United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Parole Commission Phaseout Act of 1995 - Amends the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 to extend by five years the term of the United States Parole Commission. Authorizes the Commission to perform its functions with any quorum of Commissioners as the Commission may prescribe. Repeals a provision extending the term of office of a Commissioner who is in office on the effective date of such Act to the end of the five-year period after such date (thus reducing the size of the Commission).
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Urges the Secretary of State, in deciding whether to renew the ban on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Lebanon, to: (1) expand the present humanitarian waiver provisions to permit American citizens of Lebanese descent to travel to Lebanon for family reunification purposes; (2) create a new waiver category for U.S. business personnel who wish to travel there on business; (3) change the Lebanon travel ban to a travel advisory; and (4) identify those conditions within Lebanon that are of risk to U.S. citizens and provide suggestions for Lebanon to ameliorate those risks.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act and to support the efforts of specified interstate commissions to develop interstate fishery management plans. Revises requirements regarding assistance (currently, grants) for fishery disaster relief, including: (1) allowing assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations as well as to individuals; (2) removing and modifying assistance limits; (3) removing requirements that the Secretary of Commerce establish assistance limitations, terms, and conditions regarding the means of demonstrating loss.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Establishes: (1) the Boston Harbor Islands (BHI) National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System; (2) the BHI Partnership to coordinate the activities of Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in the development and implementation of an integrated resource management plan for the Area; and (3) the BHI Advisory Council to represent various groups with interests in the Area and make recommendations to the Partnership on issues related to plan development and implementation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) administration of the Area; and (2) powers of the Partnership. Directs the Partnership to develop and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a management plan for the Area to be implemented by the Partnership that includes: (1) a program providing for coordinated administration of the Area with proposed assignment of responsibilities to the appropriate governmental unit at the Federal, State, and local levels and nonprofit organizations; (2) specified policies and programs for conserving, protecting, and maintaining the scenic, historical, cultural, natural, and scientific values of the Area and for identifying potential sources of revenue from programs or activities carried out within the Area; and (3) a policy statement that recognizes economic activities in the Area being conducted on the date of this Act's enactment. Sets forth procedures regarding plan development, approval, and an interim program. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth matching requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1995
Federal Tort Claims Act Malpractice Coverage for Health Centers Extension Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions ending, on a specified date, the application of provisions: (1) deeming health care practitioner officers, employees, or contractors of certain entities (migrant and community health centers and grant recipients for health services to the homeless and to residents of public housing) to be employees of the Public Health Service (PHS); and (2) making a malpractice action against the United States the sole remedy against such practitioners. Adds governing board members to the list of practitioners deemed to be PHS employees. Allows the practitioners to be considered PHS employees while treating individuals who are not patients of such an entity if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines, after reviewing the application, that the provision of the services to such individuals: (1) benefits patients of, and general populations that could be served by, the entity through community-wide intervention efforts within the communities served by such entity; (2) facilitates the provision of services to such patients; or (3) are otherwise required under an employment contract or similar arrangement between the entity and an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of the entity. Sets forth an application process. Directs the Attorney General to appear in State court actions to advise the court whether an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor has been deemed to be an employee of the Public Health Service. Provides for the application of coverage to managed care plans. Revises the requirements: (1) to be considered a contractor of such an entity; and (2) of due process regarding exclusion of specific individuals from coverage. Directs the General Accounting Office to submit to the Congress a report on the medical malpractice liability claims experience of entities that have been deemed to be employees and the risk exposure associated with such entities. Reduces the maximum limit on the fund set up to cover annual estimated claims.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Performance Partnerships Title II: Other Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 Title III: White House Conference on Aging Older Americans Act Amendments of 1995 - Title I: Performance Partnerships - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging (Assistant Secretary) to negotiate an agreement proposed by each State and included as part of its State plan under OAA's basic State grants program in order to receive its share of program funding that contains certain objectives selected by it for accomplishing the goals of such program and those of the vulnerable elder rights protection program as well. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make incentive awards to States which have performed effectively under a performance partnership agreement. (Sec. 103) Requires each State to establish an Advisory Council to: (1) review and comment on the State's proposed agreement; and (2) evaluate and report on the State's performance under the final agreement negotiated with the Assistant Secretary. (Sec. 104) Revises area and State plan provisions, among other changes, incorporating requirements for performance partnerships. Title II: Other Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Reauthorizes, revises, and extends OAA, making various specified changes, technical and otherwise, among other areas with regard to: (1) the National Eldercare Locator Service; (2) the basic State grant program (including providing for the coordination of services for individuals with disabilities under area plans, the transfer of funds between different grant programs, and the availability of disaster relief funds for tribal organizations); (3) the basic authority for research, development, and demonstrations (adding a new overall statement of purpose for such authority, as well as new components for certain centers to improve the quality of services for older individuals and for information dissemination and related activities); (4) the community service employment program (transferring jurisdiction of such program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Health and Human Services); and (5) the vulnerable elder rights protection program. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: White House Conference on Aging - Directs the President to convene, by a certain deadline, the White House Conference on Aging for developing recommendations for additional research and action on aging. (Sec. 303) Establishes a policy committee and other related committees to assist with the matters above. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Condemns the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Extends condolences to his family and to all the people of Israel. Expresses admiration for his historic contributions and support for the government of Acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Reaffirms a commitment to the process of building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Provides for the adjournment of the Senate as a further mark of respect for Rabin.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Corporate Subsidy Review, Reform and Termination Act of 1995 - Establishes an independent Corporate Subsidy Termination Commission to examine existing Federal programs providing direct payments, services, or benefits to entities and industries engaged in profitmaking enterprise, as well as related tax policies, for the purpose of recommending to the President termination or modification of any such programs or policies found to result in any inequitable Federal direct or indirect subsidy or tax benefit or advantage, in order to ensure fairness and equity in the operation and application of such programs and policies. Authorizes appropriations. Specifies procedures for agency recommendations to the Commission for appropriate action on corporate subsidy programs and policies, termination hearings, presidential review, and congressional approval or disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual's Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Records Confidentiality Act of 1995 - Defines "health information trustee" (HIT) to mean a person or entity that creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, or transmits protected health information (PHI) and any employee, agent, or contractor of such a person. Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires a HIT to permit an individual who is the subject of PHI to inspect and copy the information, subject to cost reimbursement and exceptions. (Sec. 102) Provides for correction or amendment of PHI, written notice of a HIT's information practices, and development of a model notice. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires a HIT to maintain: (1) administrative, technical, and physical confidentiality safeguards; and (2) for at least seven years, a record of any PHI disclosure not related to treatment. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits disclosures except: (1) as allowed under this title; (2) compatible with the purposes for which the information was obtained; and (3) in the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the disclosure's purpose. (Sec. 202) Regulates disclosure authorizations: (1) related to treatment or payment, including providing for revocation or amendment of authorization and development and dissemination of model authorizations; and (2) not related to treatment or payment. (Sec. 204) Allows disclosure to a certified health information service for the purpose of creating nonidentifiable health information. Provides for certification. (Sec. 205) Specifies the circumstances in which disclosure is allowed: (1) to an individual's next of kin; (2) to any other person; and (3) after death. (Sec. 207) Allows disclosure to a health oversight agency for an oversight function authorized by law. (Sec. 208) Allows specified entities to disclose PHI to a public health authority or other person authorized by law for use in a legally authorized disease or injury report, public health surveillance, or public health investigation or intervention. (Sec. 209) Specifies the circumstances in which disclosure to a certified institutional review board is allowed. Provides for certification. (Sec. 210) Allows specified entities to disclose PHI in connection with certain judicial or administrative proceedings. (Sec. 211) Allows specified entities to disclose PHI pursuant to a subpoena if certain procedures are followed. Sets forth challenge procedures. (Sec. 212) Regulates disclosure related to government subpoenas, warrants, and summonses. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for disclosing, authorizing, and authenticating protected health information in electronic form. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions - Imposes on HITs a civil penalty for substantial and material failure to comply with this Act. Provides, if the violations have occurred with such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, for a higher civil penalty or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or any other federally funded health care programs. (Sec. 302) Allows an individual aggrieved by a violation of this title to bring a civil action for preliminary and equitable relief, actual or liquidated damages, and punitive damages. Allows assessment of attorney's fees. Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions - Provides for criminal fines and imprisonment for violations of this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Declares that: (1) this Act, subject to exceptions, preempts State law; and (2) a HIT that makes a disclosure permitted by this title shall not be liable to the individual for the disclosure under common law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1995
American Jobs and Manufacturing Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include imported property income of a controlled foreign corporation or related person as foreign base company income. Defines imported property income as income from: (1) manufacturing, producing, growing, or extracting imported property; (2) the sale, exchange, or other disposition of imported property; or (3) the lease, rental, or licensing of imported property. Requires the separate application of the limitation on the foreign tax credit on imported property income. Applies the look-thru rules in the case of controlled foreign corporations to such income.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Repeals a Federal provision limiting salary increases for Federal judges or Supreme Court Justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the Federal judicial code to make the cost of living adjustments in judicial salaries effective in the first pay period beginning on or after January 1 each year (currently, such adjustments are triggered by General Schedule adjustments).
