Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce funding for the nutrition education and training program for FY 1997 and each succeeding fiscal year. Reduces funding, for FY 1997, for the: (1) emergency food assistance program; and (2) school meals initiative for healthy children.

Bill· SS. 2154 (104th)referred

Pharmaceutical Equity Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996

Pharmaceutical Equity Act of 1996 - Extends for a two-year period the term of any patent in force on September 24, 1984, and on this Act's effective date, that claims a drug product or a method of using or manufacturing it from the product's expiration date if: (1) an exemption became effective for the drug product before September 24, 1984; (2) the regulatory review period for such product exceeded 120 months or 60 months, as appropriate. Provides that during such extensions, the rights in the extended patents shall be the same as those that existed before their expirations, thereby guarding against patent infringements during the extensions. Requires: (1) the patentee to notify the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks of such patent extended number; and (2) the Commissioner to confirm the patent extension by placing a notice thereof in the official file of the patent and to publish an appropriate notice in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark Office.

Bill· SS. 2136 (104th)referred

Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996

Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths. Prescribes conditions for payment of such surcharges, including a proscription against Foundation compensation to any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or influence legislative action of the Congress relating to the coins minted and issued under this Act.

Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 64 (104th)enacted

A joint resolution to commend Operation Sail for its advancement of brotherhood among nations, its continuing commemoration of the history of the United States, and its nurturing of young cadets through training in seamanship.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Commends Operation Sail and encourages its continuation into the next millennium. Encourages all individuals to join in the celebration of the 224th birthday of the United States of America and the international camaraderie that Operation Sail and the International Naval Review will foster.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 298 (104th)passed

A resolution designating room S. 131 in the Capitol as the Mark O. Hatfield Room.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Designates room S. 131 in the U.S. Capitol Building as the Mark O. Hatfield Room.

Bill· SS. 2103 (104th)referred

Boat Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1996

Boat Protection Act of 1996 - Sets forth copyright provisions regarding the protection of vessel hull designs. Defines: (1) "plug" as a device or model used to make a mold for the purpose of exact duplication, regardless of whether the device or model has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; (2) "mold" as a matrix or form in which a substance for material is used, regardless of whether the matrix or form has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; and (3) "commercially exploit" for purposes of this Act as the sale or offer for sale of a plug or mold after it is fixed in a vessel hull or otherwise distributed to the public for profit vessel hulls. Extends protection to an original plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull, if: (1) the owner of the plug or mold is a national or domiciliary of the United States or of a foreign nation which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date on which the plug or mold is registered or first commercially exploited, whichever occurs first; (2) the plug or mold is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the plug or mold comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign nationals, domiciliaries, or sovereign authorities. Vests exclusive rights in such plugs or molds in the owner who may transfer (in whole or in part) or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the protection term for plugs or molds at ten years from date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Grants the owner of a plug or mold the exclusive rights to: (1) reproduce the plug or mold; (2) import or distribute a vessel hull in which it is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Provides that it is not an infringement of the owner's exclusive rights: (1) to reproduce a plug or mold for purposes of teaching, analyzing, or evaluating concepts, techniques, design, or organization of components in it; or (2) to sell or otherwise dispose of a vessel hull lawfully made under this Act (without the authority of the owner of the plug or mold). Limits the liability of an innocent purchaser of an infringing vessel hull. Terminates protection of plugs or molds for which an application for registration of a claim of protection is not made within two years of first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative responsibilities of the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of a plug or mold to place on it a specified notice of protection, which is not a condition of protection but shall constitute prima facie evidence of notice of protection. Entitles the owner of a plug or mold whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such plug or mold has been refused to institute a civil action. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import a vessel hull in which the plug or mold is embodied. Permits the impoundment and seizure of vessel hulls imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, the award of an infringer's profits to the owner, impoundment orders, and the award of statutory damages instead of actual damages or profits in an amount not to exceed $250,000, under specified conditions. Makes copyright protection available to any plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull that was first commercially exploited between January 1, 1996, and January 1, 1997, if such claim is registered before January 1, 1998.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 61 (104th)open

A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1996

Interstate Compact - States that the Congress consents to the Emergency Mangement Assistance Compact entered into by Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Bill· SS. 2059 (104th)referred

Non-Monetary Default and Unexpired Lease in Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1996

Non-Monetary Default and Unexpired Lease in Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1996 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to declare that the trustee in bankruptcy may assume a debtor's executory contract or an unexpired lease of personal property without satisfying any penalty rate or penalty provision relating to a default arising from the debtor's failure to perform nonmonetary obligations under the contract or lease.

