United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Nigeria Democracy Act - Imposes certain economic sanctions against Nigeria to promote democracy and human rights there. Directs the President to notify Nigeria immediately of his intention to suspend air transportation between the United States and such country. Urges the President to seek multilateral support for an international embargo on the sale of arms to, and sale of crude oil or refined petroleum products from, Nigeria. Authorizes waiver of such sanctions if the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) Nigeria has released all political prisoners and demonstrated a commitment to respecting internationally-recognized human rights and civilian, democratic government; or (2) such waiver is important to the national interest. Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States should impose additional measures against the Government of Nigeria if substantial progress has not been made within three months after enactment of this Act toward the establishment of civilian, democratic government and respect for internationally recognized human rights. Requires a progress report from the President to the Congress, including specified recommendations if progress has not been made.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Condemns the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Extends condolences to his family and to all the people of Israel. Expresses admiration for his historic contributions and support for the government of Acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Reaffirms a commitment to the process of building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Provides for the adjournment of the Senate as a further mark of respect for Rabin.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1995
Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe frequency and payment limits under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for screening fecal-occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopies, barium enemas, and other appropriate screening procedures for colorectal cancer, such as a colonoscopy.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 11 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRA's Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1995 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) applicable dollar amount. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments beginning after 1996. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRA's - Directs that a special individual retirement account be treated in the same manner as an individual retirement plan. Prohibits a deduction for a contribution to a special individual retirement account. Imposes a contribution limit. Prohibits a rollover contribution to such account unless it is a qualified transfer. Exempts from the contribution limit a qualified transfer to the account. Excludes distributions from a special individual retirement account from being included in the gross income of the distributee, with the exception of contributions held for less than five years which, in addition to being included in gross income, shall be subject to an early withdrawal penalty. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Exempts distributions from the early withdrawal penalty if used for: (1) a first home purchase; (2) qualified higher educational expenses; or (3) qualified medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Responsible Deficit Reduction Act of 1995 - Amends House Concurrent Resolution 67, 104th Congress to revise the definition of "discretionary spending limit" so as to reduce and specify new budget authority and outlay levels only for FY 1996 through 2000 (H. Con. Res. 67 covered through FY 2002). (Sec. 3) Modifies the deficit reduction assumptions in the conference report on that resolution. (Sec. 4) Declares that, notwithstanding any other law governing sales of electric power by the Alaska Power Marketing Administration, the Bonneville Power Marketing Administration, the Southern Power Marketing Administration, the Southeastern Power Marketing Administration, or the Western Area Power Marketing Administration (each referred to as "the Administration"): (1) offers of power sales by the Administration shall be made on a nonpreferential basis to public bodies and cooperatives and private persons; (2) sales of power by the Administration shall be made to the persons offering the highest price; and (3) the Administration shall not be required to acquire for sale to any public body or cooperative or any other person any amount of power in excess of that generated by the projects from which the Administration sells power. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to: (1) require annual inflation adjustment of storage fees; and (2) establish deadlines for the payment of principal and interest on storage fees. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify license application competitive bidding requirements. Removes provisions terminating the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or permit under specified provisions. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to end the authority to provide price support for sugar beets and sugarcane. Removes provisions relating to security interests obtained by the Commodity Credit Corporation resulting from security agreements by sugar beet and sugarcane processors. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to exclude sugar beets and sugarcane from the general power of the Commodity Credit Corporation to support agricultural commodity prices. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to repeal marketing quota provisions relating to information reporting by sugarcane processors, cane sugar refiners, sugar beet processors, manufacturers of crystalline fructose, and producers of sugarcane or sugar beets. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making price support available (in the form of loans, payments, purchases, or other operations) for sugar beets or sugarcane under any law, except for settling outstanding loans under specified provisions. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal provisions mandating a commodity export market promotion program and provisions mandating a commodity export enhancement program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed. Prohibits the Commission from issuing a recommendation to the President for approval of an event which commemorates: (1) a commercial enterprise, industry, specific product, or fraternal, political, business, labor, or sectarian organization; (2) a particular State or any political subdivision, city, town, county, school, or institution of higher learning; or (3) a living person. Bars: (1) the Commission from designating for commemoration of an event of any date or time period which begins more than one year after its designation date; or (2) an event which is commemorated by a specified period of time designated by the Commission from being commemorated by another designation within a single calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Senate Election Spending Limits and Benefits Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Additional Contribution Limits Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Senate Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Senate Election Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to set forth Senate election spending limits and benefits. Entitles complying candidates to specified: (1) broadcast discounts and free time; and (2) postage reductions. (Sec. 103) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) provide for preemption only in situations beyond a station's control; and (2) extend the license revocation provision for failure to provide access to cable systems. Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees From Federal Election Activities - Amends FECA to prohibit Federal election activities by political action committees (as defined by this Act). States that if such ban is not in effect: (1) a committee's contributions to a candidate shall not exceed limits applicable to an individual; and (2) a candidate may not accept more than 20 percent of contributions from committee sources. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends FECA to set forth soft money contribution and reporting provisions. Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Amends FECA to set forth reporting requirements for persons other than political parties (with exceptions for candidate's authorized committees or independent expenditures) who disburse more than $2000 for political activities. Subtitle D: Contributions - Amends FECA to set forth conditions under which contributions to a candidate made by a person through an intermediary or conduit shall be treated as having come from the person or from the intermediary. Subtitle E: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions - Requires candidates to raise at least 60 percent of their contributions from in-State individuals in order to be in FECA compliance. Subtitle F: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to redefine "independent expenditure." Includes within the definition of "contribution" certain expenditures containing express advocacy made by a candidate or candidate's representative. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends FECA to prohibit the personal use of campaign funds. (Sec. 302) Sets forth political advertising provisions for print and broadcast or cablecast communications. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to: (1) prescribe regulations for computer and facsimile reporting; and (2) conduct random post-election audits to ensure voluntary FECA compliance. (Sec. 305) Prohibits franked mass mailings by a Member in his or her election year (unless such Member will not be a candidate for any Federal office). (Sec. 306) Grants the Commission injunctive relief authority. (Sec. 308) Provides for direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court from any judicial ruling on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act. (Sec. 309) Revises certain political committee reporting requirements.
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 · 11 August 1995
Marine Aquaculture Act of 1995 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to require that the National Sea Grant College Program include a national marine aquaculture research and development program. Mandates grants, contracts, and other activities to further research, development, education, and technology transfer and accelerate the development and growth of a sustainable marine aquaculture industry. Requires grants and contracts to be funded under existing authorizations of appropriations. Authorizes establishment of advisory committees and review panels as necessary. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to add references to aquaculture to provisions relating to: (1) resource management improvement grants; and (2) coastal zone enhancement grants. Prohibits offshore marine aquaculture facilities except by permit. Requires compliance with environmental standards and prohibits significantly interfering with recreational and commercial fishing, navigation, conservation, and aesthetic enjoyment. Allows permit fees. Authorizes civil penalties for permit violations. Mandates environmental standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to conduct, make grants for, or contract for projects to demonstrate sustainable approaches to the development, installation, or operation of offshore marine aquaculture facilities. Mandates model environmental guidelines regarding marine aquaculture facilities in State waters. Requires making the financial assistance programs of the Department of Commerce fully available to qualified applicants seeking to construct marine aquaculture facilities in a State coastal zone or the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify the rate of tax on draft cider containing certain percentages of alcohol. Excludes the tax from the credit for small domestic producers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Temporary Employment Assistance Title II: Work First Employment Block Grant Title III: Supporting Work Title IV: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency Title V: Interstate Child Support Responsibility Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment Title VI: Supplemental Security Income Reform Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: Study of Disability Determination Process Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability Title VII: Provisions Relating to Sponsors Title VIII: Food Stamp Program Integrity and Reform Title IX: Effective Date; Miscellaneous Provisions Work First Act of 1995 - Title I: Temporary Employment Assistance - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) program for the purpose of providing assistance to families with needy children and assisting parents of such children to obtain and retain private sector work to the extent possible, and public sector or volunteer work if necessary, through the Work First Employment Block Grant (WORK) program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the elements for State TEA plans to be approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including limits on the length of time for cash assistance, with specified exceptions for teen parents and individuals exempt from certain work requirements under this title because of illness or other specified reasons. Includes among such elements requirements for the State to assess the skills, prior work experience, and employability of each parent applicant and develop a parent empowerment contract setting forth their job search, work-, and education-related obligations (including, at State option, appropriate substance abuse treatment) in order to receive the full amount of program assistance, with assistance denied after the third act of noncompliance with the contract. Requires State WORK plans to: (1) guarantee child care assistance for each TEA family with a needy child requiring such care, to the extent necessary for an individual in the family to participate in job search activities, to work, or to participate in the WORK program; (2) provide for development of programs to reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock and teen pregnancies; (3) promote family preservation and stability; and (4) develop a quality assurance system for use under the plan along with associated data collection and reporting. Outlines special rules regarding alien eligibility for TEA program assistance. Directs the Secretary to compile data on the effectiveness of the programs under this title for annual reports to the Congress. Provides that upon receiving notice from a State agency administering an approved plan that a named individual has been overpaid under it, the Secretary of the Treasury shall: (1) determine whether any tax refunds are payable to such individual, regardless of whether he or she filed a return as a married or unmarried individual; and (2) withhold from any such refunds an amount equal to the overpayment sought to be collected, and pay it to the State agency. