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United States · Official source
720 records where Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1996
National Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, to require employees to join a union or pay dues or fees as a condition of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1996
Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide that a Member of Congress after he or she has completed 12 years of service in the Congress shall not: (1) have retirement deductions made from any pay or service performed as a Member; (2) have Government contributions made on his or her behalf; or (3) have any service performed as a Member taken into account for purposes of computing retirement pay (except in the case of a disability annuity). Provides that only service performed after the 104th Congress shall be taken into account with respect to the 12-year service requirement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
Defense of Marriage Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
Crimes Against Children and Elderly Persons Increased Punishment Act - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to direct the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide a sentencing enhancement of not less than five levels above the offense level otherwise provided for a crime of violence against a child, an elderly person, or any other vulnerable person.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce by 4.3 cents per gallon the tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel, fuel used by commercial waterway transportation vessels, special motor fuels, and methanol or ethanol fuels. Makes the reduction effective from seven days after enactment of this Act until January 1, 1997. Provides for the treatment of floor stocks. Expresses the sense of the Congress that consumers immediately receive the benefits. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on whether there has been a passthrough to consumers. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete actions necessary to permit the competitive bidding of licenses for the use of described frequency bands. Prohibits the FCC from treating enactment of this Act as an expression of the intent of the Congress regarding the award of initial licenses of construction permits for Advanced Television Services.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996
Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and prescribe penalties for interstate stalking (i.e., traveling across a State line or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States with the intent to injure or harass another person and, in the course or as a result of such travel, placing that person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to that person or a member of that person's immediate family).
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1996
National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to establish a national cooperative geologic mapping program between the U.S. Geological Survey and State geological surveys. Establishes a geologic mapping advisory committee to advise the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey on planning and implementation of the geological mapping program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1996
Promotion of Commerce On-Line in the Digital Era (Pro-CODE) Act of 1996 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the National Institute of Standards and Technology or otherwise) from promulgating or enforcing regulations, or otherwise adopting standards or carrying out policies: (1) that result in encryption standards intended for use by businesses or entities other than Federal computer systems; or (2) in a manner inconsistent with this Act, or that have the effect of imposing Government-designed encryption standards on the private sector by restricting the export of computer hardware and computer software with encryption capabilities. (Sec. 5) Prohibits the Federal and State governments from: (1) restricting or regulating the interstate sale by any person of any product with encryption capabilities; or (2) requiring, as a condition of such a sale, that a decryption key be given to any other person (including a Federal agency or a private entity certified or approved by the Federal or a State government). Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to control exports of all computer hardware, software, and technology with encryption capabilities, except that which is specifically designed or modified for military use, including command, control, and intelligence applications. Prohibits requiring any validated license (with limited exceptions) for the export or reexport of any: (1) computer software, including that with encryption capabilities, that is generally available, as is, and designed for installation by the purchaser, or that is in the public domain (including on the Internet) or publicly available because it is generally accessible to the public in any form; or (2) computing device or computer hardware solely because it incorporates or employs in any form such computer software (including that with encryption capabilities). Directs the Secretary to authorize the export or reexport of computer software with encryption capabilities under a general license for nonmilitary end-uses in any country to which exports of software or hardware of similar capability are permitted for use by financial institutions not controlled in fact by U.S. persons, unless there is substantial evidence that such software and hardware will be diverted to a military end-use or an end-use supporting international terrorism, modified for military or terrorist end-use, or reexported without requisite Federal authorization. Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to affect any law in effect before this Act's enactment designed to prevent the distribution of descramblers and any other equipment for illegal interceptions of cable and satellite television signals.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1996