Bill· SS. 2016 (104th)referred

NAFTA Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

NAFTA Accountability Act - Withdraws approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as of October 1, 1997, unless specified conditions are met. Sets forth conditions for continuing U.S. participation in NAFTA, which must be met before the end of 1996. Requires the President to renegotiate the terms of NAFTA to correct trade deficits, currency distortions, and agricultural provisions in specified ways. Requires certifications by certain U.S. officials with respect to NAFTA, relating to: (1) gains in U.S. jobs and living standards (by the Secretary of Labor); (2) increased U.S. domestic manufacturing (by the Secretary of Commerce); (3) health and environmental standards, with respect to food imports and to U.S.-Mexico border areas (by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency); (4) compliance by Mexican commercial trucks and buses with U.S. transportation safety standards before crossing the U.S. border (by the Secretary of Transportation); (5) flow of illegal drugs from Mexico and Canada (by the Attorney General); and (6) Mexican democracy and human freedoms (by the President). Directs the President to consult regularly with the Congress regarding such negotiations. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with appropriate congressional committees in developing technical and conforming amendments that may be required to carry out this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that until the conditions set by this Act are met: (1) the President should not engage in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries; and (2) fast-track authority should not be renewed with respect to the approval of any such NAFTA expansion.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 286 (104th)referred

A resolution to commend Operation Sail for its advancement of brotherhood among nations, its continuing commemoration of the history of the United States, and its nurturing of young cadets through training in seamanship.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 282 (104th)passed

A resolution to designate October 10, 1996, as the "Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence".

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1996

Designates October 10, 1996, as the Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence.

Bill· SS. 1978 (104th)open

End the Trade Deficit Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1996

End the Trade Deficit Act - Establishes the Emergency Commission To End the Trade Deficit, whose purpose is to develop: (1) a trade policy plan to eliminate the U.S. trade deficit by the year 2006; and (2) a competitive trade policy for the 21st century. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 1954 (104th)open

Omnibus Property Rights Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Findings and Purposes Title II: Property Rights Litigation Relief Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution Title IV: Private Property Taking Impact Analysis Title V: Private Property Owners Administrative Bill of Rights Title VI: Miscellaneous Omnibus Property Rights Act of 1996 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth findings and purposes for this Act. Title II: Property Rights Litigation Relief - Prohibits Federal and State agencies from taking private property except for public use and with just compensation to the owner. Sets forth the circumstances in which compensation is required. Prohibits filing claims against a State agency for carrying out a regulatory program mandated by Federal law, delegated under a Federal program, or funded by Federal funds in connection with a State regulatory program. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Provides for settlement or arbitration, on consent of both parties, of property rights disputes. Declares that title 9 of the U.S. Code (relating to arbitration) shall apply to enforcement of awards rendered under this title. Title IV: Private Property Taking Impact Analysis - Requires that Federal agency actions likely to result in the taking of private property be preceded by a written impact analysis available to the public. Title V: Private Property Owners Administrative Bill of Rights - Directs Federal agency heads enforcing the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) comply with State and tribal laws; (2) act in the manner least intrusive to private property rights; (3) implement rules and regulations to ensure the protection of those rights; (4) refrain from entering private property to acquire information without the written consent of and notice to the owner; and (5) refrain from using data collected on privately owned property to implement or enforce such Acts without providing the property owner with access to and the opportunity to dispute the data. (Sec. 506) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish property owner appeal rights. (Sec. 508) Requires agency heads to provide owners of private property adversely affected by agency action with the option to: (1) sell the property to the agency for fair market value without use restrictions; (2) receive compensation for any resulting decrease in the property's fair market value; or (3) enter into arbitration. Requires that payment under this title, at the property owner's election, be provided for in accordance with the standard specified under title II of this Act, or in the amount equal to the fair market value of the property before the date of the final agency action with respect to which the property or interest is acquired. (Sec. 509) Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require notice to all private property owners or lessees of property subject to the Act of any new management agreement with a non-Federal person that establishes restrictions on property use, providing each of them the opportunity to participate in the agreement. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Sets forth severability provisions and the effective date of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1951 (104th)referred