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations allowing a State to submit requests for collection of overpayments only with respect to individuals no longer receiving TEA assistance against whom the State has already taken appropriate action, including notice of its intent to request such withholding of income tax refunds. Specifies rules for the collection of overpayments under SSA title IV part A. Title II: Work First Employment Block Grant - Replaces the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program under SSA title IV part F with the WORK program of title I, under which States shall have the option of providing a wide variety of work-related activities to clients in the TEA program. Makes the stated goal of the WORK program the achievement in a cost-effective fashion of full-time unsubsidized paid employment for each adult on TEA assistance. (Sec. 201) Allows States to place in such program clients of TEA assistance pursuant to an approved State plan who have signed a contract described above and absent parents who are unemployed, on the condition that, once employed, such parents meet their child support guidelines, with certain exceptions for clients who are seriously ill or of advanced age. Requires States operating such WORK programs to achieve certain work performance rates over a specified fiscal year period, with reduced Federal payments for States failing twice to achieve the rate required. Makes use of performance-based bonuses under such program for States achieving their specified fiscal year work performance rate. Provides that each client, who is not exempt from work requirements, shall begin the WORK program by participating for two months in job search activities designed by the State. Provides that if, after two years, a client who has signed a parent empowerment contract is not working at least 20 hours a week, then the State shall offer that client a workfare or community service position, with hours per week and tasks to be determined by the State. Outlines job placement assistance for program clients, including the use of vouchers with private placement companies. Provides for various WORK program components, including certain family investment programs, microenterprises, and workfare and community service programs. Sets funding levels for State WORK programs. (Sec. 202) Allows State TEA plans to describe the State's efforts to streamline and consolidate activities to simplify the process of applying for a range of Federal and State assistance programs, including the use of "one-stop offices" to coordinate the application process for individuals and families with low-incomes or limited resources, and to ensure that applicants and recipients receive the information they need with regard to such range of programs. Allows such plans to require the use of incentives to change the culture of each appropriate State agency, to improve employee performance, and to ensure that the objective of each State agency is to find unsubsidized paid employment for each program client as efficiently and as quickly as possible. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible community-based organizations that move clients on TEA or other public assistance into private sector work. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations for the purpose of conducting projects to create employment opportunities for certain low-income individuals. Title III: Supporting Work - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for an extension of Medicaid enrollment for former temporary employment assistance recipients for one additional year. (Sec. 302) Amends authorization provisions under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (for purposes related to providing child care services for eligible children through the awarding of State block and matching grants) for the stated purpose of: (1) eliminating program fragmentation and creating a seamless system of high quality child care that allows for continuity of care for children as parents move from welfare to work; (2) providing for parental choice among high quality child care programs; and (3) increasing the availability of high quality affordable child care in order to promote self-sufficiency and support working families. Repeals the State Dependent Care Grant program under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, and the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Title IV: Ending The Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency - Amends new SSA title IV part A to require State TEA plans to require adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried minors who are pregnant or who have a needy child in their care in order for them to receive assistance under such plans, with certain exceptions where the appropriate State agency determines current living arrangements to be appropriate. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for the establishment of an adult-supervised group home entitlement program for minor custodial parents and their children for the purpose of reinforcing families. (Sec. 403) Requires completion of high school or other training for teenage parents under the new TEA program who are required to participate in the WORK program, including any available substance abuse treatment services for needy individuals whose contract reflects the need for such treatment services. Gives States the option to provide additional incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 405) Requires the State TEA plan to provide for the development of a program to reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, which may include providing unmarried mothers and unmarried fathers with services which will help them: (1) avoid subsequent pregnancies; and (2) provide adequate care to their children. Requires the plan also to provide that the State agency may, to the extent it determines resources are available, provide for the operation of projects to reduce teenage pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the relative effectiveness of the different approaches for preventing