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Solid-Organ Transplant Program Title II: Bone Marrow Donor Program Organ and Bone Marrow Transplant Program Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Title I: Solid-Organ Transplant Program - Solid-Organ Transplant Program Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to replace certain provisions relating to organ procurement organizations (OPOs) with provisions authorizing cooperative agreements and contracts to increase organ donation. Revises OPO requirements, including requiring an OPO to be a member of and abide by the rules of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. (Sec. 103) Replaces certain provisions relating to the Network with provisions mandating a contract for the operation of the Network. Requires that the Network be recognized as a private entity that has expertise in organ procurement and transplantation with the primary purposes of encouraging organ donation, maintaining a "wait list," and operating an allocation system. Requires the Network to report continuing noncompliance with Network policies, rules, and requirements. Allows the Network to asses a patient registration fee and a data management fee. Grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Comptroller General access to all data collected. Revises Network requirements. Requires the Network to implement the access recommendations of the evaluation mandated by this Act. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements regarding the terms and conditions of contracts under PHSA organ transplant provisions. (Sec. 105) Modifies requirements regarding a Public Health Service administrative unit that deals with organ procurement activities. Requires that unit to oversee the Network and to oversee the scientific registry mandated by this Act. (Sec. 106) Mandates a contract for an evaluation and a report to the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee regarding: (1) the role and impact of the Government in the oversight and support of solid-organ transplantation, the Network, and the scientific registry; (2) access to membership on the Network's board and committees. (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified organ transplant provisions. Title II: Bone Marrow Donor Program - Bone Marrow Transplantation Program Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Makes the primary purpose of the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry (Donor Registry) increasing unrelated donor marrow transplants. Imposes organizational requirements and revises functions. Authorizes contracts for increasing unrelated allogeneic marrow transplants. Requires the Donor Registry to establish and maintain an office of patient advocacy and case management. Mandates a contract for an evaluation of: (1) the role of a national bone marrow transplant program supported by the Government in facilitating unrelated marrow donor transplants; and (2) other possible clinical or scientific uses of the potential donor pool or accompanying information maintained by the Donor Registry or the unrelated marrow donor scientific registry. Requires evaluations and a report to the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee on: (1) the feasibility of integrating or consolidating all federally funded bone marrow transplantation scientific registries; and (2) all federally funded bone marrow transplantation research to be conducted under the National Institutes of Health's peer review system. Mandates the establishment and maintenance of a bone marrow scientific registry of all recipients of biologic unrelated allogeneic marrow donors. Authorizes appropriations to carry out Donor Registry provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected; (2) Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (3) the U.S. Embassy in Israel be relocated to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that the Embassy has opened. Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in certain fiscal years only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. 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 · 12 October 1995
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make capitalization grants to States to establish State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. Authorizes State Governors to transfer amounts between such funds and water pollution control revolving funds established under the Clean Water Act. Requires the Administrator to reserve one and one-half percent of drinking water funds for capitalization grants to Indian tribes for the improvement of public water systems. Authorizes the Administrator to make such grants to the District of Columbia and specified U.S. territories. Authorizes: (1) States to reserve a certain amount of such grants for technical assistance for small public water systems; and (2) the Administrator to make grants to Alaska for the benefit of Alaska Native villages. Requires the Administrator, beginning in FY 1999, to withhold a specified percentage (five percent for FY 1999, ten percent for FY 2000, and 15 percent for each subsequent fiscal year) of each capitalization grant made to a State unless the State has met specified requirements under this Act regarding new system capacity. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) projects eligible for assistance, including assistance for disadvantaged communities, and source water quality protection and capacity development; and (2) State loan fund administration, technical assistance, and management. Requires: (1) States to prepare annual intended use plans for funds; (2) priority for the use of funds to be given to projects that address the most serious risk to human health, that are necessary to ensure compliance with specified requirements (including filtration requirements), and that assist most in need on a per household basis according to State affordability criteria; and (3) each State, after notice and opportunity for public comment, to publish and periodically update a list of projects in the State that are eligible for assistance, including the priority assigned to each project and the expected funding schedule for each project. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct annual reviews and audits as the Administrator considers appropriate, or require each State to have the reviews and audits independently conducted, in accordance with specified single audit requirements; (2) submit to the Congress a periodic survey and assessment of the needs for facilities in each State eligible for assistance; (3) conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the State loan funds through FY 1999; and (4) publish such regulations and guidance as necessary. Specifies that the failure or inability of any public water system to receive funds, or a delay in obtaining the funds, shall not alter the obligation of the system to comply in a timely manner with all applicable drinking water standards and requirements under the Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to reserve: (1) $10 million for health effects research on specified drinking water contaminants, giving priority to research concerning the health effects of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, and arsenic and for the implementation of a research plan for subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects; (2) $2 million to pay the costs of monitoring for unregulated contaminants; and (3) specified sums for small system technical assistance. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to publish a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) and promulgate a national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulation for each contaminant (with exceptions) for which a NPDW regulation has been promulgated as of the date of this Act's enactment if the Administrator determines, based on adequate data and appropriate peer-reviewed scientific information and an assessment of health risks, that the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons and the contaminant is known to occur, or there is a substantial likelihood that it will occur, in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern. Directs the Administrator: (1) not later than July 1, 1996, to publish and periodically update a list of contaminants that are known or anticipated to occur in drinking water provided by public water systems that may warrant regulation; and (2) at such time as such list is published, to describe available and needed information and research regarding the health effects of the contaminants, their occurrence in drinking water, and treatment techniques and other feasible means to control the contaminants. Requires (with exceptions) the Administrator, by July 1, 2001, and every five years thereafter, to take one of the following actions for not fewer than five contaminants: (1) publish a determination that information available to the Administrator does not warrant the issuance of an NPDW regulation; (2) publish a determination that an NPDW regulation is warranted and proceed to propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation not later than two years after the date of publication of the determination; and (3) propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation. Sets forth provisions regarding insufficient information to make, and the basis for, such determinations. Requires the Administrator to give priority to those contaminants not currently regulated that are associated with the most serious adverse health effects and that present the greatest potential risk to human health due to their presence in drinking water provided by public water systems. Sets forth provisions regarding public comment and judicial review. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant to address an urgent threat to public health. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) schedules for publication of MCLGs and NPDW regulations; (2) substitution of contaminants; and (3) promulgation, by December 31, 1995, of an information collection rule to facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts, including information on microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, in carrying out the Act, to: (1) use the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices, and data collected by accepted or best available methods; and (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable. Directs the Administrator to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each NPDW regulation containing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) or treatment technique before it is proposed, including consideration of alternative MCLs or treatment requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Permits the MCLG for contaminants that are known or likely to cause cancer in humans to be set at a level other than zero if the Administrator determines, based on the best available, peer- reviewed science, that there is a threshold level below which there is unlikely to be any increase in cancer risk and the Administrator sets the MCLG at that level with an adequate margin of safety. Requires the Administrator, at the time he or she proposes an NPDW regulation, to publish a determination as to whether the benefits of the MCL justify, or do not justify, the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by: (1) increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water; or (2) interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes that are used to comply with other NPDW regulations. Authorizes the Administrator, if he or she determines that the benefits of an MCL would not justify the cost of complying with the level, to promulgate an MCL for the contaminant that maximizes health risk reduction benefits at a cost that is justified by the benefits, with an exception. Prohibits the Administrator from establishing an MCL in a Stage I or Stage II NPDW regulation for contaminants that are disinfectants or disinfection byproducts, or to establish an MCL or treatment technique requirement for the control of cryptosporidium. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts; and (3) review of standards. (Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to promulgate NPDW regulations for: (1) arsenic according to a specified schedule and develop and carry out a comprehensive plan for research in support of drinking water rulemaking and take other specified steps regarding assessment, proposed regulation, and final regulation for arsenic; (2) radon, providing for an MCL of 3,000 picocuries per liter; and (3) sulfates. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to propose a regulation that describes treatment techniques that meet the requirements for filtration that are feasible for community water systems serving a population of 3,300 or fewer and noncommunity water systems. (Sec. 12) Directs the Administrator to issue guidance or regulations regarding system treatment technologies. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher learning to establish and operate not fewer than five small public water system technology assistance centers in the United States. (Sec. 13) Revises the variance provisions of the Act to: (1) allow public water systems to receive a variance on the condition that they install and operate best available treatment technology; and (2) authorize the Administrator (or a State with primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems) to grant to public water systems serving a population of 10,000 or fewer a variance for compliance with a requirement specifying an MCL or treatment technique contained in an NPDW regulation if a system cannot afford to comply with the regulation and adequate protection of public health is ensured. (Sec. 15) Requires each State to: (1) obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1996, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations; (2) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems that have a history of significant noncompliance and report to the Administrator; and (3) develop and implement a strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Directs the Administrator to support: (1) the States in developing capacity development strategies; and (2) the network of university-based Environmental Finance Centers in providing training and technical assistance to State and local officials in developing the capacity of public water systems, including the establishment of a national public water systems capacity development clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Requires public water systems receiving assistance from a State Revolving Loan Fund to be operated by a trained and certified operator. Authorizes the Administrator to withhold funds that would otherwise be allocated to the State, or require the repayment of an amount equal to the amount of any such assistance, for noncompliance. (Sec. 17) Directs each State to: (1) delineate the source water protection areas for community water systems in the State using hydrogeologic information considered to be reasonably available and appropriate by the State; and (2) conduct vulnerability assessments in source water areas determined to be a priority by the State. Authorizes States to establish source water quality partnership petition programs to assist in the local development of a voluntary, incentive-based partnership to reduce the presence in drinking water of contaminants and to obtain Federal and State financial or technical assistance. (Sec. 18) Extends the date for submitting State regulations to retain primacy for new or revised drinking water standards. Grants States interim primary enforcement authority. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 19) Requires the Administrator to review existing monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants within two years. Authorizes: (1) States to establish alternative monitoring programs, except for regulations applicable to a microbial contaminant or an indicator of such a contaminant, subject to specified requirements; and (2) the Administrator or a State to suspend quarterly monitoring requirements applicable to small systems for any contaminant (other than a microbial contaminant or such an indicator that causes an acute effect or a contaminant formed in the treatment process or distribution system) that is not detected during the first quarterly sample in a monitoring cycle. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing the criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants and to list up to 20 contaminants. Requires all systems serving more than 10,000 people to monitor for such contaminants. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to establish a national database containing information on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated contaminants. (Sec. 20) Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to those served by the system: (1) of any failure of the system to comply with an applicable maximum contaminant level or treatment technique requirement of, or a testing procedure prescribed by, an NPDW regulation or to perform required monitoring; (2) if the system is subject to a variance granted for an inability to meet a maximum contaminant level requirement or is subject to a granted exemption, of the existence of the variance or exemption and of any failure to comply with the requirements of any schedule prescribed pursuant to the variance or exemption; and (3) of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Directs the Administrator to prescribe the manner, frequency, form, and content for giving notice. Specifies that such regulations shall provide for different frequencies of notice based on the differences between violations that are intermittent or infrequent and violations that are continuous or frequent and shall take into account the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved. Permits a State to establish alternative notification requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 21) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to permit enforcement actions to be taken by both EPA and a State with primary enforcement responsibility. Directs the Administrator to notify local elected officials before taking enforcement actions against public water systems in nonprimacy States. Authorizes the Administrator or a State to suspend enforcement action with respect to a violation for a two-year period if the violation is to be corrected through a consolidation or restructuring during that period. Requires States to adopt administrative penalties of at least $1,000 per violation for large systems. Increases the maximum amount for an administrative penalty imposed by EPA from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, but only after a hearing on the record. (Sec. 22) Waives the sovereign immunity of Federal agencies, subject to specified limitations. Allows citizens and States to seek penalties for all violations of the Act at Federal facilities. (Sec. 23) Authorizes appropriations for research with respect to the safe supply of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and periodically update an integrated risk characterization strategy for drinking water quality; and (2) develop and carry out a research plan to support the development and implementation of rules regarding enhanced surface water treatment, disinfectant and disinfection byproducts, and ground water disinfection. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 24) Revises the definition of "public water system" to include water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances. Excludes from regulation connections to non-piped systems where alternative water supplies or treatment to levels that are equivalent to NPDW regulations is provided before the water is used for drinking or cooking. (Sec. 25) Authorizes the Administrator to makes grants to States for the development and implementation of State programs for the protection of groundwater resources. Prohibits any such grant from being used for more than half of the cost of the program. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent and seriousness of contamination of private sources of drinking water that are not regulated under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to reestablish a partnership between the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory and the National Center for Ground Water Research, a university consortium, to conduct research, training, and technology transfer for groundwater quality protection and restoration. (Sec. 26) Prohibits the use (after June 19, 1986, in the installation or repair of any public water system or in any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption) or sale (effective two years after this Act's enactment) of any pipe, or plumbing fitting or fixture, that is not lead free, with exceptions. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide accurate and timely technical information and assistance to qualified third-party certifiers in the development of voluntary standards and testing protocols for the leaching of lead from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion; and (2) promulgate regulations setting a health effects-based performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion if a voluntary standard is not established within a year. Repeals Federal law encouraging the use of geothermal heat pumps that return water to the distribution lines of public water systems. (Sec. 27) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a regulation establishing a quality level for each contaminant in bottled water or make a finding that a regulation is unnecessary to protect the public health because the contaminant is contained in water in the public water systems and not in water used for bottled drinking water. (Sec. 28) Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify and rank sources of pollution with respect to the relative degree of risk of adverse effects on human health, the environment, and public welfare; (2) estimate the private and public costs associated with each source of pollution and the costs and benefits of complying with regulations designed to protect against risks associated with such sources and those associated with major Federal actions selected by the Administrator that have the most significant impact on human health or the environment; (3) identify reasonable opportunities to achieve significant risk reduction through modifications in environmental regulations and programs and other Federal actions with impacts on human health, the environment, or public welfare; (4) identify, explain, and determine research that would reduce uncertainties associated with the risks; and (5) consider and estimate the monetary and other values of the benefits associated with reducing risk to human health and the environment. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Science Advisory Board to conduct a technical review of Administrator's report in public session before submission to the Congress. (Sec. 29) Authorizes the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Washington Aqueduct. Authorizes appropriations. Modifies the membership of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council to include two members representing small, rural water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Requires the Senate and the House of Representatives to assemble in the Hall of the House on October 11, 1995, to remember the veterans and those who served on the home front in closing the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of World War II. Designates November 4 through 11, 1995, as a Week of National Remembrance and the Closing of the 50th Anniversary of World War II. Calls for National Days of Prayer on November 4 through 5, 1995, and a World War II Education Day across America on November 8, 1995. Requires commemorations during such week to include the dedication of the future site of the Nation's World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Designates Veterans Day, November 11, 1995, as a "National Day of Observance and Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of World War II. Urges each State Governor and chief executive of political subdivisions of each State to issue a proclamation calling upon citizens to participate on November 11, 1995, at 11 o'clock a.m. in the ringing of the Bells of Peace and Freedom 50 times to signify the 50 years without a world war and the world's hope to achieve another 50 years of peace and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1995
Community Food Security Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for community food security projects. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
Davis-Bacon Act Reform Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) to provide for wage determinations based on the locality where the work is performed. (Sec. 2) Requires contractors and subcontractors covered by DBA to pay laborers and mechanics: (1) unconditionally; (2) at least weekly; and (3) without subsequent deduction or rebate. Applies DBA requirements to laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor to: (1) work directly upon the site of the work, including work at fabrication plants, batch plants, tool yards, or similar facilities not on the project site but dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to project construction (except previously established facilities whose location and continuance in operation are determined wholly without regard to the contract work); or (2) transport materials, supplies, and equipment to or from the worksite. Increases the minimum threshold (currently $2,000) for DBA coverage of contracts for public buildings and works to: (1) $100,000 for new construction, complete rehabilitation, or reconstruction; and (2) $25,000 for repairs or alterations. Sets conditions for coverage of leased property. Provides for periodic adjustments of such thresholds. Prohibits splitting contracts. Sets forth wage requirements in cases of contract option provisions. Sets preemption conditions. Sets forth provisions relating to apprentices, trainees, and