United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Middle Class Tax Relief Title II: Provisions Relating To Individual Retirement Plans Subtitle A: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle B: Penalty-Free Distributions Middle-Class Bill of Rights Tax Relief Act of 1995 - Title I: Middle Class Tax Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax credit of $300 per eligible child under the age of 13 years. Increases such credit to $500 per eligible child after December 31, 1998. Reduces such credit for incomes of $60,000 or more. Provides an inflation adjustment for such amounts beginning in 1999. (Sec. 102) Allows individuals a tax deduction for the qualified higher education expenses of the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents. Limits such deduction to $10,000 ($5,000 for years 1996, 1997, and 1998). Reduces such limitation for modified adjusted gross incomes of $70,000 or more ($100,000 for a joint return). Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Title II: Provisions Relating to Individual Retirement Plans - Subtitle A: Retirement Savings Incentives - Part I: IRA Deduction - Increases the income limitations on retirement savings deductions and provides a cost-of-living adjustment after 1994 for such limitations. (Sec. 202) Provides a cost-of-living adjustment for deductible retirement amounts after 1995. (Sec. 203) Coordinates the limit on such deduction with the elective deferral limit under other pension provisions. Part II: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five-year period. Subtitle B: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses (including qualified long-term care services), and assist certain unemployed individuals. (Sec. 222) Requires contributions to such plans to be held for at least five years prior to such distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995
Readjustment Counseling Service Amendments of 1995 - Includes a Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) as part of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from altering or revising the organizational structure of RCS until the Secretary has notified specified congressional committees and 60 days have elapsed since such notification. Requires RCS budget information to be included annually in the President's budget submitted to the Congress. Outlines eligibility requirements for one of the Assistant Under Secretaries for Health in the Department, including at least three years of clinical experience and two years of administrative experience in RCS or other comparable mental health care counseling service. Makes such a qualified person the director of RCS. Increases from eight to nine the authorized number of Assistant Under Secretaries for Health. Directs the Secretary to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who: (1) served on active duty during the Vietnam era; or (2) served on active duty in a theater of combat during a period of war (currently, only after May 7, 1975) in any area in which hostilities occurred. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish such assistance to any other veteran upon request. Directs the Secretary to provide counseling to survivors and dependents of members of the armed forces killed while performing such duty. Allows the Secretary to provide such counseling to the survivors and dependents of other members killed during active duty or from a condition incurred in or aggravated by such service. Establishes in the Department the Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans to perform advisory services with respect to veterans' readjustment, taking into special account Vietnam era veterans. Requires specified reports from the Advisory Committee and the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans' affairs committees: (1) a plan for the expansion of the Vietnam Veteran Resource Center program; and (2) on the feasibility and desirability of the collocation of Vet Centers and outpatient clinics of the Department as current leases for such centers and clinics expire. Directs the Secretary to carry out and report to the Congress on a pilot program for the provision of health-related services to eligible veterans at readjustment counseling centers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995
Working Wage Increase Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage per hour to: (1) $4.70 during the year beginning July 4, 1995; and (2) $5.15 after July 3, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995
Conservation Reserve Program Extension Act of 1995 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) reauthorize the conservation reserve program; and (2) revise contract acceptance criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995
Wounded Knee National Tribal Park Establishment Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Wounded Knee National Tribal Park consisting of a North and South unit at which national monuments should be erected to memorialize the Indian victims of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the Cheyenne River Sioux (for the North unit) and the Oglala Sioux (for the South unit) tribes to carry out planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement activities at monument sites at their respective unit. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to both tribes, as well as training and employment to tribal members in the operation and maintenance of both units. (Sec. 5) Authorizes each such tribe to acquire lands for inclusion in the North or South unit of the Park. Allows the Secretary to provide financial assistance for such purchases. Directs each tribe to manage its respective unit. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to plan, design, and construct the national monuments on each Park unit after consultation with an advisory committee established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to complete and report to the Congress on feasibility studies to: (1) establish and mark the route taken by Chief Big Foot and his band from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation to Wounded Knee as a national historic trail; and (2) establish a visitor information and orientation center on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. (Sec. 8) Establishes the Wounded Knee National Tribal Park Advisory Commission. (Sec. 9) Authorizes either tribe or its designated agency or authority to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit corporation to raise funds from private sources to be used in lieu of, or to supplement, any Federal funds made available by appropriations for Park purposes. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995
Extends through December 31, 2003, the eligibility of veterans for: (1) inpatient care for exposure to toxic substances and ionizing radiation during military service; (2) inpatient and outpatient care for exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard during the Persian Gulf War. Extends eligibility for such outpatient care for any disability to veterans who, during the period before December 31, 2003, either: (1) served on active duty in Vietnam and may have been exposed to dioxins or other toxic substances during such duty; or (2) were exposed during active duty to ionizing radiation during atomic testing or during the American occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995
National Park Service Concession Policy Reform Act of 1995 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System (NPS). (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors other than by award of a concession contract or permit. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. (Sec. 7) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 8) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 9) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 10) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 11) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 12) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 13) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 15) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 16) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 18) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 19) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay each State a per diem rate for each veteran receiving adult day health care in a State home. Includes the construction of adult day health care facilities in the authorized use of funds under a program authorizing the Secretary to provide grants to States for the construction of State veterans' nursing home or hospital care facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Veterans' Tax Fairness Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any veterans' allowance or benefit administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Commemorates January 27, 1995, as the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp by Allied forces in the Second World War. Calls upon all Americans to remember the victims murdered at Auschwitz as part of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995
Expresses sympathies to Japan and the citizens of Kobe and Osaka for losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of January 17, 1995, and support to the people of Japan as they rebuild. Pledges support for their efforts in the face of this disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1995