teenage pregnancy utilized in such projects. Adds funding provisions for teen pregnancy projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs: (1) for the collection and provision of information relating to adolescent pregnancy prevention programs; and (2) as a material development source for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Interstate Child Support Responsibility - Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - Part I: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to: (1) record child support orders in a central case registry; and (2) collect child support payments through a centralized collections unit. (Sec. 501) Revises requirements for: (1) State plans for child and spousal support; and (2) payments distribution. (Sec. 503) 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. Part II: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the formulae for: (1) Federal matching payments to the States; and (2) incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate. (Sec. 513) 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. 515) 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. 516) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program, and report the results to the Congress. (Sec. 517) 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. Part III: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system function as a single central case registry of State-provided services and support orders. Delineates contents of case records and data matching activities, including data exchange with sister States. (Sec. 522) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 523) 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. 525) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to add kinds of information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of establishing parentage and executing child support obligations. Requires the Secretary to establish in the Service a Data Bank of Child Support Orders and an automated directory of New Hires. (Sec. 526) 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. 527) Requires State plans to include procedures for recording Social Security numbers on certain family legal documents and records, and on all applications for motor vehicle and professional licenses. Part IV: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 532) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the rules for a court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 533) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise State plan guidelines for mandatory expedited administrative and judicial procedures to include: (1) authorized genetic testing to establish paternity; and (2) the securing of assets and increasing of monthly payments to satisfy a support arrearage. Part V: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for statutorily prescribed procedures governing genetic testing and outreach for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. (Sec. 543) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and Medicaid to provide that the State agency administering the plan will determine whether a program recipient is cooperating with efforts to establish paternity and secure support, or has good cause not to cooperate with such efforts. Part VI: 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. 552) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. Part VII: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the priority of refund distribution with respect to past-due support owed to individuals. (Sec. 563) Amends SSA title IV part D 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 current and retired members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 565) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures for: (1) placing liens for child support arrearages on motor vehicle titles of the debtor; (2) voiding fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor; (3) suspending any driver's, business, or occupational license issued to any person who owes past-due child support; (4) reporting to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (5) extending the statute of limitations for collection on child support arrearages; and (6) calculating interest or penalties on such arrearages. (Sec. 571) Prescribes procedural guidelines for passport denial (or revocation) upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 572) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Requires State plans to provide that the State must treat international child support cases as interstate cases. Part VIII: 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. Part IX: Visitation and Support Assurance Projects - Authorizes grants to States to establish and administer programs to facilitate absent parents' access and visitation programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 592) Authorizes the Secretary to permit State demonstration projects in one or more political localities for the purpose of establishing or improving a system of assured minimum child support payments. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this Act. Title VI: Supplemental Security Income Reform - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to provide for the termination of SSI cash benefits for drug addicts and alcoholics whose alcoholism or drug addiction is a contributing factor towards the individual's disability. Revises associated treatment requirements. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the eligibility rules for children, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations: (1) modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders by eliminating references to maladaptive behavior in the domain of personal-behavioral function; and (2) 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 this subtitle. (Sec. 612) Provides that at least every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, if the Commissioner chooses, which is unlikely to improve). 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. Provides for continuing Medicaid eligibility under SSI for certain children showing improvement following a continuing disability review. 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. 622) Requires the Commissioner to issue a request for comments in the Federal Register on 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. 623) Requires the Commissioner to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences, or other independent entity, to study and report to the President and the Congress on the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI. (Sec. 624) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact 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 study 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. Title VII: Provisions Relating to Sponsors - Makes uniform the eligibility criteria for qualified aliens under various specified public assistance programs, including the TEA and Medicaid programs. (Sec. 702) Extends, with certain exceptions, the deeming of income and resources of an alien's sponsor or sponsor's spouse under the SSI and food stamp programs through the date on which the alien becomes a U.S. citizen. (Sec. 703) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to specify requirements for an alien's sponsor's affidavit of support, extending such requirements to family-related and diversity immigrants as well. Title VIII: Stamp Program Integrity and 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. 