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided; (2) continuing eligibility; (3) statewide system requirements; (4) the individualized family service plan; (5) allocation and use of funds; (6) procedural safeguards; (7) State Interagency Coordinating Council duties; and (8) Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC) membership and duties. (Sec. 615) Directs the FICC to convene a panel of experts to develop recommendations for a model definition of developmental delay. Allows the use of funds for referring at risk infants and toddlers, in those States not currently serving them, to other IDEA services. Permits planning for transition to preschool services to begin up to six months before the child's third birthday, if parents and agencies agree. (Sec. 616) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1996
Lost Creek Land Exchange Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire certain land and interests in land owned by R-Y Timber, Inc., located in the Lost Creek area and other areas of the Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, in exchange for specified lands in the Deerlodge National Forest and the right to harvest specified amounts of timber on certain land in the Deerlodge, Helena, and Lewis and Clark National Forests. Directs that: (1) timber harvest practices used on such National Forest lands be conducted in accordance with applicable Montana law and be in addition to the present or future planned timber sale quantities for such Forests; and (2) the Forest Service enter a contract with a qualified private person agreed on by the Secretary and R-Y to perform the field work associated with the designations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) minimum annual designations of timber harvest; and (2) review, standards for quality, and conveyance of title. Specifies that all land conveyed to the United States under this Act shall be added to and administered as part of the Deerlodge National Forest. Deems the values of the lands and interests exchanged under this Act to be of approximately equal value. Shields the United States from liability as a result of the acquisition of an interest in the Lost Creek Tract or due to circumstances or events occurring before acquisition, including any release or threat of release of a hazardous substance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to decrease the targeted jobs credit from 40 to 35 percent of the amount of qualified first-year wages. Revises targeted group membership provisions. Excludes from the definition of wages (for computing the credit) any wages paid after: (1) December 31, 1994, and before January 1, 1996; or (2) December 31, 1997. Redesignates such credit the "work opportunity credit." Extends to December 31, 1997, the: (1) exclusion from gross income of employer-provided educational assistance; (2) credit for increasing research activities; (3) orphan drug tax credit; (4) special rule concerning deductions for contributions of stock for which market quotations are readily available; and (5) exclusion from gross income of employer contributions to qualified group legal services plans. Extends the binding contract date for biomass and coal facilities to July 1, 1997. Amends the Revenue Act of 1987 to extend from December 31, 1997, to December 31, 1999, the effective date (for existing partnerships) of provisions relating to the treating of certain publicly traded partnerships as corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996
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.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1996
Prohibition on United Nations Taxation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) or any of its agencies if the U.N.: (1) attempts to impose a tax on any U.S. person; or (2) borrow funds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Monetary Fund, or any other similar or regional international financial institution. Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the U.N. or any of its agencies, including the U.N. Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the U.N. or such agency is not engaged in any effort to develop or promote any taxation proposals in order to raise revenue for the U.N. or any such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends Federal natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety transportation law to revise the exclusion from the meaning of the term "transporting gas" (thus from coverage by such law) of the gathering of gas in a rural area outside a populated, non-rural area to specified locations outside the limits of any incorporated or unincorporated city, town, or village. Extends coverage, however, to the movement of gas through regulated lines, regardless of location. (Sec. 4) Repeals the mandate that Federal minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities to include a requirement that all individuals responsible for the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities be tested for their qualifications. Requires only that they be qualified. Requires such qualifications to address the ability to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may indicate a dangerous situation or a condition exceeding design limits. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in prescribing minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities, to: (1) consider compliance costs and any comments and recommendations received; (2) prepare a risk assessment document assessing costs and benefits under such standards; and (3) submit each such document to either the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, as appropriate. Requires such committees, serving as peer review panels, to evaluate and report to the Secretary on such documents. Directs the Secretary to review such evaluations and certify that the incremental benefits of a standard will likely justify its incremental costs. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend the application of a standard during an emergency. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on the implementation of the risk assessment requirements of this section. Directs the Secretary, to the extent appropriate and practicable, to update incorporated industry standards that have been adopted as part of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to establish risk management demonstration projects under which owners and operators of gas pipeline and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities voluntarily demonstrate applications of risk management. Authorizes the Secretary, during a demonstration project, to waive the applicability of all or a portion of safety standards that would otherwise apply. Outlines demonstration project requirements. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the application of certain inspection and maintenance requirements to persons who transport gas or hazardous liquids. Repeals the requirement of biennial pipeline facility inspections (leaving their frequency to the Secretary's discretion). (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that establish criteria by which operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and gathering lines shall identify each such facility or line that crosses waters where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists. (Currently, such requirement applies to all navigable waters, regardless of such likelihood.) Requires the Secretary, when identifying an area as unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline accident, to consider including locations that are critical to drinking water, as well as critical wetlands, national parks, wilderness and wildlife preservation areas, wild and scenic rivers, and critical habitat areas for threatened or endangered species. Repeals the mandate to consider earthquake and landslide zones, freshwater lakes, rivers and waterways, and river deltas and other areas subject to soil erosion or subsidence from flooding. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to adopt industry accepted performance standards for the performance of excess flow valves used to protect lines in a natural gas distribution system. (Sec. 9) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary promote the adoption of measures to improve the safety of customer-owned natural gas service lines. (Sec. 10) Redesignates the one-call notification system as the underground facility damage prevention program. Repeals the requirement for criminal penalties in regulations establishing a one-call notification system with respect to the safety of pipeline facilities. (Sec. 11) Requires the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee to serve as peer review committees. Deems such service to be in compliance with the requirements of other applicable Federal statutes. Requires committee members to be experienced in risk management. Requires at least one of the individuals selected for each committee from the natural gas or hazardous liquid industry and from the general public to have education, background, or experience in risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary, when presenting each committee each standard proposed for transporting gas and hazardous liquid and for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, to include a risk assessment document and other supporting analyses. Requires each committee to meet with the Secretary at least four times (currently, twice) annually. (Sec. 12) Requires each owner or operator of a natural gas pipeline facility to provide a program for educating the public on the use of an underground facility damage prevention program prior to excavation. Repeals the requirement that persons transporting gas conduct public education programs. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants and other cooperative agreements with any State, local government, or private entity to carry out pipeline safety programs, including the development, improvement, and promotion of "one-call" damage prevention programs, research, risk assessment, and mapping. (Sec. 14) Deems owners and operators of pipeline facilities who participate in risk management demonstration projects to be in compliance with safety standards or regulatory requirements prescribed under such project. (Sec. 15) Subjects to civil and criminal penalties any person who knowingly and willfully excavates and subsequently damages a pipeline facility and does not report such damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline facility and other appropriate authorities. (Sec. 16) Changes from annual to biennial certain required reports from the Secretary to the Congress concerning gas and hazardous liquid transportation safety requirements. (Sec. 17) Directs the Secretary to make available to the appropriate official of each State the land use recommendations contained in the special report entitled "Pipelines and Public Safety." Requires the evaluation and implementation of recommendations contained in such report. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to analyze and report to the Congress on the assessment of pipeline safety user fees based solely on mileage and the Secretary's determinations with respect to such assessment. (Sec. 19) Prohibits any person from excavating for unauthorized disposal (dumping) of solid waste within the right-of-way of an interstate gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility. (Sec. 20) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct promotional activities relating to prevention of damage to gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. (Sec. 22) Extends and increases annually through FY 1999 the authorization of appropriations for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety programs and activities carried out through the Department of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Expresses congressional: (1) opposition to President Clinton's decision to deploy U.S. military ground forces into the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its associated annexes; and (2) support for U.S. military personnel who may be ordered by the President to implement such Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1995
Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon request of the Fort Peck Rural County Water District, Inc., in Montana, to enter into a cooperative agreement with the District for the planning, design, and construction by the District of the Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System. Requires the System to provide for safe and adequate rural water supplies under the District's jurisdiction in Valley County, northeastern Montana. Requires the Secretary, under such agreement, to pay: (1) 80 percent, without reimbursement, of costs associated with the planning, design, and construction of the System (as described in the Final Engineering Report and Alternative Evaluation for the Fort Peck Rural County Water District, dated September 1994); and (2) such sums as are necessary to defray increases in the budget. Prohibits the amount of the Federal funds made available under the agreement from exceeding the authorized appropriations under this Act. Allows not more than five percent of such funds to be used by the Secretary for activities associated with: (1) compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) oversight of the planning, design, and construction by the District of the System. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Rodeo Freedom Act of 1995 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs from having authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to regulate: (1) activities of sponsors or sponsorship programs connected with professional rodeo associations (including the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association); or (2) advertising used or purchased by or in connection with professional rodeo associations (including the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association).