Condemns the terrorist attacks in Israel and extends condolences to the families of all those killed. Declares that: (1) Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Arafat should publicly condemn acts of terror against Israelis, take immediate steps to bring those responsible for such acts to justice, and implement steps to prevent future terrorism in all territory under his control; (2) Syrian President Assad should immediately end all support for terrorist groups in all territory under his control; and (3) the Clinton Administration should undertake strong efforts to end the safe haven, training, and financial and other support granted terrorists by Iran, Syria, and other states.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Taxpayer Advocate Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions Title III: Interest Title IV: Joint Returns Title V: Collection Activities Title VI: Information Returns Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees Title IX: Other Provisions Title X: Form Modifications; Studies Subtitle A: Form Modifications Subtitle B: Studies Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Title I: Taxpayer Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayer Advocate, headed by the Taxpayer Advocate, to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayer Advocate. Replaces the Office of the Ombudsman with the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. (Sec. 102) Revises the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to: (1) allow the Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to act within a specified time period; and (2) require the Secretary to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking certain actions). Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Grants certain taxpayers the right to an installment agreement for the payment of tax liability less than $10,000. (Sec. 202) Suspends any penalties during the period the installment agreement is in effect. (Sec. 203) Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. (Sec. 204) Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for, or termination of, installment agreements. Title III: Interest - Authorizes the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the unreasonable error or delay of an IRS act. (Sec. 302) Extends from ten to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Title IV: Joint Returns - Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. (Sec. 402) Removes limitations on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Title V: Collection Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary to provide a copy of such notice of withdrawal to the taxpayer and, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. (Sec. 503) Requires prior notification to the taxpayer that the taxpayer is under examination and an explanation of the process, with exceptions. (Sec. 504) Increases the dollar limit on the recovery of civil damages for unauthorized collection actions. (Sec. 505) Revises provisions with respect to a designated summons concerning the standard of review and notice requirements for issuance. Title VI: Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. (Sec. 602) Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary, in any court proceeding where a taxpayer asserts a reasonable dispute with respect to income reported on an information return filed by a third party and the taxpayer has fully cooperated with the Secretary, to present reasonable and probative information concerning such deficiency in addition to such return. Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Establishes preliminary notice requirements for failure to pay tax. (Sec. 702) Directs the Secretary to: (1) disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty; and (2) ensure that IRS employees are aware of their responsibilities under the tax depository system, the circumstances under which they may be liable for penalties, and reporting responsibilities. (Sec. 703) Exempts unpaid, volunteer board members of tax-exempt organizations who do not have actual knowledge of the failure on which such penalties are imposed from collection penalties. Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Authorizes a taxpayer who substantially prevails on a claim to file a motion for an order requiring the disclosure of all information and copies of relevant records in the possession of the IRS regarding such taxpayer's case and the substantial justification for the position taken by the IRS. (Sec. 802) Increases the limit on attorney fees. (Sec. 803) Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Title IX: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. (Sec. 902) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) treatment of substitute returns under section 6651 (relating to failure to file a tax return or to pay tax); (2) prospective application of Treasury Department regulations; and (3) required notice to the taxpayer of payments that the Secretary cannot associate with any outstanding tax liability of such taxpayer. (Sec. 905) Authorizes a taxpayer to bring a civil damage suit against the United States if any U.S. officer or employee intentionally compromises the determination or collection of any tax due from an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), or enrolled agent representing a taxpayer in exchange for information conveyed by the taxpayer for purposes of obtaining advice concerning tax liability, except where conveyed for the purpose of perpetrating a fraud or crime. Title X: Form Modifications; Studies - Subtitle A: Form Modifications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) take steps to ensure that taxpayers are aware of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code permitting payment of tax in installments, extensions, and compromises of tax liability; (2) provide improved procedures for taxpayers to notify the Secretary of changes in names and addresses; and (3) include in the IRS publication entitled "Your Rights As a Taxpayer" a section on the rights and responsibilities of divorced individuals. Subtitle B: Studies - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a one-year pilot program for appeals of enforcement actions to the Appeals Division of the IRS; (2) study ways to assist the elderly, physically impaired, foreign-language speaking, and other taxpayers with special needs to comply with the internal revenue laws; and (3) report to the tax-writing committees on the IRS's taxpayer-rights education program and on all cases involving complaints about misconduct of IRS employees. (Sec. 1015) Requires the Comptroller General to conduct: (1) a study on IRS efforts to notify taxpayers of tax deficiencies; and (2) annual studies of the accuracy of 25 of the most commonly used IRS forms, notices, and publications.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN); and (2) the U.S. Government should encourage the UN to establish an ad hoc committee to study membership for Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1995
Higher Education Tax Relief Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the sum of qualified higher education expenses and interest on qualified higher education loans. Provides limitations on both amounts. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress, States, and local governments to set reasonable expenditure limits for their respective elections.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
Right to Know Act - Prohibits an article proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution from being submitted to the States for ratification in the 104th Congress until the adoption of a concurrent resolution containing specified enforcement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1995
Designates the minority party membership on the following Senate committees: (1) Budget; (2) Rules and Administration; (3) Small Business; (4) Veterans' Affairs; and (5) Aging.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Medicaid Substance Abuse Treatment Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide federally reimbursed Medicaid coverage of alcoholism and drug dependency residential treatment services for pregnant women whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level and for their Medicaid-eligible children and spouses. Lists the required services included in such coverage. Requires that such coverage continue for at least 12 months, except in certain circumstances, such as where the coverage of pregnant women must continue for one year following the end of pregnancy. Limits the size of a residential treatment facility. Allows a State agency to grant exceptions to such limit. Prohibits the facility from being licensed as a hospital. Caps the number of nationwide beds for which Federal assistance may be provided under such residential treatment programs. Increases such annual bed cap for calendar years 1995 through 1999. Addresses treatment needs of pregnant addicted Indian and Alaska Native women in Indian Health Service areas.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects prevention program, including an education and public awareness program, an applied epidemiologic research and prevention program, support for and the conducting of basic research, a procedure for disseminating diagnostic criteria, and an Inter-Agency Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects. Provides for related technical assistance, grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and professional education. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Helium Reform and Deficit Reduction Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the helium operations of the Bureau of Mines.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that cash rental of farmland to a member of the decedent's family for a qualified use will not cause recapture of the special estate tax valuation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Legislative Line Item Veto Act - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to propose to the Congress the cancellation of any budget item provided in any Act. Authorizes the President to transmit a draft bill to the Congress with such a proposal, including the amount of each budget item designated for deficit reduction. Establishes expedited procedures in the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration of such bill.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Market Reform Subtitle A: Insurance Market Standards Subtitle B: Establishment and Application of Standards Subtitle C: Health Care Cost and Access Advisory Commission Subtitle D: Definitions Title II: Improving Access to Health Care Coverage Subtitle A: Coverage Under Qualified Health Plans and Premium Assistance Subtitle B: Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Title III: Improving Access in Rural Areas Subtitle A: Offfice of Rural Health Policy Subtitle B: Development of Telemedicine in Rural Underserved Areas Subtitle C: Rural Health Plan Demonstration Projects Subtitle D: Antitrust Safe Harbors for Rural Health Providers Title IV: Quality and Consumer Protection Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification Subtitle B: Privacy of Health Information Subtitle C: Enhanced Penalties for Health Care Fraud Subtitle D: Health Care Malpractice Reform Title V: Budget Neutrality Family Health Insurance Protection Act - Title I: Health Insurance Market Reform - Subtitle A: Insurance Market Standards - Prohibits a health plan, with specified exceptions, from denying, limiting, or conditioning its coverage (or benefits), or varying its premium, for an individual based on the health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, anticipated need for health care services, disability, or lack of evidence of insurability. (Sec. 1002) Requires each health plan that offers coverage in the small group market or large employer market to guarantee enrollment in and renewal of (at the option of the individual or employer) such plan to each individual purchaser and employer. (Sec. 1003) Requires a health plan offering coverage in the small group market to comply with certain rating (premium rates) standards to be developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). (Sec. 1004) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish minimum guidelines for the issuance by each State of delivery system quality standards. Sets forth such guidelines, including: (1) establishing health plan quality assurance; (2) providing consumer protection for health plan enrollees; and (3) ensuring reasonable access for vulnerable populations in underserved areas. (Sec. 1005) Requires a sponsor of a health plan to offer a benchmark benefits package which covers specified health care items and services and provides for a cost-sharing schedule. Authorizes a sponsor to offer any other health benefits package. (Sec. 1006) Requires each health plan offering coverage in the small group market in a State to participate in a risk adjustment program. Subtitle B: Establishment and Application of Standards - Prohibits any requirement or standard imposed on a health plan under this Act from preempting any State consumer protection laws unless such laws conflict with such requirement or standard. (Sec. 1012) Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting States from enacting health care reform measures that exceed the measures established under this Act, including reforms that expand access to health care services, control health care costs, and enhance quality of care. (Sec. 1013) Requires the Secretary to make grants to States that submit applications that meet certain requirements for the establishment and operation of small group health insurance purchasing arrangements. Requires the Secretary in awarding such grants to consider the potential impact of the State's proposal on the cost of health insurance for the small group market and on the number of uninsured, and the need for regional variation in the award of such grants. Authorizes the use of grant funds to finance administrative costs associated with developing such arrangements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1014) Directs States to require that each health plan issued, sold, offered for sale, or operated in such State meets the insurance reform standards established under this title pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by it with, and approved by, the Secretary. Subtitle C: Health Care Cost and Access Advisory Commission - Establishes the Health Care Cost and Advisory Commission to monitor and respond to trends in national health care spending and health insurance coverage. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress and the President on the status of health care spending and health insurance coverage in the nation. Sec. 1023) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Definitions - Sets forth definitions. Title II: Improving Access to Health Care Coverage - Subtitle A: Coverage Under Qualified Health Plans and Premium Assistance - Part 1: Access to Qualified Health Plans - Requires States, in order to qualify for certain Federal payments, to establish a program under which a State: (1) makes available at least one qualifed health plan to each premium subsidy eligible individual residing there; and (2) furnishes premium assistance to such individual. (Sec. 2002) Requires the Secretary to issue regulations specifying requirements for State programs with respect to determining eligibility for premium assistance, including measures to prevent individuals from knowingly making material misrepresentations of information or providing false information in applications for assistance under the program. Requires a premium subsidy eligible individual who receives premium assistance to use such assistance only for payments toward the premium under a qualified State health plan. (Sec. 2011) Sets forth a formula for: (1) the amount of premium assistance for a month that a premium subsidy eligible individual shall receive; and (2) the maximum subsidy amount for a State. (Sec. 2012) Sets forth eligibility requirements for children and temporarily unemployed individuals to receive premium assistance. Part 2: Aggregate Federal Payments - Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of Federal payments to States for the payment of premium assistance under a qualified State health plan. Part 3: Definitions and Determinations of Income - Sets forth definitions. Subtitle B: Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals from 25 percent through 1996 to 50 percent in 1997 to 75 percent in 1998 and to 100 percent in 1999 and thereafter. Title III: Improving Access in Rural Areas - Subtitle A: Office of Rural Health Policy - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to mandate that the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Rural Health, who shall report directly to the Secretary. Adds as one of the duties of the Assistant Secretary that he or she advise the Secretary on reforms to the health care system and their implications for rural areas. Transfers the functions, powers, duties, and authority of the Office of Rural Health Policy to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Rural Health. Subtitle B: Development of Telemedicine in Rural Underserved Areas - Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to expand access to health care services for individuals in rural areas through the use of telemedicine. (Sec. 3102) Directs the White House Information Infrastructure Task Force to report to the Congress an evaluation of the cost effectiveness of telemedicine, including recommendations for a coordinated Federal strategy to increase access to health care through telemedicine. (Sec. 3103) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations regarding reimbursement for telemedicine services provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSA. (Sec. 3104) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Rural Health Plan Demonstration Projects - Directs the Secretary to establish not more than three demonstration projects for the designation of rural health plan areas. Subtitle D: Antitrust Safe Harbors for Rural Health Providers - Directs the Attorney General to establish, and publish in the Federal Register, policy guidelines to assist rural health care providers in complying with safe harbor requirements with respect to the provision of health care services in rural areas. Title IV: Quality and Consumer Protection - Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification - Part 1: Purpose and Definitions - Establishes a national framework for health information whose goal, through standardization of data elements, code sets, and electronic transactions, and by assuring a secure environment for the transmission and exchange of health information, is to reduce the burden of administrative complexity, paper work, and cost on the health care system, including Medicare under title XVIII and Medicaid under title XIX the SSA. Part 2: Standards for Data Elements and Information