United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
Medicare Consumer Protection Act of 1995 - Revises title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to modify the prohibition against selling or issuing a health insurance policy to an individual entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B with the knowledge that such policy duplicates health benefits to which the individual is otherwise entitled under such title or title XIX (Medicaid). Exempts Medicare supplemental policies from such prohibition. Requires the duplication to be substantial before the prohibition applies. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to: (1) a health insurance policy providing for benefits payable to or on behalf of an individual without regard to other health benefit coverage of such individual; or (2) a health insurance policy, or a rider to an insurance contract which is not a health insurance policy, providing benefits only for long-term, nursing home, home health, or community-based care, or any combination thereof, that prevents duplication by coordinating against or excluding items and services available or paid for under medicare, and such coordination or exclusion is disclosed in the policy's outline of coverage. Modifies the prohibition against selling or issuing a Medicare supplemental policy to an individual entitled to benefits with the knowledge that such policy duplicates health benefits to which the individual is entitled under another Medicare supplemental policy. Declares that a seller (who is not the issuer) of such a policy shall not be considered to have violated this prohibition if the policy is sold in compliance with specified requirements and the statement indicates on its face that the sale will not duplicate health benefits to which the individual is otherwise entitled under another Medicare supplemental policy. Repeals: (1) the exemption from such prohibition of certain group policies or plans sold or issued to employees or former employees or members or former members of labor organizations; and (2) specified disclosure requirements with respect to duplication of benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limitations on legal actions including causes of action that arose before specified dates; and (2) exclusivity of remedies available with respect to this Act's non-duplication requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
American Family Tax Relief Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $500 for each dependent child under 18 years old. Mandates increases for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1995
Accounting Standardization Act of 1995 - Directs the President, beginning with FY 1997, to require the heads of agencies to implement and maintain a uniform Federal accounting system established in accordance with this Act and other applicable law. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Comptroller General to agree on proposed Federal accounting standards and interpretations recommended by the Federal Account Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 10, 1990, between the Department of the Treasury, OMB, and the General Accounting Office (GAO); and (2) the Comptroller General and the Director to publish such standards. Mandates that the Federal accounting system satisfy existing and future Federal accounting standards as recommended by the FASAB and approved by the Department of the Treasury, OMB, and GAO. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) interim principles; (2) authority to modify or amend a standard; and (3) consistency of such system with the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger and with Federal management systems requirements. Authorizes: (1) the FASAB to recommend to the Secretary, Director, and Comptroller General the application of Federal accounting standards and Federal financial management systems requirements to specified corporations, agencies, or instrumentalities, or a federally chartered corporation or instrumentality (such entities); and (2) the Secretary, Director, and Comptroller General, upon FASAB recommendation, to require such entities to comply with all or part of such a standard or requirement. Requires each Federal agency to implement and maintain a uniform Federal accounting system in accordance with the requirements, and giving priority in funding and sufficient resources to implementation, of this Act. Permits each Federal agency to implement this Act by utilizing the assistance of private sector firms to develop basic systems, subject to the requirements specified in this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) audit compliance reporting; (2) penalties for violations; (3) enforcement; and (4) anti-deficiency violation penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs Title III: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates Subtitle B: Grant Programs Subtitle C: Other Amendments Subtitle D: Reauthorization Title V: Noncitizens Title VI: Child Care Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth Subtitle D: Transition Provisions Subtitle E: National Activities Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act Title IX: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title X: Reform of Public Housing Work Opportunity Act of 1995 - Title I: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance For Needy Families - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs under parts A and F of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a program of block grants to the States for temporary assistance for needy families with minor children (TEA program). Gives such program the stated purpose of increasing State flexibility in operating a program with mandatory work and education requirements (as well as certain penalties against adult family members on TEA assistance who refuse to work) as well as adult- supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents designe: o: (1) provide certain time-limited assistance to needy families with minor children that enter into a personal responsibility contract with the State, with certain exceptions involving minor children and hardship situations; (2) provide job preparation and opportunities for such families, including opportunities to participate in State-approved job placement agency services; and (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Denies TEA assistance for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) each State operating a TEA program is encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and adults in single-parent families that include older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in work activities; and (2) prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are very important Government interests and the policy contained in the provisions of this title is intended to address the crisis. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Federal Loan Fund for State Welfare Programs for loans to any loan-eligible State for conducting welfare anti-fraud and other specified activities. Outlines program audit and data collection and reporting as well as certain study requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research, evaluations, and national studies with regard to programs funded under this title. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation as necessary to obtain such information as will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this title and other appropriate low-income families. Addresses the treatment of existing State AFDC waivers in effect or approved by the Secretary as of October 1, 1995. Provides for the treatment of Indian tribes with regard to grant amounts and other specified program matters affecting Indians. Makes the Assistant Secretary for Family Support within HHS the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) programs. (Sec. 102) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified by this Act. (Sec. 103) Prohibits financial assistance provided under such programs from being expended for any sectarian purpose or activity, including sectarian worship or instruction. (Sec. 104) Provides for continued application of current AFDC standards under the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX. (Sec. 105) Specifies reductions in HHS personnel the Secretary must make with regard to positions relating to an activity previously authorized under the former AFDC and JOBS programs. (Sec. 107) Makes conforming amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) revise representative payee requirements; (3) provide for limited eligibility of certain noncitizens for SSI benefits; (4) deny SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; (5) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; and (6) provide for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is receiving SSI benefits based on a disability as of the date of the enactment of this Act and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of the above amendments. (Sec. 212) Provides that not less frequently than once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained 18 years of age and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, which is unlikely to improve, at the option of the Commissioner). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, of the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to eligible individuals and their spouses. Subtitle C: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to report annually to the President and the Congress regarding the SSI program. (Sec. 222) Requires the Commissioner to issue a request for comments in the Federal Register regarding improvements to the disability evaluation and determination procedures for individuals under age 18 to ensure the comprehensive assessment of such individuals. Directs the Commissioner to review such comments and issue any regulations implementing any necessary changes not later than 18 months after this Act is enacted. (Sec. 223) Requires the Commissioner to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences, or other independent entity, to study the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for reports to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 224) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact of the amendments made by, and the provisions of, this title on the SSI program. Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and carry out a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities, including the programs under SSA titles II and XVI, with resulting recommendations for appropriate action submitted to the President and the Congress. Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Title III: Food Stamp Program - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for certain households. (Sec. 303) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 304) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 305) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 307) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 309) Revises household income deduction provisions regard: : (1) standard deductions; (2) earned income; (3) dependent care; (4) child support payments; (5) homeless shelter assistance; (6) excess medical expenses; and (7) excess shelter expenses. (Sec. 310) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases. (Sec. 311) Revises the scope of sponsor-attributed income and resources regarding alien program eligibility. (Sec. 312) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 315) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 316) Requires at State option: (1) cooperation with child support agencies in order to maintain program eligibility; and (2) program disqualification for child support arrears. (Sec. 318) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 319) Defines "work program." (Sec. 320) Exempts electronic transfers of program benefits from specified disclosure, protection, and remedy provisions. (Sec. 321) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 323) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 324) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 325) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 327) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 328) Provides for the exchange of information with Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service, under specified circumstances. (Sec. 329) Revises expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 330) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sc. 331) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than the system used in part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 130) Directs program overissuances to be collected by: (1) allotment reduction; (2) unemployment compensation withholding; or (3) Federal pay or Federal income tax refund recovery. (Sec. 333) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program informational activities. (Sec. 335) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 336) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 339) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 340) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) program operations; and (2) Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 342) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth Program provisions. (Sec. 343) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking - Amends the Act to expand the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 352) Increases penalties for specified food stamp program (program) violations. (Sec. 353) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specific time periods for: (1) retain food stores and wholesale food concerns (stores) to apply for program participation; and (2) prohibition of program participation based on lack of business integrity. (Sec 355) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 356) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 358) Authorizes suspension of a store pending administrative and judicial review. (States that the Secretary shall not be liable for lost sales during such period.) (Sec. 359) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 360) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 361) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to terminate the additional lunch payment for schools with high percentages of free or reduced price lunches. (Sec. 402) Revises NSLA annual adjustment provisions for: (1) value of food assistance; and (2) lunches, breakfasts, and supplements. (Sec. 404) Revises NSLA service institution payment provisions for the summer food service program for children. (Sec. 405) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise annual adjustment provisions for: (1) the special milk program; and (2) the school breakfast program. (Sec. 407) Conforms reimbursement for CNA school breakfasts with that for NSLA school lunches. Subtitle B: Grant Programs - Amends CNA to: (1) terminate school breakfast startup grants; and (2) reduce annual authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training programs. Subtitle C: Other Amendments - Amends NSLA and CNA to set forth free and reduced price policy statements for the school lunch program and the school breakfast program. (Sec. 422) Revises NSLA provisions for the summer food service program for children. Allows participating school food authorities to permit a child to refuse not more than one item of a meal that the child does not intend to consume. Provides that a refusal of an offered food shall not affect the amount of payments to a school for the meal. Removes a requirement that States submit a plan or schedule as part of notice to institutions. (Sec. 423) Revises NSLA provisions for the child and adult care food program with respect to payments to certain sponsor employees. Revises provisions regarding day care home reimbursements. Requires reservation of certain funds for grants to States for assistance for family or group day care homes. Requires Federal and State provision of certain data to family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Disallows certain meal claims. Eliminates certain requirements involving State paperwork and outreach. Requires States to provide training, technical assistance, and monitoring. (Sec. 424) Requires a review of all NSLA and CNA reporting requirements and a report recommending elimination of any that impose a paperwork burden on agencies and schools which cannot be justified by their contribution to program effectiveness. Subtitle D: Reauthorization - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to reauthorize appropriations for the commodity distribution program. (Sec. 432) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to extend authority and reauthorize appropriations for the emergency food assistance program. (Sec. 433) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to reauthorize appropriations for the soup kitchens program. (Sec. 434) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend authority for processing of agricultural commodities into food products. (Sec. 435) Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend authority for the commodity supplemental food program. Title V: Noncitizens - Gives States the option of prohibiting the use of any grant funds received under SSA title IV part A, or the new optional State food assistance block grant program established under title III of this Act, for the provision of assistance under the related State programs for an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. (Sec. 502) Provides that, for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual (whether a citizen or national of the United States or an alien) for assistance, and the amount of assistance, under any Federal program of assistance provided or funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government for which eligibility for benefits is based on need, certain described income and resources pertaining to the individual's sponsor shall, in spite of any other provision of law, be deemed to be the income and resources of such individual. Applies such requirement for the period for which the sponsor has agreed, in an affidavit or agreement, to provide support for such individual, or for a period of five years beginning on the date such individual was first lawfully in the United States after the execution of such affidavit or agreement, whichever period is longer. Outlines similar deemed income authority for State and local programs of assistance authorized under Federal law for which eligibility is based on need. Exempts from such restrictions eligibility for emergency medical services under Medicaid, short-term emergency disaster relief, assistance or benefits under the National School Lunch Act, assistance or benefits under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and public health assistance for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment for communicable diseases under certain conditions. (Sec. 503) Details the limited eligibility of noncitizens for SSI benefits. Title VI: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to consolidate Federal child care programs. (Sec. 602) Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act. Revises provisions for the lead agency to allow such agency to administer the financial assistance received by the State under the act either directly or through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Requires sufficient time and statewide distribution for the notice of the public hearing on child care services provision under the State plan. Revises provisions for the State application and plan. Eliminates a requirement that providers that are not required to be licensed or regulated under State or local law be required to register with the State before payment is made under the Act. Requires the State to implement mechanisms to ensure that appropriate payment mechanisms exist so that proper payments under this subchapter will be made to providers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop minimum child care standards, appropriately reflective of tribal needs and available resources, applicable to Indian tribes and tribal organization receiving assistance under the Act. Reduces from 25 to 15 percent of annual assistance to a State the set-aside for quality of child care and before- and after-school and early childhood development services. Applies such set-aside, however, only to child care quality improvement activities and no longer to early childhood development and before- and after-school care services. Adds a limitation on administrative costs. Requires the sliding fee scale to ensure a representative distribution of funding among the working poor and recipients of Federal welfare assistance. Expands eligibility criteria to include families earning up to 100 percent (currently 75 percent) of the State median family income. Revises requirements relating to quality improvement activities to include: (1) under resource and referral programs, consumer education, referrals honoring parental choice, and activities to improve quality and availability of child care; and (2) under other activities, increasing availability of care before- and after-school, for infants, and during nontraditional work hours. Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises requirements for enforcement and for reports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Indian tribe or organization to use certain assistance to construct or renovate facilities that will be used to carry out child care programs. Provides for reallocation of assistance to other Indian tribes or organizations under certain conditions. Allows use of child care certificates as deposits. Includes among eligible child care providers those who care for an eligible great grandchild or sibling (if in the latter case the provider lives in a separate residence). Eliminates certain registration requirements for providers who are relatives. (Sec. 603) Repeals: (1) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; and (2) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Workforce Development Act of 1995 - Sets forth congressional findings, purposes of this title, and the definitions of terms used in this title and title VIII. Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems - Establishes a program of assistance for Statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 711) Directs the Governing Board of the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership, established under this Act) (Governing Board) to make allotments, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to States to help pay costs of establishing and carrying out activities through statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 712) Sets forth formulae for such State allotments. (Sec. 713) Requires States to apportion such allotment funds by specified percentages among workforce employment activities, workforce education activities, and flexible workforce activities. (Sec. 714) Sets forth requirements relating to State plans describing: (1) the strategic plan for the statewide system, including flexible workforce activities, and, if appropriate, economic development activities; (2) workforce employment activities; and (3) workforce education activities. (Sec. 715) Authorizes Governors of States receiving such allotments to establish State workforce development boards with certain membership requirements and functions. (Sec. 716) Sets forth required and authorized uses of funds under this title. Requires funds for workforce employment activities to be used for: (1) one-stop delivery of specified core services; (2) a statewide comprehensive labor market information system; and (3) a job placement accountability system. Allows such funds to also be used for: (1) specified permissible one-stop delivery activities; (2) other specified permissible activities which may be provided through vouchers, including certain forms of training, supportive, and followup services; (3) staff development and training; and (4) incentive grant awards to substate areas that reach or exceed State benchmarks. Requires State educational agencies to use funds for workforce education activities to carry out, through the statewide system, activities that include: (1) integrating academic and vocational education; (2) linking secondary and postsecondary education (including implementing tech-prep programs); (3) career guidance and counseling at the earliest possible age; (4) literacy and basic education for adults and out-of-school youth, including those in correctional institutions; (5) secondary education completion programs for adults and out-of-school youth; (6) improving vocational education programs; and (7) improving access to quality vocational education programs for at-risk youth. Sets forth certain fiscal requirements for such workplace education activities. Requires States to use a portion of the funds for flexible workforce activities (flex account funds) to carry out school-to-work activities through the statewide system (except that any State that received a grant under specified provisions of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 must use such portion to support continued development of the statewide School-to-Work Opportunities system through continuing activities in accordance with such grant). Allows States to use a portion of such flex account funds for workforce employment and workforce education activities. Allows States that meet specified requirements to use a portion of flex account funds for specified economic development activities relating to workforce training and skills upgrading. Sets forth limitations on use of funds and on individual participation under this title. (Sec. 717) Outlines provisions for supporting Indian and Native Hawaiian workforce development activities and associated supplemental services for Indian and Native Hawaiian youth and public assistance recipients on or near reservation areas. (Sec. 718) Directs the Governing Board, using certain funds made available below, to make grants to outlying areas to carry out workforce development activities. (Sec. 721) Provides for local uses of funds under this title, including: (1) local apportionment by activity, distributing 75 percent of workforce employment activities funds to local entities and 80 percent of workforce education activities funds to certain educational entities; (2) distributions for secondary school vocational education, for postsecondary and adult vocational education, and for adult education; and (3) minimal allocations and redistribution. Provides for States to enter into local agreements regarding workforce employment activities, school-to-work activities, and economic development activities to be carried out in each substate area with local partnerships (or, where established, workforce development boards). (Sec. 731) Provides for: (1) accountability; and (2) incentives and sanctions. (Sec. 733) Amends the Social Security Act with respect to the Unemployment Trust Fund to make Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) revenues available for statewide workforce development systems to the extent they are used to carry out specified core services relating to job search, placement assistance and labor market information provided through the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 734) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act (other than subtitle C below). Sets forth certain reservations of funds. Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth - Requires a State to use a portion of its allotment for workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth to maintain any Job Corps Center located in that State and carry out specified activities for Job Corps enrollees assigned there, if such center received assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) for FY 1996 and was not closed in accordance with specified provisions. (Sec. 744) Limits eligibility for the Job Corps to at-risk youth. (Sec. 745) Provides for Job Corps: (1) screening and selection of applicants; (2) enrollment and assignment; (3) centers' development, character, activities, operators, and inclusion of Civilian Conservation Centers; (4) program activities; (5) support by States of enrollees through personal allowances; (6) State operating plans; (7) standards of conduct; (8) community participation; and (9) counseling and placement. (Sec. 754) Directs the Secretary of Labor to offer leases and sales of Job Corps centers, for nominal consideration, to States with approved State plans. (Sec. 755) Provides for closure of certain Job Corps centers. Directs the Governing Board to conduct a national Job Corps audit, report to the appropriate congressional committees, and report recommendations to the Secretary of Labor, including identification of 25 Job Corps centers to be closed by September 30, 1997. Directs the Secretary, after reviewing such report, to close 25 centers by such date. (Sec. 756) Amends JTPA to set forth requirements for interim operating plans for Job Corps centers. (Sec. 759) Directs the Governing Board, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to make allotments to States to help pay for carrying out specified workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth. Sets forth provisions for core required activities, permissible activities, allotment formulas, State plans, applications, and within-State distribution. (Sec. 241) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Subtitle D: Transition Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary (of Labor or of Education or of Health and Human Services, depending on the covered activity) to waive, during a transition period, any requirement under any provision of law (or regulation under it) relating to a covered activity for States or localities that request such waivers and comply with specified requirements. Requires States to submit interim State plans to the Governing Board in order for a State or locality to use such transition waivers. (Sec. 765) Authorizes interim appropriations under the Older American Community Service Employment Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocation and Applied Technology Education Act, and other specified Acts. Subtitle E: National Activities - Establishes the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership) as a Government corporation, with a Governing Board and an Office of Inspector General, to administer activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 772) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement to: (1) conduct a national assessment of vocational education programs assisted under this Act, through studies and analyses conducted independently through competitive awards; and (2) appoint an independent advisory board to advise on implementation of such assessment. (Sec. 773) Directs the Governing Board to oversee development and continuous improvement of a nationwide integrated labor market information system. Sets forth Federal, joint Federal-State, and State responsibilities with respect to labor market information. (Sec. 774) Authorizes the Governing Board to a competitive grant to an institution of higher education, a public or private nonprofit organization or agency, or a consortium to establish a National Center for Research in Education and Workforce Development. (Sec. 775) Transfers to the Federal Partnership, as of June 30, 1998, all functions of the Secretaries of Labor and of Education (including those of their Offices of Inspector General) that relate to a covered activity and are minimally necessary to carrying out Federal Partnership functions. Provides for: (1) determinations of functions by the Board, including Board review of a proposed transition workplan of the Secretaries; (2) personnel, delegation and assignment, reorganization, and rulemaking powers; (3) transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel; (4) incidental transfers, effect on personnel, and savings provisions; (5) a transition period; and (6) Board recommendations for additional legislation. (Sec. 776) Transfers to the appropriate receiving agency all functions that do not relate to a covered activity, but that the Secretaries of Labor and of Education, acting through the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), respectively, exercised before June 30, 1998. Directs the Secretaries to submit, for Board review, a proposed transition workplan that includes determinations of: (1) ETA and OVAE functions that do not relate to a covered activity; and (2) appropriate receiving agencies for such functions. (Sec. 777) Terminates OVAE and ETA on July 1, 1998 (as well as any authority granted them or any of their units by any reorganization plan). Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs - Repeals: (1) the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grant program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (2) specified Federal law to assist workers displaced by the expansion of the Redwood National Park; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act; (4) provisions for Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (5) the Job Training for the Homeless demonstration program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (6) specified Federal transportation law for assistance by the Secretary of Transportation for certain human resource programs relating to mass transportation; and (7) specified Federal transportation law provisions for a program of protection and rehiring of certain dislocated airline employees, and assistance for them from an Airline Employee Protective Account administered by the Department of Labor. Repeals as of July 1, 1998: (1) trade adjustment assistance services under the Trade Act of 1974; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act; (4) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (5) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment services); (6) the Job Training Partnership Act; (7) community service employment for older Americans under the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (8) programs of Adult Education for the Homeless and of Education for Homeless Children and Youth under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 782) Makes conforming amendments to various Federal laws, reflecting such immediate and subsequent repeals. Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to repeal authorities relating to consolidated rehabilitation plans. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Administration to provide assistance to achieve participation by individuals with disabilities in activities carried out through a statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 808) Revises a declaration of policy to include references to linkages between the RA vocational rehabilitation program and other integral components of the statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 810) Revises provisions for individualized written rehabilitation programs, and renames them as individualized employment plans. (Sec. 811) Revises the scope of vocational rehabilitation services to eliminate surgery from the authorized uses of funds. Removes the qualification that small business operators' disabilities must be most severe in order for them to receive certain management services and supervision from State agencies. (Sec. 812) Provides for linkages between members of State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils and State workforce development boards. (Sec. 813) Requires consistency between RA evaluation standards and performance indicators and State benchmarks established under this Act. (Sec. 814) Repeals authority for Innovation and Expansion Grants (part C of title I Vocational Rehabilitation Services under RA). Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act - Prohibits State use of certain funds under the Immigration and Nationality Act for workforce employment activities under this Act. Title: X: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 902) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 903) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 912) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 913) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State- operated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 914) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 915) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 916) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) executing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing visitation orders. (Sec. 917) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) death records. Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 923) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. (Sec. 933) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 942) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 944) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 945) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine the need for consideration by the Congress of national child support guidelines. (Sec. 952) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 953) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 954) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 962) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 964) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 965) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of an absent parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 970) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 971) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 976) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for the provisions of this Act. Title X: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to public housing provisions regarding: (1) ceiling rents; and (2) adjusted and earned income. (Sec. 1003) Exempts tenants from certain labor standards provisions. (Sec. 1004) Prohibits increased housing assistance to a family whose benefits under other public assistance programs have been reduced because of noncompliance. (Sec. 1005) Applies the provisions of this title to Indian housing.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
American Family-Owned Business Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate specified portions of the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1995
National Voter Opportunity To Inform Congress Effectively (V.O.I.C.E.) on Term Limits Act of 1995 - Requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to certify to the appropriate State election agencies for inclusion on the 1996 general election ballot in every congressional district a national advisory referendum that poses the question of whether the Congress should approve a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress can serve in office. Requires States and territories to be reimbursed at four cents per voter for the costs incurred in placing the advisory question on ballots in November 1996. Authorizes appropriations for such reimbursement. Requires tabulation and certification of the election results under customary procedures. Makes the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate responsible for transmitting such results to each Member. Requires the results to be taken under advisement by the House and the Senate Judiciary Committees, with recommendations for response reported back to the Congress within six months of the general election. Requires the State election agencies to forward to the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate their comments or suggestions regarding changes or improvements in procedures for conducting national nonbinding referenda in future general elections.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends Federal transportation law to eliminate the requirement for preemployment alcohol testing of: (1) mass transit employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions; (2) railroad employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions; (3) operators of commercial motor vehicles; (4) air carrier employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions; and (5) Federal Aviation Administration employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions. Permits the preemployment testing for the use of alcohol by such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995
Natural Disaster Protection and Insurance Act of 1995 - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (the Act) to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish programs which mitigate the effects of natural disasters. (Sec. 6) Requires that all Federal buildings satisfy specified seismic design requirements. Requires the FEMA Director to enter into an agreement with the Director of the National Academy of Sciences to study the feasibility of establishing national minimum consensus building construction standards. Instructs the Director to classify States likely to experience an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, windstorm, or hurricane perils as natural disaster-prone States. Requires each disaster-prone State to adopt building codes for new or substantially modified buildings that satisfy natural disaster hazard mitigation standards. Allows States to alternatively certify that the local communities have adopted appropriate portions of model building codes. Orders each State with flood-prone communities to adopt flood protection measures. Directs each natural disaster-prone State to develop disaster mitigation plans. Requires each plan to: (1) ensure compliance with building and safety codes; (2) improve emergency response to natural disasters; (3) develop standards and guidelines for training emergency response teams; (4) enforce local land use ordinances; (5) address the impact of development in disaster-prone areas; (6) develop voluntary training programs for developers; and (7) identify essential facilities. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to submit a mitigation plan to FEMA within two years of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Director to reduce assistance to a State which does not comply. Prohibits the receipt of mitigation funds for States not in compliance. Instructs the Director to distribute mitigation account funds on a pro rata formula based on the State's primary insurance coverages and reinsurance coverage premiums. Prohibits the Director from requiring the States to comply with unfunded mandates. (Sec. 7) Amends the Act to provide a new title III concerning natural disaster insurance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to grant loans to a private, non-profit Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation (Corporation) to provide primary insurance coverage and reinsurance coverage for natural disasters. Establishes procedures for selecting the Board of Directors and the Administrator of the Corporation. Grants the Corporation the power to provide primary insurance coverage and reinsurance coverage, as well as to manage trust accounts, raise funds, and take other necessary actions. Directs the Board of Directors to develop a plan of operation. Requires the Board to prepare a written report on the Corporation's operations each year. Directs the Board to develop insurance rates using actuarial principles. Establishes an independent National Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries to review and approve the Corporation's operations. Requires the Board to file copies of the rates charged for primary insurance coverage, as well as any related insurance forms, with each State's insurance commission. Directs the Corporation to establish and maintain a Primary Insurance Coverage Trust Account. Authorizes the Account to hold funds which have been generated through the primary insurance coverages. Instructs the Board to deposit in the primary accounts the portions of the premiums collected by private insurers servicing the primary insurance coverage policies. Establishes requirements for reinsurance repayments. Prohibits the use of unauthorized Federal funds. Directs the Comptroller General to periodically audit the Corporation and the Independent Board of Actuaries. Prohibits the Corporation from using Federal funds unless the Corporation issues primary insurance coverage that covers losses for eligible property owners. Provides that the primary insurance coverage issued under such title shall be supplemental coverage provided in conjunction with a standard residential property insurance contract. Prohibits certain residential property owners from receiving any financial assistance. Sets forth coverage terms and conditions. Requires the Director to submit to the Congress a determination of whether to take other measures to ensure that policyholders purchase Federal flood insurance. Requires all private insurers to place a warning statement on future residential property insurance contracts to alert policyholders of flood insurance policies, terms, and conditions. Prohibits the Corporation from receiving Federal loans unless it makes excess reinsurance coverage policies available to eligible parties. Directs the Board to set the terms and conditions of the reinsurance coverage. States that the reinsurance account shall provide excess coverage when the Board determines that the insurance industry is likely to incur gross losses that exceed 15 percent of the consolidated industry surplus as a result of natural disasters. Establishes standards for the Board to issue reinsurance account payments. (Sec. 8) Amends the Act to establish in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund. Divides the Fund into a private loss account, a public loss account, and a mitigation account. Prohibits commingling the accounts. Provides that Fund accounts shall be used to cover shortfalls in the primary insurance account and the reimbursement account. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to use the public loss account to cover losses to public facilities. States that the Federal share of a grant provided from the public loss account shall be 75 percent if the State has complied with all requirements. Directs the Corporation to pay a percentage of the annual net premiums for natural disaster mitigation programs. (Sec. 9) Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow the President to make contributions to State or local governments for disaster relief if the State has paid at least $5.00 per resident for the repair, restoration, or replacement of public facilities damaged during the disaster. Requires a Federal share of 75 percent of the cost of repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities, as well as 75 percent of the cost of debris removal. Waives such requirements under certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 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 · 17 July 1995
Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to require 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. Makes it out of order for the Senate to consider legislation that does not comply with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1995
Fly America Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends Federal transportation law to require that the air transportation of U.S. Government personnel and property be on aircraft owned, leased, and operated by a U.S. citizen.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to convey to the Weyerhaeuser Corporation specified Federal lands and mineral interests in Arkansas and Oklahoma, if Weyerhaeuser offers deeds of title that convey specified amounts of land to the United States. Provides for the exchange of oil and gas interests. Provides for a specific portion of the land conveyed to the United States under this Act to be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the laws and regulations pertaining to the National Forest System. Provides for a specific portion of the land conveyed to the United States under this Act to be managed by the Secretary of the Interior as a part of the Cossatot National Wildlife Refuge. Requires that the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest be adjusted to encompass lands conveyed to the United States under this Act upon acceptance of this Act by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits the Federal Government or any 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 exceptions 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 · 29 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the use of the regular depreciation rules for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. Revises provisions relating to credit for prior year minimum tax liability to set forth a special rule for taxpayers with long-term unused credits.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions declaring that income tax provisions of the Code shall not apply to certain persons to extend those provisions to: (1) U.S. citizens and parents of children under 19 years old if the citizen or child dies as a result of terroristic action; and (2) any U.S. military or civilian employee who dies as a result of military or terroristic action (currently, as a result of military or terroristic action outside the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Securities Laws Title II: Clarification of Antitrust Laws Charitable Giving Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Amendments to the Securities Laws - Exempts from the jurisdiction of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 any security issued by or any interest or participation in any pooled income fund, collective trust fund, collective investment fund, or similar fund deemed not to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (charitable gift annuities). Preempts State law to extend the charitable gift annuities exemption from its jurisdiction over: (1) securities registration or qualification requirements; and (2) any charitable organization regulation. Permits a State to enact a statute that specifically refers to this Act and provides prospectively that it does not preempt its laws. Title II: Clarification of Antitrust Laws - Exempts charitable gift annuities from application of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan to provide maternity benefits for a minimum hospital stay for a mother and her newborn following the birth of the child. Provides an exception for home births. Prohibits a health plan from modifying the terms and conditions of coverage if the enrollee requests less than minimum coverage. Requires a health plan to provide written notice, prominently positioned in any literature or correspondence, to each enrollee regarding the coverage required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Bear Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prohibit: (1) the import into, or export from, the United States of bear viscera; and (2) the sale, barter, offer of sale or barter, purchase, or possession with intent to sell or barter, in interstate or foreign commerce, of bear viscera. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the bear viscera trade and any U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to monitor it. Requires the United States Trade Representative and the Secretary to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1995
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or the Army to award a military decoration to any person for an act, achievement, or service performed in the Ia Drang Valley (Pleiku) campaign in Vietnam during the Vietnam War while serving on active Army duty. Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) review all recommendations for such awards received within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, including those received before such enactment; and (2) report to specified congressional committees concerning review findings, recommendations, and any final actions taken with respect to such awards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Capital Gains Reform Subtitle A: Capital Gains Deduction for Taxpayers Other Than Corporations Subtitle B: Capital Gains Reduction for Corporations Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence Title II: Small Business Venture Capital Stock Capital Formation Act of 1995 - Title I: Capital Gains Reform - Subtitle A: Capital Gains Deduction for Taxpayers Other Than Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make, for noncorporate taxpayers, 50 percent of net capital gains deductible from gross income. Allows the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Subtitle B: Capital Gains Reduction for Corporations - Revises requirements regarding alternative capital gains taxes for corporations. Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence - Allows an individual to deduct losses arising from the sale or exchange of the taxpayer's principal residence. Title II: Small Business Venture Capital Stock - Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the exclusion of any gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held more than five years and applies the exclusion to corporate as well as noncorporate taxpayers. Removes provisions including, as an item of tax preference, a specified percentage of gains on the sale of certain small business stock. Increases the dollar gross asset limits domestic C corporations must not exceed in order to qualify for the exclusion as small businesses and institutes an inflation adjustment for those limits. Removes provisions relating to a per-issuer limitation on a taxpayer's eligible gain. Modifies: (1) working capital provisions and the definition of "qualified trade or business," both with regard to meeting the active business requirement; and (2) requirements regarding purchases by a corporation of its own stock. Recognizes, if the taxpayer so elects, eligible gain from the sale of qualified small business stock only to the extent that the amount realized exceeds specified factors.