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization Title II: General Provisions National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1996 through 1998. Authorizes FY 1996 through 1998 appropriations for a NSF pilot grant program to consortia of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) institutions and non-EPSCoR institutions. Requires the Director of NSF to design and implement a pilot program to develop interactive telecommunications systems at tribally-controlled community colleges. Obligates specified funds for consultation and representation expenses. Sets forth certain reprogramming provisions. Title II: 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. Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 and the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976. Subjects temporary NSF employees to financial disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Condemns the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Extends condolences to his family and to all the people of Israel. Expresses admiration for his historic contributions and support for the government of Acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Reaffirms a commitment to the process of building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Provides for the adjournment of the Senate as a further mark of respect for Rabin.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission; Repeal of Obsolete and Unnecessary Provisions of Law Subtitle A: Termination of ICC Subtitle B: Repeal of Obsolete, Etc., Provisions Title II: Intermodal Surface Transportation Board Subtitle A: Organization Subtitle B: Administrative Title III: Rail and Pipeline Transportation Title IV: Motor Carrier, Water Carrier, Broker, and Freight Forwarder Transportation Subtitle A: Addition of Part B Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance Requirements Title V: Amendments to Other Laws Title VI: Authorization Title VII: Effective Date Interstate Commerce Commission Sunset Act of 1995 - Title I: Termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission; Repeal of Obsolete and Unnecessary Provisions of Law - Subtitle A: Termination of ICC - Terminates the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) as an independent executive agency of the U.S. Government upon transfer of specified functions to the Secretary of Transportation and to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Board established by this Act. Subtitle B: Repeal of Obsolete, Etc., Provisions - Amends Federal transportation law to repeal specified provisions relating to the regulation of rail and certain other surface transportation. Title II: Intermodal Surface Transportation Board - Subtitle A: Organization - Amends Federal transportation law to establish the Intermodal Surface Transportation Board (Board) within the Department of Transportation (DOT). (Sec. 201) Declares that the Board shall perform all functions previously performed by the ICC. Subtitle B: Administrative - Sets forth administrative provisions, including authorizing the Board to: (1) obtain certain information from transportation carriers under its jurisdiction; and (2) reopen, on its own initiative because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances, any proceeding, or grant a rehearing of or change a Board action. (Sec. 212) Authorizes an interested party to petition to reopen and reconsider a Board action. (Sec. 215) Directs the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to a specified variety of fatigue-related transportation issues. Title III: Rail and Pipeline Transportation - Makes conforming amendments to reflect the Board's jurisdiction with respect to rail and pipeline transportation. (Sec. 302) Declares, among other things, that in regulating the railroad industry it is the policy of the U.S. Government to provide expeditious remedies for traffic and facilities lacking effective transportation competition. (Sec. 303) Revises, for purposes of this title, the term "common carrier" to mean a pipeline carrier or a rail carrier only, eliminating express carrier, sleeping car carrier, motor common carrier, water common carrier, and household goods freight forwarder. (Sec. 306) Revises the requirements for: (1) revocation of an exemption from Federal transportation law; and (2) the calculation of monetary damages in a complaint accompanying a request for revocation that claims a violation of Federal transportation law by a railroad. (Sec. 308) Directs the Board to: (1) complete the pending ICC non-coal rate guidelines proceeding to establish a simplified and expedited method for determining the reasonableness of challenged rail rates in those cases in which a stand-alone cost presentation is impractical; and (2) establish procedures to ensure expeditious handling of challenges to the reasonableness of railroad rates. (Sec. 314) Denies the Board authority to begin, on its own initiative, an investigation to determine whether a proposed rail carrier rate, classification, rule, or practice is reasonable. Authorizes the Board to conduct such an investigation only upon complaint of an interested party. (Sec. 315) Sets forth specified factors the Board shall consider when determining whether a rail carrier rate is reasonable. Authorizes the Board, upon complaint of an interested party, to begin an investigation to determine whether a proposed rate increase is reasonable if such rate results in a revenue-variable cost percentage that is equal to or greater than 20 percentage points above the revenue-variable cost percentage applicable under this title. Requires the Board to set forth its reasons, giving due consideration to specified factors, when determining whether to investigate a rate increase. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Board, on application of an interested party (but not on its own initiative), to begin a proceeding to determine the lawfulness of any pipeline carrier-proposed new individual or joint rate or individual or joint classification, rule, or practice affecting a rate. (Sec. 317) Requires the Board to consider the availability of other economic transportation alternatives, in addition to any other factors it deems relevant, when making a determination of market dominance in proceedings to determine the lawfulness of a rail carrier rate. Revises provisions with respect to market dominance determinations. (Sec. 318) Requires filing with the Board of a summary of each contract between one or more rail carriers and one or more purchasers for the transportation of agricultural products, including grain. (Sec. 320) Prohibits a carrier from subjecting a freight forwarder to unreasonable discrimination (charge a different rate for the same service) whether or not such forwarder is controlled by the carrier. (Sec. 326) Prohibits a carrier from providing transportation of agricultural products, including grain, (currently, a carrier providing any transportation or service) without a tariff containing the rates, classifications, rules, and practices for such transportation (thus eliminating general filing requirements). Requires such tariff to be published and made available for public inspection. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Board to require certain employee protection arrangements for transactions involving certain Class II freight rail carriers and Class III freight rail carriers and non-carriers that are not owned or controlled by a Class I rail carrier and that are not a commuter, switching, or terminal railroad. Authorizes the Board, with respect to all transactions involving such carriers which propose to construct or provide transportation over a railroad line, to require an arrangement for the protection of the interest of railroad employees who are adversely affected by such transaction not to exceed one year's salary per affected employee and protection no less than that required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. (Sec. 334) Requires a carrier to provide, upon request, common carrier rates and other common carrier service terms. (Sec. 337) Requires the Board to consult with the National Grain Car Council on matters within the charter of that body. (Sec. 346) Requires the Board to collect and keep open for public inspection a railway equipment register. (Sec. 349) Repeals discretionary authority to exempt persons, classes, and transactions from merger, consolidation, and acquisition requirements if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 350) Repeals provision for rail carrier applications for approval of a transaction to furnish motor carrier transportation before or after rail transportation to serve inadequately served shippers located on a railroad other than the applicant carrier. (Sec. 375) Establishes the Rail-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council, which shall advise the Secretary of Transportation, Council Chairman, and relevant congressional transportation policy oversight committees with respect to significant rail transportation policy issues, with particular attention to issues of importance to small shippers and small railroads. Title IV: Motor Carrier, Water Carrier, Broker, and Freight Forwarder Transportation - Subtitle A: Addition of Part B - Amends Federal transportation law to add a new Part B of Subtitle IV, Title 49, U.S. Code, covering the regulation of motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Declares that in order to ensure the development, coordination, and preservation of a transportation system that meets the transportation needs of the United States, it is U.S. policy to provide for the impartial regulation of modes of transportation, including motor carrier transportation and the transportation of passengers by motor carrier. (Sec. 401) Defines "carrier" to mean a motor carrier, a water carrier, and a freight forwarder (including, for registration purposes, foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers). Sets forth administrative provisions with respect to: (1) the powers and jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Board over motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders; (2) certain requirements for rates, classifications, through routes, rules, and practices with respect to the transportation of household goods or passengers by motor carrier or transportation by water carrier; (3) procedures for resolving claims by a motor carrier of property (other than a household goods carrier) or freight forwarder with respect to unfiled, negotiated transportation rates; (4) rates for the transportation of U.S. property or U.S. officials; (5) nondiscriminatory compensation requirements with regard to the transportation of food and grocery products; (6) certain motor carrier, freight forwarder, and motor carrier broker registration requirements; (7) an on-line Federal registration system for motor carriers; (8) general operation requirements with respect to motor carriers; (9) inspection of records of motor carriers and brokers; (10) security interests in motor carrier vehicles; (11) pooling or division of transportation services or earnings by motor carriers; (12) Federal jurisdiction over interstate and intrastate transportation of passengers by motor carrier and transportation by freight forwarders and brokers; (13) State and local tax discrimination against motor carrier transportation property; (14) State and local income taxation of motor carrier employees; (15) enforcement, investigations, rights, and remedies; and (16) civil and criminal penalties. Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance Requirements - Requires State plans for the enforcement of Federal and compatible State commercial motor vehicle safety standards to include, among other things, assurances that the State will cooperate in the enforcement of certain motor carrier registration and insurance requirements. (Sec. 453) Directs the Secretary to continue to enforce ICC rules and regulations, as in effect on July 1, 1995, governing the qualifications for approval of a motor carrier as a self-insurer, until it is in the public interest to revise them. Requires any rule revision to provide for continued ability of motor carriers to qualify as self-insurers, including continued qualification of all carriers already qualified. (Sec. 454) Directs the Secretary to establish a Motor Carrier Register that will serve as a clearinghouse and depository of information on compliance with required levels of financial responsibility (insurance), service of process agents, and identification and disqualification of motor carriers required to register with the Secretary. (Sec. 456) Directs the Secretary to require motor carriers of passengers or property to register their motor vehicle operations with DOT. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments to specified Federal laws. Title VI: Authorization - Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Effective Date - Makes January 1, 1996, the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Fair Debt Collection Practices Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to limit the exclusion from its purview of debt collection activities by a Federal or State official to collection of debts owed to the Federal or a State government, respectively. (Sec. 3) Permits a debt collector to acquire income, assets, or credit information from a person other than the debtor's attorney if the attorney refuses to provide such information. (Sec. 4) Revises procedural guidelines for: (1) debt validation; (2) legal actions by debt collectors; and (3) limitations on damages, including repeal of the allowance of up to $1,000 in additional damages. Provides that this Act: (1) supersedes any State law creating a private right of action against a debt collector; (2) does not provide a remedy for any violation of State law regarding debt collection practices; and (3) does not establish any liability or penalty for violation of State law unless such violation also constitutes a violation under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Small Business Metrification Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to define specified terms, including "hard metric conversion" and "soft metric conversion". Prohibits Federal agencies from: (1) using construction or procurement guidelines that require the use of a hard-metric conversion or product; and (2) establishing bidding requirements or preferences for federally-assisted construction contracts that mandate the use of hard-metric products if soft-metric production is feasible, and, as certified by an industry representative, hard-metric alternatives are not readily available, would exceed specified capital costs, and would result in negligible trade benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Cooperator Program Act of 1995 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and, in cooperation with eligible trade organizations (ETOs), carry out a foreign market development cooperator program to maintain and develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Directs that such program be carried out through multiyear contracts or agreements between the Secretary and ETOs under which cost sharing assistance shall be provided by the Secretary to the ETOs as cooperators for the conduct of foreign market development activities, and to third party cooperators, under specified annual marketing plans. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility requirements; and (2) criteria for contract approval. Requires an ETO participating in the program to provide market development and customer support services outside the United States directed at foreign purchasers, potential purchasers, and users of U.S. agricultural commodities and products through trade servicing, technical assistance, and consumer education. Sets forth specific goals, such as to increase foreign consumer and commercial use of, develop long-term foreign demand for, and help overcome constraints to U.S. exports of, the commodity or product. Requires: (1) a participating ETO to coordinate its activities with those of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) which shall assist ETOs in the development and operation of trade promotion programs that use product exhibits, trade teams, market information services, and trade referral services to expand international markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products; and (2) an ETO to consult with the FAS to ensure that the ETO's annual marketing plan is consistent with and complements the FAS's foreign market development activities. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) annual marketing plans; (2) oversight; and (3) cooperator organizations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1995