Utility Consumer Service Improvement and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to exempt a utility service vehicle driver from motor carrier safety regulations regarding: (1) maximum driving and on-duty times applicable to commercial motor vehicle operators; (2) installation of automatic recording devices associated with such times; and (3) physical testing, reporting, or recordkeeping. Prohibits construction of such exemption to exempt such drivers from mechanical safety or licensing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
Designates May 15, 1996, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Declares that the Senate: (1) endorses efforts by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to upgrade the currency for security reasons; and (2) strongly encourages the Secretary of the Treasury and the Bureau to incorporate cost-effective, tactile features into the design changes, thereby including the blind and visually impaired in independent currency usage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes the following rights: (1) to be informed of, and present at, every proceeding in which the rights to liberty, justice, and due process are extended to the accused or convicted offender; (2) to be heard at any proceeding involving sentencing and to object to a previously negotiated plea or a release from custody; (3) to be informed of any release or escape; (4) to a speedy trial, a final conclusion free from unreasonable delay, full restitution from the convicted offender, reasonable measures of protection from violence or intimidation by the accused or convicted offender; and (5) to notice of such rights. Grants the several States and the Congress the power to implement further this amendment by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1996
Provides for observation of a moment of silence at 9:02 a.m. central daylight time on April 19, 1996, in remembrance of the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Commends the people of Oklahoma and the aid provided by rescuers, Federal agencies, countless volunteers, and Federal employees. Reaffirms trust in our system of justice to ensure that the perpetrators are convicted and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996 - Amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Againt Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act (Wetterling Act) to direct the Attorney General to establish a national database at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to track the whereabouts and movement of each person who: (1) has been convicted of a criminal offense against a minor or a sexually violent offense; or (2) is a sexually violent predator. Requires each such person who resides in a State that has not established a minimally sufficient sexual offender registration program to register a current address, a set of fingerprints, and a current photograph of that person with the FBI for inclusion in such database: (1) until ten years after the date on which the person was released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation; or (2) for the life of the person if that person has two or more convictions for any such offense, has been convicted of aggravated sexual abuse under Federal law or comparable State law, or has been determined to be a sexually violent predator. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) verification procedures; and (2) notification of the FBI of changes in residence. Authorizes the FBI to release relevant information concerning a person required to register that is necessary to protect the public, but prohibits the FBI from releasing the identity of any victim of an offense that requires registration. Requires fingerprints to be obtained and verified: (1) by the FBI or a local law enforcement official, pursuant to regulations issued by the Attorney General, for each person required to register; and (2) in accordance with State requirements in a State that has a minimally sufficient sexual offender registration program. Authorizes the FBI to collect fees to offset the costs of certain fingerprint verification. Sets forth penalties for knowingly failing to register. Requires disclosure of the information collected by the FBI to: (1) Federal, State, and local criminal justice agencies for law enforcement and community notification purposes; and (2) such agencies conducting legitimate employment-related background checks for private organizations under the National Child Protection Act. (Sec. 3) Amends the Wetterling Act to: (1) mandate that a person required to register continue to comply with requirements of such subtitle for life if such individual has one or more prior convictions of a sexually violent offense against a minor (sexually violent offense), has been convicted of an aggravated sexually violent offense, or has been determined to be a sexually violent predator; (2) include victim rights advocates and representatives from law enforcement agencies on the State board that reports to the court regarding determinations that a person is or is no longer a sexually violent predator; (3) provide that each requirement to register also requires the submission of a set of fingerprints; and (4) require such person to include with the verification form a set of fingerprints and a photograph.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy Title II: Energy Laboratories Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories Title III: Power Marketing Administrations Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Redesignates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency (the Agency), headed by an Administrator to perform the previous functions of the Department of Energy. Provides for the continuation of service of the Secretary of Energy as the interim Administrator. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Energy Programs Resolution Agency any organizational entities that were entities of DOE. Sunsets the Agency three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 107) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to restore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as an independent agency. (Sec. 108) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all functions of: (1) the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration; (2) certain DOE civilian energy research programs; and (3) specified DOE science and technology programs. (Sec. 109) Transfers all functions of the Administrator of the Energy Regulatory Administration to the Attorney General. (Sec. 110) Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the most efficient way to accomplish the complete abolishment of DOE and the transfer or termination of its functions. Title II: Energy Laboratories - Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories - Transfers the functions of the Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories to the Under Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Programs (established by title V). Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories - Transfers to the National Science Foundation all functions of the Secretary of Energy relating to nondefense energy laboratories. (Sec. 213) Establishes the Nondefense Energy Laboratory Commission as an independent body to recommend to the Congress disposition options (reconfiguration, privatization, closure, or transfer) for nondefense energy laboratories, programs, or any of the basic science programs. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for fast track congressional consideration of the Commission's report. (Sec. 216) Sets deadlines for closure of all nondefense energy laboratories and basic science programs unless the Congress has approved other specified dispositions. (Sec. 218) Establishes the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account to fund implementation of disposition actions. Title III: Power Marketing Administrations - Transfers to the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers) all functions of the Administrators of: (1) the Bonneville Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. (Sec. 303) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on: (1) specified aspects of such power administrations; and (2) recommended final disposition alternatives. Expresses the intent of the Congress that: (1) any purchaser of facilities shall be required to maintain any contracts with customers in force as of the effective date; and (2) any sales of such facilities be executed so as to minimize the impact on the ultimate ratepayers. Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves - Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Transfers to the Secretary of Defense all functions performed by the Secretary of Energy regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, including the Industrial Petroleum Reserve, the Early Storage Reserve, and the Regional Petroleum Reserve. Instructs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a plan for the disposal of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve within a specified timeframe, including a plan for disposal of the reserves held at Weeks Island, Louisiana. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Transfers to the Administrator of the Energy Programs Resolution Agency all functions performed with respect to the naval petroleum reserves, except Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (Elk Hills). Instructs the Administrator to develop a joint plan with the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army for disposal of the naval petroleum reserves within a specified timeframe. Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs - Establishes the Defense Nuclear Programs Agency (the Agency) in the Department of Defense (DOD), headed by an Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs. (Sec. 502) Identifies the Under Secretary as the Staff Director of the Nuclear Weapons Council. (Sec. 503) Transfers to the Under Secretary all national security supervisory functions previously performed by: (1) DOE over defense, nonproliferation, and defense-related environmental management programs, and the Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories; (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency of DOD relating to nuclear weapons systems; and (3) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer other nuclear weapons-related functions to the Under Secretary. (Sec. 504) Places restrictions upon the transfer of funds by the Agency. Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Under Secretary to review ongoing and planned remediation activities for consistency with such Act. (Sec. 601) Sets forth guidelines for site-specific risk assessment and an analysis of risk reduction benefits and costs, which shall be conducted before the selection of a remedial action at a defense nuclear facility. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Under Secretary to renegotiate the terms of any compliance agreement entered into with the Secretary of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the relevant State in order to have it reflect this Act. Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to terminate the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and transfer its authority and assets to the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Requires the Corps to assume all obligations of the Office affecting the Yucca Mountain site, and reissuance of Nevada State permits for the Corps. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corps preparation and implementation of a Yucca Mountain site characterization plan. (Sec. 702) Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to reaffirm that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel beginning by January 31, 1998, is absolute and is not dependent on commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. States that such obligation shall be neither voided nor delayed for any reason. Repeals: (1) the site selection limitation placed upon the siting of a monitored retrievable storage facility; and (2) the licensing conditions placed upon such facility. (Sec. 703) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the licensing and expansion of an initial uranium storage facility. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous implementing provisions, conferring upon the Office of Management and Budget authority to make any determination regarding functions transferred under this Act and incidental transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
