United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the design selected by the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins shall be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
College Construction Loan Insurance Association Privatization Act of 1995 - Provides for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association, and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Repeals provisions for such Association under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Directs the President to support, at the 1995 United Nations review conference, proposals to modify Protocol II to the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention to implement the U.S. goal of the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Declares a U.S. moratorium, for a one year period beginning three years after enactment of this Act, on the use of such landmines except along internationally recognized national borders within a perimeter marked area monitored by military personnel and protected by adequate means to ensure the exclusion of civilians. Urges the President to encourage other nations to join in such moratorium. Prohibits the United States from selling, licensing for export, or transferring any defense article or service to a foreign country that sells, exports, or transfers antipersonnel landmines. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition, after notice to the Congress, if an emergency exists which makes such waiver vital to the interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Nondiscrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1995
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to extend it by reauthorizing authorities and authorizing appropriations relating to: (1) reservations of funds for outreach plans; (2) evaluation and program information; (3) regional centers for the deaf and services to meet special needs of individuals with disabilities; (4) training personnel; (5) research; (6) instructional media; (7) technology, educational media, and materials; and (8) programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Permits the Boeing Company and United Technologies Corporation Joint Venture, acting in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to sponsor a free public event featuring the first flying prototype of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter on the East Front Plaza of the Capitol Grounds on June 21, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans. Provides that retirement benefits of ministers are not subject to the tax on net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 Title II: Museum and Library Services Act Title III: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments of 1995 - Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (NFAHA) to revise and reauthorize provisions for the Foundation's Endowments, separating them into a title II for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a title III for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). (Sec. 101) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the NEA and the NEH. Reserves specified portions of NEA grant programs funding for partnership grants, national significance grants, and direct grants. Reserves specified portions of NEH grant programs funding for partnership grants, national grants, and research and scholarship grants. Bases certain additional appropriations for NEA and NEH on donated amounts. Limits administrative expenditures by NEA and NEH to not more than 12 percent of their total funding amounts. Revises provisions for the NEA. Provides for a program of NEA partnership grants to States and local and regional groups to establish local arts activities, with emphasis on arts education and projects that reach rural and urban underserved communities. Directs the NEA Chairperson to use 70 percent of partnership grant reserved funds and an appropriate portion of additional funds to allot basic State grants to assist States in supporting specified activities (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Authorizes the NEA Chairperson to use the remaining 30 percent of partnership grant reserved funds and an appropriate portion of additional funds to make grants to States, arts agencies, or other local or regional groups to promote access to the arts through support of specified activities for education and for expansion and advancement of the arts (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Provides for a program of NEA national significance grants to groups, including regional groups, of demonstrated and substantial artistic and cultural importance, for projects, productions, and workshops to increase the access of all the people to the best of U.S. arts and culture (with a 25 percent Federal match, or 16.63 percent in the case of groups with certain larger annual budgets, and with certain discretionary increases of such match). Sets forth required and permissible elements for such projects, productions, and workshops. Gives priority to those that increase public access, including by touring, by regional or national dissemination, or by geographic dispersion. Provides for a program of NEA direct grants to groups and individuals that are broadly representative of the U.S. cultural heritage and broadly geographically representative, for projects, productions, and workshops of high artistic excellence and merit (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Gives priority to those that will be disseminated widely after completion. Revises provisions relating to advisory panels. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the Arts. Sets forth limitations on NEA grants. Prohibits subgrants, except by State or regional groups, to any other organization or individual to conduct activities independent of the direct grant recipient. Revises NEA administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Provides for an Award for Distinguished Lifetime Service for the Arts. Continues provision for the National Medal of Arts. Revises provisions for NEH. Provides for NEH partnership grants to support programs of humanities councils at the State and local levels (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increase of such match). Provides for NEH national grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies or entities for specified activities relating to education and the public humanities that have a national audience and significance (with a 50 percent Federal match, or 25 percent in the case of development of new sources of long-term support). Provides for NEH research and scholarship grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies and entities (with a 50 percent Federal match). Provides for review panels. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the humanities. Revises limitations on NEH grants. Revises NEH administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Continues provision for the Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities Award and the Charles Frankel Prize. (Sec. 102) Makes conforming amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title II: Museum and Library Services Act - Museum and Library Services Act - Amends the Museum Services Act to revise and rename it as the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA). (Sec. 201) Establishes within NFAHA an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), consisting of an Office of Museum Services (OMS) and an Office of Library Services (OLS), with a National Museum Services Board in OMS. Provides for an IMLS Director and Deputy Directors for OMS and OLS. Library Services and Technology Act - Provides for Library Services and Technology under MLSA, with an emphasis on library services and technology, access, and literacy programs for underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for grants to States for information access through technology and information empowerment through special services. Directs the Secretary to transfer such funds to the Director to carry out such library services and technology programs. Sets forth basic program requirements for reservations and allotments, payments, 50 percent Federal share, maintenance of effort, and State plans. Sets forth requirements and authorized activities for such library programs of grants to States for: (1) information access through technology; and (2) information empowerment through special services (including special services for children in poverty who are served by libraries). Sets forth administrative provisions for such library grants programs, including State evaluation of assisted activities, State advisory councils, Federal grants for library services for Indian tribes, and a program of national leadership and evaluation activities. Sets forth MLSA provisions for Museum Services. Continues to authorize: (1) grants to museums to increase and improve museum services through specified types of activities; and (2) contracts and cooperative agreements with appropriate entities for projects to strengthen museum services. Continues to limit the Federal share to 50 percent, allowing the Director to use up to 20 percent of funds to make such grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements where the Federal share may be 100 percent. Requires the Director to undertake an assessment of the collaborative possibilities museums can engage in to serve the public more broadly and effectively. Authorizes the Director to make an annual National Award for Museum Service to outstanding museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes the Director as a member of the National Museum Services Board (which gives policy advice to the Director with respect to grants, contracts, and other matters). Authorizes appropriations to the Director to carry out Museum services activities under MLSA. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act to make such Commission responsible for advising the IMLS Director on general policies with respect to IMLS duties and powers relating to library services. Directs the Commission to meet jointly with the National Museum Services Board at least once a year to advise on general policy with respect to financial assistance for joint projects of OLS and OMS. Replaces the Librarian of Congress with the IMLS Director as a member of such Commission. Increase the number of such members who must be professional librarians or information specialists. Requires that at least one of the other members be knowledgeable about the library and information service and science needs of the elderly. (Sec. 203) Transfers functions from the Institute of Museum Services (IMS) to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Sec. 204) Provides that the current IMS Director shall serve as the first IMLS Director. (Sec. 205) Requires the IMLS Director, in appointing OLS employees, to give strong consideration to individuals with experience in administering State-based library programs. (Sec. 206) Repeals the Library Services and Construction Act and title II (Academic Libraries and Information Services) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title III: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to transfer authority to enter into indemnity agreements for exhibitions of arts and artifacts from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to the NEA Chairperson. (Sec. 301) Requires that the exhibition of such items be certified as being in the national interest by the Secretary of State, such Secretary's designee, or the IMLS Director. (Current law requires that the Director of the U.S. Information Agency provide such certification). Includes as eligible items parts of an exhibition that originates either in the United States or outside the United States and that is touring the United States (thus extending coverage to domestic as well as foreign exhibitions). Provides for coordination activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to consolidate Federal child care programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act. Revises provisions for the lead agency to allow such agency to administer the financial assistance received by the State under the act either directly or through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Requires sufficient time and statewide distribution for the notice of the public hearing on child care services provision under the State plan. Revises provisions for the State application and plan. Eliminates a requirement that providers that are not required to be licensed or regulated under State or local law be required to register with the State before payment is made under the Act. Requires the State to implement mechanisms to ensure that appropriate payment mechanisms exist so that proper payments under this subchapter will be made to providers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop minimum child care standards, appropriately reflective of tribal needs and available resources, applicable to Indian tribes and tribal organization receiving assistance under the Act. Reduces the set-aside from 25 to 15 percent of annual assistance to a State; but applies such set-aside only to child care quality improvement activities and no longer to early childhood development and before- and after-school care services. Adds a limitation on administrative costs. Requires the sliding fee scale to ensure a representative distribution of funding among the working poor and recipients of Federal welfare assistance. Expands eligibility criteria to include families earning up to 100 percent (currently 75 percent) of the State median family income. Revises requirements relating to quality improvement activities to include: (1) under resource and referral programs, consumer education, referrals honoring parental choice, and activities to improve quality and availability of child care; and (2) under other activities, increasing availability of care before- and after-school, for infants, and during nontraditional work hours. Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises requirements for enforcement and for reports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Indian tribe or rganization to use certain assistance to construct or renovate facilities that will be used to carry out child care programs. Provides for reallocation of assistance to other Indian tribes or organizations under certain conditions. Allows use of child care certificates as deposits. Includes among eligible child care providers those who care for an eligible great grandchild or sibling (if in the latter case the provider lives in a separate residence). Eliminates certain registration requirements for providers who are relatives. Requires a State that uses funding for child care services under any Federal program to: (1) ensure that activities carried out using such funds meet the requirements, standards, criteria of, and the regulations promulgated under, the Act; (2) administer such funds to the lead agency and integrate them into the State program under the Act. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government has a responsibility to provide funding and leadership with respect to child care. Repeals: (1) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; and (2) the Child development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal in the form of an implementing bill containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the amendments and repeals made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
Bank Insurance Fund and Depositor Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to exclude from its definition of "deposit" any liability of an insured depository institution that arises under an annuity contract, the income on which is tax deferred (thus excluding such liabilities from Federal deposit insurance coverage).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Substantive Criminal Law Enhancements Title II: Immigration Law Improvements Title III: Controls Over Terrorist Fund-Raising Title IV: Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives Title V: Nuclear Materials Title VI: Procedural and Technical Corrections and Improvements Title VII: Antiterrorism Assistance Title VIII: Substantive Investigative Enhancements Title IX: Substantive Prosecutive Enhancements Title X: Criminal Penalties Title XI: Funding Omnibus Counterterrorism Act of 1995 - Title I: Substantive Criminal Law Enhancements - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Sets forth provisions regarding limits on prosecution, investigative responsibility, evidence, extraterritorial jurisdiction, the statute of limitations, and detention. (Sec. 102) Sets penalties for conspiring to kill, kidnap, or maim people in (currently, limited to injuring property of) a foreign government. (Sec. 103) Makes penalties for an individual committing an offense on an aircraft in flight outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States applicable regardless of whether such individual is later found in the United States. Grants jurisdiction over such an offense if: (1) a U.S. national was or would have been on board the aircraft; (2) an offender is a U.S. national; or (3) an offender is found in the United States. Provides that if the victim of specified offenses is an internationally protected person outside the United States, the United States may exercise jurisdiction if: (1) the victim is a representative, officer, employee, or agent of the United States; (2) an offender is a U.S. national; or (3) an offender is found in the United States. Title II: Immigration Law Improvements - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to establish procedures for the removal and expulsion of alien terrorists. Specifies that an alien subject to removal under these provisions shall have no right to discovery of information derived from electronic surveillance authorized for national security purposes, nor shall such alien have the right to seek the suppression of evidence. Authorizes the Government to use in removal proceedings the fruits of electronic surveillance, unconsented physical searches, or both, authorized under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the conduct of a special removal hearing; and (2) the treatment of classified information, appeals, the right to counsel, standards of proof, the designation of judges, and deportation. Establishes penalties for reentry of an alien who was deported pursuant to this title. (Sec. 202) Revises INA provisions regarding the exclusion of an alien for terrorism activities. Considers an alien who is a representative of any terrorist organization designated by proclamation by the President as detrimental to the interest of the United States to be engaged in such activities. Defines: (1) "terrorist organization" to mean any organization engaged, or which has a significant subgroup engaged, in terrorism activity, regardless of any legitimate activities conducted by the organization or subgroups; and (2) "terrorism" to mean premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets. Limits the access of aliens to records, documents, and classified information under specified circumstances. (Sec. 203) Allows the Attorney General (and, in some cases, an employee or official of the Department of Justice or any bureau or agency thereof) to