United States · United States Congress · 1 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 · 1 February 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should award a Medal of Honor to Wayne T. Alderson in recognition of acts performed while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the standards proposed by the National Center for History in the Schools for the teaching of U.S. and world history.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996
Prohibition on United Nations Taxation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) or any of its agencies if the U.N.: (1) attempts to impose a tax on any U.S. person; or (2) borrow funds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Monetary Fund, or any other similar or regional international financial institution. Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the U.N. or any of its agencies, including the U.N. Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the U.N. or such agency is not engaged in any effort to develop or promote any taxation proposals in order to raise revenue for the U.N. or any such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Federal Accountability and Institutional Reform in Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise the accountability provisions and reform certain programs of such Act. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions for student loan cohort default management. Requires proof that the institution was contacted, under certain administrative and fiscal procedures. Requires, under certain reimbursement provisions, a demonstration (rather than a certification) to the Secretary of Education that diligent attempts, including direct contact with the institution, have been made. Prohibits the Secretary from reimbursing or permitting any eligible lender, servicer, or guaranty agency (or its affiliates) who previously filed a claim for reimbursement on a loan to retain any proceeds from rehabilitation of a defaulted loan to the extent that such funds, when added to the amount of prior reimbursement, exceed the whole amount of the original principal of the loan. Revises provisions relating to notice to the Secretary, payment of loss, and cohort default rate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress that lenders, servicers and guaranty agencies have attested to their compliance with servicing and due diligence requirements; and (2) provide information on the successful practices of low-default lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies to other financial, servicing, and guaranty institutions participating in HEA student aid programs, to encourage duplication of successful servicing and collection programs. Requires that certain mitigating circumstances, which allow an institution to continue in the student loan insurance program despite its having a high default rate, be uniformly applied to all eligible institutions, requiring that they meet the following criteria: (1) at least 50 percent of the students enrolled in eligible programs qualify for a Pell grant; (2) an institution's student completion rate is 60 percent or greater; and (3) the initial job placement rate of program graduates is 60 percent or greater. (Sec. 4) Revises the definition of proprietary institution of higher education, for purposes of eligibility for HEA student aid programs. Requires, for purposes of the requirement that such an institution have at least 15 percent of its revenues from sources that are not derived from funds provided under HEA student aid programs, a review by the institution's independent auditor using generally accepted accounting principles. Requires further that revenues from sources that are not derived from HEA student aid program funds include revenues from programs of education or training that do not meet the definition of an eligible program, but are provided on a contractual basis under Federal, State, or local training programs, to business and industry, or to other eligible applicants. Prohibits the Secretary from considering the financial information of any institution for a fiscal year that began on or before April 30, 1994. (Sec. 5) Revises accounting procedures for institutional program participation to require that specified information be based on an audited financial statement using any generally accepted accounting principles.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Child Protection and Ethics I Education Act of 1995 - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to determine whether programs, lectures, texts, or other pedagogical materials involving sexuality used by agencies, universities, or elementary and secondary schools (institutions) that receive Federal funds for educational purposes significantly or particularly rely on the scholarship of, directly or indirectly consisting of, or based on the studies entitled "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male" and "Sexual Behavior in the Human Female" authored by Alfred Kinsey and his team of researchers, published in 1948 and 1953 (Kinsey reports). Authorizes the General Accounting Office to evaluate whether the contents of the Kinsey reports are erroneous, wrongfully obtained by reason of fraud or criminal wrongdoing (i.e., systematic sexual abuse of children), or both. Directs: (1) the Comptroller General to complete such study and report to the Congress by May 1, 1996; and (2) the Secretary of Education, if the Comptroller General's determination is in the affirmative, to ensure that for FY 1997 and subsequent fiscal years no Federal funds are provided to any persons or institutions for any educational purpose which instruct in Kinsey's work, derivative Kinseyan scholars, or scholarship without indicating the unethical and tainted nature of the Kinsey report. Directs the chief executive officer of the State involved to certify to the Secretary which such agencies or school programs cite such materials.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995
Congressional Responsibility Act of 1995 - Prohibits a regulation from taking effect before the enactment of a bill comprised solely of the text of the regulation. Requires an agency, whenever it promulgates a regulation, to submit to each House of the Congress a report containing its text and an explanation. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for consideration of agency regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995
Repeals a Federal provision limiting salary increases for Federal judges or Supreme Court Justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the Federal judicial code to make the cost of living adjustments in judicial salaries effective in the first pay period beginning on or after January 1 each year (currently, such adjustments are triggered by General Schedule adjustments).
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) to secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to their conscience, nothing in the Constitution shall prohibit acknowledgement of the religious heritage, beliefs, or traditions of the people or prohibit student-sponsored prayer in public schools; and (2) neither the United States nor any State shall compose any official prayer, compel joining in prayer, or discriminate against religious expression or belief.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
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. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, the Vice President, and Members of Congress should not be paid during any period during which Federal employees are not paid due to a Government shutdown.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995 - Establishes the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. travel and tourism. Establishes the National Tourism Organization as a non-Federal non-profit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy. Directs the Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to: (1) place priority on implementing recommendations by the National Tourism Board; and (2) cooperate with the National Tourism Organization. Authorizes the President to transfer up to 25 staff members of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration to the Foreign Service or the Commercial Service for two years to assist the Organization in its start-up activities. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee's (TPCC) Federal trade promotion plan to reflect, among other things, recommendations by the National Tourism Board. Makes the President of the National Tourism Organization a member of the TPCC.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Older Americans Amendments of 1995 - Revises the Older American Community Service Employment Act (OACSE) and the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA-65): (1) renaming them, respectively, the Older American Community Service Employment Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (OACSE-96) and the Older Americans Act of 1995 (OAA-95); (2) reauthorizing and extending the former OACSE program as a modified OACSE-96 program only through FY 1996 at levels lower than those specified for it in FY 1992; and (3) reauthorizing and extending certain OAA-65 programs as modified OAA-95 programs through FY 2001 at levels for FY 1997 generally lower than those specified for such programs in FY 1992, with levels for the remaining authorization period left unspecified. Details new program modifications: (1) eliminating various special offices within the Administration on Aging and giving the Assistant Secretary for Aging responsibility for administering all OAA-95 programs, including a newly added community service employment component under a separate "Older American Community Service Employment Act of 1995" included in OAA-95; (2) revising State and local government authority in designing and operating programs and projects for the aged; (3) combining OAA-related programs, such as the previous congregate and home delivered nutrition services programs, into one single program with associated funding provisions combined as well; (4) eliminating OAA's Title IV Training, Research, and Discretionary Programs component; (5) consolidating OAA's Title VII Elder Rights Protection Program into OAA-95's new supportive service component; and (6) relocating and expanding multipurpose senior center and national volunteer components. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995
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 · 18 October 1995