Amends the Revenue Act of 1987, with respect to tax-exempt bonds issued by Indian tribal governments, to declare that certain Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning such obligations shall not apply if: (1) such obligation is issued to refund an obligation issued on or before such date; (2) the average maturity date of issue is not later than the average maturity date of the obligation to be refunded by such issue; (3) the amount of the refunding obligation does not exceed the outstanding amount of the refunded obligation; and (4) the net proceeds of the refunding obligation are used to redeem the refunded obligation not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of the refunding obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
Designates the week of May 5, 1996, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate: (1) regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water; and (2) voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations. Authorizes mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate. Provides for enforcement through revocation of clearance and civil and criminal penalties. Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread in North American waters. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, Prince William Sound, and other waters. Requires annual grants for six years for aquatic nuisance species prevention and control research in the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for the Navy's seagoing fleet to limit the risk of invasion by nonindigenous species from ballast water. Requires: (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in a U.S. shipyard or ship repair facility. Modifies: (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Requires the Task Force to encourage (including through financial assistance) the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions other than the Great Lakes. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study of, and report to the Congress recommendations with respect to, methods for reducing the U.S. national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any comprehensive legislation that balances the budget by a certain date and is agreed to by the Congress and the President shall also contain a strategy for reducing the U.S. national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any budget agreement or appropriate tax measure coming before Congress this year shall include expanded access to individual retirement accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States. Authorizes the Council to levy annual assessments on odorized propane, according to prescribed guidelines, to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, annual analyses of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on whether: (1) operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Defend America Act of 1996 - Expresses U.S. policy to deploy by the end of 2003 a National Missile Defense (NMD) system that: (1) is capable of providing a highly effective defense of U.S. territory against limited, unauthorized, or accidental ballistic missile attack; (2) will be augmented over time to provide a layered defense against larger and more sophisticated ballistic missile threats; and (3) does not feature an offensive-only form of deterrence. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment an affordable and operationally effective NMD system which shall achieve an initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines system elements, including the use of missile interceptors on the ground, at sea, and in space. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to implement the NMD system development upon enactment of this Act, including the conduct of an integrated systems test by the end of 1998. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the Secretary's plans for the development and deployment of the NMD system. Urges the President to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year after enactment of this Act, to consider exercising the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996
Tenth Amendment Enforcement Act of 1996 - Requires that, on or after January 1, 1997, any statute enacted by the Congress must include specified findings and declarations about the Constitutional authority of the Congress in enacting such statute to preempt State and local laws. Makes it out of order for the Senate or House of Representatives to consider any legislation that does not include such declarations, unless a supermajority in either House vote otherwise. Amends Federal law to prohibit any executive department or agency (Federal agency) from construing any statutory authorization to issue regulations as authorizing preemption of State law or local ordinance by rule-making or other agency action, unless the statute expressly authorizes issuance of preemptive regulations and the agency concludes that the exercise of State power directly conflicts with the exercise of Federal power under the Federal statute, such that the State statutes and the Federal rule promulgated under the Federal statute cannot be reconciled or consistently stand together. Provides for notice and opportunity for State comment when a Federal agency proposes preemptive rule making or other agency action. Requires each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register a plan for periodic review of rules and regulations preempting State or local government powers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996