Customs Enforcement and Market Access Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996

Customs Enforcement and Market Access Act of 1996 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), whenever the United States negotiates a protocol for accession of a country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to negotiate for inclusion in that protocol: (1) provisions for effective market access to that country's domestic markets for U.S. textile and apparel products; and (2) provisions allowing the suspension or revocation of paragraph 14 (relating to increasing import levels based on growth rates) of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, if the country has failed to enforce such market access provisions. Requires negotiation of bilateral agreements containing similar provisions with countries that are not WTO members. (Sec. 3) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to identify annually, report to the Congress, and publish in the Federal Register the names of priority foreign countries that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons producing or selling textile or apparel products. (Sec. 4) Establishes in the Treasury a Textile Global Competitiveness Research Fund, consisting in part of fines levied under this Act, and whose amounts shall be available: (1) for programs aimed at enhancing the international competitiveness of the United States textile and apparel manufacturers; and (2) to the Customs Service for the enforcement of laws governing trade in textile and apparel goods. (Sec. 5) Directs the USTR to take necessary steps to negotiate a quota agreement with any non-WTO country whose exports to the United States exceed $100 million annually, or are creating serious damage or the actual threat of it to the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Specifies: (1) a quota formula for new textile agreements with non-WTO countries which already have a textile agreement with the United States; and (2) provisions for inclusion in the accession protocol of countries acceding to the WTO. (Sec. 6) Requires the USTR to ensure that any protocol under negotiation for accession to the WTO of a non-WTO country with a textile import bilateral agreement with the United States, as well as any subsequent agreement, provides for a reduction in the quantity of that country's textile and apparel goods that may be imported into the United States if the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determines that the bilateral agreement is being circumvented and that inadequate or no measures are being taken by that country to take action against such circumvention. (Sec. 7) Prescribes specified Customs Service enforcement actions and penalties (including fines, seizure, and forfeiture) for violations of customs laws involving textile and apparel goods. (Sec. 10) Directs the Commissioner of Customs to establish a Division on Textile Enforcement. (Sec. 11) Requires withdrawal of preferential tariff or quota treatment (unilateral trade concessions) from the textile and apparel goods of any country: (1) demonstrating a consistent pattern of circumventing textile agreements with United States; (2) refusing to cooperate in investigations; (3) failing to provide adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights with respect to textile and apparel goods; or (4) failing to provide fair and equitable market access for U.S. textile and apparel goods.

Bill· SS. 1949 (104th)referred

Cattle Industry Improvement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996

Cattle Industry Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to advance the Fund for Rural America's initial funding date. (Sec. 3) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit noncompetitive practices relating to the price or terms of sale of livestock or meat and meat by-products. (Sec. 4) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to set forth domestic market reporting requirements for certain persons in the slaughter business. Defines "captive supply." (Sec. 5) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 with regard to livestock and meat food products reporting requirements. (Sec. 6) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit retaliation by packers against livestock producers. Provides damages for producers suffering such retaliation. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an interagency working group to review whether Federal lending practices are contributing to market concentration in the livestock and dairy sectors. (Sec. 8) Directs the President to prepare a consolidation plan for the U.S. food inspection system. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require a labeling system for U.S.-produced meat and meat food products. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to collect and publicize information on bulk cheese spot transactions.

Bill· SS. 1902 (104th)referred

National Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996

National Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Act of 1996 - Establishes the National Senior Citizen Hall of Fame to bestow honor and recognition upon deserving citizens for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and contributions to the lives of older Americans. Authorizes appropriations.