Snowbasin Land Exchange Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to specified terms and conditions, to transfer certain lands within the Cache National Forest in Utah to the Sun Valley Company in exchange for specified Company lands of approximate equal value to be added to and made a part of the National Forest System and to be administered and managed by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to implement the Phase I Master Development Plan for the Snowbasin Ski Area dated November 14, 1995. Permits modification of such Plan at any time after such date and by mutual agreement of the Secretary and the Company. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees that implementation of the Master Development Plan provides sufficient environmental protection.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1995
Prohibits any member of the armed forces from being required to wear any uniform item or insignia which indicates an allegiance to or affiliation with the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Endangered Species Habitat Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow landowners of qualified acreage a credit, for agreement to manage such lands for the preservation of endangered species, in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the applicable acreage rate of the qualified acreage; or (2) $50,000. Provides for recapture of the credit if the taxpayer transfers the qualified acreage without also transferring the obligations for such acreage. Prohibits making a payment to an owner under capital gain and loss provisions if that owner has indicated an intention to claim an income tax credit or deduction for participation. Provides for a deduction for the donation of property as a conservation easement. Provides for the valuation of property which provides for the protection of endangered species. Provides an additional deduction on State and local real property taxes paid or accrued on property subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Prohibits the deduction in certain cases. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate fully with the appropriate States, tribes, and other non-Federal persons, including consultation with such persons before the acquisition or interest of any land or water for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Sets forth provisions providing for the Secretary to enter into a cooperative management agreement with non-Federal persons for the management of: (1) endangered and threatened species or group of species; or (2) a candidate species or group of candidate species. Directs that a cooperative management agreement shall remain in effect and not be required to be amended to include subsequent listing of endangered or threatened species not applicable to such agreement. Allows the Secretary to provide a habitat conservation grant to certain non-Federal persons for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving the habitat of endangered and threatened species. Allows a grant to be transferred to subsequent property owners.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to revise the findings, purposes, and policy of the Act. Declares it to be congressional policy to conserve endangered and threatened species and to equally consider the conservation of listed species, preservation of economic growth, maintenance of a strong tax base, and protection against the diminishment of the use and value of private property. (Sec. 3) Revises definitions under the Act, including the definition of: (1) "critical habitat" to mean the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by an endangered or threatened species, at the time the species is listed, that contain such physical or biological features as are essential to the conservation of the species and the persistence of the species for at least seven human generations (with "human generation" meaning 20 years) and as may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) "endangered species" to mean any species that, if no action were taken under the Act, would be placed on an irreversible course to extinction within two human generations, with exceptions. (Sec. 4) Modifies provisions regarding the determination of an endangered or threatened species to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to: (1) make such determination on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after requesting the Endangered Species Commission (established under this Act) to conduct a scientific review; and (2) give priority to species the conservation of which is most likely to reduce the need to list other species dependent on the same habitat, and consideration to species identified as a known source of pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. Requires the Secretary to designate, and make revisions regarding, critical habitat on the basis of the best new scientific data available. Specifies that: (1) the information shall include data documenting the biological vulnerability of, and threats to, the species or habitat of the species; and (2) failure to so document the information shall result in a presumption that the petition is inadequate. Directs the Secretary, if such a petition is found to present the information, to: (1) provide a copy of the petition to the State having jurisdiction over the area in which the species is believed to occur; and (2) invite the determination of the State as to whether the petitioned action is warranted, promptly request the Commission to conduct a scientific review of any new information presented by the petition with respect to the status of the species, and promptly publish each finding made in the Federal Register. Sets forth or modifies provisions regarding: (1) judicial review of such findings; (2) endangered species determinations with regard to foreign species; (3) notice of regulations (requiring a readily understandable, nontechnical explanation of the reasons for and purpose of the proposed regulation, an analysis concluding that the conservation benefit outweighs any negative conservation impact of the regulation, and a summary of the findings of the assessment team based on the required review); and (4) State review of such regulations (including scientific review of conflicts between the Secretary and the affected State). Requires the Commission to conduct, at least once every five years, a review of all species included in a list of endangered or threatened species and to report the results to the Secretary. Sets forth procedures for changes in the status of a species. Repeals provisions regarding the development and implementation of recovery plans by the Secretary for the conservation and survival of listed species. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the States having jurisdiction over areas in which listed species are believed to occur, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, and considering the options presented by the Commission, to develop and implement conservation plans to provide for the conservation of the species and the habitats on which the species depend, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary, in developing a conservation objective and plan for a foreign species, to: (1) act in a manner consistent with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Convention); and (2) cooperate with and support any conservation strategy adopted for the species by each foreign nation in which the species occurs. Directs the Secretary, Federal agencies, and the States to minimize adverse social and economic consequences and impacts on private property that may result from the implementation of conservation plans. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the establishment of conservation objectives; (2) schedules for conservation plan preparation; (3) priorities of plans; (4) alternative strategies; (5) procedures for the preparation of proposed and final plans; (6) publication of final plans; and (7) participation by other persons in developing and implementing such plans. Directs the Secretary to designate critical habitat that supports the conservation objective of the Secretary for the species and to revise a critical habitat designation. Permits the Secretary to elect not to designate any critical habitat for the species where the designation is not prudent or determinable. Requires that such designation or revision be made on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after taking into consideration the availability of substitute habitat in mitigation banks or from other sources and the economic or any other relevant impact. Directs the Secretary to exclude any area from critical habitat for which the Secretary determines that the benefits of the exclusion outweigh the benefits of designating the area as part of the critical habitat, unless the Secretary determines, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, that the failure to designate the area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species for which the habitat is designated. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revision of critical habitat designation; (2) the effects of agency actions that are consistent with the conservation objective and plan; (3) alternative species protection; (4) interim management prior to publication of a final conservation plan or a conservation objective, the entering into of a cooperative management agreement, or the issuance of an incidental taking permit; (5) suspension of conservation plans or objectives; (6) reporting requirements; and (7) the standard of judicial review of agency decisions. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage persons to apply to exchange lands, waters, or interests therein under their jurisdiction (lands) (other than units of the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and the National Trails System) for lands that are not in Federal ownership and that are affected by the Act, provided that the lands to be exchanged are of approximately equal value. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) appraisals; (2) environmental assessment; and (3) valuation. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States and other non-Federal persons, including consulting as appropriate before seeking to acquire land for the purpose of conserving any endangered or threatened species. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) with any State or group of States, political subdivision of a State, local government, or other non-Federal person for the management of a listed species, species proposed to be listed, or candidate species (i.e., species found warranted to be listed but precluded from listing because of pending proposals to list that are of a higher priority); and (2) designate any non-Federal person participating or assisting in the implementation of a CMA as a volunteer under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of a CMA with a non-Federal person. Exempts the preparation, approval, and entering into of a CMA from specified requirements of the Act and of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Specifies that: (1) except under extraordinary circumstances (in which case the Secretary shall have the burden of demonstrating and clearly documenting the existence of such circumstances), no additional measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a CMA shall be required of a non-Federal party to the agreement that is in compliance with the agreement; and (2) with respect to any species that is a subject of such a CMA, under no circumstances shall a non-Federal party in compliance with the CMA be required to make any additional payment for any purpose, or accept any additional restriction on any parcel of land available for development or land management under the CMA, without the consent of the non-Federal party. Provides that a CMA shall remain in effect and shall not be required to be amended if a species to which the agreement does not apply is determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) violations of CMAs; (2) requirements governing acquisition of water; and (3) Federal reclamation projects and contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to non-Federal persons, from appropriated funds, for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving habitat for an endangered or threatened species; and (2) enter into safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons who own real property for the purpose of encouraging the voluntary management, restoration, or enhancement of non-Federal lands owned by such persons to conserve listed and candidate species. Requires the Secretary: (1) at the request of a