Exempts from copyright infringement the communication within a commercial establishment of the transmission of a performance or display of a work by the reception of a broadcast, cable, satellite, or other transmission, if no direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission, its reception is authorized, and such transmission is not retransmitted to the public beyond such premises, and if communicated: (1) in an area where a transmission is intended to be received by the general public that is smaller than 5,000 square feet; (2) within an establishment whose gross annual income does not exceed 20 percent of the gross annual income of a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration; (3) by means of ten or fewer loudspeakers; or (4) by means of speakers in audiovisual devices only. (Sec. 2) Requires any controversy or dispute arising out of the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of nondramatic musical works in the repertoire of a performing rights society (PRS) to be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association. Outlines provisions: (1) requiring the confidentiality of arbitration findings; (2) limiting the length of time that the finding of an appropriate fee shall apply; (3) requiring a PRS to make available to all interested persons access to copyright and licensing information for each nondramatic musical work in its repertoire; and (4) requiring a PRS to make available a printed directory of each title in its repertoire. Provides restrictions for PRSs not in compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 3) Requires each PRS to offer to any radio broadcaster that so requests a per programming period license (license) to perform nondramatic musical works in the repertoire of the PRS. Outlines provisions: (1) determining the price of each such license; (2) providing for the determination of the performance of nondramatic musical works by a broadcaster under any such license; and (3) enforcing a broadcaster's right to apply for and receive such a license. (Sec. 4) Exempts from copyright infringement the transmission of religious services, or the recording of a program embodying such services in their entirety, if there is no commercial advertisement or commercial sponsor within such program. (Sec. 5) Defines "performing rights society," "general music user," and "loudspeaker" for purposes of the copyright laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1996
Expresses appreciation to Jean Schrag Lauver for 21 years of service on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works as a majority and minority professional staff person.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to increase mandatory minimum sentences for criminals possessing firearms under such circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining the employment status of individuals as employees, a service provider shall not be treated as an employee, a service recipient shall not be treated as an employer, a payor shall not be treated as an employer, and compensation paid or received for such service shall not be treated as paid or received with respect to employment if certain conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996
Ward Valley Land Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the California Department of Health Services specified lands in San Bernardino County, California, known as the Ward Valley Site, upon the tendering to: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury of $500,100 on behalf of California; and (2) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of a written commitment by California to carry out environmental monitoring and protection measures, based on recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences, subject to Federal oversight by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1996
Provides that of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available for Colombia in FY 1996, not more than one-third shall be made available before April 1, 1996, and no funds shall be made available after that date, unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Colombian Government has: (1) substantially and steadily reduced the flow of illegal drugs to the United States by arresting individuals responsible for drug trafficking, eradicating drug crops, and interdicting drug shipments; and (2) improved law enforcement and the judicial process in Colombia by taking specified steps, such as preventing the direction of criminal activities from prison and seizing and confiscating assets linked to criminal activities. Directs the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional officials by March 1, 1996, on the steps taken by the Colombian Government to ensure effective counter-narcotics efforts. Specifies that such certification and reporting requirements are in addition to any such requirements under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1996
Designates September 23, 1996, as National Baseball Heritage Day.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and overtime compensation provisions employees of nonprofit institutions who: (1) are employed to serve as houseparents for abused, neglected, delinquent, homeless, or emotionally impaired children residing at facilities of such institutions; (2) reside with such children at such facilities for at least 72 hours a week; (3) receive free board and lodging from such enterprises; and (4) are compensated at an annual rate of at least $8,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1996
Prohibition on United Nations Taxation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) or any of its agencies if the U.N.: (1) attempts to impose a tax on any U.S. person; or (2) borrow funds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Monetary Fund, or any other similar or regional international financial institution. Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the U.N. or any of its agencies, including the U.N. Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the U.N. or such agency is not engaged in any effort to develop or promote any taxation proposals in order to raise revenue for the U.N. or any such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