helpers. Sets forth requirements relating to wages. Revises DBA enforcement provisions, including: (1) administrative procedures, including the Secretary of Labor's authority with respect to payment of workers, debarment of contractors, and coordination of enforcement; (2) review procedures, including court review of coverage determinations; and (3) creation of an administrative petition procedure for workers for wages, benefits, and damages. (Sec. 3) Amends the Copeland Act to: (1) eliminate weekly payroll data submission for contracts of $100,000 or less; and (2) change such weekly requirement to a monthly one for contracts of more than $100,000, with provisions for waivers for contractors or subcontractors who have demonstrated compliance with DBA and other labor standards. Revises enforcement provisions to: (1) require contractors and subcontractors to maintain payroll and related records for three years after completion of contract work and make such records available upon request of the contracting officer or the Secretary; (2) grant the Secretary subpoena and debarment authority with respect to records; and (3) establish penalties for false records. (Sec. 4) Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to provide that: (1) the Secretary, rather than the Comptroller General, shall initiate debarment action for violations; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) shall include the names of those debarred on a governmentwide list.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Northern Forest Stewardship Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide technical assistance to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont for forest products marketing cooperatives, for implementing principles of sustainability, and for land conservation; (2) prepare a related study of the Northern Forest region; and (3) cooperate in Northern Forest research. Provides for interstate coordination strategy. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to forest-based industry for labor safety and training activities. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) land conservation; and (2) other activities under this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) that States should provide landowners with liability exemptions for permitting free public use of their land; and (2) in favor of a funding mechanism to support conservation of nongame fish and wildlife on public and private land.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and George Catlett Marshall. Mandates that coin sale surcharges be paid equally to: (1) the George C. Marshall Foundation; and (2) the Friends of George C. Marshall for construction and operation of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Visitor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) tobacco use among children and teenagers has been shown to lead to addiction, disease, and premature death; (2) increased Federal excise taxes on tobacco products will serve to reduce such use; and (3) revenues from such tax increases should be used in part to help finance Federal health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Provides that, upon timely election by the applicant for patent to proceed, a "biotechnological process" using or resulting in a composition of matter that is novel and nonobvious shall be considered nonobvious if: (1) claims to the process and the composition of matter are contained in either the same application for patent or in separate applications having the same effective filing date; and (2) the composition of matter and the process at the time it was invented were owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person. Specifies that a patent issued on such a process shall: (1) contain the claims to the composition of matter used in or made by that process; or (2) if such composition of matter is claimed in another patent, be set to expire on the same date as such other patent. Provides that, if a claim to a composition of matter is held invalid and that claim was the basis of a determination of nonobviousness under this Act, the process shall no longer be considered nonobvious solely on the basis of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Anti-Gun Trafficking Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any licensed firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring: (1) two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual during any 30-day period; or (2) a handgun to an unlicensed individual who received a handgun during the 30-day period ending on the date of the transfer. Bars any unlicensed individual from receiving two or more handguns during any 30-day period. Prohibits any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless the seller has: (1) received from the individual a statement containing specified information, including the individual's name, address, and date of birth appearing on a valid identification document containing a photograph and a statement that the individual is not a fugitive; (2) verified the individual's identification by examining the identification document; and (3) within one day after the individual furnishes the statement, provided a copy of the statement to the chief law enforcement officer of the individual's place of residence. Makes such provisions inapplicable to the transfer of a handgun to, or the receipt of a handgun by, an individual who has presented to the seller a written statement, issued by the chief law enforcement officer during the ten-day period ending on the date of the transfer or receipt, that the individual requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of such individual or of any member of such individual's household. Requires any seller of a handgun who, after the transfer, receives a report from a chief law enforcement officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the transferee violates Federal, State, or local law to immediately communicate all information the seller has about the transfer and the buyer to the chief law enforcement officers of the place of business of the seller and of the place of residence of the buyer. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) confidentiality of information; (2) recordkeeping; and (3) penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Part A of the IDEA Title II: Amendments to Part B of the IDEA Title III: Discretionary Programs Title IV: Amendments to Part H of the IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1995 - Reauthorizes and revises the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Sets forth effective dates for various amendments made by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to use appropriations for parts C through G of IDEA beginning with FY 1997 to make continuation awards for projects that were initially funded under those parts as in effect prior to that fiscal year. Title I: Amendments to Part A of the IDEA - Authorizes the Secretary to accept voluntary and uncompensated services under the Office of Special Education Programs in furtherance of the purposes of IDEA. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to provide a public-comment period of at least 90 days on any regulation proposed under IDEA part B on which an opportunity for public comment is otherwise required by law. (Sec. 106) Revises administrative provisions applicable to parts C through G of IDEA. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for activities under parts D through G in order to assist States and local educational agencies (LEAs) in providing educational, related, and early intervention services to children with disabilities under parts B and H. Sets forth requirements relating to eligible applicants for awards, special populations, priorities, applicant and recipient responsibilities, peer review, and limitations on indirect costs. Requires that specified minimum amounts are provided for the following activities under parts D through G: (1) educational, related services, transitional, and early intervention needs of children with deaf-blindness; (2) such needs of children with emotional disturbance, and to prevent children with behavioral problems from developing an emotional disturbance; (3) such needs of children with severe disabilities; and (4) postsecondary, vocational, technical, continuing, and adult education needs of individuals with deafness. Title II: Amendments to Part B of the IDEA - Amends IDEA part B (Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities) to revise requirements for allocations of grants to States (and terminate their entitlement status). Directs the Secretary to make grants to States and outlying areas (and provide funds to the Secretary of the Interior for Indian children with