State, to delegate to the State the authority to develop and implement a conservation plan for a listed species unless the Secretary determines that the State lacks authority and capability to carry out the requirements of the Act; and (2) to monitor the actions of States in developing and implementing conservation plans. (Sec. 8) Directs each Federal agency to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency that affects any endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat of the species is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal agency consultation with the Secretary regarding agency actions likely to significantly and adversely affect an endangered or threatened species and regarding guidance on the consistency of an agency action with the conservation plan or objective for, an incidental taking permit for, or a CMA concerning, the species; (2) consideration of information and other law; (3) actions exempt from consultation and conferencing; (4) actions not constituting takings; (5) the resolution of conflicts between the responsibilities of a Federal agency under the Act vis-a-vis any other law, treaty, or interstate compact; (6) the use of mitigation banks; (7) risk assessment; and (8) exemptions from the Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to act cooperatively with other nations in conserving wildlife. Prohibits such Secretaries, to the extent that the conservation programs of such nations are consistent with the Convention, from obstructing the programs of such nations unless the Secretary demonstrates good cause for the action based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to limit a finding under the Convention to the purpose of the importation. Bars the Secretary from: (1) duplicating the findings required to be made by the exporting nation that is a party to the Convention except for good cause based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence; and (2) prohibiting any act that is permitted under the Convention in issuing protective regulations with respect to a foreign species. Sets forth restrictions regarding the publishing of proposed protective regulations. (Sec. 11) Provides that an activity of a non-Federal person shall be deemed not to constitute a taking of a species if the activity: (1) is consistent with the applicable guidance of a conservation plan or objective; (2) complies with the terms and conditions of an incidental taking permit or a CMA; or (3) addresses a critical, imminent threat to public health or safety or a catastrophic natural event. Specifies that provisions prohibiting importation shall not apply to a member of a threatened species: (1) taken for scientific collection, live export for captive breeding, sport hunting, or falconry in accordance with the laws of a foreign nation that is a party to the Convention; and (2) accompanied by an export permit issued by the nation or an equivalent document. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to permit specified activities, including: (1) the public display or exhibition of living wildlife in a manner that contributes to the education of the public about the ecological role and conservation needs of the affected species; (2) in the case of foreign species, acts that are consistent with the Convention and with conservation strategies adopted by the foreign nations responsible for the conservation of the species; and (3) acts necessary for captive propagation programs. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) the use of mitigation banks; (2) the scope of permits; (3) environmental assessments; (4) limits on additional measures required to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a permit where the permittee is in compliance with the permit; (5) interim permits; (6) permit revocation; and (7) voluntary consultation by non-Federal persons. Authorizes the Secretary, after providing notice and opportunity for public hearing, to issue a general permit on a county, State, regional, or nationwide basis for any category of activities that may affect a listed species upon determining that activities in the category are similar in nature, will cause only minimal adverse effects on the species if performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the species generally. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) educational and propagation permits; (2) the taking of species for inherently limited uses; (3) multiple species non-Federal conservation plans; (4) wildlife bred in captivity; (5) recognition of captive propagation as a means of recovery; and (6) mitigation banks. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury to pay reasonable and necessary costs incurred by any person in providing temporary care for any endangered or threatened fish, wildlife, or plant pending the disposition of any civil or criminal proceeding alleging a violation of the Act. Places the burden of proof on the Secretary to demonstrate that a specimen belongs to a species that has been determined to be an endangered or threatened species under the Act or that is included in an Appendix to the Convention. Prohibits the Secretary from detaining a specimen for a period of longer than 30 days for identification purposes, unless the specimen has been substantially changed from the natural appearance of the specimen, in which case it may be retained for an additional 30 days. Requires the specimen to be released if it cannot be identified within that period. Specifies that no refusal of entry, seizure of evidence, or other enforcement action may take place under the Act if the action is based solely on a notification under the Convention or on a resolution of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. Authorizes any person to: (1) commence a civil suit to remedy any violation of, or regulation issued under, the Act by the United States or any U.S. agency or official or to challenge the Act or a regulation issued thereunder or the implementation thereof; and (2) intervene as a matter of right in any suit brought under the Act that threatens to cause injury to, or relates to any injury sustained by, the person and grants such person the same right to present argument and to accept or reject potential settlements as the parties to the suit have. (Sec. 14) Requires the Commission to review and report to the Secretary on species of plants that, as of the date of this section's enactment, are or may become endangered or threatened within any State and that are known to produce pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. (Sec. 15) Establishes the Endangered Species Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) study the activities of the United States under laws and international conventions relating to endangered and threatened species, including the Convention and the Act; (2) make recommendations to, and consult with, the Secretary and other Federal officials concerning such measures as the Commission considers necessary or desirable for the protection and conservation of such species, including a range of options; and (3) conduct such scientific reviews and analyses as the Secretary requests or as are otherwise required to be conducted under this Act. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of a request from the Secretary for a scientific review or assessment regarding such a species, to establish an assessment and planning team and, within 30 days, to establish and arrange for the provision of technical assistance to such a team to assist the Commission in making required assessments by providing it with the best scientific and commercial data available and data that have been peer reviewed and verified by field testing. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the Commission's response to assessment and planning team recommendations; and (2) reporting requirements. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to provide 30 days' notice of any hearing or other public meeting at which public comment is accepted under the Act. (Sec. 17) Requires the Secretary to: (1) balance achieving the conservation objective for a species and ensuring continuing economic growth, providing essential infrastructure, maintaining strong State and local tax bases, and protecting against the diminishment of the use and value of property; and (2) seek, along with the heads of all other Federal agencies and other Federal officials, to minimize the adverse impacts on the use and value of private property resulting from any requirements imposed on the property. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that may be used for rulemaking to develop standards, rules, and guidelines for the listing or monitoring of species, conservation planning, safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons, and other specified purposes; and (2) develop and implement a pilot program for ADR to be used for such purposes as consistent with the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 and the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide regular training for all employees involved in developing and implementing such program; and (2) evaluate the program and submit a report including recommendations for a permanent program to the Congress and the Administrative Conference of the United States. (Sec. 19) Sets forth provisions regarding Federal cost-sharing requirements for conservation obligations. (Sec. 20) Entitles a non-Federal property owner to receive compensation if a Federal agency takes action under the Act that results in a diminishment of value of any portion of the non-Federal property of the owner. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the amount of compensation, a duty of notice to owners, requests for compensation, offers by the Secretary, and responses by property owners; (2) arbitration; (3) civil actions; (4) the source of payment; (5) U.S. obligations to make payment subject to the availability of appropriations; and (6) administrative provisions. (Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study potential revenue sources for a biodiversity trust fund to be used both for domestic endangered and threatened species protected under the Act and for foreign species subject to the Convention. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 22) Sets: (1) priorities for the development, and a schedule for the adoption, of conservation plans for listed species without recovery plans; and (2) priorities and a schedule for revision of existing plans. Prohibits the Secretary or the head of any other Federal agency from requiring any increase in any measurable criterion contained in a final recovery plan, or any site specific management action in addition to the criteria provided in a final recovery plan, until a conservation plan or conservation objective has been published. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the issuance of a conservation plan or objective, to review and reissue certain written opinions of the Secretary relating to the affected species that were issued after January 1, 1995, under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from the value of the gross estate of a decedent of an amount equal to the adjusted value of real property included in a gross estate which is subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Provides for recapture of the benefit in certain cases.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Livestock Concentration Report Act of 1995 - Directs the President to appoint a Commission on Concentration in the Livestock Industry to review and report on specified meat packing industry matters, including certain studies, effects of antitrust laws, and prices.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected; (2) Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (3) the U.S. Embassy in Israel be relocated to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that the Embassy has opened. Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in certain fiscal years only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. 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 · 13 October 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected; (2) Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (3) the U.S. Embassy in Israel be relocated to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that the Embassy has opened. Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in certain fiscal years only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. 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 · 12 October 1995