Law· SS. 1887 (104th)enacted

Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Amendments Title II: Judicial Process Improvements Title III: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections Title IV: Judicial Financial Administration Title V: Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations Title VI: Miscellaneous Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I: Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize probation and pretrial services officers, if approved by the district court, to carry firearms under such rules as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may prescribe. (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal judicial code to make the Federal Tort Claims Act inapplicable to certain claims arising from malpractice or negligence of a Federal Public Defender organization in furnishing representational services. Title II: Judicial Process Improvements - Amends the Federal judicial code to expand the duties of a magistrate on an emergency assignment. (Sec. 202) Authorizes: (1) only a person charged with a misdemeanor that is not a petty offense to elect to be tried before a judge of the district court for the district in which the offense was committed; and (2) the magistrate judge, in a petty offense case involving a juvenile, to exercise powers granted to the district court. Prohibits a magistrate judge from proceeding to try a case unless specified conditions are met. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions authorizing: (1) civil actions, not of a local nature, against defendants residing in different districts in the same State to be brought in any of such districts; and (2) payment of compensation of a deceased Supreme Court clerk to his personal representatives until his successor is appointed and qualifies. (Sec. 204) Specifies that a judgment in an action for the recovery of money or property entered in any court of appeals, bankruptcy court, or in the Court of International Trade, as well as any district court, may be registered by filing a certified copy of the judgment, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 205) Provides that when: (1) the office of clerk of court is vacant, the deputy clerks shall perform the duties of the clerk in the name of the last person who held that office; and (2) the clerk is incapacitated, absent, or otherwise unavailable to perform official duties, the deputy clerks shall perform such duties. (Sec. 206) Increases the threshold amount in controversy (from $50,000 to $75,000) to qualify for diversity of citizenship jurisdiction. (Sec. 207) Provides that, until specified amendments made by the Bankruptcy Judges, United States Trustees, and Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 become effective in a judicial district and apply to a case, a bankruptcy administrator appointed to serve in the district shall appoint the trustees, examiners, and standing trustees. (Sec. 208) Modifies the Federal judicial code to: (1) authorize the removal of a civil action or criminal prosecution commenced in State court against the United States or any agency or officer thereof, sued in an official or individual capacity for any act under color of such office; and (2) repeal a provision authorizing the parties to consent to appeals of decisions by magistrate judges in civil cases to a judge of the district court in the same manner as on an appeal from a judgment of the district court to a court of appeals. (Sec. 210) Requires each judicial council, by January 31 of each year, to submit a report to the Administrative Office on orders entered during the preceding calendar year relating to judicial misconduct or disability. Title III: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize retroactive credit for resumption of a significant workload by a judge under specified circumstances and aggregation by a justice or judge for partial years worked. (Sec. 302) Revises provisions regarding: (1) the refund of contribution for deceased deferred annuitants under the judicial survivors' annuities system; (2) creditable service for judicial administrative officials' retirement; and (3) the contribution rate for senior judges under the judicial survivors' annuities system. (Sec. 304) Amends the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 to provide that when filling vacancies: (1) the court of appeals may consider reappointing incumbent bankruptcy judges; and (2) all incumbent nominees seeking reappointment may be considered for such a reappointment pursuant to a majority vote of the judges of the appointing court of appeals, under specified procedures. (Sec. 305) Authorizes a judicial officer of the United States to carry firearms under regulations promulgated by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Grants immunity to any such officer from civil liability when possessing or using a firearm, for the purpose of self-defense, under the authority of this section and in accordance with Judicial Conference regulation. (Sec. 307) Deems a court reporter to be a full-time employee during any pay period for which the reporter receives a salary at the annual salary rate fixed for a full-time reporter. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the presiding judicial officer to appoint a certified or otherwise qualified sign language interpreter to provide services to a participant in a judicial proceeding upon determining that such participant suffers from a hearing impairment. Title IV: Judicial Financial Administration - Amends the Federal judicial code to increase the civil action filing fee in U.S. district court from $120 to $150. Modifies the allocation of filing fees to the special fund of the Treasury. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office to: (1) prescribe a uniform fee for applicants to take examinations for the selection of qualified interpreters, taking into consideration the fees charged by other organizations for examinations that are similar in scope or nature; and (2) include in any contract for the development or administration of such examinations a provision permitting the contractor to collect and retain fees in payment for contractual services. (Sec. 403) Directs the Judicial Conference to periodically prescribe the fees and costs to be charged and collected by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. (Sec. 404) Sets forth provisions regarding the disposition of attorney admission fees and bankruptcy complaint filing fees. Title V: Federal Courts Study Committee Recommendations - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise bankruptcy provisions to allow a bankruptcy judge to hear a proceeding that is not a core proceeding but that is otherwise related to a case under title 11, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 502) Requires the chief judge of the Court of International Trade to be the judge of the court in regular active service who is senior in commission of those judges who: (1) are age 64 or younger; (2) have served for one year or more as a judge of the court; and (3) have not served previously as chief judge. Sets forth provisions regarding the precedence of judges in acting as chief judge. (Sec. 503) Repeals a provision prohibiting the obligation or expenditure of funds to increase the salary of any Federal judge or U.S. Supreme Court justice, except as specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Modifies the Federal judicial code to authorize a member of: (1) the Judicial Conference to be a district judge retired from regular active service; and (2) the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to be a circuit or district judge retired from regular active service. (Sec. 602) Makes technical amendments relating to: (1) the Director and Deputy Director of the Administrative Office as Federal officers; (2) the filing of notice of removal of a criminal proceeding from a State court; and (3) Federal Judicial Center retirement provisions. (Sec. 605) Modifies the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to abolish the judicial panel established under such Act. Transfers such panel's jurisdiction and future rail reorganization proceedings to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. (Sec. 606) Revises the Federal judicial code regarding: (1) the place of holding court in the District Court of Utah; and (2) an exception to the residency requirement for district judges appointed to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. (Sec. 608) Extends by: (1) six months the due date of reports under the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 on demonstration and pilot programs; and (2) one year the authorization of appropriations for the use of arbitration by district courts under the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act.