Transactions - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards for health information transactions and data elements. (Sec. 4012) Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations specifying procedures for the electronic transmission and authentication of signatures on medical records and prescriptions. Part 3: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information - Sets forth specified requirements with respect to certain transactions conducted by a health plan or health care provider. Part 4: Accessing Health Information - Requires the Secretary to adopt technical standards for persons to locate and access health information that is available through the health information network. Part 5: Penalties - Sets forth penalties for violations committed under this subtitle. Part 6: Miscellaneous Provisions - Mandates that any provision, requirement, or standard under this subtitle supercede any contrary provision of State law (except State provisions governing the reporting of disease or injury, child abuse, birth, or death, public serveillance, or public health investigation or intervention). (Sec. 4052) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Privacy of Health Information - Part 1: Defintions - Set forth definitions. Part 2: Authorized Disclosures - Subpart A: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements for the disclosure of protected health information by a health information trustee, or by a health care provider and person receiving such information, including a health information protection organization. Subpart B: Specific Disclosures Relating to Patient - Authorizes a health care provider, health plan, employer, or person who receives protected health information to disclose it to a health care provider for the purpose of providing health care (including emergency situations) to, or providing for the payment of such care for, an individual. Subpart C: Disclosure for Oversight, Public Health, and Research Purposes - Authorizes a health information trustee to disclose protected health information to a health oversight agency or to a health researcher. (Sec. 4117) Authorizes a health care provider, health plan, public health authority, employer, or person who receives protected health information to disclose it to a public health authority or other person authorized by law for use in: (1) disease or injury reporting; (2) public health surveillance; or (3) public health investigation or intervention. Subpart D: Disclosure for Judicial, Administrative, and Law Enforcement Purposes - Authorizes a health care provider, health plan, health oversight agency, employer, or person who receives protected health information to disclose it, (subject to a court's rules of procedure): (1) in connection with litigation where an individual's physical or mental condition is at issue; (2) in response to a court- ordered physical or mental examination; or (3) pursuant to a law requiring the reporting of specific medical information to law enforcement authorities. (Sec. 4122) Authorizes such entities or persons to disclose such information to law enforcement agencies. Subpart E: Disclosure Pursuant to Government Subpoena or Warrant - Authorizes a health care provider, health plan, health oversight agency, employer, or person who receives protected health information to disclose it pursuant to an administrative or judicial subpoena or warrant. Subpart F: Disclosure Pursuant to Party Subpoena - Authorizes a health care provider, health plan, employer, or person who receives protected health information to disclose it pursuant to a party subpoena. Part 3: Procedures for Ensuring Security of Protected Health Information - Subpart A: Establishment of Safeguards - Directs a health information trustee to establish administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality of protected health information created or received by such trustee. Subpart B: Review of Protected Health Information By Subjects of the Information - Requires a health care provider or health plan to allow an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect any such information, with specified exceptions, that the provider or plan maintains. (Sec. 4142) Requires a health care provider or health plan, upon the written request of the subject individual, to correct or amend his or her protected health information. (Sec. 4143) Requires a health care provider or health plan to provide written notice of its information practices, including notice of individual rights with respect to protected health information. Part 4: Sanctions - Subpart A: Civil Sanctions - Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this subtitle. (Sec. 4152) Authorizes an individual who is aggrieved by the negligent conduct of a health information trustee to bring a civil action in court. Subpart B: Criminal Sanctions - Subjects to civil and criminal penalties any person who, in violation of this subtitle, knowingly: (1) obtains protected health information relating to an individual; or (2) discloses such information to another person. Part 5: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preemption of State law with respect to the disclosure of protected health information; and (2) the rights of incompetents with respect to such information. Subtitle C: Enhanced Penalties for Health Care Fraud - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control fraud and abuse with respect to the delivery of and payment for health care in the United States; (2) conduct investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections relating to the delivery of and payment for such health care; (3) facilitate the enforcement of specified sections of the SSA and other applicable statutes with respect to health care fraud and abuse; and (4) provide for the modification and establishment of safe harbors, and to issue interpretative rulings and special fraud alerts. (Sec. 4201) Establishes a Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account which shall comprise all criminal and administrative fines imposed in cases involving a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 4202) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the application of sanctions under the Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and abuse programs for all fraud and abuse against any health plan. Subjects any person (including any organization, agency, or other entity, but excluding a beneficiary) who violates a provision of this section to a civil monetary penalty. (Sec. 4203) Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions (not including settlements in which no findings of liability have been made) against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. (Sec. 4204) Amends Federal criminal law to subject to civil and criminal penalties any person who knowingly executes, or attempts to execute, a scheme to: (1) defraud any health plan or other person, in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits or services; or (2) obtain, by false pretenses, any money or property owned by, or under the control of, any health plan, or person in connection with the delivery of or payment for such health care or services. Subtitle D: Health Care Malpractice Reform - Declares that these provisions apply to any health care liability action (except damages for vaccine-related injury or death) brought in any Federal or State court. (Sec. 4302) Requires each State to adopt an alternative dispute resolution method for the resolution of health care malpractice claims and consumer grievances. (Sec. 4303) Limits attorney contingency fees and award amounts for noneconomic damages. (Sec. 4304) Authorizes a party to a medical malpractice liability action to petition the court to instruct the trier of fact to award any future damages on an appropriate periodic basis. (Sec. 4305) Requires 50 percent of any punitive damages awarded in a medical liability action to be paid to the State in which such action is brought to carry out: (1) licensing or cretifying health care professionals and providers; (2) implementing health care quality assurance and improvement programs; (3) reducing malpractice-related costs for providers volunteering to provide services in medically underserved sreas; and (4) providing resources for additional investigation and disciplinary activites. Title V: Budget Neutrality - Prohibits any provision of this Act from taking effect until legislation is enacted which provides for its Federal budget neutrality.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Tax Expenditure Control Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the concurrent resolution on the budget to include appropriate levels for tax expenditures. Requires tax expenditure analysis in the report accompanying such resolution. Requires reconciliation directives in such resolution to include changes in tax expenditures. Requires the Congressional Budget Office report to congressional budget committees with respect to fiscal policy to include a discussion of alternative ways of allocating new tax expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow Indian tribes to receive charitable contributions of inventory and other property for purposes of a donor qualifying for the tax deduction under the Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the special treatment of livestock sold or involuntarily converted on account of drought conditions also to livestock sold or converted because of flood or other weather-related conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent, and to increase to 100 percent, the deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual an itemized deduction of travel expenses in connection with the trade or business of logging, including the miles to and from the individual's home.