authorize an application to a Federal court of competent jurisdiction for, and allows a judge of such court to grant, an order authorizing disclosure of information contained in an alien's application for adjustment of status for: (1) identification of an alien believed to have been killed or severely incapacitated; or (2) criminal law enforcement purposes against the alien if the alleged criminal activity occurred after the legalization application was filed and such activity poses an immediate risk to life or national security or would be prosecutable as an aggravated felony, without regard to the length of sentence that could be imposed on the applicant. Title III: Controls Over Terrorist Fund-Raising - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the President to regulate or prohibit within the United States or by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction: (1) fund-raising or the provision of funds for use by or for the benefit of any foreign organization that the President has designated as being engaged in terrorism activities; or (2) financial transactions with any such foreign organization. Permits the President to revoke such designation, in whole or in part, when conditions so warrant. Makes any finding made in such designation that a foreign organization engages in terrorism activity conclusive. Prohibits any person within, or subject to the jurisdiction of, the United States: (1) from raising, receiving, or collecting funds on behalf of, or providing funds to or for, an organization or person so designated; and (2) acting for or on behalf of any organization or person so designated, from transferring or disposing of any funds in which such organization or person has an interest. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to publish regulations setting forth the procedures to be followed by persons seeking to raise or provide funds for an organization so designated. Requires any person within the United States or subject to its jurisdiction who seeks to solicit funds for or to transfer funds to any organization or person so designated to first obtain a license from the Secretary (and thereafter allows solicitation or transfer of funds to a designated organization or person only as permitted under the terms of a license issued by the Secretary). Directs the Secretary to grant a license only after the person establishes that: (1) the funds are intended to be used exclusively for religious, charitable, literary, or educational purposes; and (2) all recipient organizations in any fund-raising chain have effective procedures in place to ensure that the funds will be used exclusively for such purposes and will not be used to offset a transfer of funds for terrorist activity. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements. Requires any financial institution which becomes aware that it has possession of or control over any funds in which an organization or person so designated has an interest to retain possession of or maintain control over such funds and report to the Secretary the existence of such funds. Sets penalties for violations of this provision. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) investigations; (2) recordkeeping and reporting requirements and civil procedures; (3) penalties; (4) injunctions; (5) extraterritorial jurisdiction; (6) interlocutory appeals and the discovery and introduction of classified information in civil proceedings brought by the United States. Title IV: Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives - Marking of Plastic Explosives for Detection Act - Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture, importation, exportation, shipment, transport, transfer, receipt, or possession of any plastic explosive which does not contain a detection agent. Prohibits any person (other than a U.S. agency or the National Guard of any State) possessing any plastic explosive on the effective date of this Act from failing to report to the Secretary the quantity of such explosives possessed, the manufacturer or importer, any identification marks, and such other information as the Secretary may prescribe. (Sec. 405) Sets forth: (1) penalties for violations of this title; and (2) affirmative defenses. (Sec. 407) Directs the Attorney General to exercise authority over violations of this title only when they are committed by a member of a terrorist or revolutionary group (and, in such case, the Attorney General shall have primary investigative responsibility). Title V: Nuclear Materials - Amends the Federal criminal code to expand the scope of provisions regarding prohibited transactions involving nuclear materials (for example, to include nuclear byproduct material) and the jurisdictional bases (such as to cover a situation where an offender or a victim is a U.S. national or a U.S. corporation or other legal entity). Title VI: Procedural and Technical Corrections and Improvements - Amends the Federal criminal code to expand the provision regarding the use of weapons of mass destruction to cover threats to use such weapons. Subjects to the death penalty any U.S. national who, outside of the United States, uses or threatens, attempts, or conspires to use a weapon of mass destruction. (Sec. 603) Makes specified terrorist offenses predicates to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 604) Adds terrorism offenses to the money laundering statute. (Sec. 605) Authorizes interceptions of communications in certain terrorism related offenses. (Sec. 606) Revises provisions of the Federal criminal code to provide that there is U.S. jurisdiction over specified maritime violence: (1) regardless of whether the activity is prohibited by the State in which it takes place; and (2) committed by a U.S. national or by a stateless person whose habitual residence is in the United States regardless of whether the activity takes place on a ship flying the flag of a foreign country or outside the United States. (Sec. 607) Expands Federal jurisdiction over bomb threats. (Sec. 608) Increases the penalty for explosives-related conspiracies. (Sec. 609) Includes assaults, murders, and threats against former Federal officials on account of the performance of their official duties within the scope of provisions proscribing influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a Federal official by threatening or injuring a family member. (Sec. 610) Adds conspiracy to specified terrorism-related offenses. Title VII: Antiterrorism Assistance - Revises the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to: (1) authorize antiterrorism training services conducted outside the United States during a period of not more than 180 (currently, 30) days; and (2) require U.S. Government personnel authorized to advise foreign countries on antiterrorism matters to carry out their responsibilities within the United States when determined most effective or outside the United States for periods not to exceed 180 consecutive calendar days. Repeals a provision prohibiting funds made available for antiterrorism assistance from being used for personnel compensation or benefits. Title VIII: Substantive Investigative Enhancements - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that any application for an order or an extension of an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device, with respect to foreign counterintelligence and international terrorism investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), include: (1) the identity of the attorney for the Government and the fact that the investigation is being conducted by the FBI; and (2) a certification by the applicant that the information likely to be obtained is relevant to an ongoing foreign counterintelligence or international terrorism investigation being conducted by the FBI. Directs that all such applications and orders be maintained by the FBI. (Sec. 802) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency (CRA) to furnish to the FBI the names and addresses of all financial institutions at which the consumer maintains or has maintained an account when presented with a written request for such information, signed by the Director of the FBI, which certifies compliance with this section. Authorizes such certification upon a written determination by that official that: (1) such information is necessary for the conduct of an authorized foreign counterintelligence investigation; and (2) there are specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the consumer is a foreign power or a person who is not a U.S. person and is an official of a foreign power or is an agent of a foreign power and is engaging in or has engaged in international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities that involve a violation of U.S. criminal statutes. Sets forth provisions regarding CRA furnishing of identifying information respecting a consumer, court orders for disclosure of consumer reports, confidentiality, payment of fees, limits on dissemination, damages and disciplinary actions for violations (with a good faith exception), limits on remedies, and injunctive relief. (Sec. 803) Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and make recommendations concerning: (1) the tagging of explosive materials for purposes of detection and identification; (2) whether common chemicals used to manufacture explosive materials can be rendered inert and whether it is feasible to require it; and (3) whether controls can be imposed on certain precursor chemicals used to manufacture explosive materials and whether it is feasible to require it. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, receipt, possession, or distribution of any explosive material that does not contain a tracer element. Permits the Secretary to provide for the addition of tracer elements to explosive materials manufactured in or imported into the United States. (Sec. 804) Amends the Federal criminal code to require any common carrier, public accommodation facility, physical storage facility, or vehicle rental facility to comply with a request for records in its possession by the FBI when the Director certifies in writing that such records are sought for foreign counterintelligence purposes and that there are specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the person to whom the records pertain is a foreign power or agent of a foreign power. Limits disclosure. (Sec. 805) Makes provisions regarding the prohibition of the use as evidence of intercepted wire or oral communications inapplicable to the disclosure by the United States in a criminal trial or hearing or before a grand jury of the contents of a wire or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, unless the violation involved bad faith by law enforcement. (Sec. 806) Grants authorization for interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications in cases involving terrorism-related or explosives felonies. Excludes from the definition of "electronic communication" information stored in a communication system used for the electronic storage and transfer of funds. (Sec. 807) Grants temporary emergency wiretap authority involving terrorist crimes and expanded authority for roving wiretaps. (Sec. 809) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) enhanced access to telephone billing records; (2) a requirement to preserve evidence; and (3) permission to request military assistance with respect to offenses involving chemical and biological weapons. Prohibits and sets penalties for the use of chemical weapons against: (1) a U.S. national outside of the United States; (2) any person within the United States; or (3) any property owned, leased, or used by the United States anywhere. (Sec. 812) Authorizes the Attorney General to pay rewards and receive from any U.S. department or agency funds for the payment of rewards to any individual who assists the Department of Justice in performing its functions. Title IX: Substantive Prosecutive Enhancement - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the possession, or pledge or acceptance as security for a loan, of stolen explosive materials moving in interstate or foreign commerce. (Sec. 902) Revises provisions regarding the protection of U.S. officers and employees to set penalties for killing or attempting to kill any U.S. official or judge, Federal law enforcement officer, member of the uniformed services, or any other U.S. officer or employee of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch while such officer or employee is engaged in, or on account of the performance of, official duties or any person assisting such individual in the performance of such duties. Sets penalties for threats to assault, kidnap, or murder an immediate family member of any person who formerly served as a U.S. official or judge, a Federal law enforcement officer, or other specified officials, with intent to retaliate against that person for the performance of official duties. Title X: Criminal Penalties - duties. Title X: Criminal Penalties - Sets mandatory penalties for transferring a firearm or explosive material knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the period of limitations under the National Firearms Act for offenses relating to firearms and other devices. Title XI: Funding - Amends the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act to provide for a surcharge of 40 percent of the principal amount of any civil monetary penalty to be added to each such penalty at the time it is assessed by the United States or an agency thereof. Directs that payments relating to a civil monetary penalty be applied in the following order: (1) to costs; (2) to principal; (3) to such surcharges; and (4) to interest. Makes such provisions inapplicable to any civil monetary penalty assessed under the Internal Revenue Code. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for offsetting collections and termination of the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1995
Reaffirms that: (1) the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable; and (2) all foreign troops should be withdrawn. Welcomes the appointment of a Special Presidential Emissary for Cyprus. Expresses continued support for efforts by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General and the U.S. Government to resolve the Cyprus problem. Insists that all parties to the dispute agree to seek a solution based upon relevant UN resolutions. Supports demilitarization of Cyprus. Encourages the UN Security Council and the U.S. Government to consider alternative approaches to promote a resolution of the dispute based upon relevant Security Council resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Findings; Need to Replace the Income Tax Title II: USA Tax for Individuals Title III: New Business Tax Title IV: Deferred Compensation Plans Title V: Technical and Administrative Changes USA Tax Act of 1995 - Title I: Findings; Need to Replace the Income Tax - States the findings of the Congress regarding the replacement of the current income tax with a new USA Tax and outlines features of the new system. Title II: USA Tax for Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current individual income tax with a new USA Income Tax. Imposes the tax only upon individuals who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens. Excludes from gross income the following: (1) returns or benefits from certain previously taxed income, including social security benefits and insurance (including health plan) amounts; (2) compensation for certain kinds of service, including as a minister, a member of the military, or a foster care provider; (3) certain gratuitous, charitable, and governmental transfers, including public assistance program benefits; (4) state and local bond interest; (5) injury and sickness compensation; (6) certain fringe benefits and other benefits furnished primarily for the convenience of an employer; (7) borrowing proceeds and other receipts the taxpayer is legally obligated to return; (8) certain income and housing costs of citizens and residents abroad; (9) discharges of indebtedness; (10) rollovers of savings on which tax is deferred under this Act and of gain from principal residence sales; (11) certain amounts paid by an employer as savings on behalf of an employee; (12) a business entity's receipts that are taxable under the business tax provisions; and (13) casualty and property insurance proceeds. Reduces gross income by the amount deducted for alimony, child support, and separate maintenance payments and by the Unlimited Savings Allowance established by this Act (Allowance). Allows deductions of the following in computing taxable income: (1) personal and dependency exemptions; (2) a sum known as the Family Living Allowance, to be adjusted for inflation beginning in 1997; (3) interest paid on indebtedness to acquire a principal residence; (4) qualified educational expenses; (5) philanthropic transfers (charitable contributions); and (6) a transition basis amount, calculated using the savings assets that determine the Unlimited Savings Allowance. Sets forth tax rate schedules for married individuals filing joint returns and surviving spouses, heads of households, unmarried individuals, and married individuals filing separate returns. Prescribes rules for the tax treatment of unearned income of a child under the age of 14. Allows the following credits against income tax: (1) the foreign tax credit, with respect only to foreign taxes on amounts included in gross income; (2) a payroll tax credit equal to the sum of the employee's share of basic social security taxes, the Tier 1 railroad retirement tax, and one-half of the social security taxes imposed on self-employment income; (3) an earned income tax credit; and (4) a taxes-paid credit equal to the sum of withholding tax amounts, special refunds of social security taxes, overpayments of prior-year tax obligations applied to the current tax year, and estimated tax payments. Establishes a tax-deferred Unlimited Savings Allowance, comprised of deductible additions to savings (including payments of life insurance premiums and retirement account contributions). Prescribes rules for the treatment of deferred income withdrawn from savings, borrowing, and qualification of additions to the Allowance. Grants each taxpayer a general basis account into which may be withdrawn amounts saved that had been includible in income before the Allowance was made applicable or because the savings were considered nondeductible for certain reasons. Defines the basis of property sold or exchanged and nonrecognition transactions, including sale of a principal residence and involuntary conversions. Excludes from the Allowance contributions to a business entity (business) of personal-use property. Taxes a withdrawal of such property from business use only to the extent of the value of changes or repairs made by the business entity. Treats the rental of real estate (except for property rented not more than 14 days during the taxable year) as a business activity to which the business tax applies and ineligible for deductions other than those owing to savings additions. Excludes from the Allowance contributions to a hobby activity. Provides a rule for the tax treatment of ownership interests in land companies. Makes the taxable year for all individuals, except in cases of birth or death during the