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that an employer is not required to allow access to its business property to employees or nonemployees for purposes of union organizing, solicitation, distribution, picketing, or other union advocacy or activities, even if the employer allows such access to organizations for charitable, civic, or religious purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1995
Compensatory Time for All Workers Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for all employees. Allows an employee to receive, in lieu of monetary overtime compensation, compensatory time off at a rate not less than one and one-half hours for each hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required under the Act. Limits to not more than 240 hours the amount of compensatory time an employee may accrue (with specified exceptions for public agency employees). Requires payment of overtime compensation for: (1) compensatory time accrued but not used in a calendar year or other designated 12-month period; and (2) unused compensatory time upon termination of employment. Requires employers to permit employees to use compensatory time within a reasonable period after employees request its use if such use does not unduly disrupt employers' operations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995
FEHBP-Medical Savings Account Promotion Act of 1995 - Amends Federal civil service law to permit Federal employees and annuitants enrolled in a catastrophic plan to elect to receive Government contributions into medical savings accounts provided for by this Act under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to cover qualified medical expenses: (1) to the extent such amounts are not compensated for by insurance or otherwise; or (2) for long-term care insurance for the individual, spouse, or dependent. Prohibits the use of account funds to pay for coverage under any kind of health plan except a catastrophic or long-term care insurance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and any other Federal official from: (1) regulating the use of tobacco or tobacco products by the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing or other professional motor sports association under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) taking any action with respect to tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco advertising used by such associations under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health and Education Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Requires a constitutional authority clause to follow the enacting clause of any Act of Congress or the resolving clause of any joint resolution. Requires a similar clause before each title, section, subsection, or paragraph which relies on a different constitutional provision.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Congress should adopt a Peace Through Strength Strategy for the post-Cold War era, based on the following general principles and goals: (1) the United States must accept and maintain global leadership through a clear and consistent articulation of vital U.S. national interests and goals; (2) the United States must maintain highly trained, well-equipped, combat-ready military forces and the national will to prevail in any conflict; (3) U.S. interests are promoted through participation in global and regional political, military, and economic organizations, treaties, and alliances, but the United States must retain its sovereignty and reserve the right to act unilaterally; (4) national wealth and economic strength are the foundation of all forms of power; (5) the economic vitality of the United States rests not only on free market competitiveness but also on responsible financial management; (6) the United States must expand effective human and technical intelligence capabilities to anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging threats; (7) the United States will act to lessen, prevent, and eliminate security threats, including those posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of high technology conventional arms, terrorism, drug trafficking, and disruption of access to vital resources; (8) national security policy must be explained to the public in the clear context of national interests and a realistic strategy for protecting those interests; (9) the United States must maintain a strong technological and industrial base with a skilled workforce to support superior U.S. global economic competitiveness and military preparedness; and (10) the United States must systematically and sharply reduce its dependence on imported oil.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program Subtitle D: Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle E: General Provisions Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities Subtitle A: Block Grants Program Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency Subtitle E: Effective Date Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration Subtitle C: Transition Provisions Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reestablishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Housing and Urban Development Programs Resolution Agency (Agency) which shall be an independent Executive agency headed by the Resolution Administrator. Terminates the Agency as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to report on the most efficient manner of abolishing HUD and transferring its functions. Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Sets forth specified transfers of HUD functions. (Sec. 122) Reestablishes the (HUD) Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight as an office in the Department of the Treasury. (Sec. 123) Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association. Requires the Resolution Administrator to develop a phase-out plan. (Sec. 124) Abolishes the (HUD) Office of Public Affairs. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth transfer provisions, including authorizing the Office of Management and Budget to make any necessary transfer determinations. Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance - Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Housing Voucher Agency (established by this Act) to make State block grants for (low-income) housing voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including waiver of voucher program requirements and alternate State grant uses. Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program - Establishes a Federal housing voucher assistance program of monthly payments on behalf of renting or first-time owning low-income families. Limits assistance to five years. Provides assistance portability within the same State or metropolitan area. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program - Directs the Administrator (Voucher Administrator) of the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (established by this Act) to establish: (1) a State housing assistance need formula; and (2) a limit on assisted families per State and a maximum State allocation. (Sec. 252) Authorizes a State to elect State block grant voucher assistance (subtitle A) rather than Federal voucher assistance (subtitle B). Subtitle D: Office of Federal Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (to be headed by the Voucher Administrator) which shall carry out the housing assistance programs under this title and certain other transferred housing authorities. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for specified provisions of this title. Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Programs - Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing - Replaces the following housing programs with a five-year interim public housing block grant program: (1) tenant-based section 8 assistance; (2) project-based section 8 assistance; (3) tenant-based rental assistance for disabled families; (4) rental assistance for persons with AIDS; (5) shelter plus care rental assistance for homeless persons; (6) tenant opportunity program; (7) flexible subsidies; (8) preservation programs; (9) service coordinators for assisted projects; and (10) Indian public housing, childhood development, and rental assistance. (Sec. 312) Provides for the transition of housing assistance from the interim block grant program to the voucher assistance programs. (Sec. 313) Provides for: (1) the transfer of specified remaining HUD authority to the Voucher Administrator; and (2) benefits to families assisted under terminated programs. Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation - Terminates the following housing programs: (1) public housing under title I or III of the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) urban revitalization program; (3) public housing childhood development; (4) perinatal services demonstration; (5) youth sports demonstration; and (6) public and assisted housing drug elimination. (Sec. 322) Provides for the deregulation of public housing authorities (PHAs). Requires PHAs to develop a strategic plan as a condition of assistance eligibility. (Sec. 325) Establishes the Public Housing Block Grant Fund for grants to PHAs for public housing management and operations. Sets forth program provisions, including lead-based paint requirements. States that participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be mandatory. (Sec. 330) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities - Subtitle A: Block Grants Program - Requires the Director of the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency to make an housing assistance block grant to eligible States, entitlement areas, and Indian tribes. Sets forth program provisions, including at least 90 percent low-income use and one percent set-asides for Indian tribes. Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing - Obligates specified block grant funds for State housing programs for low-income special populations (elderly families, disabled families, or persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families). (Sec. 422) Obligates specified block grant funds for Indian housing authorities. Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants - Authorizes block grant appropriations. Repeals specified housing and related programs. Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency - Establishes the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency as an independent Executive agency. Subtitle E: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this title. Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund (Fund). States that Fund amounts shall be for: (1) payment of losses to qualified mortgage insurers; (2) payment of certain claim notes; (3) investment; and (4) certain annual assessments. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Fund Administrator to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified mortgage insurers for single family home mortgage insurance coverage. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration which shall administer the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle C: Transition Provisions - Prohibits new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan or mortgage activities. Repeals specified FHA insurance authorities. Provides for the sale of FHA mortgage insurance interests and transfer of remaining authority to the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous and administrative provisions. Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget - Establishes in the Office of Management and Budget the Office of Federalism whose duties shall include: (1) review of policy and legislation's effect on the Federal-State relationship; and (2) federalism issues liaison services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act - Prohibits an individual or his or her survivor or beneficiary from being paid annuity or retired pay on the basis of the individual's creditable service if the individual is convicted of committing, while an employee or Member of Congress, one of specified offenses relating to his or her duties of office which is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, including bribery of public officials, representing others in claims against the Government, and making or receiving expenditures to influence voting. Applies the same prohibition to such an individual who: (1) is under indictment after the enactment of this Act for one of the offenses; or (2) willfully remains outside the United States or its territories and possessions for more than one year with knowledge of the indictment or charge. Prohibits interest from being computed on an individual's refund of contributions and deposits paid toward annuity or retired pay if such individual was convicted of such an offense in this Act for the period after the conviction of the violation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a three-fifths majority of the whole number of each House of the Congress to pass any bill to levy a new tax or increase the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive the requirement when a declaration of war is in effect and when the United States is engaged in military conflict that causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of the whole number of each House, that becomes law. Makes a bill passed under waiver effective for no longer than two years. Requires all votes under this amendment to be by roll call.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Independent Commission on Medicare Title II: Controlling Outlays Under Medicare Program Commission to Save Medicare Act of 1995 - Title I: Independent Commission on Medicare - Establishes the Independent Commission on Medicare to: (1) report to the Congress and the President during December of each year on certain aspects of the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act involving projected outlays and benefits; and (2) report to the Congress during July of each year specific recommendations on certain changes to ensure that total program outlays for the fiscal year involved do not exceed specified limits. Precludes such recommendations from including changes relating to the payment of payroll taxes for financing the program. Provides procedures for expedited congressional consideration of recommendations. Title II: Controlling Outlays Under Medicare Program - Provides that Congress, not later than April 15 of each year, shall, in the concurrent resolution on the budget for the following fiscal year, establish a limit on total outlays to be made under the Medicare program for the fiscal year involved. Provides for the enforcement of such limits through sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
Wamp Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) place equal ($2000) contribution limits on multicandidate political committees and other persons generally; and (2) limit House of Representatives election contributions from persons other than in-State individual residents.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1995
Equal Opportunity Act of 1995 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in Federal employment and contracting on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex, or entering into a consent decree requiring, authorizing, or permitting any such discrimination or preference. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) employment recruiting or encouraging contract bidding or requiring or encouraging Federal contractors to so recruit or encourage, if the recruiting or encouraging does not involve a numerical objective or otherwise granting a preference; (2) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; (3) any action under a Federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes; or (4) classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Government, contractor, or subcontractor, the classification is designed to protect privacy, a U.S. national security interest is involved, or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member on active duty in a theatre of combat operations. Allows as remedies only injunctive or equitable relief (including back pay), attorney's fees, and costs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
Amends the National School Lunch Act to permit schools to use any reasonable approach to meet certain dietary guidelines under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Prohibits schools from being required to use or conduct nutrient analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
Clean Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions to candidates for Federal office by persons other than individuals or political party committees. (Sec. 3) Prohibits congressional candidates from accepting contributions from persons other than political party committees or in-State individual residents. (Sec. 4) Eliminates multicandidate political committees as a separate political committee category for contribution limitation purposes. (Sec. 5) Limits personal loans by candidates for Federal office to their campaigns to $5000. (Sec. 6) Extends the ban on franked mass mailings by Members of Congress to 90 days before an election. (Sec. 7) Extends the annual contribution limitation to all persons other than political party committees. (Sec. 8) Establishes a ban on gifts to members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives. Sets forth exceptions to such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins 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 · 30 June 1995
Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - 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, and a payor shall not be treated as an employer if: (1) a service provider has a significant investment in assets and training, incurs significant unreimbursed expenses, agrees to perform the service for a specified amount of time or to complete a specific result and is responsible for damages for early termination without cause, receives payment primarily on a commission basis, or has purchased resale products; (2) the service provider has a principal place of business, does not primarily provide service in the service recipient's place of business, or pays a fair market rent for use of the recipient's place of business or does not have to perform service only for the service recipient and, in the current year or in the proceeding or subsequent years, has performed or has offered to perform a significant amount of service for other persons; and (3) the services by an individual are performed according to a written contract between the service recipient or payor which provides that the individual will not be treated as an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits any Federal, State, or local government or any official of such a government from interfering with or usurping the right of a parent to govern the upbringing of a child of the parent. Disallows any exception to this Act unless the government or official is able to demonstrate, by appropriate evidence, that such interference or usurpation is valid to accomplish a compelling government interest, in which case only the least amount of interference may be used.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolition of Department of Education Title II: Education Program Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Statements of Policy Back to Basics Education Reform Act - Eliminates the Department of Education and redefines the Federal role in education. Title I: Abolition of Department of Education - Abolishes the Department of Education. (Sec. 102) Establishes (and sunsets) an Office of Economic Opportunities in the Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that the Office shall be: (1) headed by a Director for Economic Opportunities, who shall be appointed by the President and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (2) administered under the supervision and direction of the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Families and Children. Transfers Department of Education functions to the Office. Abolishes the Office and all of its functions upon the expiration of the authorization for the programs under its jurisdiction. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint as principal officers of the Office: (1) an Assistant Director of Childhood Schooling; and (2) an Assistant Director of Advanced Schooling. (Sec. 104) Allows the Secretary of Education to serve as Director of the Office until an individual is appointed to such position or until the end of a 120-day period, whichever is earlier. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as is necessary or appropriate, to: (1) allocate or reallocate any function of the Office among its officers; and (2) consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Office any organizational entities that were entities of the Department of Education. Prohibits transfer of any function or personnel of the Office to any agency outside of the Office. (Sec. 106) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan for winding up the affairs of the Department of Education in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 107) Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a report with recommendations for the most efficient means of achieving, in accordance with this Act: (1) the complete abolition of the Department of Education; and (2) the termination, transfer, or other continuation of functions of the Department of Education. (Sec. 110) Limits Federal expenditures in each fiscal year for the administration of a function transferred by this Act to not more than 70 percent of the total amount expended for the administration of that function during fiscal year 1995. Title II: Education Programs - Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education - Chapter 1: Elementary and Secondary Education Block Grant - Authorizes the Director of the Office to provide an elementary and secondary education block grant to the Governor of each State that complies with specified requirements. (Sec. 202) Authorizes such block grant program, and sets forth provisions for State eligibility, general State requirements, amount of State allotment, local fiscal accountability, and participation of children enrolled in private schools. (Sec. 209) Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Other Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Repeals: (1) titles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and parts B and C of title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); (2) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; (4) specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act; and (5) the National Education Statistics Act of 1994. Amends ESEA provisions relating to impact aid. Requires that impact aid programs provided under title VIII of ESEA be administered by the Department of Defense through the Assistant Secretary for Force Management Policy. Provides that Indian education programs under part A of title IX of ESEA shall be administered by the Department of the Interior through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to transfer authority from the Department and Secretary of Education to the Department and Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 212) Amends IDEA definitions of excess costs and of native language. (Sec. 213) Transfers of IDEA administering authority to the Office. (Sec. 214) Revises IDEA provisions relating to outreach services for certain institutions of higher education. Subtitle C: Higher Education Programs - Chapter 1: Elimination and Reduction of Programs - Repeals the Higher Education Act of 1965, with exceptions for its short title and provisions relating to Pell Grants, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Perkins Loans, needs analysis, certain general provisions, definitions, and the program integrity triad. (Sec. 221) Provides that such repeal of HEA provisions shall not affect Federal authority to collect loans. Discontinues Federal contributions for FY 1997 or any succeeding year to student loan funds established under Perkins Loans provisions of HEA. Limits Federal funds for Howard University under specified Federal law and the Howard University Endowment Act to: (1) specified maximum amounts and uses in fiscal years through FY 2000; and (2) nothing for FY 2001 and thereafter. (Sec. 222) Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise the Federal Credit Reform Act with respect to defining the cost of a direct loan. (Sec. 223) Amends HEA to provide for the sale of Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL) loan portfolios. (Sec. 224) Makes a statement of policy that the Federal student loan programs should be reviewed to evaluate whether reforms need to be made based on the principles of risk sharing, market-based orientation, privatization, and deregulation. (Sec. 225) Eliminates in-school interest subsidies under HEA guaranteed loan programs. Chapter 2: Higher Education Block Grant - Authorizes block grants to States to assist institutions of higher education to improve access to higher education and the quality of educational programs. (Sec. 232) Sets forth such block grant program provisions for distribution of funds, State assurances, use of funds, and public disclosure. (Sec. 236) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect continued funding for Gallaudet University, the American Printing House for the Blind, or the National Institute for the Deaf at FY 1995 levels through FY 2000. (Sec. 242) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) consult with the Congress before issuing regulations regarding the grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title; and (2) issue only regulations necessary for the timely distribution of such funds to the States. (Sec. 243) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a consolidated application for grants under chapter 1 of subtitle A and chapter 2 of subtitle C of this title. Requires that consolidated applications also be permitted at the local level. (Sec. 244) Limits the amount that is authorized to be appropriated for programs under chapter 2 of subtitle A, subtitle B, and chapter 1 of subtitle C to not more than the amount appropriated for such programs for FY 1995. Requires that such programs be authorized through FY 2000. (Sec. 245) Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to affect the applicability of civil rights laws relating to any program established, transferred, or consolidated under this Act. Sets forth education-related civil rights enforcement and reporting duties of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth requirements relating to certain references, exercise of authorities, savings provisions, transfer of assets, delegation and assignment, authority of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to functions transferred, and proposed changes in law. Title IV: Statements of Policy - Sets forth statements of policy regarding: (1) Federal education funding (review and evaluation as to the feasibility of further enhancing the ability of States and local communities to fund education by reducing the Federal tax burden and commensurately eliminating Federal Government involvement in providing grants for education programs); (2) job training programs (review and transfer all those under jurisdiction of the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and consolidate them into one or more block grants); and (3) Indian education (review programs transferred to the Department of the Interior to ensure that they benefit Native American children who live on reservations).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 - Subjects anyone who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to a fine or imprisonment for not more than two years or both. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as partial, vaginal delivery of the fetus prior to killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Permits the parents or the maternal grandparents (if the mother has not attained the age of 18 at the time of the abortion) through a civil action to obtain relief which would include money damages for all injuries and statutory damages equal to three times the cost of the partial-birth abortion, even if any party consented to an abortion. Permits the affirmative defense to a prosecution or a civil action, which must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, that the physician reasonably believed: (1) the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life; and (2) no other form of abortion would have sufficed for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Safety and Health Improvement and Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to revise provisions for OSHA standards. Requires promulgation and modification of such standards to be based of certain analyses and criteria, including a specified type of regulatory impact analysis, as well as a risk assessment and a cost-benefit analysis which are industry-specific. (Sec. 2) Repeals provisions for separate rules for toxic materials or harmful physical agents. Deems a variance to have been issued as of the date the application for it was filed,if the Secretary has failed to approve or disapprove such application within 90 days of such filing (unless the Secretary of Labor and the applicant agree to a longer period). Sets forth requirements relating to such regulatory impact analyses (both a preliminary and a final one), risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses. Directs the Secretary, within seven years of the effective date of this Act, to review each OSHA standard in effect as of such effective date under specified criteria, and to modify or revoke such standards as appropriate. Allows each person affected by a promulgated OSHA standard to petition the Secretary to modify or revoke such standard pursuant to this review process. Sets forth substantive and procedural requirements relating to such provisions. Repeals the mandate that, in determining the priority for establishing OSHA standards, the Secretary give due regard to: (1) the urgency of the need for such standards for particular industries, trades, crafts, occupations, businesses, workplaces, or work environments; and (2) the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding such need. Directs the Secretary, upon determining that a rule should be promulgated or modified to serve OSHA objectives, to appoint an independent and external peer review panel to review the scientific and economic data which forms the basis for such standard and such data's relevance to industries and workers that would be affected by it. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions for notices of violations and citations. Directs the Secretary to give notices of violations, with specified periods for abatement (at least 30 days, except that a reasonable shorter period may be ordered if the condition constitutes a direct threat to employees). Authorizes the Secretary to issue citations after a follow-up inspection if the violation remains and the abatement period has expired. Provides that such notice of a violation before issuance of a citation shall not be required in cases of alleged violations causing death or serious injury, or constituting an imminent danger, to an employee. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish an office to promote, administer, and coordinate the following worksite-based incentives programs and activities. Exempts from general OSHA inspections workplaces which: (1) the employer certifies have been reviewed under a Federal-State consultation services program or a workplace review provided by a certified person; or (2) the Secretary chooses to certify as having significant involvement of their employees in their safety and health program. Directs the Secretary to establish programs to: (1) certify persons to conduct such reviews; (2) give special recognition (including exemption from random OSHA inspections) to worksites, companies, and other organizations which have implemented particularly effective programs addressing occupational safety and health in the workplace; and (3) provide education, training, and technical assistance to employers and employees in providing safe and healthful workplaces and complying with OSHA requirements. Reserves at least one-half of the annual appropriation under OSHA for such worksite-based incentives programs, effective in the first fiscal year beginning three years after the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 5) Makes certain restrictions under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act inapplicable to employee participation on certain committees, teams, or other arrangements dealing with employers concerning health and safety of working conditions or related matters. (Sec. 6) Revises provisions for inspections. Revises provisions relating to employee requests for inspections to: (1) eliminate such requests by employee representatives; and (2) make a special inspection discretionary rather than mandatory, while having the Secretary make an inquiry with the employer, upon determination that there are reasonable grounds that the alleged violation or danger exists and that the employer has failed to correct it. Requires that certain inspections be conducted by at least one individual who has technical expertise by training or experience in the industry or types of hazards being inspected. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with other Federal agencies and with States to train inspection personnel of agencies which inspect employers to inspect places of employment to determine if employee fire protection is adequate; and (2) establish a system for referral of fire hazards to the Secretary after notification to the employer, if the employer fails to take corrective actions. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting routine inspections of (or enforcing any OSHA standard, rule, regulation, or order with respect to): (1) any person engaged in a farming operation that does not maintain a temporary labor camp and is employing ten or fewer employees; and (2) any employer of not more than 50 employees that has an occupational injury or a lost work day rate less than the national average. Sets forth certain exceptions from such exemption. (Sec. 7) Adds employer defenses of employee misconduct, or alternative safe methods, or other inconsistent or conflicting requirements. (Sec. 8) Revises OSHA penalties. Eliminates provisions relating to willful and repeated violations. Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to: (1) assess all civil penalties, giving due consideration to their appropriateness with respect to specified factors; and (2) not assess a penalty greater than that proposed by the Secretary. Allows reduction of a civil penalty by the cost to the employer of correcting the violation. Authorizes the Secretary to propose that a special assessment penalty of up to ten times greater be applied in the circumstances of employee fatalities, or an excessive history of serious injuries to employees, caused by violations of certain OSHA standards. Prohibits penalties where no standard or regulation exists. Provides for jurisdiction for prosecution under State and local criminal laws. (Sec. 9) Revises enforcement procedures with respect to Commission review of the Secretary's citations or proposed penalties for employers. Revises judicial review provisions to require upholding, if reasonable, of the Commission's conclusions of law with respect to the construction of OSHA, or regulations, rules, standards, or orders adopted under OSHA. Increases Commission membership from three to five, and quorums from two to three members. Requires at least one Commission member to have expertise or experience in mining. Revises provisions for Commission hearings and records to provide that, if the parties so agree, there shall not be required any formal proceedings, including requests for production of documents or requests for admissions, interrogatories, or depositions. (Sec. 10) Repeals OSHA provisions for: (1) the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), thus abolishing it; (2) NIOSH research and related activities; and (3) NIOSH training and employee education activities. (Sec. 11) Repeals OSHA provisions relating to the already terminated National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws. (Sec. 12) Revises OSHA conditions for approval of State plans. Makes certain conditions inapplicable if the State has adopted alternative performance measures to assure that its program is at least as effective as the Federal program in assuring safe and healthful employment and places of employment. (Sec. 13) Revises procedures for discrimination protection for whistle-blowers under OSHA. (Sec. 14) Provides for OSHA coverage of Federal agencies. (Sec. 15) Repeals provisions for separate occupational safety and health programs for Federal agencies. (Sec. 16) Authorizes employers to establish alcohol and substance abuse testing programs where there is a reasonable probability that any employee's safety or health could be endangered because of use of alcohol or a controlled substance in the workplace. Requires such programs to conform to specified Federal guidelines. Allows employer pre-employment testing for alcohol or substance abuse under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to test employees for use of alcohol or controlled substances during any investigation of a work-related fatality or serious injury. (Sec. 17) Repeals titles I, II, III, and V of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (FMSHA). Transfers the functions, responsibilities, and authorities of: (1) the Mine Safety and Health Administration to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health; and (2) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Deems FMSHA standards to have been promulgated under OSHA. Prohibits the Secretary from enforcing any other standards promulgated prior to the effective date of this Act, with respect to activities, conditions, or processes which were subject to FMSHA. Repeals specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Prohibits requirements of a specified part of CFR from being enforced with respect to any sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, or surface limestone mine. Establishes OSHA requirements for mine safety inspections, enforcement orders, and penalties. Requires the National Mine Health and Safety Academy to be: (1) maintained as an agency of the Department of Labor; and (2) responsible for training of mine safety and health inspectors and technical support personnel, and for any other training programs for mine inspectors, mining personnel, or other personnel designated by the Secretary. (Sec. 18) Revises specified OSHA provisions for recordkeeping, reporting, and statistics. (Sec. 19) Adds definitions of the terms "serious injury" and "industry." (Sec. 20) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress regarding activities under OSHA, including recommendations to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve coordination with other Federal laws; and (2) provide for a means for certification of equipment safety, to be conducted by nongovernmental agencies, unless such agencies with professional or technical personnel or materials and equipment are not available.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Replaces the Department of Commerce (DOC) with the Commerce Programs Resolution Agency (CPRA), which is limited to three years to wind up and terminate the functions and obligations of the DOC before the CPRA itself is abolished. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the most efficient means of abolishing the DOC, and transferring or terminating its functions. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations, liabilities, and related rights owned by DOC under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all DOC grants made under such Act in FY 1995. (Sec. 202) Transfers all export control functions of the DOC under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to the Secretary of State, the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General. Authorizes transfer of a limited number of specified DOC special agents to the Customs Service. Abolishes the Office of Foreign Availability and the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, and provides for the appointment of an Industries Board to advise the Secretary of State. (Sec. 203) Transfers specified national security functions: (1) granted by the Trade Expansion Act to the International Trade Commission (ITC); and (2) granted by the Defense Production Act to the Secretaries of Defense and of the Treasury. Directs the President to appoint committees of industry representatives to advise the National Security Council. (Sec. 204) Transfers to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the functions of the DOC's International Trade Administration, and powers granted by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to make the Secretary of the Treasury chairman and executive officer of the Foreign Trade Zones Board. Renames the United States and Foreign Commercial Service the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service), abolishes specified functions, and transfers it to the USTR. Conveys all export promotion functions of the DOC to the USTR, authorizing the USTR to require private entities to pay for promotion services. Transfers the authority to collect and evaluate information on international investment and trade services to the Secretary of the Treasury. Abolishes the international economic policy analysis functions of the DOC. Terminates the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), and divides CITA's tasks among the USTR, the ITC, the Commercial Service, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Transfers all DOC functions under the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to the ITC. Requires the appointment of industry boards to advise the Secretary of the Treasury and the USTR regarding their new powers. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal authorities for trade adjustment assistance to firms injured by import competition. (Sec. 205) Transfers the Patent and Trademark Office to the Department of Justice, and requires that the activities of that Office be funded solely by fees. (Sec. 206) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Transfers the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the National Science Foundation, and transfers its laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. Eliminates funding for, and requires the sale of assets of, the National Technical Information Service. (Sec. 207) Transfers the Bureau of the Census to the Department of the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such Bureau should: (1) implement the Census Address List Improvement Act of 1994 in a timely fashion; and (2) streamline census questionnaires to promote savings in the collection and tabulation of data. (Sec. 208) Transfers the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Reserve System, requiring the director of that Bureau to report to the Congress on: (1) the availability of private resources capable of handling a portion or all of the Bureau's assigned tasks; and (2) the feasibility of a fee system to defray costs. (Sec. 209) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). (Sec. 210) Transfers specified functions under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. (Sec. 211) Terminates: (1) funding of specified fishery assistance programs; (2) the fisheries trade promotion program; (3) the authority to guarantee obligations for fishing vessels and facilities; (4) future compensation for damage, loss, or destruction of fishing vessels or fishing gear; and (5) funding of specified Federal fishery research projects. Eliminates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and conveys specified functions of both to the National Weather Service. Transfers the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System Data Centers in part to the CPRA to be sold, and in part to the National Weather Service. Terminates certain functions of the National Weather Service, and transfers it to the Department of the Interior. Reallocates specified functions of the National Marine Fisheries Services to the Secretary of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Agriculture. Conveys specified functions of the National Ocean Service to the United States Geological Survey and the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers certain NOAA environmental research laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. (Sec. 212) Abolishes the following DOC agencies and programs: (1) Economic Development Administration; (2) Minority Business Development Administration; (3) United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (4) National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (5) Advanced Technology Program; and (6) Manufacturing Extension Programs. (Sec. 214) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the head of each agency performing a function vested by this Act should, wherever feasible, explore and implement user fees for services provided in the performance of such function, to offset operating costs. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1994 expenditures for the performance of such function.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Directs the President to require the appropriate Federal official to convey to the State of South Carolina, without consideration, the C.S.S. Hunley, a sunken Confederate submarine located in a harbor close to Charleston, South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Organization of Corporation Title II: Business of Corporation Title III: Provisions Relating to Government National Mortgage Association and Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Title IV: FHA Improvements Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation Charter Act - Title I: Organization of Corporation - Establishes the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation (the Corporation) as a tax-exempt, self-supporting, wholly owned Government corporation to promote the single family housing market through expanded opportunities for full mortgage insurance and housing credit. (Sec. 104) Charges the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) with regulatory supervision over the financial safety and soundness of the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to submit an annual budget and business plan to OFHEO. (Sec. 109) Places the Corporation within the purview of the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the Corporation to establish an annual business plan for review by the Congress and the President. (Sec. 112) Directs the Comptroller General to report to the President and the Congress on the impact upon the Corporation of statutory limitations and safety and soundness requirements. (Sec. 113) Authorizes appropriations in an amount each fiscal year equal to the amount of net income from Corporation operations. Title II: Business of Corporation - Limits Corporation authority to provide mortgage insurance or credit enhancement to property that is a one- to four-family dwelling located in the United States. (Sec. 202) Prescribes guidelines for the Corporation to implement a mortgage insurance program under the same statutory limitations applicable to family dwellings carried out by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall transfer to the Corporation all assets and obligations relating to the mortgage insurance program for family dwellings. Sets a termination date for the Secretary's mortgage insurance authority. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) provide full mortgage insurance for family dwellings that is not subject to the National Housing Act strictures; and (2) engage in any other method of enhancing credit for mortgages involving family dwellings. (Sec. 204) Subjects the Corporation to certain limitations on business activity. Title III: Provisions Relating to Government National Mortgage Association and Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight - Amends the National Housing Act to make technical changes reflecting the provisions of this Act. (Sec. 302) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for the supervision and regulation of the Corporation. Vests the OFHEO Director with exclusive supervisory and regulatory authority over the safety and soundness of the Corporation, including a mandate to review any proposed new business activity to determine any potential for undercapitalization. Sets forth the Director's supervisory and enforcement parameters. Title IV: FHA Improvements - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify the mortgage insurance eligibility formula for family dwellings; and (2) prescribe guidelines under which the Secretary may delegate the authority to insure mortgages for family dwellings to a mortgagee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1995
Low-Income School Choice Demonstration Act of 1995 - Establishes a low-income school choice demonstration program to determine the effects on students and schools of providing financial assistance to enable low-income parents to select the public or private schools their children will attend. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to carry out between ten and 20 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the cost of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Sets forth requirements for use of grant funds, authorized projects, award priorities, and applications. (Sec. 8) Requires the amount of an eligible child's education certificate to be determined by the eligible entity, in an amount that provides the recipient with the maximum degree of choice in selecting the choice school the eligible child will attend. Requires an eligible entity to consider certain cost factors in determining such amount. Allows an eligible entity to provide an education certificate to the parent of an eligible child who chooses to attend a school that does not charge tuition or fees in order to pay: (1) the additional reasonable costs of transportation directly attributable to the child's participation in the demonstration project; or (2) the cost of complying with certain special services requirements. Provides for adjustments in certificate amount. Limits the maximum amount of an eligible child's education certificate to the per pupil expenditure for elementary or secondary education (as appropriate) by the local educational agency for the public school to which the child would normally be assigned for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made. Declares that an education certificate, and funds provided under it, shall not be treated as income of the parents for purposes of Federal tax laws or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. (Sec. 9) Requires that eligible child participants in such a demonstration project receive whatever special services to which they would otherwise be entitled under certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Allows any local educational agency participating in such a demonstration project to count eligible children who otherwise would attend the agency's schools in order to receive funds under any program administered by the Secretary. Allows use of information under the National School Lunch Act to determine a child's eligibility to participate in a demonstration project under this Act and, if needed, to rank families by income. (Sec. 10) Requires each eligible entity receiving a grant under this Act to provide timely notice of the demonstration project to parents of eligible children residing in the area to be served. (Sec. 11) Directs the Comptroller General to contract with an evaluating agency for an annual evaluation of the demonstration program, according to specified criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title II: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: State Funding Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Responsibilities Subtitle C: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs Subtitle D: National Programs Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidiation Grant Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Federal Programs Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: Funding Subtitle B: Grants to States Subtitle C: National Programs Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments Consolidated and Reformed Education, Employment, and Retraining Systems Act (CAREERS Act) - Consolidates and revises workforce development and literacy programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure - Provides for the establishment of an infrastructure within the States of a system on which to build a comprehensive system of workforce development and literacy. Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to receive a grant under specified workforce development and literacy programs (WDL) (participant State) to: (1) establish a collaborative process regarding its State system; (2) develop a consolidated State workforce development and literacy plan to be submitted to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor; and (3) otherwise comply with this Act's requirements, including designating a State administrative agent for each grant requiring such an agent under this Act. (Lists the WDL programs as under: (1) the title II Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant; (2) the title III Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant; (3) the title IV Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant; and (4) subtitle A of title V, revising title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.) (Sec. 106) Requires any participant State to ensure establishment of a Local Workforce Development Board in each local workforce development area that it designates. Requires each local board to develop a biennial local strategic plan to be approved by local government officials. (Sec. 108) Requires participant States to ensure that each local board establish or designate a one-stop career center system in its area. Requires establishment of State criteria for such purpose, to be consistent with specified minimum requirements for such center systems. (Sec. 109) Provides for certification of education, training, and vocational rehabilitation service providers as eligible to receive funds under this title, through receipt of vouchers or otherwise, if they are eligible to participate in student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are determined to be eligible under State-established eligibility procedures, and if they provide certain performance-based information. Exempts providers of on-the-job training from such eligibility requirements. Directs the Workforce Development Board to collect such performance-based information from on-the-job training providers as the Governor may require, and to disseminate such information to the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 110) Requires each State to use a portion of the funds it receives under this Act to design a unified management information system that meets specified requirements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to coordinate its provisions with those of this Act. Requires that at least 25 percent of authorized appropriations under such Act be used for the new labor market information program. Eliminates a Federal Advisory Council under such Act. (Sec. 132) Establishes a labor market information program under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to oversee development, maintenance, and continued improvement of a nationwide system of labor market information. Requires such system to be planned, administered, overseen, and evaluated by a cooperative governance structure involving the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare an annual plan, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to be the operational mechanism for achieving a cooperative Federal-State governance structure for labor market information. Title: I: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: State Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified portion of funds under this Act for national programs under subtitle D; and (2) make allotments to States under this Act based on a formula derived from funding allotments under specified provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the Job Training Partnership Act. (Sec. 211) Requires Governors to: (1) make at least 90 percent of such State allotments available to local providers, and to use not more than eight percent for State programs and activities and two percent for administration; and (2) allocate 40 percent of the funds for local providers to eligible institutions for school youth programs, and 40 percent to local workforce development boards for at-risk youth programs, with the remainder to go to either or both of such types of programs. Sets minimum grant amounts for local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and local development boards. Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Requirements - Sets forth title II requirements for State plans to be submitted to the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 222) Requires State programs and activities to include an assessment of programs conducted with title II assistance, including development of: (1) program performance standards and measures; and (2) program improvement and accountability. Lists additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 223) Authorizes States to make performance incentive awards to one or more eligible institutions or local providers that have exceeded performance goals or implemented exemplary workforce development systems at the local level. (Sec. 224) Requires each State receiving title II funds to develop and implement a statewide system of core standards and performance goals and measures, including specified characteristics. Subtitle III: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs - Requires local workforce development boards and eligible institutions to form partnerships and submit comprehensive workforce development plans for in-school and at-risk youth, in order to receive subgrants under this subtitle. (Sec. 232) Directs States to distribute funds for: (1) in-school youth programs to eligible institutions; and (2) at-risk youth programs to local workforce development boards. Chapter 1: In-School Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for eligible institutions' uses of funds for in-school programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. Chapter 2: At-Risk Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for local workforce development boards' uses of funds for at-risk youth programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 246) Requires that the local workforce development board not operate such programs, but contract with eligible providers of (or providers using methodologies with) demonstrated effectiveness in serving the workforce preparation needs of at-risk youth. Subtitle D: National Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Education directly or indirectly to carry out research, development, dissemination, demonstration programs, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities with regard to services under this title, including support for occupational and career information systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to disseminate information resulting from research and development activities under this title. (Sec. 252) Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to conduct an annual assessment of services and activities under this title, through competitive awards for independent studies and analyses. (Sec. 253) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of applied research, development, and dissemination. Provides that the center in existence on the date of enactment of this Act shall continue to receive assistance in accordance with its current award. Requires such centers to prepare annual summaries of key research findings, for submission to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor and specified congressional committees. Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a grant for employment, job training, and related assistance for adults to each State that submits a state workforce development and literacy plan under title I. Sets forth requirements for: (1) allotments to States, based on certain allotments under the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) within- State allocation, with reserved funds for statewide activities, and with mandatory and discretionary activities; (3) additional State plan requirements; (4) required use of funds for provision of core services through one-stop career centers, and permissible uses of funds for specified types of intensive services, education and training services, and additional supportive services and needs-related payments; (4) statewide systems of core standards and performance goals and measures. Subtitle B: Federal Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to use such certain funds to make national discretionary: (1) grants for dislocated workers to specified eligible entities to address major economic dislocations resulting from plant closures, base closures, or mass layoffs; and (2) incentive grants to States as performance incentive awards for having achieved exceptional performance through implementing statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide disaster relief employment assistance to Governors of States with areas that have suffered an emergency or major disaster as defined under specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to use such funds also to carry out specified research, demonstration, capacity-building, technical assistance, and evaluation activities. Authorizes special grants to eligible entities to carry out activities most appropriately administered at the national level. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide grants to States for up to 50 percent of the costs of providing loans to eligible entities for skills upgrading of non- managerial employees. Requires the State to establish: (1) a reserve fund for such loan guarantees with such assistance; and (2) criteria for such loan guarantees. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for specified entities to provide employment, training, and education for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Natives. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to vocational education activities, including support for the United Tribes Technical College and Crowpoint Institute of Technology. Allows recipient entities to consolidate such assistance with that for related programs under the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with specified eligible entities to provide certain types of employment, training, and education assistance for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to education activities. Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve specified amounts annually for: (1) national competitive incentive grants; (2) the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) national leadership and evaluation activities. Provides for an initial allotment, and additional allotments to States according to formulas based on State population and number of qualifying adults. Defines qualifying adult as one who is between ages 16 and 61, beyond age of compulsory school attendance, without a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school. Subtitle B: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary to make an annual grant allotment to a State if it has satisfied requirements under title I and this title and enters an agreement about use of grant funds. (Sec. 422) Requires States to use grant funds to distribute competitive grants to local service providers and provide assistance to the State library administrative agency for specified purposes. Requires local service providers to use their grants from the State to establish or operate one or more programs providing instruction or services within described categories of: (1) adult basic education; (2) adult secondary education; (3) English literacy instruction; and (4) family literacy services. (Sec. 423) Sets forth additional grant requirements, including goals, progress indicators, and performance measures in specified categories. Subtitle C: National Programs - Directs the Secretary of Education to designate up to ten States as meeting the preliminary criterion for receipt of an incentive grant, based on the quality of plans submitted by States for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the State desires such grant. (Sec. 431) Requires such plans to describe a methodology, along with goals and performance measures, by which the State educational agency will collaborate with other state agencies to provide services to raise the education level and improve the employment skills of these target populations: (1) parents who are educationally disadvantaged adults and who have a child less than eight years old; (2) families on public assistance; and (3) adults with more than one barrier to self-sufficiency, such as being unemployed or educationally disadvantaged. Requires the Secretary to make such grants for a fiscal year to those eligible States that are successfully implementing the plan and achieving the plan goals, under an allotment formula based on State population and success in achieving plan goals. (Sec. 432) Establishes a National Institute for Literacy, to be administered according to an interagency agreement of the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services (the Interagency Group), with daily operations to be carried out by an appointed Institute Director. Establishes an Advisory Board to make recommendations on planning Institute goals and on implementing programs to achieve such goals. Sets forth Institute duties, authorized activities, and biennial reporting requirements. Authorizes the Institute to award literacy leadership fellowships, as well as paid and unpaid internships. (Sec. 433) Authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a program of national leadership and evaluation activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, directly or through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant - Chapter 1: Transition Period - Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), to administer the amendment made by chapter 2 in a specified manner during a transition period. Chapter 2: Revision of Title I of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to revise title I, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the RSA, to make RA formula grants to States that submit workforce development and literacy plans that meet requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires States to reserve not more than ten percent of such a grant for carrying out specified responsibilities of State administrative agents, and at least 90 percent for carrying out certain responsibilities of local workforce development boards and one-stop career centers with respect to workforce development areas. (Sec. 105) Sets forth requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; and (3) allotment amounts. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Eliminates RA provisions: (1) (under title III, Training and Demonstration Projects) for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs, construction of the Commissioner's authority and appropriation of excess funds, migratory workers program grants, special recreational programs grants, and supported employment programs and grants; and (2) (under title VI, Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) for community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities, supported employment services for individuals with disabilities, business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and (after a two-year period) projects with industry. Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association - Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments - Repeals: (1) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (2) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (3) the Adult Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991, except certain provisions; (5) the Library Services and Construction Act; (6) the library media resources program under the Technology for Education Act of 1994; (7) the Job Training Partnership Act, except provisions for the Job Corps and its authorization of appropriations; (8) provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act relating to State literacy initiatives for adult education for the homeless and to job training for the homeless (except homeless veterans' reintegration projects); (9) various provisions under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (including ones relating to articulation agreements, access and equity to education through telecommunications, academic libraries and information services, national early intervention scholarships, presidential access scholarships, model program community partnerships and counseling grants, database and information line on student financial assistance, technical assistance for teachers and counselors, State student incentive grants, special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork, special child care services for disadvantaged college students, loan forgiveness for teachers and nurses and individuals performing national community service, training in financial aid services, State postsecondary review entity programs, State and local programs for teacher excellence, national teacher academies, Douglas teacher scholarships, the Teacher Corps, class size demonstration grants, middle school teaching demonstration programs, new teaching careers, national mini corps programs, demonstration grants for critical language and area studies, foreign languages and cultures instructional materials development, small State teaching initiatives, faculty development grants, early childhood staff training and professional enhancement, intensive summer language institutes, foreign language periodicals, academic and library facilities, cooperative education programs, women and minority participation in graduate education, Harris fellowships, Javits fellowships, faculty development fellowships, legal training for the disadvantaged, law school clinical programs, special projects in areas of national need, science and engineering access programs, women and minorities science and engineering outreach demonstration programs, Eisenhower leadership programs, and community service programs); (10) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1986 relating to a National Academy of Science study and to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian culture and art development; (11) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1992 relating to American Indian postsecondary economic development scholarships, American Indian teacher training, a national survey of factors associated with participation, a study of environmental hazards in higher education institutions, a national job bank for teacher recruitment, a national clearinghouse for postsecondary education materials, school-based decisionmakers, sexual offenses education, Olympic scholarships, and advanced placement fee payment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide that a Member of Congress after he or she has completed 12 years of service in the Congress shall not: (1) have retirement deductions made from any pay or service performed as a Member; (2) have Government contributions made on his or her behalf; or (3) have any service performed as a Member taken into account for purposes of computing retirement pay (except in the case of a disability annuity). Provides that only service performed after the 103d Congress shall be taken into account with respect to the 12-year service requirement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Sets forth the congressional budget for FY 1996, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 1997 through 2002. Sets forth recommended budgetary levels for Federal revenues, total new budget authority, total budget outlays, budget deficits, public debt, and Federal credit activity. (Sec. 3) Sets forth for each major functional category the appropriate levels of new budget authority, budget outlays, new direct loan obligations, new primary loan guarantee commitments, and new secondary loan guarantee commitments for FY 1996 through 2002. (Sec. 4) Requires House committees to submit their recommendations on the budget to the House Budget Committee which shall then report a reconciliation measure to the House of Representatives which shall carry out such recommendations without substantive revisions. (Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that legislation should be enacted that: (1) prohibits surplus social security payroll taxes from being used to balance the budget or reduce the deficit; (2) sets aside such surplus funds to protect and preserve the social security system; (3) establishes a bipartisan commission to oversee the protection of these funds; and (4) provides that social security funds that are now part of the public debt be repaid. (Sec. 6) Declares that Congress should enact a plan that balances the budget and pays off the public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Act of 1995 - Establishes: (1) the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor in the State of South Carolina; and (2) the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Commission to assist Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in developing and implementing an integrated management action plan for the Corridor. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Giving Incentive and Volunteer Empowerment (GIVE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase (to a specified percentage above the regularly allowed amount) the tax deduction for charitable contributions by allowing a taxpayer to elect to treat a contribution made not later than the tax return filing date for the taxable year as made on the last day of such taxable year. Allows individuals who do not itemize deductions a charitable contribution deduction to the extent the amount claimed exceeds $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return). Excepts charitable contribution deductions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalty imposed upon a person who escapes from the custody of a Federal institution or officer to up to ten years' imprisonment (currently, up to five years).
![Official portrait of Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/29c09ee2f48f20442f562980da6579ba_200.jpg)