803) Revises the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 805) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 806) Revises household income provisions regarding: (1) students; (2) Federal energy assistance; (3) job training income; (4) standard deductions; (5) life insurance proceeds; and (6) vendor payments for transitional housing. (Sec. 813) Increases penalties for certain program violations, including coupon trafficking for drugs or firearms. (Sec. 814) Revises work requirements and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 816) Establishes a ten-year disqualification period for participating in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 817) Disqualifies an individual in child support arrears from program participation. (Sec. 818) Encourages implementation of a national electronic benefit transfer delivery system. (Sec. 821) Revises State operating plan requirements. (Sec. 822) Reduces program allotments or increases for noncompliance with specified work requirements under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 823) Provides for revised application and benefit procedures. (Sec. 824) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specific time periods for: (1) retail 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. 826) Includes tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 827) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 828) Makes the collection of overissuance of coupons from Federal pay or Federal tax refunds (as authorized by this section) mandatory. (Sec. 832) 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. 833) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 834) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 835) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 837) Authorizes appropriations for Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 838) Amends the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the sharing of certain retail or wholesale food concern information with State enforcement authorities. (Sec. 839) Amends the National School Lunch Act with regard to the child care and adult food program to: (1) revise day care home reimbursement provisions; (2) obligate funds for State assistance to family or group day care homes; and (3) provide census and school data to family or group day care sponsoring organizations. (Sec. 840) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to replace existing discretionary funding (from moneys not otherwise appropriated) for nutrition education and training programs with an authorization of appropriations for such programs. Title IX: Effective Date; Miscellaneous Provisions - Specifies the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 901) Provides for: (1) a one year extension of the JOBS program's authorization under part F of SSA title IV at specified levels; (2) the allocation of such authorization levels to the States in the same manner specified above for the WORK program, but requiring a 25 percent instead of the current 20 percent State participation rate; (3) continuation of existing waivers granted to States and approved by the Secretary as of the date of the enactment of this Act that relate to the provision of assistance under an approved State plan under SSA title IV; and (4) an expedited approval process for such waivers. (Sec. 904) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly enter into negotiations with any county having a population greater than 500,000 for the purpose of establishing appropriate rules to govern the establishment and operation of a five year specified welfare demonstration project. (Sec. 905) Amends SSA title IV part F, with respect to the Work First Employment Block Grant Program for the State of Hawaii, to lower from 20 to 19 the work performance rate component number of deemed hours which individuals must work either in an unsubsidized job while receiving temporary employment assistance, or in a subsidized job through the Work First Program. (Sec. 906) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to produce and publish every two years for each State, county, and local unit of general purpose government, and for each school district, data relating to the incidence of poverty, with certain reports for the Congress whenever the Secretary is unable to produce and publish such data for a particular entity above. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 907) 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 amendments made by title I of this Act on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under SSA title IV part A and other appropriate low-income families. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 908) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a legislative proposal providing for such technical and conforming amendments in the law as are required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Electronic Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 1995 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to require, among other things: (1) agency publication via computer telecommunications or other electronic means of all Federal Register information required to be published; (2) such information to include specified information on withholding statutes; (3) public access via electronic means to agency materials previously available only through inspection and copying; (4) such materials to include specified information on major information systems; (5) requesters to receive records in the form or format in which they are maintained; (6) responsive requesting agencies to receive a percentage of the fees collected from FOIA requests to offset compliance costs; (7) Government payment of requestor expenses when agencies fail to timely comply with the request; (8) first-in, first-out processing of requests; and (9) deletions to be indicated on the released portion of the record at the place where they were made. Defines "record" and "search" to include, respectively, machine-readable materials and an automated review of agency records for locate purposes.
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 · 20 July 1995
Calls upon: (1) the Government of Japan to honor and abide by the terms of the United States-Japan bilateral aviation agreement and immediately authorize U.S. air cargo and passenger carriers which have pending route requests relating to their "beyond rights" to immediately commence service on such routes; and (2) the President to identify countermeasures that could be taken against such Government for its egregious violation of the agreement and to promptly impose appropriate countermeasures to ensure that such Government abides by the terms of the agreement.