year, the calendar year. Requires use of the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting by all individual taxpayers. Imposes the greater of the following on nonresident aliens: (1) a tax on the nonbusiness income (with exceptions) and capital gains of such aliens; or (2) an alternate tax without exceptions (based on the rate of tax on unmarried individuals) if the alien lost U.S. citizenship within the ten previous years, unless the loss of citizenship was not principally to avoid the income or estate and gift taxes. Provides rules for treatment of community income. States the intention of the Internal Revenue Code (renamed the USA Tax Code by this Act) to promote a worldwide system in which each nation taxes under an individual tax and a business tax, respectively, only the income of individuals who are residents or citizens and only the business activity in such nation. Gives effect to exemptions of nonresident aliens from tax under treaty with the United States and provides reciprocity when a nation with a tax information sharing agreement with the United States exempts a U.S. resident or citizen from its income and withholding taxes. Provides rules for the tax treatment of contributions to and distributions from trusts and estates. Title III: New Business Tax - Replaces the current corporate income tax with a new tax on corporations and businesses. Imposes a business tax on the sale of goods and services in the United States equal to 11 percent of the gross profits of the business entity less a payroll tax credit (a credit for the social security, railroad retirement, and hospital insurance taxes paid by an employer. Defines gross profits as the excess of the business entity's taxable receipts over its deductible amounts. Excludes from taxable receipts, for purposes of calculating gross profits, certain receipts resulting from investments and financial transactions. Makes the following amounts deductible: (1) the cost of business purchases, consisting of amounts expended, including specified production and consumption taxes, for acquisition of property (or its use) and services; (2) a loss carryover for the taxable year; and (3) the sum of allowances for amortization of bases of depreciable property determined ratably beginning January 1, 1996 (the "transition basis deduction"). Provides rules for the treatment of: (1) capital contributions to a business entity by an individual or another business which becomes a partial or full owner; (2) distributions of property by a business to its owners, to a controlling business, or to an individual who contributed personal use property; and (3) consideration received for asset transfers by a business. Treats consideration allocable to savings assets as generally not included in the transferor's taxable receipts and not a business purchase of the purchaser. Allows an election to treat a substantial sale of a business's assets as if it were a stock acquisition having no direct consequences under the business tax. Treats mergers of one business into another or two into a third business or spinoffs, splitoffs, or split-ups or similar transactions as also having no direct business tax consequences. Requires all businesses to use an accrual method of accounting, except that a business that was permitted to use the cash receipts and disbursements method under the Internal Revenue Code and one which has the permission of the Secretary of the Treasury to use such method shall be permitted to do so. Sets forth accounting rules for: (1) determination of taxable year; (2) long-term contract expenses and receipts; and (3) treatment of post-sale price adjustments and refunds and bad debts. Disallows as a business purchase (and thus makes nondeductible) acquisition of unimproved land if the land is not acquired for use in a business activity or is acquired for speculation, development, temporary leasing or other use not commensurate with the land's value, indefinite future business use, or use in compensating employees. Makes the cost of land not used in business its tax basis. Includes as business purchases (thereby making deductible) fees paid for financial intermediation services (including lending, insurance, market making, and other services in which a person acts as an intermediary in property or financial transfers or risk pooling and derives gross receipts from financial flows associated with such transfers) but not costs of financial instruments. Prescribes rules for the treatment and allocation of "implicit" fees for such services. Makes deductible the cost of insurance premiums on business loss policies and includes proceeds from such insurance as taxable receipts. Provides for the taxation of a financial intermediation business by substituting financial receipts (all receipts other than amounts received as contributions to capital) for taxable receipts and including financial expenses as business purchases in the calculation of gross profits. Defines receipts and expenses for such purpose differently in the case of banks, insurance companies, and financial pass-thru entities. Provides rules for the treatment of tax-exempt organizations, including governmental entities, and imposition of the tax on unrelated business activity. Provides rules for the treatment of patronage dividends of supply and marketing cooperatives. Provides rules for determining the source of business income, including that: (1) amounts received for exports of property or services for use or consumption outside the United States shall be excluded from a business's taxable receipts; (2) imports of property or services for use in the United States in a business activity (including sale or retail) shall be treated as a business purchase; (3) communications services shall be treated as provided at the point of origin and not as imported or exported; and (4) insurance services shall be treated as provided at the location of the insurance company when both the services are provided and the risk is located in the United States. Makes payment of any import tax nondeductible. Provides rules for the treatment of receipts from the international transportation of property and passengers. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations regarding the location and source of banking services. Treats U.S. possessions as not part of the United States for purposes of the business tax. Prohibits the claiming of a payroll tax credit for payroll taxes paid with respect to income of residents of U.S. possessions. Allows business entities a payroll tax credit equal to the sum of the employer's share of old-age, survivors and disability insurance and hospital insurance and railroad retirement taxes and one-half of the allocable portion of the self-employment tax. Provides rules for the crediting of tax on the income of partnerships and proprietorships and a 15-year carryover of the payroll credit. Imposes a tax on all property entered into the United States for consumption (except property granted a personal exemption under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) and all services treated as imported. Applies C corporation rules on tax administration to business entities until the Internal Revenue Code procedural and administrative provisions are amended to reflect this Act. Permits individuals engaged in business activities on their own or with their spouses, under rules prescribed by the Secretary, to file business tax returns with their individual returns and subjects such taxpayers to the estimated tax rules for individual returns. Provides rules for the filing of consolidated returns by business entities and financial intermediation businesses. Repeals Internal Revenue Code consolidated return provisions. Title IV: Deferred Compensation Plans - Redesignates Code provisions regarding deferred compensation plans, stating that: (1) they are included in the income tax provisions primarily for purposes of cross reference and determining the exemption of plans from the business tax; and (2) none of the deferred compensation provisions operates to create an individual or business income tax deduction or credit or disqualify an addition to savings under this Act. Title V: Technical and Administrative Changes - Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code as the USA Tax Code. States a rule for the general application of the procedural and administrative provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to the USA Income Tax and the business tax until such provisions are amended to reflect this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1995
Condemns the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sends condolences to the families. Commends rescue and volunteer workers, law enforcement officials, and the President. Urges the President to use all necessary means to find and punish the perpetrators. Supports the President's and Attorney General's position that Federal prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty, for those responsible. Declares that the Senate will expeditiously approve legislation to strengthen the authority and resources of all Federal agencies involved in combating such acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