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make capitalization grants to States to establish State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. Authorizes State Governors to transfer amounts between such funds and water pollution control revolving funds established under the Clean Water Act. Requires the Administrator to reserve one and one-half percent of drinking water funds for capitalization grants to Indian tribes for the improvement of public water systems. Authorizes the Administrator to make such grants to the District of Columbia and specified U.S. territories. Authorizes: (1) States to reserve a certain amount of such grants for technical assistance for small public water systems; and (2) the Administrator to make grants to Alaska for the benefit of Alaska Native villages. Requires the Administrator, beginning in FY 1999, to withhold a specified percentage (five percent for FY 1999, ten percent for FY 2000, and 15 percent for each subsequent fiscal year) of each capitalization grant made to a State unless the State has met specified requirements under this Act regarding new system capacity. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) projects eligible for assistance, including assistance for disadvantaged communities, and source water quality protection and capacity development; and (2) State loan fund administration, technical assistance, and management. Requires: (1) States to prepare annual intended use plans for funds; (2) priority for the use of funds to be given to projects that address the most serious risk to human health, that are necessary to ensure compliance with specified requirements (including filtration requirements), and that assist most in need on a per household basis according to State affordability criteria; and (3) each State, after notice and opportunity for public comment, to publish and periodically update a list of projects in the State that are eligible for assistance, including the priority assigned to each project and the expected funding schedule for each project. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct annual reviews and audits as the Administrator considers appropriate, or require each State to have the reviews and audits independently conducted, in accordance with specified single audit requirements; (2) submit to the Congress a periodic survey and assessment of the needs for facilities in each State eligible for assistance; (3) conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the State loan funds through FY 1999; and (4) publish such regulations and guidance as necessary. Specifies that the failure or inability of any public water system to receive funds, or a delay in obtaining the funds, shall not alter the obligation of the system to comply in a timely manner with all applicable drinking water standards and requirements under the Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to reserve: (1) $10 million for health effects research on specified drinking water contaminants, giving priority to research concerning the health effects of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, and arsenic and for the implementation of a research plan for subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects; (2) $2 million to pay the costs of monitoring for unregulated contaminants; and (3) specified sums for small system technical assistance. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to publish a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) and promulgate a national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulation for each contaminant (with exceptions) for which a NPDW regulation has been promulgated as of the date of this Act's enactment if the Administrator determines, based on adequate data and appropriate peer-reviewed scientific information and an assessment of health risks, that the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons and the contaminant is known to occur, or there is a substantial likelihood that it will occur, in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern. Directs the Administrator: (1) not later than July 1, 1996, to publish and periodically update a list of contaminants that are known or anticipated to occur in drinking water provided by public water systems that may warrant regulation; and (2) at such time as such list is published, to describe available and needed information and research regarding the health effects of the contaminants, their occurrence in drinking water, and treatment techniques and other feasible means to control the contaminants. Requires (with exceptions) the Administrator, by July 1, 2001, and every five years thereafter, to take one of the following actions for not fewer than five contaminants: (1) publish a determination that information available to the Administrator does not warrant the issuance of an NPDW regulation; (2) publish a determination that an NPDW regulation is warranted and proceed to propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation not later than two years after the date of publication of the determination; and (3) propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation. Sets forth provisions regarding insufficient information to make, and the basis for, such determinations. Requires the Administrator to give priority to those contaminants not currently regulated that are associated with the most serious adverse health effects and that present the greatest potential risk to human health due to their presence in drinking water provided by public water systems. Sets forth provisions regarding public comment and judicial review. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant to address an urgent threat to public health. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) schedules for publication of MCLGs and NPDW regulations; (2) substitution of contaminants; and (3) promulgation, by December 31, 1995, of an information collection rule to facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts, including information on microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, in carrying out the Act, to: (1) use the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices, and data collected by accepted or best available methods; and (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable. Directs the Administrator to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each NPDW regulation containing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) or treatment technique before it is proposed, including consideration of alternative MCLs or treatment requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Permits the MCLG for contaminants that are known or likely to cause cancer in humans to be set at a level other than zero if the Administrator determines, based on the best available, peer- reviewed science, that there is a threshold level below which there is unlikely to be any increase in cancer risk and the Administrator sets the MCLG at that level with an adequate margin of safety. Requires the Administrator, at the time he or she proposes an NPDW regulation, to publish a determination as to whether the benefits of the MCL justify, or do not justify, the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by: (1) increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water; or (2) interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes that are used to comply with other NPDW regulations. Authorizes the Administrator, if he or she determines that the benefits of an MCL would not justify the cost of complying with the level, to promulgate an MCL for the contaminant that maximizes health risk reduction benefits at a cost that is justified by the benefits, with an exception. Prohibits the Administrator from establishing an MCL in a Stage I or Stage II NPDW regulation for contaminants that are disinfectants or disinfection byproducts, or to establish an MCL or treatment technique requirement for the control of cryptosporidium. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts; and (3) review of standards. (Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to promulgate NPDW regulations for: (1) arsenic according to a specified schedule and develop and carry out a comprehensive plan for research in support of drinking water rulemaking and take other specified steps regarding assessment, proposed regulation, and final regulation for arsenic; (2) radon, providing for an MCL of 3,000 picocuries per liter; and (3) sulfates. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to propose a regulation that describes treatment techniques that meet the requirements for filtration that are feasible for community water systems serving a population of 3,300 or fewer and noncommunity water systems. (Sec. 12) Directs the Administrator to issue guidance or regulations regarding system treatment technologies. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher learning to establish and operate not fewer than five small public water system technology assistance centers in the United States. (Sec. 13) Revises the variance provisions of the Act to: (1) allow public water systems to receive a variance on the condition that they install and operate best available treatment technology; and (2) authorize the Administrator (or a State with primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems) to grant to public water systems serving a population of 10,000 or fewer a variance for compliance with a requirement specifying an MCL or treatment technique contained in an NPDW regulation if a system cannot afford to comply with the regulation and adequate protection of public health is ensured. (Sec. 15) Requires each State to: (1) obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1996, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations; (2) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems that have a history of significant noncompliance and report to the Administrator; and (3) develop and implement a strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Directs the Administrator to support: (1) the States in developing capacity development strategies; and (2) the network of university-based Environmental Finance Centers in providing training and technical assistance to State and local officials in developing the capacity of public water systems, including the establishment of a national public water systems capacity development clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Requires public water systems receiving assistance from a State Revolving Loan Fund to be operated by a trained and certified operator. Authorizes the Administrator to withhold funds that would otherwise be allocated to the State, or require the repayment of an amount equal to the amount of any such assistance, for noncompliance. (Sec. 17) Directs each State to: (1) delineate the source water protection areas for community water systems in the State using hydrogeologic information considered to be reasonably available and appropriate by the State; and (2) conduct vulnerability assessments in source water areas determined to be a priority by the State. Authorizes States to establish source water quality partnership petition programs to assist in the local development of a voluntary, incentive-based partnership to reduce the presence in drinking water of contaminants and to obtain Federal and State financial or technical assistance. (Sec. 18) Extends the date for submitting State regulations to retain primacy for new or revised drinking water standards. Grants States interim primary enforcement authority. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 19) Requires the Administrator to review existing monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants within two years. Authorizes: (1) States to establish alternative monitoring programs, except for regulations applicable to a microbial contaminant or an indicator of such a contaminant, subject to specified requirements; and (2) the Administrator or a State to suspend quarterly monitoring requirements applicable to small systems for any contaminant (other than a microbial contaminant or such an indicator that causes an acute effect or a contaminant formed in the treatment process or distribution system) that is not detected during the first quarterly sample in a monitoring cycle. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing the criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants and to list up to 20 contaminants. Requires all systems serving more than 10,000 people to monitor for such contaminants. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to establish a national database containing information on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated contaminants. (Sec. 20) Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to those served by the system: (1) of any failure of the system to comply with an applicable maximum contaminant level or treatment technique requirement of, or a testing procedure prescribed by, an NPDW regulation or to perform required monitoring; (2) if the system is subject to a variance granted for an inability to meet a maximum contaminant level requirement or is subject to a granted exemption, of the existence of the variance or exemption and of any failure to comply with the requirements of any schedule prescribed pursuant to the variance or exemption; and (3) of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Directs the Administrator to prescribe the manner, frequency, form, and content for giving notice. Specifies that such regulations shall provide for different frequencies of notice based on the differences between violations that are intermittent or infrequent and violations that are continuous or frequent and shall take into account the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved. Permits a State to establish alternative notification requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 21) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to permit enforcement actions to be taken by both EPA and a State with primary enforcement responsibility. Directs the Administrator to notify local elected officials before taking enforcement actions against public water systems in nonprimacy States. Authorizes the Administrator or a State to suspend enforcement action with respect to a violation for a two-year period if the violation is to be corrected through a consolidation or restructuring during that period. Requires States to adopt administrative penalties of at least $1,000 per violation for large systems. Increases the maximum amount for an administrative penalty imposed by EPA from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, but only after a hearing on the record. (Sec. 22) Waives the sovereign immunity of Federal agencies, subject to specified limitations. Allows citizens and States to seek penalties for all violations of the Act at Federal facilities. (Sec. 23) Authorizes appropriations for research with respect to the safe supply of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and periodically update an integrated risk characterization strategy for drinking water quality; and (2) develop and carry out a research plan to support the development and implementation of rules regarding enhanced surface water treatment, disinfectant and disinfection byproducts, and ground water disinfection. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 24) Revises the definition of "public water system" to include water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances. Excludes from regulation connections to non-piped systems where alternative water supplies or treatment to levels that are equivalent to NPDW regulations is provided before the water is used for drinking or cooking. (Sec. 25) Authorizes the Administrator to makes grants to States for the development and implementation of State programs for the protection of groundwater resources. Prohibits any such grant from being used for more than half of the cost of the program. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent and seriousness of contamination of private sources of drinking water that are not regulated under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to reestablish a partnership between the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory and the National Center for Ground Water Research, a university consortium, to conduct research, training, and technology transfer for groundwater quality protection and restoration. (Sec. 26) Prohibits the use (after June 19, 1986, in the installation or repair of any public water system or in any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption) or sale (effective two years after this Act's enactment) of any pipe, or plumbing fitting or fixture, that is not lead free, with exceptions. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide accurate and timely technical information and assistance to qualified third-party certifiers in the development of voluntary standards and testing protocols for the leaching of lead from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion; and (2) promulgate regulations setting a health effects-based performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion if a voluntary standard is not established within a year. Repeals Federal law encouraging the use of geothermal heat pumps that return water to the distribution lines of public water systems. (Sec. 27) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a regulation establishing a quality level for each contaminant in bottled water or make a finding that a regulation is unnecessary to protect the public health because the contaminant is contained in water in the public water systems and not in water used for bottled drinking water. (Sec. 28) Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify and rank sources of pollution with respect to the relative degree of risk of adverse effects on human health, the environment, and public welfare; (2) estimate the private and public costs associated with each source of pollution and the costs and benefits of complying with regulations designed to protect against risks associated with such sources and those associated with major Federal actions selected by the Administrator that have the most significant impact on human health or the environment; (3) identify reasonable opportunities to achieve significant risk reduction through modifications in environmental regulations and programs and other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare; (4) identify, explain, and determine research that would reduce uncertainties associated with the risks; and (5) consider and estimate the monetary and other values of the benefits associated with reducing risk to human health and the environment. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Science Advisory Board to conduct a technical review of Administrator's report in public session before submission to the Congress. (Sec. 29) Authorizes the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Washington Aqueduct. Authorizes appropriations. Modifies the membership of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council to include two members representing small, rural water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 12 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
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to carry out an educational satellite loan guarantee program. Guarantees any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming. Restricts eligibility for such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies and other distance learning and instructional resource providers; and (4) which was in existence as of January 1, 1992. Requires such corporation, before such loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported its findings to the Secretary; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth limitations on the amount of guaranteed loans to acquire such system and to operate and manage it for up to three years. Requires the lender to assign rights and interests in such system to the United States upon payment of such loan guarantee. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Grants to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers Subtitle A: Hospital-Affiliated Primary Care Centers Subtitle B: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education Title IV: Medicare Payment Methodologies Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness Title VI: Financing Rural Health Development Act - Title I: Grants to Encourage Establishment of Community Rural Health Networks - Mandates grants to a State to develop plans to increase health care access for residents of chronically underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires that funds be made available for technical assistance for certain entities seeking to establish or enhance a community rural health network in an underserved rural area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Mandates financial assistance for developing and implementing community rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Incentives for Health Professionals to Practice in Rural Areas - Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 202) Mandates a study regarding possible modifications to the statutory and administrative criteria for the designation of health professional shortage areas. (Sec. 203) Amends the Public Health Service Act to modify priorities in assigning National Health Service Corp members. Requires that certain funds be reserved to ensure that a certain number of participants in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program are being educated as nurses. Subtitle B: Incentives Under Other Programs - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to mandate an incentive payment of 20 (currently, 10) percent for physician primary care services (currently, for physician services) in a health professional shortage area. Continues the incentive payments in an area for three years after withdrawal of the health professional shortage area designation. Mandates a study of the effectiveness of additional payments in recruiting and retaining physicians to provide services in such areas. (Sec. 212) Requires publication of a model State law to increase individuals' health care access in underserved rural areas by expanding the services which non-physician health care professionals may provide in such areas. Title III: Assistance for Institutional Providers - Subtitle A: Hospital-Affiliated Primary Care Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that certain funds be reserved for the establishment and operation of hospital-affiliated primary care centers. Subtitle B: Assistance to Rural Providers Under Medicare - Amends Medicare provisions to include rural emergency access care hospitals (REACHs) in the definition of "hospital" for purposes of provisions relating to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor. (Sec. 312) Adds inpatient REACH services to the scope of benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). Applies existing deductible and coinsurance requirements to such services. Regulates the amount of payments for inpatient rural primary care hospital services. Adds references to REACHs to the definition of "spell of illness." Includes REACHs in the scope of Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Authorizes benefit payments. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Encourage Primary Care and Rural-Based Graduate Medical Education - Mandates a demonstration project (to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice) involving payments to not more than ten States and not more than ten health care training consortia. Requires corresponding reductions in payments (under specified Medicare provisions) to recipient States and hospitals for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs. Authorizes planning and evaluation grants to participating States and consortia. Authorizes appropriations for the grants. Title IV: Medicare Payment Methodologies - Mandates development of a methodology for making payments under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for telemedicine services furnished on an emergency basis in a health professional shortage area. Amends Medicare provisions relating to payments to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and competitive medical plans to modify the definition of "adjusted average per capita cost" to require that amounts be incrementally adjusted after contract year 1995 so that, before contract year 2002, the amount determined for each geographic area is within ten percentage points of amounts determined for all other geographic areas. Title V: Hospital Antitrust Fairness - Makes antitrust laws inapplicable to hospital mergers or contracts between hospitals to allocate services if each of the hospitals: (1) is outside of a city, or in a city with less than 150,000 inhabitants; (2) received more than 40 percent of its gross revenue from payments under Federal programs; and (3) the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has issued a certificate specifying that HCFA has determined that the merger or contract would reduce Federal expenditures, not increase consumer costs, and not reduce access to health care services. Title VI: Financing - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on Medicare-covered individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes above specified amounts. (Sec. 602) Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out these programs for FY 1996 or any subsequent fiscal year: (1) the grant program for rural health transition under specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987; (2) the program for rural outreach grants and the telemedicine grant program that were, for FY 1995, carried out by the Health Resources and Services Administration with funds under a specified Federal law; (3) the program under specified Public Health Service Act provisions relating to State offices of rural health; and (4) the programs under specified parts of title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1995
Iran Foreign Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain twelve-month economic sanctions against foreign persons who, with requisite knowledge, export goods or technology that would contribute to Iran's ability to extract, refine, produce, store, or transport petroleum or natural gas products. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) substantially improved its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights; (2) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles or related delivery systems; and (3) ceased support for acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such a waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support, if any, for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) transfer the operation and management of the Flathead Irrigation and Power Project to specified irrigation districts without condition for revocation unless the districts agree to such condition; and (2) negotiate with those districts to ensure the Secretary fulfills all obligations to lands under the project.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Commercialization Act of 1995 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a hydrogen energy research, development, and demonstration-commercialization program relating to production, storage, transportation and use of hydrogen, in order to demonstrate its feasibility for industrial, institutional, residential, transportation, and utility applications. Requires the Secretary to survey private sector hydrogen activities and take steps to ensure that Federal activities do not displace or compete with privately funded hydrogen activities of U.S. industry. Sets forth a proposal solicitation schedule. Directs the Secretary to require a specified cost-sharing commitment from non-Federal sources. Allows the Secretary to reduce the non-Federal requirement if: (1) necessary and appropriate considering the technological risks involved in the project; and (2) such reduction is necessary to serve the purposes of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (the Act). Sets as a prerequisite to Federal financial assistance certification by: (1) the Secretary that such assistance is consistent with a specified Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures approved in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act; and (2) industry participants that they have made reasonable efforts to obtain non-Federal funding for the entire cost of the project, and that such non-Federal funding could not be reasonably obtained. Prohibits the Secretary from implementing activities that unnecessarily duplicate activities implemented elsewhere by either the Federal or private sectors. Directs the Secretary to assist in the development and operation of a demonstration-commercialization project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) foster technology transfer activities between the Federal, industrial, and academic sectors; (2) report annually to the Congress; (3) coordinate with other Federal agencies involved in similar hydrogen research activities; and (4) consult with the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel established under the Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 · 10 August 1995
Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Fort Peck Rural County Water District, Inc., in Montana for the planning, design, and construction by the District of the Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System. Requires the System to provide for safe and adequate rural water supplies, economic enhancement, mitigation of wetland areas, and water conservation in the area under the District's jurisdiction in Valley County, northeastern Montana. Requires the Secretary, under such agreement, to pay: (1) 80 percent, without reimbursement, of the amount allocated in the total budget for the planning, design, and construction of the System (as described in the Final Engineering Report and Alternative Evaluation for the Fort Peck Rural County Water District, dated September 1994, (feasibility study)); and (2) such sums as are necessary to defray increases in the budget. Prohibits the amount of the Federal funds made available under the agreement from exceeding the authorized appropriations under this Act. Allows not more than five percent of such funds to be used for activities associated with: (1) compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) oversight of the planning, design, and construction by the District of the System. Provides that the requirements of such Act must be met before the Secretary obligates funds for the construction of the System. Requires the District to design a water conservation program to ensure that users of water from the System will use the best practicable technology and management techniques to conserve water use. Requires, in accordance with the feasibility study, that mitigation for fish and wildlife losses incurred as a result of the construction and operation of the System be on an acre-for-acre basis, based on ecological equivalency and concurrent with project construction. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Establishes the National Land and Resources Management Commission to review and submit to the President and the Congress a report making recommendations for reforming management of the public land by the land management agencies. Includes among matters to be addressed: (1) reducing overall land management costs by 30 percent; (2) transferring ownership or jurisdiction between government entities to allow the most efficient and consistent management of the land and its resources; (3) establishment of a single land management agency for all public land; and (4) a draft implementing bill. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such report by the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire by exchange certain lands in the Yellowstone Controlled Groundwater Area and Corwin Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area of the Gallatin National Forest, Montana, from the Church Universal and Triumphant.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Concession Reform Title II: National Park Fees Title III: Ski Area Permits on National Forest System Lands Title IV: National Park System Reform Title V: Land Management Agency Housing Title VI: Disposition of Fees Title VII: National Park System Advisory Board National Park Service Enhancement Act - Title I: Concession Reform - Revises Federal law to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to take appropriate action to encourage and enable private persons, corporations, and other entities to provide and operate facilities and services deemed to be desirable for the accommodation of visitors in areas administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Requires (current law allows): (1) the Secretary to include in contracts for the providing of facilities and services such terms and conditions as are required to assure the concessioner of adequate protection against specified losses resulting from certain acts, policies, or decisions of the Secretary occurring after the contract has become effective; and (2) such terms and conditions to include an obligation of the United States to compensate the concessioner for loss of investment. Revises provisions regarding: (1) rates and charges (requires rates to the public to be set by the concessioner or commercial use contractor, subject to the Secretary's approval only where the Secretary determines that sufficient competition for such facilities and services does not exist within or in close proximity to the relevant park); (2) the method of determining franchise fees (requires such fees to be fixed at the time of commencement of the contract as stated in the selected proposal, requires the Secretary to determine the suggested minimum franchise fee in any prospectus in a manner that will provide the concessioner or commercial use contractor with a reasonable opportunity to realize a profit, and permits the Secretary to reduce franchise fees under a contract if such reduction is equitable under the circumstances); and (3) new or additional services (authorizes the Secretary to grant extensions, renewals, or new contracts to any present concessioners for operations substantially similar to those authorized by their current contracts or permits). Repeals provisions regarding existing renewal preferences, subject to specified limitations. Revises provisions regarding protection of the concessioner's possessory interest to provide that just compensation shall be an amount equal to the sound value of such structure, fixture, or improvement at the time of taking by the United States or expiration of the contract. Requires the concessioner, no less than 12 months before the expiration of any contract which recognizes a possessory interest, if the amount of compensation was not previously agreed between the Secretary and the concessioner, to submit to the Secretary an independent appraisal of the sound value of the structures, fixtures, or improvements in which the concessioner has an investment interest, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding procedures if the Secretary disagrees with the appraisal submitted. Sets forth provisions regarding the competitive selection process, contracts, and performance evaluation. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) to adopt procedures consistent with those established by this title for the NPS for issuing contracts and non-recurring commercial-nonrecreational use permits for substantially similar services and activities taking place on Federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Title II: National Park Fees - Revises provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the fee for: (1) the Golden Eagle Passport (the annual admission permit for designated units of the National Park System (System) or National Conservation Areas and other specified areas) to $50; (2) annual admission into a specific designated unit of the System, or into several specific units located in a particular geographic area, to $25; and a (3) a single-visit permit at any designated area to not more than $6 per person. Makes receipts from non-Federal Golden Eagle Passport sales available for specified resource protection, rehabilitation, and conservation projects. Specifies that a lifetime admission permit for a U.S. citizen or person domiciled in the United States who is age 62 or older (Golden Age Passport) shall entitle the permittee (currently, the permittee and specified individuals accompanying him) to free admission into any area designated. Prohibits fees of any kind from being collected from persons who have a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of a law or treaty or who are engaged in the conduct of official Federal, State, or local government business. Directs the Secretaries to establish procedures providing for the issuance of a lifetime admission permit to specified individuals who are permanently disabled. Limits the number of accompanying individuals, notwithstanding the method of travel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to specified congressional committees a report on the admission fees proposed to be charged at specific units of the National Park System; and (2) identify areas where such fees are authorized but not collected and the reasons why such fees are not collected. Allows: (1) a charge for the use of a campground not having a majority of specified features and personal collection of the fee by an employee or agent of the Federal agency operating the facility; and (2) any National Park permit (currently, Golden Age Passport) holder to utilize special recreation facilities at a rate of 50 percent of the established use fee. Requires fees to be comparable to those charged by other public and private entities. Permits persons violating National Park rules or regulations to be fined any amount as provided by law. Revises provisions regarding: (1) the time of reimbursement; (2) charges for transportation provided by the System; and (3) commercial tour use fees. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for nonrecurring commercial or nonrecreational uses of System units that require special arrangements, including permits, which at a minimum will cover all costs of providing necessary services associated with such use, with exceptions. Permits receipts equal to the cost of providing the necessary services associated with use of an area within the System for activities which further NPS goals to be retained at the park unit in which the use takes place and to remain available to cover such costs. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate and enter into challenge cost-share agreements with any State or local government, public or private agency, corporation, individual, or other entity for the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out any authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to any System unit, affiliated area, or designated National Scenic or Historic Trail. (Sec. 203) Redefines or defines: (1) "park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource that is located within the boundaries of a System unit, except for resources owned by a non-Federal entity; and (2) "marine or aquatic park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource that is located within or is a living part of a marine or aquatic regimen within such boundaries, except for such resources. Makes any instrumentality that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any marine or aquatic park (currently, park) system resource liable in rem to the United States for response costs and resulting damages to the same extent as a person is liable for such destruction, loss, or injury. Title III: Ski Area Permits on National Forest System Lands - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require that the fee for all ski area permits on National Forest System lands be calculated, charged, and paid according to a specified formula in order to: (1) return fair market value to the United States and provide ski area permittees and the United States with a simplified, consistent, predictable, and equitable permit fee; (2) simplify administrative, bookkeeping, and other requirements currently imposed on the Secretary of Agriculture and ski area permittees on national forest lands; and (3) save costs associated with the calculation of ski area permit fees. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) minimum rental fees; (2) time for payment; (3) exclusion of revenue obtained outside of national forest lands; (4) transitional ski area permit fees; and (5) withdrawal of ski areas from operation of mining laws. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of ski areas on National Forest System lands to: (1) determine the feasibility and suitability of selling all or a portion of such lands to the current permittees or other interested parties; and (2) identify any continuing need for Federal retention of such lands, cost savings and revenues to the Federal Government which might accrue as a result of such sales as well as other benefits which might result from the disposal of such lands, and criteria which should be used in considering the sale of such assets. Title IV: National Park System Reform - Requires the Secretary to prepare and transmit to specified congressional committees a National Park System Plan to guide the direction of the System into the next century. (Sec. 402) Revises Federal provisions regarding the administration, findings, and purpose of the System. Directs the Secretary: (1) at the beginning of each calendar year, to submit to specified congressional committees a list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the System; (2) to consider those areas that have the greatest potential to meet the established criteria of national significance, suitability, and feasibility, giving special consideration to themes, sites, and resources not already adequately represented in the System as identified in the Plan; and (3) to complete the study for each area for potential inclusion into the System within three complete fiscal years following the date of enactment of specific legislation providing for the study of such area. Directs the Secretary, in conducting the study, to consider: (1) whether the area possesses nationally significant natural or cultural resources or outstanding recreational opportunities, represents one of the most important examples of a particular resource type in the country, and is a suitable and feasible addition to the System; and (2) any additional fiscal and personnel costs if the area were added to the System. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees with the annual budget submission at the beginning of each calendar year, in numerical order of priority for addition to the System considering factors such as threats to resource values and cost escalation, a list of areas previously studied which contain primarily cultural or historical resources and a list of areas which contain primarily natural resources. Title V: Land Management Agency Housing - Authorizes the Secretaries, in order to promote recruitment and retention of qualified personnel necessary for the effective management of public lands, to: (1) make employee housing available, subject to specified limitations, on or off public lands; and (2) rent or lease such housing to employees of the respective Department at a reasonable value. Specifies that: (1) housing made available to employees on public lands shall be limited to those areas designated for administrative use; and (2) no private lands outside of the boundaries of federally administered areas may be acquired for the purposes of this title except with the owner's consent. Authorizes the Secretaries to enter into: (1) agreements with public and private entities to provide housing on or off public lands; and (2) cooperative agreements or joint ventures with local governmental and private entities, either on or off public lands, to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities in support of employee housing facilities. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretaries to conduct a survey of the availability of quarters at field units under each Secretary's jurisdiction at least every five years. Authorizes the Secretaries, if such survey indicates that Government-owned or suitable privately-owned quarters are not available for the personnel assigned to a specific duty station, to provide suitable quarters in accordance with this title. (Sec. 504) Authorizes secondary quarters to be made available to employees, either on or off public lands, if either Secretary determines that such quarters for employees who are permanently duty stationed at remote locations and are regularly required to relocate for temporary periods are necessary for the effective administration of an area under the jurisdiction of the respective agency. Requires that rental rates for such secondary facilities be established so that the aggregate rental rate paid by an employee for both primary and secondary quarters as a percentage of the employee's annual gross income shall not exceed the Census Bureau American Housing Survey median monthly housing cost for renters, inclusive of utilities as a percentage of current income, whether paid as part of rent or paid directly to a third party. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretaries to: (1) survey all existing Government-owned employee housing facilities under their jurisdictions to assess its physical condition and its suitability for the effective prosecution of the agency mission; (2) develop an agency-wide priority listing, by structure, identifying those units in greatest need of repair, rehabilitation, replacement, or initial construction; and (3) transmit the survey and priority listing study to specified congressional committees. Requires expenditure of any funds appropriated for construction, repair, or rehabilitation to follow, in sequential order, the priority listing. Allows funding available from other sources for employee housing repair to be distributed as determined by the Secretaries. (Sec. 506) Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Disposition of Fees - Establishes in the Treasury a Park Improvement Fund. (Sec. 602) Requires that, beginning in FY 1996, 50 percent of all revenues received by the Government in excess of the amount that would have been received in 1995 without enactment of this Act from franchise fees, admission, special recreation, commercial tour use, and commercial-nonrecreational use fees (such fees) be covered into the Fund, with exceptions. (Sec. 603) Provides that: (1) receipts in the Fund from the previous fiscal year shall be available to the Secretary without further appropriation; (2) each fiscal year, beginning in 1997, 75 percent of the total receipts deposited in the Fund for the previous fiscal year from each unit of the System collecting such fees shall be available for expenditure only by that unit; and (3) the remaining receipts in the Fund may be allocated among such units, including those not collecting such fees, as determined by the Secretary. Directs that expenditures from the Fund be used solely for infrastructure and operational needs by System units. Requires the Secretary, by January of each year, to provide to specified congressional committees a list of proposed expenditures from the Fund for each unit for that fiscal year and a report detailing expenditures, by unit, for the previous fiscal year. Title VII: National Park System Advisory Board - Revises provisions regarding the establishment of a National Park System Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on all matters pertaining to the System. Specifies that the Board, appointed by the Secretary for a term not to exceed four years, shall be comprised of no more than nine persons from among U.S. citizens having a demonstrated commitment to the System. Requires Board members to be selected to represent various geographic regions and to ensure that the Board contains expertise in natural or cultural resource management, recreation use management, financial management, business management, and land use planning. Sets forth provisions regarding vacancies, procedures, reimbursement for travel and per diem, limits on compensation, and powers of the Board (including the authority to establish task forces). (Sec. 702) Directs the Board to: (1) conduct a review of each System unit, except for those designated as national parks, to determine whether there are management alternatives that would result in equal or better levels of resource protection, interpretation, and visitor access, use, and enjoyment; (2) review the organic legislation and history of the NPS and its units and develop criteria to guide the Congress and the Secretary in the addition of new units to the System; (3) conduct an analysis and evaluation of the current conditions and future needs of each System unit for adequate visitor service programs; (4) periodically monitor the performance evaluation process as conducted annually by the Secretary for concessioners and commercial use contractors for effectiveness and objectivity; and (5) report thereon to the Secretary and specified congressional committees. (Sec. 703) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Common Sense Amendments for All Endangered Species Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 with respect to: (1) wildlife management effects evaluation; (2) fish and wildlife conservation and management projects; (3) sport hunting; (4) foreign laws and fair notice; and (5) subspecies and population criteria, and discretionary adjudicative procedure and peer review. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a specified funding augmentation study.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs Title IV: Program Administration and Support Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining National Oceanic and Atmospheric Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research; (2) public warning and forecast systems; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) satellite observing systems; and (6) environmental data management systems. States that NWS shall be responsible for: (1) weather and storm warnings; and (2) collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic information, including hydrometeorological guidance and forecast information. Authorizes the Administrator of NOAA to procure specified additional satellites. Amends the Land Remote Sensing Act of 1992 to direct the Administrator to develop an operating plan for the Landsat 7 spacecraft and the processing and distribution of its data, including a related ground system. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) mapping, charting, and geodesy activities; (2) observation and assessment; and (3) ocean and Great Lakes research. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for the national sea grant college program. National Undersea Research Program Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Undersea Research Program, which shall be conducted by regional centers. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for: (1) management program development grants; (2) coastal water protection; (3) State coastal water protection programs; and (4) the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for specified activities under the Act. Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for fisheries: (1) information collection and analysis; (2) conservation and management; and (3) State and industry cooperative programs. Authorizes the construction of fisheries research facilities at: (1) Fort Johnson, South Carolina; and (2) Auke Cape, Alaska. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to: (1) limit Fishing Vessel Obligation loan guarantees; (2) revise loan guarantee fees; and (3) temporarily prohibit new fishing vessel loan guarantees if vessel construction will increase harvesting capacity within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Title IV: Program Administration and Support - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) facilities' acquisition and operations; (3) marine services; and (4) aircraft services. Provides for specified reductions in NOAA personnel. Authorizes appropriations for commissioned officers. Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining - Transfers NOAA aeronautical charting functions to the Federal Aviation Administration. Directs the Secretary to develop plans for NOAA fleet reduction and laboratory consolidation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convey the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Massachusetts; and (2) undertake clean-up activities in the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the Secretary a portion of the Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for: (1) the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for phasing out the Office of Technology Policy and transferring essential functions to NIST. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to direct the Secretary to establish an Experimental Program to Stimulate Cooperative Technology which shall make grants in furtherance of NIST's mission. Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to eliminate the National Quality Council. Amends the Fastener Quality Act with regard to metal chemistry testing, commingling of fasteners in distribution, and acceptance of nonconforming fasteners.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1995
Accounting Standardization Act of 1995 - Directs the President, beginning with FY 1997, to require the heads of agencies to implement and maintain a uniform Federal accounting system established in accordance with this Act and other applicable law. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Comptroller General to agree on proposed Federal accounting standards and interpretations recommended by the Federal Account Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 10, 1990, between the Department of the Treasury, OMB, and the General Accounting Office (GAO); and (2) the Comptroller General and the Director to publish such standards. Mandates that the Federal accounting system satisfy existing and future Federal accounting standards as recommended by the FASAB and approved by the Department of the Treasury, OMB, and GAO. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) interim principles; (2) authority to modify or amend a standard; and (3) consistency of such system with the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger and with Federal management systems requirements. Authorizes: (1) the FASAB to recommend to the Secretary, Director, and Comptroller General the application of Federal accounting standards and Federal financial management systems requirements to specified corporations, agencies, or instrumentalities, or a federally chartered corporation or instrumentality (such entities); and (2) the Secretary, Director, and Comptroller General, upon FASAB recommendation, to require such entities to comply with all or part of such a standard or requirement. Requires each Federal agency to implement and maintain a uniform Federal accounting system in accordance with the requirements, and giving priority in funding and sufficient resources to implementation, of this Act. Permits each Federal agency to implement this Act by utilizing the assistance of private sector firms to develop basic systems, subject to the requirements specified in this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) audit compliance reporting; (2) penalties for violations; (3) enforcement; and (4) anti-deficiency violation penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Canola and Rapeseed Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue an order to finance and implement a program of canola and rapeseed research, promotion, market development, and consumer information. Requires: (1) such order to establish a National Canola and Rapeseed Board; and (2) producer referenda. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
American Family-Owned Business Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate specified portions of the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Limitations and General Provisions Title III: Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics and technology; (3) mission support; (4) the Inspector General; and (5) the Office of Commercial Space Transportation of the Department of Transportation. Title II: Limitations and General Provisions - Sets forth fund and use limitations including: (1) the Space Station; (2) the experimental program to stimulate competitive research, and (3) the Clear Lake Development Facility, Texas. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrator of NASA to make special technology enhancement grants. Sets aside authorization of appropriations for such grants. (Sec. 205) Directs NASA to: (1) convey the Yellow Creek Facility to the State of Mississippi; and (2) initiate and operate a radar satellite program. (Sec. 207) Directs the Administrator to conduct studies of: (1) the Upper Missouri River Basin hydrology; and (2) privatization of the Shuttle. (Sec. 216) Prohibits the Administrator from restructuring the Earth Observing System Data and Information System without first fulfilling certain reporting requirements. Title III: Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments - Amends Federal law with regard to commercial space activities to include in-space transportation and reentry vehicles and activities within the scope of such provisions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations regarding insurance, licensing, and indemnification. Prohibits obtrusive space advertising (as defined by this Act). Requests the President to enter into negotiations with foreign launching nations to prohibit such advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995
Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions concerning health centers (currently, community health centers), definitions relating to such centers, and the services provided by such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning, operating, and infant mortality grants for health centers that provide required primary health services and additional health services to medically underserved and special medically underserved populations (migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, the homeless, and public housing residents). Directs the Secretary to give priority in making grants to health centers in which there is a substantial incidence of infant mortality or a significant increase in the incidence of infant mortality. Specifies that grant amounts for any fiscal year may not exceed: (1) total State, local, and other operational funding for a center; and (2) fees, premiums, and third-party reimbursements received for operations by the center in such fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration to administer the rural health services outreach demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to transfer all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to all lands and interests administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the State in which such lands and interests are located, with the exception of the mineral interests underlying a surface estate held by the United States in trust for an Indian tribe. Allows a State to only either accept the offer of all such lands or to reject such offer. Directs each State receiving lands under this Act to: (1) honor valid existing leases and permits; and (2) respect all rights-of-way granted by the United States on such lands. Requires the validity and existence of a transferred mining claim to be determined and administered under State law, with exceptions for the holders of specified patents. Requires: (1) transferred designated wilderness lands to continue to be managed as wilderness; and (2) transferred military purpose lands to continue to be military purpose lands. Transfers the administration of the mineral interests on Indian lands from the BLM. Sets forth provisions concerning the transfer of all water rights associated with the lands to the State receiving such lands. Caps BLM obligations and expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits the Federal Government or any State or local government, or any official of such a government, from interfering with or usurping the right of a parent to govern the upbringing of a child of the parent. Disallows any exceptions to this Act unless the government or official is able to demonstrate, by appropriate evidence, that such interference or usurpation is valid to accomplish a compelling government interest, in which case only the least amount of interference may be used.
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