disabilities) for special education and related services for children with disabilities. Sets forth provisions for State-level activities, subgrants to LEAs, and minimum subgrants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Revises requirements for State eligibility. (Sec. 203) Sets forth requirements for LEA eligibility. (Replaces certain provisions for State plans.) Repeals specified provisions relating to treatment of certain State agencies. (Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions for evaluations, reevaluations, individualized education programs, and educational placements. (Replaces certain provisions for applications.) (Sec. 205) Revises procedural safeguards. Authorizes States to provide for transfer of parental rights when an individual with a disability reaches the age of majority. Repeals a provision under the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 that would have terminated, upon reauthorization of IDEA, certain provisions relating to local control over violence (thus keeping such provisions in effect). (Sec. 206) Revises provisions for: (1) withholding of payments and judicial review of such withholding; (2) administration of IDEA, including the Secretary's responsibilities; (3) program information; (4) preschool grants authorizing appropriations); and (5) payments to States and distribution of such payments to LEAs. Title III: Discretionary Programs - Extends through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the following IDEA discretionary programs: (1) part C, centers and services to meet special needs of individuals with disabilities; (2) part D, training personnel for the education of individuals with disabilities; (3) part E, research in the education of individuals with disabilities; (4) part F, instructional media for individuals with disabilities; and (5) part G, technology, educational media, and materials for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 302) Revises discretionary programs under parts C through G, effective October 1, 1996, and extends through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for such revised programs. Changes part C to State Improvement, with provisions for grants to State educational agencies, State improvement plans, distribution of funds, mandatory use of at least 50 percent of such funds for professional development (and 15 percent of that for early intervention professional development), and authorized activities including subgrants to LEAs and other appropriate entities. Renames part D as Professional Development, with provisions for national activities, professional development for personnel serving children with low-incidence disabilities, leadership personnel, and service obligation. Renames part E as Research to Practice, with provisions for research and improvement activities, studies, evaluations, annual reports, national assessment, and reservation of additional funds from other parts for studies, evaluations, reports, and assessment. Changes part F to Parent Training and Information, with provisions for parent training and information centers, community parent resource centers, and technical assistance. Renames part G as Technology Development and Educational Media Services, with provisions for technology development and educational media services. Title IV: Amendments to Part H of the IDEA - Revises IDEA part H, Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, with respect to definitions, general authority, eligibility, requirements for a statewide system, individualized family service plans, State applications and assurances, uses of funds, procedural safeguards, and allocation of funds. (Sec. 404) Repeals certain provisions relating to continuing eligibility. (Sec. 407) Requires certain assessments and statements of services for at-risk infants and toddlers. (Sec. 411) Adds to State Interagency Coordinating Council membership requirements representatives from a Head Start agency or program in the State and from a State agency responsible for child care. (Sec. 413) Revises requirements for the composition and functions of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council. (Sec. 414) Requires a study and recommendations by a panel of experts with respect to uniform national definition of "developmental delay" as that term is used under IDEA part H. (Sec. 415) Extends through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for IDEA part H.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Comprehensive Torture Victims Relief Act - Prohibits the U.S. Government from expelling, extraditing, or involuntarily returning an individual to a country if there is substantial evidence that the individual would fear subjection to torture. Allows any alien presenting a credible claim of having been tortured in the alien's country of nationality (or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, that country in which the alien last habitually resided) and who applies for refugee status, asylum, or withholding of deportation under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to be processed in accordance with this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) consideration by appropriate officials of the effects of torture; (2) expedited processing of refugee admissions and for asylum and withholding of deportation; and (3) parole in lieu of detention. Directs the Attorney General, other officials of the Department of Justice, and the Secretary of State to provide training for immigration officials and consular officers regarding the identification of evidence of torture, the circumstances surrounding torture, the long-term effects and the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of torture, and the appropriate manner of interviewing torture victims. Directs the National Institutes of Health to study and report to specified congressional committees with respect to the estimated number and geographic distribution, needs, and availability of services of refugees and asylum-seekers admitted to the United States since October 1, 1987, who were tortured abroad. Amends the INA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost of specified services for torture victims. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to assist domestic centers and programs for the treatment of torture victims. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries which are specifically carrying out projects or activities to treat victims of torture. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture for FY 1996 through 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995
Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions concerning health centers (currently, community health centers), definitions relating to such centers, and the services provided by such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning, operating, and infant mortality grants for health centers that provide required primary health services and additional health services to medically underserved and special medically underserved populations (migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, the homeless, and public housing residents). Directs the Secretary to give priority in making grants to health centers in which there is a substantial incidence of infant mortality or a significant increase in the incidence of infant mortality. Specifies that grant amounts for any fiscal year may not exceed: (1) total State, local, and other operational funding for a center; and (2) fees, premiums, and third-party reimbursements received for operations by the center in such fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration to administer the rural health services outreach demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Health Plan Rules Subtitle B: Individual Health Plan Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Coalitions Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Health Plan Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to provide coverage, and plans from establishing certain types of requirements, based on health status, medical condition, and similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for nonpayment of premiums, termination of the plan, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws that limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law, or employers with not more than 50 employees if not defined in State law). Subtitle B: Individual Health Plan Rules - Prohibits an insurer from establishing, for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage, eligibility, continuation, or enrollment requirements based on health status, medical condition, and similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, misrepresentation of material fact, or termination of the plan. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law is not as effective in providing access. (Sec. 113) Mandates a study and report on ensuring the availability of health insurance to individuals, the need for Federal premium variation standards, and the effectiveness of this Act and State laws in stabilizing the small group health insurance market by providing for the broad pooling of risk. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Coalitions - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing coalitions (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws, State rating requirement laws (subject to exception), and other State laws in direct conflict. Applies to HPPCs the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on: (1) a plan to be imposed on the insurer; and (2) a self-insured plan to be imposed on the plan sponsor. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary, for self-insured health plans, to enforce the standards under this Act. Subjects failing plans to civil enforcement under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Congress should take steps to further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Regulatory Procedures Reform Act of 1995 - Amends Federal Government operations law on regulatory function analysis, among other things, to revise judicial review provisions. Defines "major rule" as a rule or group of closely related rules not expressly excluded from coverage under this Act that the proposing agency, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or presidential designee determines is likely to affect the economy each year, directly or indirectly, in a specified manner. Requires Federal agencies: (1) before publishing rulemaking notices, to determine whether or not the rule in question is a major rule (giving the OMB Director or presidential designee as appropriate the authority to make certain redeterminations); and (2) when publishing a rulemaking notice for a major rule, issue an initial cost-benefit analysis, and, later, when the final major rule is published, a final analysis, with specified contents, along with an appropriate summary for each analysis. Requires initial analysis to contain risk assessments prepared by covered agency heads based on the best available scientific information in accordance with adopted guidelines incorporating specified requirements, including those for peer review panels, if a major rule addresses health, safety, or environmental risks as well as benefit assessments of risk reductions associated with regulatory alternatives. Prescribes executive oversight authority and requirements. Amends Federal Government operations law to add provisions governing congressional review of agency rulemaking, requiring promulgated final major rules to be submitted to the Congress for review in accordance with specified procedures before they take effect. Requires certain risk assessment and other specified studies by the Administrative Conference of the United States for a report to the Congress. Outlines provisions for: (1) encouraging covered Federal agencies engaged in regulating health, safety, and environmental risks to achieve the greatest overall net risk reduction at the least cost practical through appropriate priorities included in the agency's budget and planning; (2) promoting coordination risk reduction policies and programs and open communication between Federal entities and the public regarding risk prevention and management; and (3) comparative risk analysis and a certain methodological study provided for by OMB. Limits judicial review under this paragraph. Details provisions requiring certain biennial accounting statements from the President to the Congress, along with an associated report with appropriate program recommendations, estimating annual regulatory costs and corresponding benefits in accordance with specified guidelines, with appropriate recommendations for improvements from the Congressional Budget Office to the President after such statements and reports have been submitted to the Congress. Requires guidance from OMB for standardized agency cost-benefit measures and statement format. States that regulatory accounting requirements shall not be subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1995 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) current provisions of law requiring funding for abortion services in cases of life endangerment, and for victims of rape or incest, to women eligible for medical assistance through the Medicaid program are essential to their health; (2) Federal resources are necessary to ensure that women have safe access to reproductive health facilities and that health professionals can deliver services in a secure environment free from threats of force; (3) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; (4) the program of grants under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) should receive a level of funding that is adequate for all States to receive grants under such title; (5) the program of research centers under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program; and (6) the program of loan-repayment contracts under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited provided specific requirements are met.
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 · 22 June 1995
Advanced Medical Devices Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Permits coverage under the Medicare program of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient hospital services, even if the device is not approved, as long as it is an investigational device used instead of either an approved device or a covered procedure. States that a payment made under the Medicare program for any such item or service may not exceed the amount which would have been paid if the item or service were associated with the use of an approved device or a covered procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the design selected by the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Coastal States Protection Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing a lease for mineral exploration, development, or production on submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf that are seaward of, or adjacent to, specified lands under a State or Federal lease moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
College Construction Loan Insurance Association Privatization Act of 1995 - Provides for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association, and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Repeals provisions for such Association under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Directs the President to support, at the 1995 United Nations review conference, proposals to modify Protocol II to the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention to implement the U.S. goal of the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Declares a U.S. moratorium, for a one year period beginning three years after enactment of this Act, on the use of such landmines except along internationally recognized national borders within a perimeter marked area monitored by military personnel and protected by adequate means to ensure the exclusion of civilians. Urges the President to encourage other nations to join in such moratorium. Prohibits the United States from selling, licensing for export, or transferring any defense article or service to a foreign country that sells, exports, or transfers antipersonnel landmines. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition, after notice to the Congress, if an emergency exists which makes such waiver vital to the interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Nondiscrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1995
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to extend it by reauthorizing authorities and authorizing appropriations relating to: (1) reservations of funds for outreach plans; (2) evaluation and program information; (3) regional centers for the deaf and services to meet special needs of individuals with disabilities; (4) training personnel; (5) research; (6) instructional media; (7) technology, educational media, and materials; and (8) programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
Commends Captain Scott F. O'Grady for his heroic conduct after being shot down by Bosnian Serb forces. Commends the U.S. and NATO forces involved in Capt. O'Grady's rescue. Expresses the sense of the Senate that U.S. and NATO air crews should not be put at risk over Bosnia unless all necessary actions to address the threat posed by hostile Serbian air defenses are taken.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000105_200.jpg)