National African American Museum Act - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National African American Museum to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans. Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, reconstruct, and renovate the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Museum in the Smithsonian Institution. Directs the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to appoint a Director to manage the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends title XXVI (HIV Health Care Services Program) of the Public Health Service Act regarding emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services. Changes requirements for grants to metropolitan areas having large numbers of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Modifies the composition, chairperson requirements, and duties of local human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) health services planning councils. Revises requirements for supplemental grants. Alters the method for determining the amount of each grant, the mandated uses of the grants, and application requirements. Allows a single application for initial and supplemental grants and authorizes both to be made as a single grant. Mandates (currently, allows) technical assistance. Authorizes planning grants. Amends provisions relating to the care grant program to change the uses of HIV care consortia grants and consortium application requirements. Mandates establishment of a recommended minimum formulary of pharmaceutical drug therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Revises: (1) State duties in using grant funds to provide treatments; (2) State application requirements; and (3) planning, evaluation, and administration requirements. Mandates (currently, allows) technical assistance. Mandates grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI. Requires coordination of the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Amends early intervention services provisions to: (1) require grant recipients to provide a continuum of primary care; and (2) modify other requirements regarding uses of grant funds. Authorizes planning grants to entities that are not direct primary care providers to enable them to provide HIV primary care services. Authorizes appropriations for early intervention grants. Replaces provisions mandating demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric AIDS patients with provisions mandating grants for primary care for out-patient care and support services to children, youth, women with HIV disease, and the families of those individuals and for facilitating the participation of such individuals in research. Requires procedures for the protection of human subjects. Prohibits conditioning services on research participation. Authorizes appropriations. Reserves a specified portion of the amounts appropriated under other parts of title XXVI to administer a special projects of national significance program to award direct grants for special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease. Repeals current provisions relating to special projects of national significance. Replaces provisions of the Public Health Service Act authorizing grants and contracts to train the faculty of specified types of health professions schools regarding providing for the health care needs of individuals with HIV disease with provisions authorizing grants and contracts to train health personnel, including community providers, in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection and disease. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Amends title XXVI provisions relating to emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services to modify the formula for determining the amount of grants. (Sec. 5) Amends provisions relating to the care grant program to change the formula regarding minimum grant allotments. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations to make grants under title XXVI provisions relating to: (1) emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services; and (2) the care grant program. Mandates development and implementation of a methodology for adjusting the percentages allocated to those parts. Repeals existing authorizations of appropriations for those parts.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Child Support Assurance Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to up to six States for demonstration programs to establish or improve a system of assured minimum child support payments. Requires the custodial parent to have, or be in the process of obtaining, a child support award, or the child to have good cause for the absence of such an award, to qualify for the program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Product Liability Fairness Act of 1995 - Applies this Act to any product liability action begun after enactment of this Act, except for actions for loss or damage to a product itself, actions for commercial loss, and actions for negligent entrustment. Makes any circuit court of appeals decision interpreting this Act a precedent for any Federal or State court within that court's geographic jurisdiction. (Sec. 4) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires defendant offerees to pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs if they unreasonably or in bad faith refuse to proceed to ADR and final judgment is entered against the defendant. (Sec. 5) Imposes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect. Makes a seller liable as a manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service or if the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment. (Sec. 6) Makes it a complete defense if the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 7) Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer or coemployee if the employer or coemployee is, under State law, immune from claimant's action. (Sec. 8) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the harm resulted from the defendant's conscious, flagrant safety indifference. Limits the amounts that may be awarded for a claim. Requires, at the request of either party, consideration of punitive damages in a separate proceeding. (Sec. 9) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started, with a separate limit for durable goods. (Sec. 10) Permits several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic loss. (Sec. 11) Grants an insurer a right of subrogation whether or not the insurer is a party. Prohibits settlements or payments, and makes releases invalid, without the consent of the insurer. Requires, if the manufacturer or seller alleges the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer or coemployee, that the issue be submitted to the trier of fact. Reduces damages if it is found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was so caused, but requires the manufacturer or seller to reimburse the insurer for attorney's fees and costs if it is not so found. (Sec. 12) Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on provisions of the U.S. Code relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Relationship of NAFTA Implementation to the Operation of the Caribbean Basin Initiative Title II: Related Provisions Caribbean Basin Trade Security Act - Title I: Relationship of NAFTA Implementation to the Operation of the Caribbean Basin Initiative - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (the Act) to accord certain textile and apparel articles and certain other articles (including canned tuna and petroleum) from Caribbean beneficiary countries, for a specified transition period, the same tariff and quota treatment (lower tariffs or duty-free treatment) accorded any such articles imported from Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 102) Directs the President to: (1) monitor the effects, if any, that implementation of NAFTA has on the access of beneficiary countries to U.S. markets for sugars, syrups, and molasses; and (2) take or propose any actions necessary to ameliorate any adverse effects such implementation may have on them. (Sec. 103) Grants duty-free treatment of Canadian liqueurs and spirituous beverages made from Caribbean rum. Title II: Related Provisions - Requires the President to meet with trade ministers of beneficiary countries in order to negotiate for their accession to the NAFTA, or to enter into free trade agreements with the United States that contain comparable provisions with those in the NAFTA and that would make progress in achieving certain trade negotiating objectives under the NAFTA. (Sec. 202) Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to make an assessment of the economic development efforts and market oriented reforms in each beneficiary country, including each country's ability to undertake the obligations of the NAFTA. Requires the USTR, if such countries accede to the NAFTA or the United States negotiates a comparable free trade agreement with them, to provide to specified congressional committees a report on the economic impact of the new trade relationship on beneficiary countries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include primary care services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995