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 · 12 July 1995
Calls on France to abide by the international moratorium on nuclear testing, refrain from conducting its announced testing, and prepare to close its underground nuclear testing sites at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from closing, consolidating, or reducing to seasonal status any Coast Guard multi-mission small boat station unless he certifies that such action will not result in the degradation of services that would cause an increased threat to life, property, environment, public safety, or national security.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization Title II: Personnel Management Improvement Title III: Marine Safety and Waterway Services Management Title IV: Coast Guard Auxiliary Amendments Title V: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Title VI: Coast Guard Regulatory Reform Title VII: Technical and Conforming Amendments Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities. Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Federal Highway Administration to declare that, notwithstanding specified provisions of law, highway bridges determined to be unreasonable obstructions to navigation under the Truman-Hobbs Act may be funded from amounts set aside from the discretionary bridge program. Mandates the transfer of those allocations and the responsibility for the administration of those funds to the Coast Guard. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and its average military training student loads. Title II: Personnel Management Improvement - Amends Federal law to authorize the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make child development services available for members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard and, if space is available, for members of the armed forces and Federal civilian employees. Authorizes the use of Coast Guard appropriated funds to provide assistance to family home day care providers so that family home day care services can be provided to uniformed service members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard at a cost comparable to the cost of services provided by Coast Guard child development centers. (Sec. 202) Declares that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 applies to Coast Guard military personnel assigned to, or employed at or in connection with, any Federal facility or installation around Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, on or before August 24, 1992, except that a limited amount of Coast Guard funds shall be used. (Sec. 203) Removes provisions requiring dissemination to the service at large of the names of officers selected for continuation on active duty. (Sec. 204) Excludes certain reserve members in computing authorized strength of members on active duty or members in grade. (Sec. 205) Revises provisions regarding officer retention to provide for retention until retirement-eligible under specified conditions. (Sec. 206) Authorizes contracts to carry out health care responsibilities under Federal law relating to Coast Guard personnel and covered beneficiaries. Title III: Marine Safety and Waterway Services Management - Amends provisions relating to the documentation of vessels to: (1) increase the limit on civil fines for violations; (2) modify the circumstances in which a vessel (including a recreational vessel) and its equipment are liable to seizure and forfeiture. Allows a recreational vessel in U.S. territorial waters to be commanded by a non-U.S. citizen. (Sec. 302) Removes provisions authorizing denial and revocation of endorsements if civil penalties have not been paid. (Sec. 303) Mandates a civil fine for failure to implement or conduct, as prescribed under provisions relating to vessels and seamen and related regulations, chemical testing for dangerous drugs or for evidence of alcohol use. (Sec. 304) Extends the termination dates of the Navigation Safety Advisory Council, the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee, and the Towing Safety Advisory Committee. (Sec. 307) Allows a bill of sale, conveyance, mortgage assignment, or related instrument to be filed electronically. Requires the original to be provided within 10 days. (Sec. 308) Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 (currently, a civil penalty of $1,000) for failure to report a casualty or for violating provisions relating to small vessel manning. Title IV: Coast Guard Auxiliary - Amends Federal law to specify the Coast Guard Commandant's authorities regarding the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Deems the Auxiliary a U.S. instrumentality except when it acts outside its legislated purpose or forms a corporation under State law. (Sec. 402) Declares that the Auxiliary's purpose is to assist the Coast Guard. (Sec. 403) Declares that Auxiliary members are not Federal employees except for certain situations. (Sec. 404) Removes the word "specific" from provisions: (1) authorizing the use of Coast Guard appropriations for certain expenses of Auxiliary members assigned to authorized specific duties; (2) relating to assignment of Auxiliary members to specific duties and related vesting in the Auxiliary members of the same power and authority as members of the regular Coast Guard assigned to similar duty; and (3) injury to or death of an Auxiliary member while performing any specific duty assigned by a Coast Guard authority. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Coast Guard to use Auxiliary members and facilities in assisting Federal agencies, States, Territories, possessions, or political subdivisions. (Sec. 406) Deems motorboats, yachts, or aircraft, while assigned to Coast Guard duty, to be public vessels of the United States and vessels of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard aircraft. Deems (subject to specified provisions) Auxiliary pilots to be Coast Guard pilots. (Sec. 408) Authorizes disposal to the Auxiliary of obsolete or unneeded Coast Guard material. Title V: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement - Amends Federal law (popularly known as the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, the Fish Restoration and Management Projects Act, and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act) to mandate the distribution from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of certain amounts in specified fiscal years for grants under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, for recreational boating safety programs, and for grants under this Act for transient nontrailerable vessel facilities. Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to spend, under contracts with States, certain amounts for State recreational boating safety programs. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a specified amount of the annual appropriation from the Sport Fish Restoration Account in a certain fiscal year under specified provisions shall be excluded from the calculation of certain amounts to be distributed. (Sec. 502) Mandates a survey and plan regarding transient nontrailerable vessels and related public facilities. Requires certain amounts to be made available for grants to States to construct or renovate such public facilities. Title VI: Coast Guard Regulatory Reform - Coast Guard Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Mandates regulations establishing a safety management system for specified persons and vessels, including: (1) a safety and environmental protection policy; (2) instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of those vessels and protection of the environment in compliance with international and U.S. law; (3) defined levels of authority and lines of communications between and among personnel on shore and on the vessel; and (4) procedures for reporting accidents and nonconformities with this title, preparing for and responding to emergency situations, and internal audits and management reviews of the system. Requires regulations prescribed to be consistent with the International Safety Management Code with respect to vessels engaged on a foreign voyage. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) implementation of the safety management system; and (2) certification and enforcement. Mandates a study and report to the Congress on the methods that may be used to implement and enforce the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of ships and for Pollution Prevention under the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. (Sec. 603) Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to rely, as evidence of compliance with this title, on reports, documents, and records of other persons and on other methods determined by the head of that department to be reliable. (Sec. 604) Revises provisions regarding: (1) equipment approval; (2) frequency of inspection; (3) certificates of inspection; and (4) delegation of authority of the head of that department to classification societies. Title VII: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Amends the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 to modify various navigational rules. (Sec. 702) Amends Federal law relating to measurement of vessels to authorize the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe, where a statute allows, an alternate tonnage. (Sec. 702) Allows alternate tonnage measurement by amending the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act, the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act, the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, Federal law relating to reporting of U.S. vessels rebuilt abroad, the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, and numerous provisions of Federal law relating to vessels and seamen. (Sec. 745) Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (notwithstanding specified provisions) to issue a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document based on the individual applicant's service, using the tonnage as measured under specified provisions.
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
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 · 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 · 20 June 1995
Organ Donation Insert Card Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to include specified organ donation information with income tax refund payments made during a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Regulatory Simplification and Voluntary Compliance Title II: Small Business Responsiveness of Covered Agencies Title III: Financial Accountability of Covered Agencies Relating to Fees and Expenses Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act of 1995 - Title I: Regulatory Simplification and Voluntary Compliance - Directs a Federal regulatory agency that is required to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for a rule or group of related rules to publish a compliance guide which: (1) contains a summary of the rules and a citation as to their location; (2) provides a notice to small businesses (small entities) of such rules as well as an understandable explanation of actions necessary for compliance; and (3) is updated as required to reflect rule changes. Requires such guides to be disseminated to small entities, as well as to small business development centers. Prohibits any covered agency from bringing an action against a small entity to enforce a rule for which such a guide has not been published and disseminated. (Sec. 103) Requires covered agencies other than the Federal Trade Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine within 90 days whether to grant or deny a request by a small entity that no action be taken against such entity with respect to the enforcement of a rule (no action request). Allows a small entity to rely on a no action response from a covered agency in any subsequent action brought against the small entity for a rule's enforcement. (Sec. 104) Makes inadmissible as evidence in an action, as well as outside of the bounds of discovery, any information compiled by a small entity in a voluntary self-audit. Provides exceptions. (Sec. 105) Prohibits the imposition of a fine or penalty against a small entity if the entity proves that: (1) a covered agency rule is vague or ambiguous; and (2) the interpretation of the rule by the small entity is reasonable considering such rule and any applicable compliance guide. Title II: Small Business Responsiveness of Covered Agencies - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate in each SBA region a senior SBA employee to serve as the Regional Small Business and Agriculture Ombudsman for such area. Requires the Ombudsman: (1) to solicit and receive comments from small businesses regarding regulatory enforcement activities of covered agencies; (2) based on such comments, to annually publish a small business responsiveness rating to each covered agency; (3) to publish periodic reports compiling the comments received; (4) to coordinate the activities of the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board established under this title; and (5) to establish a toll-free telephone number to receive comments from small businesses. (Sec. 202) Directs the SBA Administrator to establish in each region a Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board to: (1) advise the Ombudsman on matters of concern to small businesses with respect to the regulatory enforcement activities of covered agencies; (2) conduct investigations of, and issue advisory findings and recommendations concerning, such enforcement activities; (3) review and approve the responsiveness ratings promulgated by the Ombudsman; and (4) prepare written opinions regarding the reasonableness and understanding of rules issued by covered agencies. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to direct small business development centers to provide specified assistance to, and develop publications and programs for, small businesses with respect to regulatory requirements of covered agencies and compliance guides. Title III: Financial Accountability of Covered Agencies Relating to Fees and Expenses - Directs a covered agency to award fees, costs, and other expenses to a prevailing small entity in an adversary proceeding that raises a successful defense to a regulatory enforcement action or that receives a corrective action or penalty which is less burdensome than that sought or demanded by the covered agency. Limits the rate of payment of attorney's fees to no more than $150 per hour. Waives the payment of such fees, costs, and expenses only in limited special circumstances. Prohibits covered agencies from increasing fees regularly charged for services in order to cover fees, costs, and other expenses required to be paid to a prevailing small entity.
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 · 7 June 1995
Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1995 - Amends the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to prohibit possessing or, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, discharging (or attempting to discharge) a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce (thus providing the jurisdictional basis for regulation under the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution) in a school zone.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Commemorative Coin Programs Title II: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund United States Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Title I: Commemorative Coin Programs - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold and-or silver coins: (1) emblematic of the Bicentennial of the United States; (2) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman; (3) to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (4) to commemorate the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.; (5) to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Yellowstone National Park as the first National Park in the United States; and (6) to recognize the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety. Provides for the distribution of surcharges from the sale of coins. (Sec. 102) Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the appropriate recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Title II: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund - Establishes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund as a revolving fund administered by the Secretary of the Interior to be used for specified purposes, including: (1) for the maintenance, security, and repair of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.; (2) to periodically add to the Memorial the names of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty; and (3) to provide educational scholarships to the immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty whose names appear on the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to apply provisions prohibiting fraud and false statements with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of any U.S. department or agency to any department, agency, or court of the United States or of the Congress or any duly constituted congressional committee or subcommittee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Education Technology Funding Corporation Act of 1995 - Recognizes the National Education Technology Funding Corporation as a nonprofit corporation independent of the Federal Government and operating under the laws of the District of Columbia. Authorizes Federal departments and agencies to provide assistance to such Corporation to carry out specified corporate purposes. Requires audits of the Corporation by independent certified public accountants and by the Comptroller General, and authorizes such audits by the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Striped Bass Act of 1995 - Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. Amends the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act to authorize appropriations to carry out certain studies under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1995
Intercity Rail Infrastructure Investment Act - Amends Federal highway system law to designate certain National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) intercity passenger rail service corridors to be part of the National Highway System. Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service (including high speed rail service) to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. Makes construction of and operational improvements for intercity passenger rail facilities, operation of intercity passenger rail trains, and acquisition of rolling stock for intercity passenger rail service eligible projects for funding under the National Highway System. Authorizes States to obligate congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program funds for such projects. Revises the term "mass transportation" to cover intercity passenger rail transportation. Makes such transportation projects eligible for Federal mass transportation funding. Requires grants for intercity passenger rail service to be used to preserve the maximum choice of passenger modes in non-urbanized areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1995
Reaffirms that: (1) the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable; and (2) all foreign troops should be withdrawn. Welcomes the appointment of a Special Presidential Emissary for Cyprus. Expresses continued support for efforts by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General and the U.S. Government to resolve the Cyprus problem. Insists that all parties to the dispute agree to seek a solution based upon relevant UN resolutions. Supports demilitarization of Cyprus. Encourages the UN Security Council and the U.S. Government to consider alternative approaches to promote a resolution of the dispute based upon relevant Security Council resolutions.
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