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the tax-exempt status of a mutual or cooperative telephone company to provide that 50 percent of the income received from a nonmember telephone company for services by the cooperative shall be treated as collected from members of the cooperative for the sole purpose of meeting the losses and expenses of the cooperative. Excludes, in determining the income of a cooperative: (1) billing and collection services performed for a nonmember telephone company; and (2) certain reserve income that does not exceed 35 percent of the company's total income. Subjects a portion of such reserve income to unrelated business income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer reporting on the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting to elect to include in income crop insurance proceeds and disaster payments in the year of the disaster or in the following year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the energy tax credit in connection with depreciable solar energy property and geothermal property against the taxpayer's entire regular tax liability and minimum tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard mileage rate deduction for charitable use of a passenger automobile. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, not later than December 15, 1995, and each subsequent calendar year, to prescribe an increase in such deduction for taxable years beginning in the succeeding calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Requires the Senate and the House of Representatives, by the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, to: (1) adopt a concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 through 2003; and (2) enact all necessary authorizing and appropriations legislation that would balance the Federal budget by the beginning of FY 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures Title I: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures Title II: Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices--Establishment and Operations Title III: Administrative and Judicial Dispute-Resolution Procedures Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Division B: Lobbying and Gift Reform Title I: Lobbying Reform Title II: Congressional Gift Reform Division C: Campaign Finance Reform Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Subtitle A: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Subtitle B: Independent Expenditures Subtitle C: Expenditures Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Subtitle F: Effective Dates, Authorizations Comprehensive Congressional Reform Act of 1995 - Division A: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures - Title I: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures - Requires all personnel actions affecting covered employees to be made free from any discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap or disability. Defines a "covered employee" as an employee of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Architect of the Capitol, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), or the Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices (the Office). Provides that any intimidation of, or reprisal against, any covered employee because of the exercise of a right under this Act constitutes an unlawful employment practice. Makes available the relief awarded under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or a specified section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as appropriate, for discrimination violations affecting covered employees. Prohibits punitive damages for such violations. Bars a covered employee from commencing an administrative or judicial proceeding to seek a remedy for prohibited practices, except as provided under this Act. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the ADEA to apply their protection and remedies to the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the General Accounting Office (GAO). Extends coverage under the ADA to GPO and GAO as well. (Sec. 102) Applies the rights, protections, and relief of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), and veterans' employment and reemployment rights to covered employees, GAO, and the Library of Congress. Applies the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to covered employees and GPO. (Sec. 107) Establishes the following exclusive procedures for remedy of violations of the laws described above: (1) employee counseling; (2) mediation; (3) filing of a formal complaint with the Office or filing of a civil action in the U.S. district court; and (4) appealing to the Board of Directors of the Office if aggrieved by a decision or to the U.S. Court of Appeals for review, subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 108) Applies the rights and protections against discrimination in the provision of public services under the ADA to the Senate, the House, congressional joint committees, the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Guide Service, the Capitol Police, CBO, OTA, and the Office. Applies such rights and protections to any qualified individual with a disability, except that, with respect to claims of employment discrimination asserted by a covered employee, the exclusive remedies described above shall apply. Makes relief under such Act available for such violations and describes procedures to remedy such violations, including filing a charge with the General Counsel of the Office, mediation, and judicial review. Makes specified remedies and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 available to disabled visitors, guests, or patrons of instrumentalities of the Congress (GAO, GPO, and the Library) who allege violations under ADA provisions described by this section. (Sec. 109) Directs each employing office (including GAO and the Library) and covered employee to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) and applies such Act's duties, rights, protections, and remedies (except penalties) to such offices and employees. Establishes procedures for such remedies, including granting the General Counsel and the Board certain authorities exercised by the Secretary of Labor under such Act. (Sec. 110) Applies the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute to employing offices and covered employees. Grants the Board and the General Counsel specified authorities under the Statute. (Sec. 111) Requires the Board of the Office to: (1) review provisions of Federal laws and regulations relating to the terms and conditions of employment (including protection from discrimination in personnel actions, health and safety, and family and medical leave) of employees and access to public services and accommodations; and (2) report on December 31, 1996, and biennially thereafter, on whether or to what degree such provisions are applicable or inapplicable to the legislative branch and, if inapplicable, whether they should be made applicable. Requires each report of a congressional committee accompanying any bill or joint resolution to: (1) describe the manner in which the provisions of the bill or joint resolution apply to the Congress and congressional instrumentalities; or (2) if the provisions do not apply, include a statement of the reasons why. (Sec. 112) Directs the Board to study the application of the following laws to GAO, GPO, the Library , and other entities in the legislative branch not covered by all the sections of this title: (1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (2) the ADEA; (3) the ADA; (4) the FMLA; (5) the FLSA; (6) the OSHA; (7) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (8) the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; (9) the General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980; (10) the EPPA; (11) the WARN; and (12) provisions relating to veterans' employment and reemployment rights. Title II: Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices-Establishment and Operations - Establishes the Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices within the legislative branch. (Sec. 207) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Administrative and Judicial Dispute-Resolution Procedures - Sets forth procedures for counseling, mediation, hearings, appeals to the Board, judicial review of Board decisions, and civil actions relating to violations described under title I. (Sec. 307) Sets deadlines for: (1) making counseling requests; and (2) charging discrimination in public services or discrimination in exercising rights relating to occupational safety and health. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes Settlements and Awards Reserve appropriation accounts in the Contingent Funds of the House and the Senate. Makes amounts in such accounts available for the payment of awards for settlements made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Prohibits judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this Act, except in proceedings authorized under title III. (Sec. 406) Provides that it shall not be a violation of any provision to consider the party affiliation, domicile, or political compatibility, with respect to employment decisions, of employees who are: (1) on the staff of the House or Senate leadership; (2) on the staff of congressional committees, joint committees, or subcommittees; (3) on the staff of Members of the House or Senators; (4) officers of the House or the Senate or elected or appointed congressional staff; or (5) applicants for any such positions. (Sec. 407) Directs the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to retain full power with respect to the discipline of Members, officers, and employees for violating rules of the Senate and the House on nondiscrimination in employment. (Sec. 410) Sets forth transitional provisions with respect to certain existing claims. Division B: Lobbying and Gift Reform - Title I: Lobbying Reform - Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Office of Lobbying Registration and Public Disclosure (Office) established by this Act by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 30 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than ten percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. (Sec. 1104) Specifies the contents of such registration and reports. (Sec. 1105) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the Office. Provides for: (1) exemptions from such registration and reporting requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $2,500 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $5,000 or less (for all lobbying activities of a registrant whose employees lobby on its own behalf) for the semiannual period. Requires periodic adjustment of such dollar amounts for inflation. (Sec. 1106) Provides for special rules generally prohibiting registrants under this Act and the Foreign Agents Registration Act from providing gifts (including meals, lodging, transportation, entertainment, reimbursements, loans, or forbearance) to any covered legislative branch official, or to the spouse, dependent, friend, or relative of such an official if it is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of such official and is given because of his or her position. Permits certain such items under prescribed circumstances, such as lawful political contributions and informational materials sent to the official's office, and gifts given for a nonbusiness purpose and motivated by family relationship or close personal friendship. (Sec. 1107) Establishes the Office as an executive agency, and specifies its duties, including making public the semiannual lobbyist activity reports. (Sec. 1108) Establishes procedures for: (1) determining and resolving alleged violations of this Act; and (2) judicial review of Office decisions. (Sec. 1113) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) eliminate references to political propaganda and, in certain cases, replace them with references to informational materials; and (2) modify registration exemption provisions. (Sec. 1114) Revises (Byrd Amendment) requirements for a declaration by persons requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement with respect to any payments made in connection with it which would be prohibited if made with appropriated funds. Requires, in lieu of information currently required, the: (1) name of any registrant under this Act who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of the person with respect to that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and (2) certification that the declarant has not made, and will not make, any prohibited payment. (Sec. 1115) Repeals: (1) the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; and (2) provisions on lobbyist activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949. (Sec. 1118) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1119) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 1121) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on differences in meaning between this Act and the Internal Revenue Code of "lobbying activities," "lobbying expenditures," "influencing legislation," and related terms. (Sec. 1122) Requires the President to appoint an interim Director of the Office within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Title II: Congressional Gift Reform - Amends rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate from knowingly accepting a gift from: (1) a registered lobbyist, lobbying firm, or agent of a foreign principal in violation of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1994; or (2) any person, subject to exceptions listed in this Act. (Currently, such individuals and their spouses are allowed to accept gifts totalling up to $250 from any one person.) Considers a gift to a spouse or dependent of a Member, officer, or employee to be a gift to the Member, officer, or employee if given with their knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of their official positions. Lists items exempt from the restriction on gifts from persons other than lobbyists, lobbying firms, or agents of foreign principals, including: (1) anything provided on the basis of a personal or family relationship unless the Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (2) unused items that are promptly returned to the donor; (3) food or refreshments believed to have a value of less than $20; (4) food, lodging, and other benefits resulting from the outside business or employment activities of a Member, officer, or employee or their spouses if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the recipient's official position; (5) such benefits customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions or by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (6) certain awards or prizes given in contests open to the public; (7) certain honorary degrees and other awards; (8) donations of products from the Member's State that are intended for promotional purposes and are of minimal value as well as food, refreshments, and entertainment provided in the home State, subject to reasonable limitations; (9) certain training; (10) bequests and inheritances; (11) anything paid for by the Government or by a State or local government or secured under a Government contract; (12) a gift of personal hospitality; (13) free attendance at an event, as permitted by this Act; and (14) certain other opportunities and benefits. Establishes conditions under which a Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal relationship or friendship exception unless the Select Committee on Ethics determines that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to a Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered as gifts if advance authorization to accept reimbursement is received and the reimbursement and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. (Sec. 1202) Makes parallel amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives to reflect conforming gift restrictions. (Sec. 1203) Amends the Ethics in Government Act to provide that reimbursements deemed accepted by the Senate or the House and reported as required under such rules need not be reported under such Act. Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to accept gifts provided they do not involve any duty, burden, or condition, or are not made dependent upon some future performance by the United States. Division C: Campaign Finance Reform - Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform - Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Part 1: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to make Senate candidates who meet certain filing requirements and contribution and expenditure limits eligible for FECA benefits. Limits Senate primary expenditures for a candidate (or his or her authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) 67 percent of the general election expenditure limit; or (2) $2.75 million. Limits runoff expenditures. Sets a threshold contribution amount which triggers application of such primary and runoff limits. Limits the use by a Senate candidate (or authorized committees), during an entire election cycle, of the candidate's personal (or family) funds (including debt). Limits aggregate general election expenditures by an eligible Senate candidate (or authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) $5.5 million; or (2) the greater of $1.2 million, or $4,000,000 plus 30 cents times the voting age population up to 4 million and 25 cents times the voting age population over 4 million. Exempts from the general election expenditure limit qualified accounting and legal expenditures. Entitles eligible Senate candidates to certain broadcast media rates, and in certain circumstances, payments compensating for independent expenditures and excess expenditures on behalf of the candidate's opponent. Requires the Federal Election Commission (Commission) to certify an eligible Senate candidate within 48 hours after his or her application to the Secretary of the Senate. Requires the Commission to examine and audit, for FECA compliance, the campaign accounts of five percent of all Senate and House of Representatives candidates, and the campaign accounts of all opponents of such candidates as well. Requires candidates to refund to the Commission any excess payments or expenditures. Sets civil penalties for excess expenditures and contributions. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions and requires Commission reports to the Senate. Requires closed captioning for eligible Senate candidates' television commercials. Authorizes reduced candidate payments under circumstances of insufficient funds. (Sec. 10002) Prohibits Senate election activities by political action committees (PACs). Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the maximum aggregate contributions of any PAC to a Senate candidate (or authorized committees). Makes it unlawful for aggregate PACs to contribute to any Senate candidate (or authorized committees) more than the lesser of: (1) $825,000; or (2) 20 percent of the aggregate Federal election spending limit. Requires annual adjustments of such dollar amounts according to a specified price index. (Sec. 10003) Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates not eligible for FECA benefits. Requires reports to the Secretary within two days of any contributions raised and expenditures made in excess of FECA limits. Requires any candidate for the Senate who, during the election cycle, exceeds limits on the use of personal and immediate family funds, and on personal loans incurred by the candidate and the candidate's immediate family, to report to the Secretary of the Senate within two days after such expenditures have been made or loans incurred. Requires certain expenditure reports from any Senate candidate who held Federal, State, or local office during the same election cycle, and made any expenditures, before becoming a Senate candidate, which would have been treated as Senate candidate expenditures. (Sec. 10004) Requires Senate candidates ineligible for FECA benefits to place on every paid or authorized political commercial or communication the declaration: "This candidate has not agreed to voluntary campaign spending limits." Part II: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast station to make broadcast time available to all House and Senate candidates in the last 30 (currently 45) days before a primary at the lowest unit charge of the station for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time) for the same period on the same date. Allows Senate candidates to purchase broadcast time at 50 percent of the lowest unit rate for the 60 days before a general election. Prohibits broadcasters from preempting advertisements sold to political candidates at the lowest unit rate, unless the preemption is beyond the broadcaster's control. (Sec. 10012) Amends FECA to set forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 10015) Amends Federal law to prohibit a Senator who is a candidate for election to any public office from making a mass mailing under the frank during the calendar year of any primary or general election for such office. Subtitle B: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to define "independent expenditure" as an expenditure for an advertisement or other communication that: (1) contains express advocacy; and (2) is made without the participation or cooperation of a candidate or a candidate's representative. Excludes from the meaning of "independent expenditure" any expenditure by: (1) a political committee of a political party; (2) persons who communicate or receive information about activities that have a purpose of influencing a candidate's election; and (3) persons with other specified relationships with a candidate or candidate's agents in the same election cycle. Defines "express advocacy" as any communication that when taken as a whole: (1) expresses support for or opposition to a specific candidate, a specific group of candidates, or candidates of a particular political party; or (2) suggests taking action with respect to an election, such as voting for or against, contributing to, or participating in campaign activity. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for equal broadcast time, including notification and opportunity to purchase equal time on an independent expenditure basis. Subtitle C: Expenditures - Part I: Personal Loans; Credit - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of contributions after the date of a general election to repay loans to a candidate (or authorized committee) by the candidate himself or herself or by members of the candidate's family. Treats as a contribution any extension of credit of more than $1,000 for more than 60 days to candidates for Federal office (or authorized committees) by political advisers. Part II: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends FECA to define: (1) "generic campaign activity" as a campaign activity on behalf of a party rather than a candidate; and (2) "State Party Grass Roots Fund" as a segregated State fund on behalf of a Federal candidate. (Sec. 10034) Permits maximum contributions to a State Party Grassroots Fund of: (1) $20,000 by an individual; and (2) $15,000 from a multicandidate committee. Establishes an overall $60,000 annual limit on individual contributions, including specified limits for: (1) candidates and their political committees; and (2) State committees. (Sec. 10035) Subjects to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements any amount solicited, received, or expended directly or indirectly by a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party (including any subordinate committee) with respect to an activity (such as voter registration and get-out-the vote activities among others) which, in whole or in part, is in connection with an election to Federal office. Limits the expenditures for which a State committee may use its State Party Grassroots Fund. (Sec. 10036) Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting contributions not subject to FECA. Restricts on solicitations from tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 10037) Requires: (1) a national committee and a congressional campaign committee to report all receipts and disbursements whether or not in connection with a Federal election; and (2) other specified political committees to report all receipts and disbursements in connection with a Federal election. Subtitle D: Contributions - Specifies circumstances in which contributions made or arranged to be made directly or indirectly by a person to or on behalf of a particular candidate through an intermediary or conduit shall be treated as contributions from such intermediary or conduit to the candidate (thus subjecting them to the FECA limitations otherwise applicable to that intermediary or conduit). Requires an intermediary or conduit to report the original source, contributor, and intended recipient of each forwarded contribution. Prohibits certain lobbyist contributions. (Sec. 10042) Treats contributions by a dependent not of voting age as having been made by the individual on whom that dependent is a dependent. (Sec. 10043) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting, with respect to any election, any contribution from a State or local political party committee (or subordinate committee) if such contribution, when added to the total of contributions previously accepted from all such committees of that political party, exceeds the relevant contribution limitation. (Sec. 10044) Makes it unlawful to coerce contributions or expenditures by physical threat or other intimidation. (Sec. 10045) Prohibit acceptance by a candidate of cash contributions from any one person aggregating more than $100. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee (such as a "leadership committee") other than a principal campaign committee of the candidate, authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee designated as an authorized committee. (Sec. 10052) Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of developing telephonic voting for persons with disabilities. (Sec. 10053) Exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from specified corporate expenditure limits. (Sec. 10055) Requires exact copies of campaign advertising that refers to a candidate's opponent to be filed with the Commission and the Secretary of State of the candidate's State. (Sec. 10056) Amends Federal law to prohibit a Member of Congress, during an election year, from using the franking privilege for a mass mailing from January 1 until the general election date. Subtitle F: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth the general effective date of this Act. Provides for direct, expedited appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court from any court rulings on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or amendment made by it.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency Title II: Parental Responsibility Title III: Combating Teenage Pregnancy Title IV: Financing Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Parental Responsibility Act - Title I: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency - Amends title IV part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangements for minors (and their children, if any) as a condition of their receiving AFDC. (Sec. 102) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to entitle each State to funds to establish, operate, and support adult-supervised group homes for custodial parents under age 19 and their children. Sets forth provisions for payments of allotments to States, payments to Indian tribes, receipt of payments by such homes, and submission of recommendations on usage of Government surplus properties for such homes. (Sec. 103) Requires completion of high school or other training for teenage parents as a condition of receiving AFDC. Allows a State the option of requiring some or all custodial parents and pregnant women who have not attained 19 years of age (or at the State's option, 21) and who are receiving AFDC to participate in a program of additional monetary incentives and penalties. (Sec. 104) Requires drug treatment and counseling as part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program under AFDC. Title II: Parental Responsibility - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide performance-based incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate for statewide paternity establishment efforts. Provides for Federal financial participation for all of a State's paternity establishment services. (Sec. 202) Adds to the statutorily prescribed procedures to improve effectiveness of child support enforcement, which a State is required to have in order to receive part D matching funds, procedures under which the State may withhold or suspend various sorts of licenses. (Secs. 203) Revises part D requirements for State laws: (1) concerning paternity establishment; and (2) providing expedited procedures. (Sec. 205) Provides for outreach for voluntary paternity establishment, through part D State plan requirements, enhanced Federal matching funds, and State outreach as part of voluntary consent procedures. Directs the Departments of Education and of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Public Health Service to develop and implement a substantial outreach program and media campaign to reinforce paternity establishment's importance and promote parenting as a joint right and responsibility. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Title III: Combating Teenage Pregnancy - Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) to allow each State agency to provide for eligible entities' operation of projects to reduce teen pregnancy. Allows Indian tribes and Alaska native entities to apply to the Secretary of HHS to operate such projects. Directs the Secretary of HHS to study and report to the Congress annually on the effectiveness of different approaches used in such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Entitles each State to a specified payment of the Federal share of the cost of such projects. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretaries of Education and of HHS and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Financing - Sets forth SSA uniform eligibility criteria for aliens to qualify for Federal and federally-assisted public assistance under AFDC, supplemental security income (SSI), and Medicaid programs. Allows State and local governments to make an alien ineligible for any of their assistance programs based on need unless such alien is a qualified alien under such SSA criteria. (Sec. 402) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to extend the duration of a specified formula covering State retention of certain amounts recovered.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Job Training Account System Title II: Elimination of Federal Job Training Programs Title III: Information for Better Choices Title IV: Reports and Plans Working Americans Opportunity Act - Title I: Job Training Account System - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Education to establish a job training account system that provides vouchers to individuals for job training and employment related services. (Sec. 102) Allows an individual to: (1) receive such a voucher of $3,000 for two years beginning on the date of application approval; and (2) use such voucher to purchase authorized job training or employment-related services. (Sec. 103) Makes individuals eligible for such vouchers if they are dislocated workers or economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Requires each State to establish or designate easily accessible voucher application offices to assist in administering the training account system. Allows such offices to be administered by private for-profit or nonprofit or public entities. Requires such offices to provide: (1) performance-based information on service providers; and (2) information on local economy,employment, industries, and labor market demand. Requires conflict of interest standards for such offices that are concurrently eligible service providers. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, as States become more experienced in such voucher administration, such offices should be converted to one-stop assistance centers. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretaries to issue oversight and accountability regulations relating to such vouchers. (Secs. 106 and 107) Sets forth eligibility requirements for providers of job training or employment-related services, including requirements for submission of performance-based information. (Sec. 108) Directs the Secretaries to evaluate annually the training account system and the one-stop assistance centers under title III, and report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 109) Provides for apportionment of system funds to States based on relative numbers of: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) excess unemployed individuals; (3) individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more; and (4) economically disadvantaged adults. Requires at least 75 percent of such funds to be made available as vouchers; but waives this requirement if a State provides non-voucher job training and employment-related services which the Secretary of Labor considers more beneficial in meeting the self-determined training needs of individuals. Requires the remaining balance of such funds to be used for certain authorized employment-related services provided through means other than voucher. Directs the Secretaries to determine the equitable distribution of such voucher and non-voucher assistance between dislocated workers and economically disadvantaged adults. Title II: Elimination of Federal Job Training Programs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the elimination and streamlining of Federal job training programs should not reduce Federal commitment and effort to improve education, employment, and earnings of all workers and jobseekers, particularly those in hard-to- serve communities. Repeals specified employment training program provisions under the Job Training Partnership Act, Food Stamp Act of 1977, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, Displaced Homemakers Self- Sufficiency Assistance Act, Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, and other specified Federal law relating to certain workers affected by an expansion of Redwood National Park in California. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Information for Better Choices - Allows a State to use funds for non-voucher employment services under this Act to make arrangements with private or public entities to establish assistance centers to provide employment and training information and employment- related services to voucher recipients, job seekers, employers, and workers. Allows such an assistance center to serve as a voucher assistance application location, which may be within an existing unemployment office. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretaries to make arrangements with public or private entities to develop and provide relevant regional labor market information to interested individuals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Department of Education to try to make known the value and availability of direct loans through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, through cooperative arrangements with training and educational training programs, assistance centers, State agencies, and other Federal agencies. Title IV: Reports and Plans - Directs the Secretaries to report annually to the Congress on how additional Federal job training programs not covered by this Act can be consolidated into a more integrated, accountable, and effective workforce development system. Directs the Secretaries to develop a plan that, wherever practicable, requires all Federal job training programs not covered by this Act to use common definitions, outcome measures, eligibility standards, and funding cycles. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Labor to report to the Congress on the need for income support, and options for providing it, to enable dislocated workers and economically disadvantaged adults to participate in long-term job training.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Permits live television coverage of those periods before the Senate comes into session in which the press is allowed on the floor to ask questions of the majority and minority leaders.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that when the Committee on Rules and Administration reports the committee funding resolution for 1995-96, it should reduce funding for committees by 15 percent from the level provided for 1993- 94.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide authority for Senators to serve on specified committees during the 104th Congress while continuing to serve on certain other committees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Designates minority party membership on the following Senate Committees: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Judiciary; and (12) Labor and Human Resources.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1994
Amends Federal law with respect to nonprofit group donations to the National Forest System to permit the Forest Service to fund a project with appropriated moneys provided the nonprofit has a written Forest Service reimbursement agreement. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish written rules for contribution acceptance.
![Official portrait of Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000064_200.jpg)