Treats heart disease and hypertension as personal injuries or sickness for purposes of excluding from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code the disability benefits received by former police officers or fire fighters.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact entered into among the States of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to assure the viability of dairy farming in the northeast and to assure consumers of an adequate, local milk supply. Limits Compact regulatory authority to Class I milk. Authorizes Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to join under specified conditions. Requires the Compact Commission to remove overproduction incentives. Sets forth Compact provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Child Care Consolidation and Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to appropriate funds for FY 1996 through 2000 for child care services for eligible children through the awarding of grants to States. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the amounts appropriated are insufficient to provide services to each child whose parent is required to undertake education, job training or search, or employment as a condition of eligibility under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act, to pay sums necessary to ensure the implementation of State plans for child care and development for each child. Requires (currently, authorizes) child care and development block grants for States. Decreases from 25 to 20 percent the amount of funds to be reserved by States per fiscal year for activities to improve the quality of child care and to provide before- and after-school and early childhood development services. Directs States to reserve at least 50 percent of grant amounts for child care activities to support low-income working families. Requires State plans to assure that the availability of child care will be coordinated with AFDC requirements and to ensure that the parent of a dependent child is not required to undertake an education, job training or search, or employment requirement unless child care assistance is available. Sets forth a matching requirement for States with respect to amounts that exceed amounts received in FY 1995. Increases to 50 (currently, 20) percent the minimum percentage of reserved amounts States must use to carry out specified activities to improve the quality of child care. Directs the Secretary to establish a child care quality improvement incentive initiative to make funds available to States that demonstrate progress in the implementation of: (1) innovative teacher training programs; or (2) enhanced child care quality standards and licensing and monitoring procedures. Decreases from 75 to 50 percent the minimum percentage of reserved amounts States must use to carry out early child development and before- and after-school services. Requires amounts allotted to States under this Act to include the base amount such States received under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 and under AFDC provisions repealed under this Act. Repeals specified AFDC provisions and the Child Development Assistance Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1995
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish birth defects prevention and research programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to provide for collection, analysis, and reporting of birth defects statistics from birth certificates, infant death certificates, hospital records, or other sources and to collect and disaggregate such statistics by gender and racial and ethnic group. Directs the Secretary to establish at least five regional birth defects monitoring and research programs to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlation, and causes of birth defects. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with specified entities to serve as Centers of Excellence for Birth Defects Prevention Research. Requires one of the Centers to focus on birth defects among ethnic minorities. Requires the CDC to establish a clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated from birth defects monitoring programs developed under this Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to provide for the evaluation, and implementation of prevention strategies designed to reduce the incidence and effects of birth defects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee for Birth Defects Prevention. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding birth defects. Subjects the provisions of this Act to requirements of the Privacy Act. Applies all Federal laws relating to the privacy of information to data and information collected under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Title II: Effect of Enactment Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - Subtitle A: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to: (1) record child support orders in a central case registry; and (2) collect child support payments through a centralized collections unit. (Sec. 101) Revises the guidelines for: (1) State plans for child and spousal support; and (2) payments distribution. (Sec. 103) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Subtitle B: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the formula for: (1) Federal matching payments to the States; and (2) incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate. (Sec. 113) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 115) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 116) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program and to report the results to the Congress. (Sec. 117) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle C: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system function as a single central case registry of State-provided services and support orders. Delineates contents of case records and data matching activities, including data exchange with sister States. (Sec. 122) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 123) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 125) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to add kinds of information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of establishing parentage and executing child support obligations. Requires the Secretary to establish in the Service a Data Bank of Child Support Orders and an automated directory of New Hires. (Sec. 126) Requires State plans to include procedures for recording social security numbers on certain family legal documents and records, including all applications for motor vehicle licenses and professional licenses. Subtitle D: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 132) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for a court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 133) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise State plan guidelines for mandatory expedited administrative and judicial procedures to include: (1) authorized genetic testing to establish paternity; and (2) the securing of assets and increasing of monthly payments to satisfy a support arrearage. Subtitle E: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for statutorily prescribed procedures governing genetic testing and outreach for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine: (1) whether it is appropriate to develop a national child support guideline; or (2) based on a study of various guideline models, the benefits and deficiencies of such models and any needed improvements. (Sec. 152) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the priority of refund distribution with respect to past-due support owed to individuals. (Sec. 163) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of current and retired members of the armed forces. (Sec. 165) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures for: (1) placing liens for child support arrearages on motor vehicle titles of the debtor; (2) voiding fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor; (3) suspending any driver's, business, or occupational license issued to any person who owes past-due child support; (4) reporting to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (5) extending the statute of limitations for collection on child support arrearages; and (6) calculating interest or penalties on such arrearage. (Sec. 171) Prescribes procedural guidelines for passport denial (including revocation) upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 172) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Requires State plans to provide that the State must treat international child support cases as interstate cases. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. Subtitle I: Access and Visitation Programs - Authorizes State grants to States to establish and administer programs to facilitate absent parents' access and visitation programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility which provides water or sewage disposal services that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction; (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as service charges for starting or stopping services. Determines the depreciation deduction for such property by using the straight line method and provides for a 25-year recovery period.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
1997 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative half-dollar silver coins whose obverse side shall bear a likeness of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and whose reverse side shall be emblematic of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mandates that the design for the coins shall be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Declares that: (1) the coins shall be struck at the U.S. Bullion Depository at West Point; and (2) may be issued only from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 1997. Requires the Secretary to distribute proceeds from surcharges in equal allocations to: (1) the National Park Foundation Restricted Account for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial; and (2) the National Park Service Restricted Construction Account for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
Fish and Wildlife Management Act of 1995 - Makes technical changes to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995
Authorizes the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to establish a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in the District of Columbia and its environs. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.