Bill· SS. 1890 (104th)open

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the property is damaged because of its racial or ethnic character; and (2) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the property is damaged because of its religious character; (2) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (3) the loss exceeds $10,000.) Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, religious, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property. Increases penalties for violations of such provisions where bodily injury results or where such acts include the use, or attempted or threatened use, of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire. Includes within the definition of "religious property" fixtures or religious objects contained within a place of religious worship. Sets a seven-year statute of limitation for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of a person for any noncapital offense under such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use up to $5 million of the credit subsidy provided under the General and Special Risk Insurance Fund for guaranteed loans to financial institutions in connection with loans made to assist certain tax exempt religious or other organizations that have been damaged by arson or terrorism. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, including the Community Relations Service, to increase personnel to investigate, prevent, and respond to potential violations of this Act and Federal explosives prohibitions. Reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Commends those individuals and entities that have responded with funds to assist in the rebuilding of places of worship that have been victimized by arson. Encourages the private sector to continue such efforts.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 258 (104th)passed

A resolution to designate the balcony adjacent to rooms S-230 and S-231 of the United States Capitol Building as the "Robert J. Dole Balcony".

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996

Designates the balcony adjacent to rooms S-230 and S-231 of the U.S. Capitol Building as the Robert J. Dole Balcony.

Bill· SS. 1853 (104th)referred

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1996

Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $5,000. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $10,000.)

Bill· SS. 1850 (104th)referred

Millennium Society Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Coins Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1996 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Society to allow contributors and suppliers of goods and services to use the Society's trade name, trademarks, symbols, insignia, emblems, seals, descriptive or designating marks, and slogans in advertising under specified conditions. Subjects to a civil action by the Society for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the Society's consent, uses its trademark, symbol, insignia, emblem, seal, descriptive or designating mark, or slogan: (1) for the purposes of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; (3) or to promote any theatrical exhibition, performance, or competition. Exempts persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act. Allows the individuals to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the events of the second millennium and the advent of the third. (Sec. 204) Provides for the issuance of such coins beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on January 1, 2001. (Sec. 207) Requires all surcharges received from coin sales to be promptly paid to the Society, under specified conditions, to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Millennium Scholars Program. Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the U.S. Postal Service to cooperate with the Secretary and the Society in the: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.

Bill· SS. 1838 (104th)referred

First Flight Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996

First Flight Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue, between certain dates, up to specified numbers of the following coins emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903: (1) ten-dollar gold coins; (2) one-dollar silver coins; and (3) half-dollar clad coins. Requires the Secretary to select the coin design after consultation with the Board of Directors of the First Flight Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts, subject to review by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Mandates prompt payment of all coin sales surcharges to the First Flight Foundation for the: (1) Wright Brothers Monument; and (2) facilities at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park.