Land Disposal Program Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to exempt from land disposal restrictions (other than requirements pertaining to applicable specific methods of treatment promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under SWDA) solid waste identified as hazardous based on characteristic alone if such waste: (1) is managed in a treatment system that subsequently discharges to waters of the United States pursuant to a permit issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), undergoes pretreatment for purposes of compliance with toxic and pretreatment effluent standards of such Act, or is managed under a zero-discharge system that the Administrator determines to be engaging in Clean Water Act-equivalent treatment; (2) no longer exhibits such characteristic prior to land disposal; (3) has met any applicable specific method of treatment promulgated by the Administrator; and (4) would not generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes due to the presence of cyanide at the point of generation when exposed to pH conditions of a specified range. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study of hazardous waste managed in accordance with this Act to characterize the risks to human health or the environment associated with such management, upon completion of which the Administrator may impose additional requirements or defer management of such risks to other State or Federal programs or authorities. Amends SWDA to exempt from land disposal restrictions solid waste identified as hazardous based on characteristic alone if the waste no longer exhibits a hazardous characteristic at the point of injection into any Class I deep well regulated under safe drinking water provisions of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1995
Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to exclude: (1) bacteria from the definition of "fungus"; and (2) liquid chemical sterilant products for use on a critical or semi-critical medical or dental device from the definition of "pesticide." Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) coordinate data requirements, test protocols, timetables, and standards of review and reduce burdens and redundancy caused to the registrant, whenever data in support of a pesticide registration is requested by one or more State or Federal agencies; and (2) develop a process to identify and assist in alleviating future disparities between Federal and State data requirements. Provides, with respect to the labeling of an antimicrobial pesticide product, that: (1) a registrant may modify the labeling to include relevant information on the product's efficacy, composition, or container or other characteristics unrelated to a pesticidal claim or activity; (2) such labeling shall not be false or misleading or in conflict with statements required as a condition of registration and be substantiated upon request; (3) modifications shall be subject to a notification and approval process; and (4) different cautionary statements for use dilutions may be included in the labeling upon approval of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent practicable, to identify and evaluate changes to the process for registration of antimicrobial pesticides that will reduce current time periods for review. Details rulemaking requirements regarding the review of such pesticides. Requires an annual report to the Congress on measures taken to effect such changes. Exempts from applicability of certain FIFRA storage, disposal, transportation, and container requirements household, industrial, or institutional antimicrobial products that are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, unless the Administrator determines that their application is necessary to prevent an unreasonable adverse effect on the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1995
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Equal Protection for Victims Title II: Domestic Violence Victim Rights and Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1995 - Title I: Equal Protection for Victims - Amends: (1) rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to entitle each side to six peremptory challenges if the offense charged is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; (2) rule 32 regarding the victim's right of allocution in sentencing; and (3) rule 404 of the Federal Rules of Evidence regarding rebuttal of attacks on the victim's character. (Sec. 104) Enacts Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers in Federal Practice. (Sec. 105) Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code to repeal a requirement that notice of release of prisoners be used solely for law enforcement purposes; and (2) the Federal judicial code regarding the balance in the composition of rules committees. Title II: Domestic Violence - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for the death penalty for fatal domestic violence offenses. (Sec. 202) Amends: (1) rule 404 of the Federal Rules of Evidence regarding evidence of the defendant's disposition towards the victim in domestic violence and other cases; and (2) rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence regarding battered women's syndrome evidence. (Sec. 204) Requires: (1) the testing of defendants for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sexual assault cases, with exceptions, with disclosure of the results to the court, the victim, the attorney for the Government, and the person tested; (2) that test results disclosed be subject to requirements of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA); (3) that any test result of the defendant given to the victim or the defendant be accompanied by appropriate counseling, unless the recipient does not wish to receive such counseling; and (4) the United States Sentencing Commission to amend existing guidelines for sex crime offenses to enhance the sentence if the offender knew that he was infected with HIV, with exceptions. Revises VCCLEA to authorize the Government to obtain an order requiring that the defendant be tested for the presence of the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and that the results be communicated to the victim's parent or legal guardian, as appropriate. Modifies requirements to be met by the victim to obtain an order for such test.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Expresses congressional: (1) opposition to President Clinton's decision to deploy U.S. military ground forces into the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its associated annexes; and (2) support for U.S. military personnel who may be ordered by the President to implement such Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995