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 · 13 February 1995
Flow Control Act of 1995 - Authorizes a State or qualified political subdivision to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste, incinerator ash, and construction or demolition debris generated within its boundaries if, before May 15, 1994, such entity: (1) adopted a law, regulation, or legally binding provision that contains such authority and directs the waste, ash, or debris to a waste management facility designated before such date or identifies the use of waste management methods; and (2) committed to the designation of a facility for such methods. Authorizes such an entity to exercise such authority for voluntarily relinquished recyclable materials generated within its boundaries. Establishes similar authority for States and subdivisions that meet such requirements after this Act's enactment. Provides that laws, regulations, or legally binding provisions that implement flow control authority shall be considered to be a reasonable regulation of commerce. Permits such authority with respect to recyclable materials only if: (1) the generator or owner of the materials voluntarily made the materials available to the State or subdivision and relinquished any rights to, or ownership of, such materials; and (2) the State or subdivision assumes such rights or ownership. Allows such authority with respect to solid waste or recyclable materials only if the State or subdivision establishes a program to separate or divert recyclable materials for purposes of recycling, reclamation, or reuse. Makes such condition inapplicable in certain cases. Establishes additional conditions on the exercise of flow control authority, including requirements that: (1) such authority is necessary to meet current or anticipated waste management needs; (2) revenues derived from the exercise of such authority are devoted primarily to solid waste management services; and (3) States and subdivisions implement a competitive designation process with respect to waste management facilities or facilities for recyclable materials. Retains the applicability of certain existing laws and contracts and considers such laws and contracts to be a reasonable regulation of commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Low-Income Housing Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a 15-year recovery period for the depreciation deduction for new investments to rehabilitate qualified low-income housing projects. Exempts $50,000 ($25,000 in the case of a separate return by a married individual) of such rehabilitation costs from the passive loss limitations. Provides a special rule for computing the depreciation deduction for such housing projects.
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
Equal Remedies Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove the limits on the dollar amount of damages awardable for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses and punitive damages.
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 · 20 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Attorney General should fully enforce the law and protect persons seeking to provide or obtain, or assist in providing or obtaining, reproductive health services from violent attack. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct (including peaceful picketing or other peaceful demonstration) protected from legal prohibition by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Private Securities Litigation Title II: Financial Disclosure Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Private Securities Litigation - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act) to prohibit brokers or dealers from soliciting or accepting referral fees from an attorney for obtaining the representation of a customer in any implied private action. Prohibits the use of disgorgement funds resulting from actions brought by the Securities Exchange Commission (the Commission) to pay legal expenses incurred by private parties seeking distribution of such funds. Modifies the guidelines for class action litigation, including: (1) recovery by named plaintiffs in the same manner as all other members of the class; (2) court determination of conflicts of interest on the part of counsel with a beneficial interest in the securities that are the subject of the litigation; (3) restrictions on settlements under seal; (4) restrictions on payment of attorney's fees from settlement funds; (5) disclosure of settlement terms to class members; (6) special verdicts; and (7) the threshold enabling a plaintiff to obtain certification as representative for the class. Prescribes procedural guidelines for alternative dispute resolution. Establishes a limitations period for implied private rights of action. Provides for a court-appointed guardian ad litem or class action steering committee to oversee counsel and settlement offers for the plaintiff class. Delineates the requirements for securities fraud actions. Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute to exclude from its purview an action involving fraud in the sale of securities. Title II: Financial Disclosure - Directs the Commission to re-examine the regulatory and judicial framework with respect to predictive statements ("forward-looking statements") concerning the future economic performance of an issuer of securities. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prescribe litigation procedures governing safe harbors for forward-looking statements. Modifies requirements for audits conducted by an independent public accountant of an issuer's financial statements to include procedures to: (1) detect illegal acts; (2) identify related party transactions material to financial statements; and (3) evaluate an issuer's ability to continue as a going concern. Sets forth notification and reporting guidelines for a public accountant who detects illegal activities during the course of an audit. Limits such auditor's liability for complying with such guidelines. Establishes civil penalties for an auditor's noncompliance with this Act. Modifies the allocation of damages scheme to distinguish between primary degrees of responsibility and the application of proportionate liability. Directs the Commission to establish a Public Auditing Self-Disciplinary Board (the Board). Prohibits a public accounting firm from furnishing an accountant's report on any document required to be filed with the Commission unless it has registered with the Board. Requires the Board to establish guidelines for: (1) investigations and disciplinary proceedings against public accounting firms; and (2) criteria for certification of public accountant peer review organizations. Grants the Commission responsibility for oversight of the Board. Includes within Board jurisdiction a foreign public accounting firm that furnishes accountant's reports on any document required to be filed with the Commission.
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000388_200.jpg)