United States · United States Congress · 16 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 · 15 June 1995
Federal Aviation Administration Reform Act of 1995 - Removes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from the Department of Transportation and re-establishes it as an independent Federal agency. Declares that the Administration shall be administered by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President to a seven-year term, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Amends Federal transportation law to revise FAA provisions to reflect the establishment of the new FAA. Establishes within the FAA the Civil Aeromedical Institute to conduct aeromedical research. Authorizes appropriations. Transfers to the new FAA all functions of the old FAA of the Department of Transportation and of the Secretary of Transportation which are administered through the old FAA. Establishes the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Committee to provide advice and counsel to the Administrator on issues which affect or are affected by the FAA operations. Directs the Administrator to establish a select panel to review and report to the Congress regarding innovative financing mechanisms for ensuring adequate funding for existing and future aviation infrastructure needs. Authorizes the Administrator to accept transfers of available funds from other Federal agencies to carry out functions transferred by this Act to the Administrator or functions assigned by law to the Administrator on or after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct pilot programs which utilize a trial: (1) acquisition management system to procure goods and services by the Administration; and (2) personnel management system for the management, compensation, and advancement of its employees. Requires the Administrator, upon the development of such systems, to submit a comprehensive plan describing them to the Congress. Terminates such systems effective October 1, 2002. Directs the Management Advisory Panel to submit an evaluation and report to the Administrator and to the Congress on the results of the pilot programs in acquisition and personnel reform.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Prison Construction Block Grant Amendments Act - Repeals provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding grants for correctional institutions which require States, to be eligible for such grants, to include in their application to the Attorney General assurances that they have a comprehensive correctional plan which represents an integrated approach to the management and operation of correctional facilities and programs and which includes diversion programs, community corrections programs, a prisoner screening and security classification system, appropriate professional training for corrections officers in dealing with violent offenders, prisoner rehabilitation and treatment programs, prisoner work activities and job skills programs, educational programs, a pre-release prisoner assessment to provide risk reduction management, post-release assistance, and an assessment of recidivism rates. Mandates assurances that the States require: (1) each inmate to perform not less than 48 hours of work per week which shall not be waived except as required by security conditions, disciplinary action, or medical certification of a disability that would make it impracticable for prison officials to arrange useful work for the inmate; (2) each inmate to engage in not less than 16 hours of organized educational activities per week; and (3) that prison officials not provide to any inmate failing to meet such requirements specified privileges, including access to television, bodybuilding or weightlifting equipment, or recreational sports, unmonitored telephone calls (with exceptions), or dress, hygiene, grooming, and appearance privileges other than those allowed as standard in the prison.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans. Provides that retirement benefits of ministers are not subject to the tax on net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995
Prohibits the President's use of U.S. ground forces in Bosnia-Hercegovina unless: (1) the Congress authorizes such use in advance; or (2) the deployment of U.S. ground forces is vital to American national security, there is insufficient time to seek and receive congressional authorization, and the President reports to Congress no later than 48 hours after the initiation of the deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1995
National Family Enterprise Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified estate and gift tax credit by creating: (1) an additional estate tax credit measured by the value of inherited family enterprise property (up to $121,800); (2) an additional gift tax credit equal to the value of gifts of family enterprise property (up to $121,800) minus the sum value of such tax credits for preceding calendar periods; and (3) an additional gift tax exclusion equal to the value of gifts of family enterprise property (up to $10,000). Includes in a decedent's estate the value of family enterprise property, reduced by 50 percent or by $1 million, whichever is less. Defines family enterprise property as an interest in real or personal property used for farming, business, or any other trade that is at least 80 percent owned by either: (1) five or fewer individuals who have not formed a limited partnership; or (2) members of the same family. Imposes an additional estate tax on a taxpayer who: (1) inherits family enterprise property; (2) qualifies for an estate tax credit; and (3) disposes of that property within ten years of the decedent's death, and before the death of another individual with an interest in the property. Defines the additional estate tax as past estate tax liability attributable to the taxpayer for interest in the family enterprise property (for which he received an estate tax credit) reduced by five percent for every year after the decedent's death that the taxpayer participated in the management of the family enterprise property. Increases from $750,000 to $1 million the amount of aggregate reduction permitted in the fair market value of certain farm, etc. real property taken into account for determining the gross estate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Wetlands Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a procedure whereby a person who holds an ownership interest in property, or who has written authorization from such a person, may request the Secretary of the Army to determine whether the property contains U.S. waters, and if so, whether any portion of the waters is wetland and its classification. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which persons other than Federal employees may be certified to make such determinations. Prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters or the draining, channelization, and excavation of U.S. waters that would significantly degrade any U.S. waters unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) extensions; and (2) failure by the Secretary to issue a decision. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations which shall include standards for the issuance of permits for activities in U.S. waters that are wetland; and (2) consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding whether such an activity would have an unacceptable adverse impact on water quality, municipal water supplies, shellfish beds or fishery areas, or wetland-dependent wildlife. Exempts an activity in U.S. waters from the permit requirement if the activity results from a normal farming, silviculture, aquaculture, or ranching activity, or an upland soil and water conservation practice, or is for the purpose of maintenance, and under other specified circumstances. Specifies that such an activity shall not be prohibited or otherwise subject to the permit requirement regarding an approved State permit program if: (1) information on the effects of the activity is included in an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project; and (2) such EIS has been submitted to the Congress before the activity is carried out in connection with project construction and prior to project authorization or appropriation of funds for the construction. Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for public comment, to issue regulations for the delineation of "wetland." Requires such regulations to provide for such designation if specified conditions are met, including that, in the case of nontidal wetland, water is on or above the surface of the ground for at least 21 consecutive days during the growing season in a year of normal rainfall. Requires the Secretary to classify as: (1) Class A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the aquatic system and that meet other specified conditions; (2) Class B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetland functions; and (3) Class C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation is not necessary to conserve wetlands functions, are within an intensely developed area, or are located behind a legally constructed manmade structure or natural formation. Provides for the regulation of: (1) Class A wetland based on a sequential analysis that seeks to avoid adverse impacts on wetlands, to minimize the adverse impacts which cannot be avoided, and to mitigate any adverse impacts that cannot be avoided or minimized; (2) Class B wetland under a test that balances the reasonably foreseeable benefits and detriments resulting from the issuance of the permit; and (3) Class C wetland only by the State government at its discretion. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a general permit on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for any activities in U.S. waters for which a permit would otherwise be required upon determining that the activities will cause only minimal or temporary adverse environmental impacts when performed separately, and will cause only minimal cumulative adverse environmental impacts. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Alaska native and State of Alaska lands; (2) interagency cooperation; (3) permit compliance; (4) cranberry production; (5) violations (including civil actions by the Secretary and civil and criminal penalties); and (6) administrative appeals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations for the establishment, use, maintenance, and oversight of mitigation banks; (2) provide appropriate regulatory relief regarding regulations issued for each activity in U.S. waters that has as the primary purpose to restore degraded wetland; and (3) establish a registry of wetland that has been created or restored voluntarily in an area that, prior to the creation or restoration, did not contain U.S. waters and therefore was not subject to regulation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) State permit programs; (2) requirements that information be made available to the public regarding the designation of wetlands; (3) certification requirements; (4) State authority to control activities in U.S. waters; (5) balanced implementation of the Act to achieve specified objectives; and (6) transition provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Management of Grazing on Federal Land Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Qualifications and Grazing Preferences Subtitle C: Grazing Management Subtitle D: Authorization of Grazing Use Subtitle E: Civil Violations and Failures of Compliance Subtitle F: Unauthorized Grazing Use Subtitle G: Procedure Subtitle H: Advisory Committees Subtitle I: Reports Title II: Grassland Livestock Grazing Act - Title I: Management of Grazing on Federal Land - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth findings, objectives, and definitions. States that land use plans shall manage livestock grazing under the principle of multiple use and sustained yield. Subtitle B: Qualifications and Grazing Preferences - Sets forth: (1) mandatory qualifications for grazing use on Federal land; (2) grazing preferences (base property and specifying grazing preference); and (3) allocations resulting from changes in Federal land acreage. Subtitle C: Grazing Management - Requires the creation of allotment management plans and sets forth required plan contents. (Sec. 122) Authorizes Secretary of the Interior-lessees range improvement cooperative agreements. (Sec. 123) States that no water rights shall be acquired or transferred in connection with livestock grazing management unless authorized by State law. Subtitle D: Authorization of Grazing Use - Requires grazing applications to be filed at local Bureau of Land Management offices. Specifies permit and lease terms and conditions. (Sec. 135) Sets forth livestock ownership and identification provisions. (Sec. 137) Establishes a grazing fee based upon the gross value of livestock production. Subtitle E: Civil Violations and Failures of Compliance - Sets forth civil sanctions for specified acts of noncompliance. Subtitle F: Unauthorized Grazing Use - Specifies damages for unauthorized grazing use, including livestock impoundment and sale. Subtitle G: Procedure - Sets forth specified grazing permit or lease procedures. Subtitle H: Advisory Committees - Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) grazing use advisory committees; and (2) resource advisory councils and grazing advisory councils for each grazing district. Subtitle I: Reports - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding grazing revenues, costs, and rangeland management. Title II: Grassland - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to remove National Grasslands and land utilization projects from National Forest System management. Amends the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act to provide for a program of land conservation and utilization to accomplish livestock grazing purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Individual Accountability Act of 1995 - Amends title IV part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to replace the AFDC program with a plan that consolidates and funnels funding directly to the States ("block grants"), provided that: (1) adult beneficiaries of the State assistance programs work; and (2) specified State child support and paternity establishment programs are in operation. Limits the amount of the block grants, prohibits the use of funds for medical services, and permits the redirection of a specified percentage of a State's funds for: (1) supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled; (2) medical assistance programs; (3) food assistance; and (4) elementary and secondary education. Establishes specified accounting and reporting requirements, and requires that the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General alone supervise and regulate the administration of the block grants. Requires that State assistance be administered without discrimination on the basis of disability, sex, race, color, or national origin. Makes religious groups eligible to provide assistance to the needy using block grant funds so long as they do not deny assistance benefits on the basis of religion. Prohibits certain State and Federal requirements with respect to such religious organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Supplemental Social Security Income Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to add a new part, Part C: Block Grants to States for Supplemental Security Income for the Disabled and Blind. States that the purpose of this part is to consolidate Federal SSI assistance to the States into a single grant, thereby giving States maximum flexibility to make State-specific requirements for individuals receiving benefits. Identifies certain requirements, including those relating to school attendance, immunizations, drug abuse, illegal aliens, and charitable, religious, and nonprofit organizations. Caps SSI spending levels. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to supervise the amounts received under Part C.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax credit not to exceed $500 (in lieu of a deduction) for cash contributions made by an individual to a tax-exempt private charitable organization primarily assisting the poor, for which the individual must also have worked at least 50 hours. Denies such credit if the donor or a family member is an officer or employee of such organization, or has another specified relationship with the organization that would involve self-dealing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Food Stamp Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to restructure the existing food stamp program as a block grant program with a State mandate for work by beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Medicaid Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to replace the Medicaid program with a program of block grants to States for health care services to needy individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reorganization Compacts Title II: Amendment to the Indian Self-Determination Act Title III: Reform of the Regulations of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Bureau of Indian Affairs Reorganization Act of 1995 - Title I: Reorganization Compacts - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to enter into compacts with the appropriate Indian tribes to reorganize the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the area, agency, and central office levels, with any attendant savings to be allocated among the tribes. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Amendment to the Indian Self-Determination Act - Amends the Indian Self-Determination Act, as amended by the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994, to: (1) direct the Secretary to establish a program of tribal participation in BIA budget requests; and (2) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a similar program for the Indian Health Service. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Reform of the Regulations of the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Directs the Secretary to: (1) review the BIA Manual; and (2) establish a related regulatory task force which shall include tribal representatives from each of the 12 BIA areas. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (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 fewer than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 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, any one of the alternatives poses 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 any one of the alternatives poses 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. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Animal Drug Availability Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions relating to new animal drugs to redefine "substantial evidence" to mean evidence from one or more scientifically sound studies including, as appropriate, in vitro studies, studies in laboratory animals, bioequivalence studies, tissue residue studies, and any studies voluntarily undertaken by or for the applicant that provide some assurance that the drug will have the intended effect. Excludes a claim for the use of a drug in a minor species or a minor use of a drug from disapproval, if there is an application filed for the drug which is approved prior to the submission of the claim. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider the following issues when a new animal drug contains more than one active ingredient, or the labeling of the drug suggests use of the drug in combination with another animal drug: (1) whether any active ingredient or any combination of drugs alters the safe concentration of another of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination; (2) whether each of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination have been shown to contribute to the same intended effect; and (3) whether each of the active ingredients or drugs in the combination has an identified target population for which dosing with the active ingredients or combination represents appropriate concurrent therapy. Requires the Secretary to issue proposed regulations implementing the provisions of this section which: (1) further define "substantial evidence"; (2) take into account the proposals contained in the citizen petition submitted by the American Veterinary Association and the Animal Health Institute; (3) provide for a conference to make a decision establishing a submission or an investigational requirement; and (4) define the kinds of evidence an applicant may use to establish the contribution of each active ingredient and to establish the appropriateness of concurrent therapy in a new animal drug, or new animal drug used in combination with another drug. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within 90 (currently 180) days of receipt of the application. (Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the Secretary to refer disputed issues received in writing from an applicant to an advisory committee or to a special Government employee; and (2) the committee or employee to submit a report containing recommendations regarding the matter. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to refuse approval of an application if information submitted with respect to the drug indicates that any use suggested in labeling proposed for that drug will result in a unsafe amount of residue. (Sec. 7) Permits the export of an unsafe (as defined in the Act) new animal drug, if it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is exported. (Currently, such export is prohibited.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that economically targeted investments violate specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to a fiduciary's responsibility to serve the interests of employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries exclusively. Requires that the application of such ERISA provisions to employee benefit plan asset investments be determined without regard to a specified Department of Labor (DOL) interpretive bulletin or any other similar directive regarding economically targeted investments. Prohibits DOL officers or employees from traveling, lecturing, or otherwise expending DOL resources to promote, directly or indirectly, economically targeted investments. Amends ERISA to prohibit Federal agencies or instrumentalities from establishing or maintaining any clearinghouse or other database relating to economically targeted investments for employee benefit plans. Directs Federal agencies and instrumentalities to immediately terminate contracts or other arrangements which violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 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 April 1995
Trust Fund Restoration Act of 1995 - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being: (1) included in the totals of either the President's budget or in the congressional budget; (2) considered as any category of discretionary appropriations as defined under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) or subject to discretionary spending limits under such Act; (3) subject to sequestration under such Act; and (4) exempt from any general budget limitation imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending (budget outlays). Makes any such disbursements subject to appropriations. Directs, with respect to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, that estimates of unfunded aviation authorizations and net aviation receipts be made annually and that adjustments be made if unfunded authorizations exceed receipts. Sets forth similar provisions for both the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1995
Condemns the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sends condolences to the families. Commends rescue and volunteer workers, law enforcement officials, and the President. Urges the President to use all necessary means to find and punish the perpetrators. Supports the President's and Attorney General's position that Federal prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty, for those responsible. Declares that the Senate will expeditiously approve legislation to strengthen the authority and resources of all Federal agencies involved in combating such acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Medical Care Savings Accounts Subtitle B: Expansion of COBRA Continuation Coverage Title II: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Employer Insurance Protections Subtitle B: Guaranteeing Portability of Health Insurance for Individuals Subtitle C: Assuring Health Insurance Coverage for Uninsurable Individuals Health Insurance Portability and Guaranteed Renewability Act of 1995 - Title I: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Medical Care Savings Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide for medical care savings benefits, under which a portion of a premium would be credited to a participating employee to pay for medical care and amounts remaining (if any) at the end of the year would be deposited to a medical care savings account (medical IRA). (Sec. 102) Defines a "medical care savings account" (MCSA) as a trust for the exclusive benefit of an individual and the individual's spouse and dependents and meeting certain requirements. Provides for the tax treatment of such accounts and their distributions. Treats custodial accounts as a trust if specified criteria are met. Amends various provisions of the IRC (relating to old-age, survivors, and disability insurance, hospital insurance, railroad retirement, unemployment taxes, and withholding) and the Social Security Act (relating to old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) to exclude from the definition of "wages" (or, in the case of provisions relating to railroad retirement, the definition of "compensation") any payment to or for the benefit of an employee if the payment is excludable from gross income. Amends the IRC to exempt MCSAs from provisions imposing a tax on certain prohibited transactions. Imposes a penalty for failure to file required report on a MCSA. (Sec. 103) Allows cafeteria plan flexible spending arrangements to be contributed to a MCSA. Subtitle B: Expansion of COBRA Continuation Coverage - Amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to exempt group health plans maintained by employers who all employ fewer than two (currently, 20) employees from continuation coverage requirements. Modifies requirements regarding the maximum required coverage period. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to exempt group health plans maintained by employers who all employ fewer than four (currently, 20) employees from continuation coverage requirements. Modifies requirements regarding the maximum required coverage period. (Sec. 112) Amends the IRC, ERISA, and the PHSA to revise the type of continuation coverage required and general requirements for group health plan continuation coverage. Title II: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Employer Insurance Protections - Prohibits any health benefit insurer providing or offering a small group health plan from cancelling or not renewing except for specified reasons or refusing to provide coverage based solely on the nature of the employer's business or industry. Limits premium rate increases and variation (across and within business classes) in index rates. Allows an insurer to use industry as a case characteristic in establishing rates. (Sec. 202) Restricts preexisting condition limitations or exclusions. Requires insurers offering coverage to a small employer to offer coverage to all eligible employees of the small employer and their dependents. (Sec. 203) Amends the IRC to impose a penalty on the failure of an insurer or group health plan to meet the requirements of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Guaranteeing Portability of Health Insurance for Individuals - Declares that this subtitle applies only to health benefit plans delivered or issued to individuals in a State and does not apply to: (1) any employer-based plan; or (2) any eligible individual whose prior similar plan was provided by a State high risk pool, under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, or under another State or Federal program (unless the individual was previously covered as a State or Federal employee). (Sec. 212) Requires an insurer, if an eligible individual or family applies for an individual plan, to either offer or deny coverage to all eligible individuals applying on the application. Regulates preexisting condition exclusions or limitations. Requires an insurer to offer, to a dependent who would otherwise lose eligibility because of certain events, continuation coverage identical to that previously issued. (Sec. 213) Prohibits cancelling or not renewing plans except for specified reasons. Subtitle C: Assuring Health Insurance Coverage for Uninsurable Individuals - Requires each health insurer, health service organization, and health maintenance organization to participate in a high risk health insurance pool in the State in which it operates. Requires that the pool assure the availability of qualified health insurance to uninsurable individuals. Funds the pool by an assessment against such entities on a pro rata basis of lives covered in the State. Allows the assessment to be added by those entities to the costs of their health insurance or coverage. (Sec. 222) Outlines criteria for being considered: (1) uninsurable; and (2) eligible. (Sec. 224) Limits premiums established under the pool.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Gambling Impact Study Commission Act - Establishes the Gambling Impact Study Commission to study, and report to the President and the Congress, all matters relating to the impact of gambling on States, political subdivisions of States, and Native American tribes, and possible alternative sources of revenue for them. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
Electoral Rights Enforcement Act of 1995 - Authorizes each State or the people thereof to prescribe the maximum number of terms to which a person may be elected or appointed to the Senate or the House of Representatives.
![Official portrait of Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/i000024_200.jpg)