Taxpayer Protection Lock-box Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to establish a ledger to be known as the "Taxpayer Protection Lock-box Ledger." Requires the ledger to be divided into entries corresponding to the Appropriations Subcommittees. Requires each entry to consist of three parts: (1) the House Lock-box Balance; (2) the Senate Lock-box Balance; and (3) the Joint House-Senate Lock-box Balance. Limits components in an entry of the ledger to amounts credited to it and prohibits negative amounts from being made to the ledger. Sets forth provisions concerning the crediting of amounts of new budget authority and outlays to the applicable entry balance. (Sec. 3) Requires that a running tally of the amendments adopted which reflect increases and decreases of budget authority in the bill as reported be available to Members of Congress during consideration of any appropriations bill. (Sec. 4) Provides for the downward adjustment of allocations of new budget authority and outlays and the most recent suballocations of new budget authority and outlays. (Sec. 5) Requires periodic reporting of ledger statements to be included in reports issued on congressional actions on legislation providing new budget authority or tax expenditures. (Sec. 6) Provides for the downward adjustment of discretionary spending limits for new budget authority and outlays. Waives the requirement that legislation dealing with the congressional budget be handled by the Budget Committees. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to calculate the stimulative effect of revenue reductions. Lists the projected level of revenues for FY 1996 through 2002. Directs the CBO Director to certify the estimates and projections of the OMB Director and conditions that if the Director cannot certify the estimates and projections, he must: (1) notify the Congress and the President of the disagreement; and (2) submit revised estimates. Permits the President on November 1, if the OMB Director determines that a fiscal dividend excess exists from the adjustment, to: (1) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to pay an amount not exceeding the excess level to retire U.S. debt obligations; or (2) submit a legislative proposal to the Congress for reducing taxes by the amount of excess not dedicated for deficit reduction. Provides for an expedited procedure for the introduction and referral to committee of the President's legislative proposal as a bill. Specifies maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 through 2003. Provides for a maximum deficit amount point of order in the House or the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Biennial Budgeting Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to issue four-year projections of congressional budget action. (Current projections are on a five-year basis.) Amends provisions relating to the reconciliation process to: (1) increase from 20 to 100 hours the time of debate permitted in the Senate with respect to reconciliation measures; and (2) make it out of order in both the House and the Senate to consider any reconciliation legislation changing any provision of law other than one relating to new budget or spending authority, revenues, or the public debt limit. Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to conform to the biennial framework. Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995
Expresses the condolences of the Senate on the death of the Reverend Dr. Richard Halverson, the 60th Chaplain of the United States Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Occupational Safety and Health Reform and Reinvention Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to provide that employee safety and health participation committees are not prohibited under the National Labor Relations Act or the Railway Labor Act. (Sec. 3) Revises inspection provisions. Prohibits routine inspections of employers of ten or fewer employees if such employers: (1) are farming operations which do not maintain a temporary labor camp; or (2) are in a category of employers having an occupational injury or a lost workday case rate which is less than the national average. Grants the Secretary of Labor specified types of discretionary authority in determining which employee complaints must receive special inspection responses. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a voluntary compliance program granting partial exemption from certain OSHA safety and health inspections and investigations for employers who either retain certain consultation or certification programs, or have an exemplary safety record and a safety and health program meeting specified criteria, including having an employee participation program. (Sec. 5) Adds employer defenses of employee misconduct or alternative safer methods. (Sec. 6) Prohibits the Secretary from establishing any quotas for subordinates within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with respect to number of inspections conducted, citations issued, or penalties collected. (Sec. 7) Provides for warnings in lieu of citations. (Sec. 8) Reduces penalties for nonserious violations and where there are mitigating circumstances. Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to assess all civil penalties, giving due consideration to their appropriateness with respect to specified factors. Provides for various reductions of penalties for voluntary compliance program participants or exemplary safe worksites under certain conditions. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States for the provision of State consultation services to employers concerning the provision of safe and healthful working conditions. Makes a State eligible to enter into such an agreement only if its approved plan does not include provisions for federally funded consultation to employers. Requires that at least 15 percent of the annual appropriation to carry out OSHA be expended for education, consultation, and outreach efforts. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) cooperative agreements to encourage the establishment of comprehensive safety and health management systems which include specified required features; and (2) a voluntary protection program, also with specified required features, to encourage the achievement of excellence in both the technical and managerial protection of employees from occupational hazards.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995
Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from granting a license, license amendment, or permit (license) for an activity that will result directly or indirectly in the withdrawal by a State or political subdivision of water from a lake, reservoir, or similar body of water (lake) that is situated in two States unless the Governor of the State in which more than half of the lake is situated certifies that the withdrawal will not adversely affect the environment in, or the economy of, that State. Makes an exception regarding an application for a license for an activity that will occur or affect waters located within a river basin that is subject to an interstate compact, a decree of the Supreme Court, or an Act of Congress that specifically allocates the rights to use such water. Specifies that this Act shall apply to any application made on or after January 1, 1991, unless the application has been granted and is no longer subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1995
Citizen Congress Act - Makes Members of Congress (Members) ineligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) except as otherwise provided under this Act. Allows Members to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan at any time during the 12-year period beginning on the date the Member begins his or her first term. Permits refunds to be made in accordance with otherwise applicable law on account of an individual becoming ineligible to participate in CSRS or FERS as a result of this Act's enactment (provides that, for purposes of any such refund, a Member who becomes ineligible to participate in either of the retirement systems shall be treated as if separated from service). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) annuities; and (2) preservation of rights based on prior service. (Sec. 3) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1965 to provide for the disclosure of information necessary to enable the public to accurately compute the Federal retirement benefits of each Member based on various assumptions of years of service and age of separation from service by reason of retirement. (Sec. 4) Eliminates for Members automatic: (1) annuity cost-of-living adjustments; and (2) pay adjustments under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. (Sec. 6) Requires a roll call vote for any matter relating to congressional pay. (Sec. 7) Permits any travel award that accrues by reason of official travel of a House Member, officer, or employee to be used only for official travel. (Sec. 8) Expresses the intent of the Congress that a Member or Member-elect may not mail any mass mailing as franked mail. (Sec. 9) Prohibits a Member from receiving transportation in an aircraft of the Military Air Command unless: (1) the transportation is provided on a space-available basis as part of the aircraft's scheduled operations; (2) the use of the aircraft is necessary because the Member's destination or an airfield located within reasonable distance thereof is inaccessible by regularly scheduled flights of commercial aircraft; or (3) such use is the least expensive method for the Member to reach the destination by aircraft. (Sec. 10) Bars a Member from receiving medical or dental care in a facility of any uniformed service unless: (1) such Member is eligible or entitled to such care as a member or former member of a uniformed service or as a covered beneficiary; or (2) such care is provided on an emergency basis unrelated to the person's status as a Member. (Sec. 11) Prohibits the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority from providing reserved parking areas free of charge to Members, other Government officials, or diplomats at Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. Directs such Authority to establish a parking policy for such airports that provides equal access to the public and does not provide preferential parking privileges to such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1995
Amends the Fair Housing Act to establish State control over fair housing cases involving occupancy standards within its jurisdiction. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from establishing a de jure or de facto national occupancy code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Condemns the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Extends condolences to his family and to all the people of Israel. Expresses admiration for his historic contributions and support for the government of Acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Reaffirms a commitment to the process of building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Provides for the adjournment of the Senate as a further mark of respect for Rabin.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Fair Debt Collection Practices Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to limit the exclusion from its purview of debt collection activities by a Federal or State official to collection of debts owed to the Federal or a State government, respectively. (Sec. 3) Permits a debt collector to acquire income, assets, or credit information from a person other than the debtor's attorney if the attorney refuses to provide such information. (Sec. 4) Revises procedural guidelines for: (1) debt validation; (2) legal actions by debt collectors; and (3) limitations on damages, including repeal of the allowance of up to $1,000 in additional damages. Provides that this Act: (1) supersedes any State law creating a private right of action against a debt collector; (2) does not provide a remedy for any violation of State law regarding debt collection practices; and (3) does not establish any liability or penalty for violation of State law unless such violation also constitutes a violation under this Act.