Bill· SS. 1828 (104th)open

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation with appropriate endorsement for employment in the coastwise trade for the vessel TOP GUN, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation for a named vessel for employment in the coastwise trade.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 257 (104th)passed

A resolution to designate June 15, 1996, as "National Race for the Cure Day."

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996

Designates June 15, 1996, as National Race for the Cure Day.

Bill· SS. 1721 (104th)referred

State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1996

State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 1996 - Amends the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 to authorize appropriations through FY 2000. Requires meetings of the executive committee of the Institute's Board of Directors to be open meetings only on those occasions on which the committee has been delegated the authority to act on behalf of the Board. Repeals reporting requirements of the Attorney General with respect to the effectiveness of the Institute.

Bill· SS. 1714 (104th)referred

Utility Consumer Service Improvement and Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1996

Utility Consumer Service Improvement and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to exempt a utility service vehicle driver from motor carrier safety regulations regarding: (1) maximum driving and on-duty times applicable to commercial motor vehicle operators; (2) installation of automatic recording devices associated with such times; and (3) physical testing, reporting, or recordkeeping. Prohibits construction of such exemption to exempt such drivers from mechanical safety or licensing requirements.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 251 (104th)passed

A resolution to commemorate and acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996

Designates May 15, 1996, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Bill· SS. 1690 (104th)referred

A bill to provide a grace period for the prohibition on Consolidated Farm Service Agency lending to delinquent borrowers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide a specified grace period for the prohibition on lending to delinquent borrowers.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 249 (104th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1996

Provides for observation of a moment of silence at 9:02 a.m. central daylight time on April 19, 1996, in remembrance of the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Commends the people of Oklahoma and the aid provided by rescuers, Federal agencies, countless volunteers, and Federal employees. Reaffirms trust in our system of justice to ensure that the perpetrators are convicted and punished.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 243 (104th)passed

A resolution to designate the week of May 5, 1996, as "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week".

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996

Designates the week of May 5, 1996, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 241 (104th)passed

A resolution in tribute to Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown and other Americans who lost their lives on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996

Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.

Bill· SS. 1646 (104th)open

Propane Education and Research Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996

Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States. Authorizes the Council to levy annual assessments on odorized propane, according to prescribed guidelines, to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, annual analyses of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on whether: (1) operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 46 (104th)referred

A concurrent resolution to express Congress' admiration of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his contribution to the special relationship between the United States and Israel, and to express the sense of the Congress that the American Promenade in Israel be named in his memory.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996

Expresses: (1) admiration of the legacy of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his contribution to the special relationship between the United States and Israel; and (2) the sense of the Congress that the American Promenade in Israel be named in memory of him.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 226 (104th)passed

A resolution to proclaim the week of October 13 through October 19, 1996, as "National Character Counts Week".

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1996

Designates October 13 through 19, 1996, as National Character Counts Week.

Bill· SS. 1559 (104th)referred

Bankruptcy Technical Corrections Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1996

Bankruptcy Technical Corrections Act of 1996 - Makes technical corrections to Federal bankruptcy law, and redefines single asset real estate to exclude family farms and remove the $4 million ceiling on the amount of noncontingent, liquidated secured debts on such property. Requires triennial adjustment of the $5000 minimum threshold value of certain implements, professional books, tools of the trade, farm animals, and crops with respect to which a debtor in certain States may not avoid the fixing of a nonpossessory, nonpurchase-money security interest lien. Allows a bankruptcy court to award reasonable compensation to a debtor's attorney. Repeals the disallowance of certain benefit entitlements as property a debtor may exempt from the property of his or her estate if applicable State law does not specifically authorize their allowance. Allows an exemption for such entitlements but only to the extent that applicable State law does not specifically authorize them. Repeals a similar exemption disallowance for the right to receive payments under a stock bonus, pension, profitsharing, annuity, or similar plan which meet certain disqualifying criteria. Allows, instead, an exemption for such rights but only to the extent that such criteria (no longer disqualifying) are met. Repeals a provision for temporary continuation on the Bankruptcy Review Commission of certain members who have been or become employees or officers of a government.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 219 (104th)passed

A resolution designating March 25, 1996 as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy".

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Designates March 25, 1996, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.