United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating a country a beneficiary developing country under the generalized system of preferences if the Secretary of State makes a determination under the Export Administration Act of 1979 that such country has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1995
Repeals specified Federal provisions which provided for the promotion by the Department of Defense of certain civilian marksmanship activities. Rescinds the unobligated balance of funds appropriated for FY 1995 for the Army's National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (Board). States that funds are not authorized to be appropriated for the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1995
Helium Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. (Sec. 4) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. States that such sales shall be in amounts as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the helium industry, to cause minimum market disruption. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. (Sec. 5) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) review annually known domestic helium reserves; and (2) eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. (Sec. 6) Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium 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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
National Aquaculture Development, Research, and Promotion Act of 1995 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to establish the Department of Agriculture (Department) as the lead Federal agency for the development of national policy and programs for private aquaculture. (Sec. 5) Authorizes (currently requires) the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to: (1) establish within the National Agricultural Library a National Aquaculture Information Center; and (2) assign new aquaculture programs to the appropriate Federal agencies. (Sec. 6) Provides for coordination with the aquaculture industry. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a national policy for private aquaculture; (2) implement a Department Aquaculture Plan; (3) revise the National Aquaculture Development Plan; and (4) treat private aquaculture as a form of agriculture. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out grant and cooperative agreement programs to demonstrate aquaculture's application to environmental enhancement, including a water-borne pollution assessment program. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out grant and cooperative agreement programs for Native American fishpond revitalization. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to establish aquaculture education programs in secondary and postsecondary vocational schools. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations for aquaculture programs. (Sec. 12) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make aquaculture farmers eligible for farm credit assistance. (Sec. 13) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to establish an international aquaculture information and data collection program. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with respect to aquaculture information network enhancement. (Sec. 15) Directs the Secretary to develop an aquatic species voluntary quality standards certification plan. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on progress made in implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rail Investment Act of 1995 Title II: Local Rail Freight Assistance Rail Investment Act of 1995 - Title I: Rail Investment Act of 1995 - Rail Investment and Efficiency Act of 1995 - Amends Federal transportation law to add as goals for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) that, among other things, it manage its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service and treat them with respect, courtesy, and dignity. (Sec. 104) Requires AMTRAK to include in its annual operations report to the President and to the Congress projections of anticipated and realized benefits of proposed and previously funded projects. (Sec. 105) Requires applications by a State, agency, or person for the institution of rail passenger service, or the retention of a route, train, or service which AMTRAK intends to discontinue, to include a statement that it agrees to pay in each year of service a portion of the long-term avoidable losses for each year (currently, short-term avoidable losses) of the operation of such service and the associated capital costs (currently, 50 percent of such costs). Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and report to Congress on AMTRAK's State-assisted rail passenger services program. (Sec. 106) Directs AMTRAK to make any capital improvements for the Northeast Corridor improvement project program necessary for reliable, high-speed rail passenger service and enhancement of capacity for intercity and commuter passenger service. Repeals the current authorization of appropriations for specific projects of the program, as well as the general authorization for deferment of certain Northeast Corridor improvement projects in order to carry out others. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) AMTRAK operating expenses; (2) State requested rail passenger service; (3) capital investment; (4) construction expenses to convert the James A. Farley Post Office, New York City, into a train station and commercial center and for redevelopment of the Pennsylvania Station, New York City; (5) capital expenditures for the Northeast Corridor improvement project; and (6) certain mandatory payments. (Sec. 108) Legalizes conveyances of certain real property located in Reno, Nevada, by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. (Sec. 109) Directs AMTRAK to report to the Congress on the feasibility of instituting rail passenger service between Kansas City, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska, as well as potential extensions of service in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas that might enhance the ridership or revenues of AMTRAK service. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 110) Declares, for purposes of any State or local requirement for a permit or other approval for construction of any AMTRAK improvement under the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project, that the exemptions and procedures applicable to a Federal project shall apply. (Sec. 111) Directs AMTRAK to construct the electrification system between Boston, Massachusetts, and New Haven, Connecticut, to accommodate the installation of a third mainline track between Davisville and the Boston Switch at Central Falls, Rhode Island, to be used for double-stack and tri-level automobile freight service to and from the Port of Davisville. (Sec. 112) Establishes the Capital and Equipment Acquisition Account to: (1) acquire passenger equipment and locomotives; and (2) encourage State and local investment in facilities and equipment used to provide intercity rail passenger service. (Sec. 113) Revises the composition of the board of directors of AMTRAK to include one member specially qualified to represent the interests of rail passengers, who shall be selected from a list of three qualified individuals recommended by the National Association of Railroad Passengers. (Sec. 114) Directs AMTRAK to implement a pilot program to increase non-Federal revenues through the sale of concessions and use of vending machines on trains and the sale of advertising space on trains and in rail stations. (Sec. 115) Requires AMTRAK to cooperate with the Virginia State Department of Transportation in studying the feasibility of reestablishing rail service between Washington, D.C., and Bristol, Virginia. (Sec. 116) Authorizes AMTRAK and motor carriers of passengers to: (1) combine their respective services and facilities to the public as a means of increasing revenues; and (2) coordinate schedules, routes, rates, reservations, and ticketing to provide for enhanced intermodal surface transportation. (Sec. 117) Directs AMTRAK, upon completion of the preliminary engineering and design for the rail connection between North Station and South Station in Boston, Massachusetts, to develop a plan for the construction of the Central Artery Rail Link to enable intercity and intracity passenger service between such points. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 118) Directs AMTRAK to form a task force to consider recommendations for improving emergency training and performance of on-board service and operating crew members. Requires the task force to report to specified congressional committees on actions implemented to date and recommended for the future. Title II: Local Rail Freight Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for local rail service assistance. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide disaster assistance for the repair of rail lines damaged as a result of a disaster. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the use of local rail freight assistance for the cost of: (1) closing or improving a railroad grade crossing or series of such crossings; and (2) creating a State supervised grain car pool. (Sec. 205) Requires amounts appropriated to AMTRAK to be paid on the first day of the fiscal year. (Sec. 206) Repeals specified sections of Federal transportation law designated obsolete or unnecessary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1995
National African American Museum Act - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National African American Museum to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans. Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, reconstruct, and renovate the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Museum in the Smithsonian Institution. Directs the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to appoint a Director to manage the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Handgun Controls Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes Title III: Dealer Responsibility Title IV: Theft of Firearms Title V: Armed Felons Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants Title VII: Ammunition Handgun Control and Violence Prevention Act of 1995 - Title I: National Handgun Controls - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor has: (1) verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license that meets specified minimum requirements by examining such license and a valid identification document containing a photograph of the transferee and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license to confirm that such license has not been revoked; and (2) provided to such officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a completed State handgun registration form. Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license and prohibits such an individual from receiving a handgun or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth: (1) minimum requirements to constitute a valid State handgun license; (2) procedures with respect to the issuance of such a license; and (3) penalties for violations of this title. Directs the Attorney General to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any licensed dealer: (1) during any 30 day period, from selling two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual; or (2) from selling a handgun to an unlicensed who purchased a handgun during the 30 day period ending on the date of the sale. Permits the exchange of a handgun for a handgun. Prohibits an unlicensed individual from purchasing two or more handguns during any 30 day period. (Sec. 103) Prohibits engaging in the business of dealing in handguns without specific authorization. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize a licensed dealer (or applicant) to engage in the business of dealing in firearms if the dealer (or applicant) demonstrates that there is significant unmet lawful demand for handguns in the market area served by the dealer. Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes - Requires each licensee to provide all record information required to be kept, or such lesser information as the Secretary may specify, as may be required for determining the disposition of a firearm in the course of a law enforcement investigation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) to centralize all records of receipt and disposition of firearms obtained by the BATF, and maintain such records in whatever manner will enable their most efficient use in law enforcement investigations. (Sec. 203) Restates provisions regarding the interstate transportation of firearms to prohibit an unlicensed individual from transporting a firearm from one State into another State. (Sec. 204) Prohibits an unlicensed individual from receiving a firearm with intent to transfer the firearm for profit. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Requires each licensed manufacturer to maintain records of the ballistics of handgun barrels made by the manufacturer and the serial numbers of such barrels and to make such records available to the Secretary. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to establish in the BATF a National Firearms Tracing Center which shall be operated for the purpose of tracing the chain of possession of firearms and ammunition used in crimes. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Dealer Responsibility - Requires compliance with State and local firearms licensing laws before issuance of a Federal firearms license. (Sec. 302) Requires that the background investigation of an applicant for a Federal firearms license include: (1) checking the applicant's fingerprints against all appropriate compilations of criminal records; and (2) inspection (by the Secretary) of the place at which the applicant is to conduct business pursuant to the license. Requires the applicant to have a business premises (currently, premises) from which to conduct such business. Extends the period for approving or denying the application. (Sec. 303) Increases license fees for dealers of firearms, destructive devices, or ammunition. (Sec. 304) Increases penalties for knowingly making false statements in connection with, or violating recordkeeping requirements concerning, firearms. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary to inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed dealer without reasonable cause or warrant as necessary to ensure compliance with Federal firearms provisions, to further a criminal investigation, or to determine the disposition of one or more particular firearms. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling or delivering any handgun to any person who is not a licensed dealer at any place other than the location specified on the license of the transferor. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) require a licensed dealer identified as the source of three or more firearms recovered by law enforcement officials in criminal investigations during a one-year period, or whom the Secretary has reason to believe is a source of firearms used in crimes, to produce any or all records of the acquisition and disposition of firearms; and (2) continue to impose such requirement until the Secretary determines that the dealer is not a source of firearms used in crimes. (Sec. 308) Authorizes any person suffering physical injury arising from a crime of violence in which a firearm that has been transferred by a licensed dealer to a convicted felon or a minor was used, to bring an action against the dealer who transferred the firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the recipient was prohibited from receiving it. Specifies that the defendant shall be held liable in tort, without regard to fault or proof of defect, for all direct and consequential damages arising from the crime of violence, with exceptions. Permits the court to award punitive damages. (Sec. 309) Requires: (1) a common or contract carrier that transports or delivers firearms in interstate or foreign commerce not less frequently than monthly to obtain from the Secretary a list of licensed dealers; and (2) the Secretary to provide to any such carrier, upon request and without charge, a list of licensed dealers and their license numbers. Prohibits knowingly delivering to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce (currently, to persons other than licensed dealers) any package or other container in which there is a firearm or ammunition without: (1) written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped, with exceptions (as under current law); and (2) written notice of the dealer's license number if the intended recipient of the package or container is a licensed dealer. Specifies that a common or contract carrier shall be considered to have cause to believe that a shipment of firearms would violate Federal firearms provisions if it fails to verify that the intended recipient is a licensed dealer. Title IV: Theft of Firearms - Requires each licensee to report to the Secretary and to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the premises specified on the license is located any theft of firearms from the licensee as soon as practicable after discovery of the theft, but in no event later than the close of business on the licensee's first business day after discovering the theft. (Sec. 402) Sets penalties for the theft of firearms or explosives and for such thefts from a licensee. (Sec. 404) Requires licensed dealers to provide for security against theft of firearms from their business premises in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Makes it a requirement for a dealer's license that the applicant has provided for such security against theft. Title V: Armed Felons - Bars: (1) an individual from applying for, and the Secretary from granting, relief from disabilities imposed by Federal firearms prohibitions; and (2) any person whose application for relief from such disabilities is denied by the Secretary from filing for judicial review of such denial. Requires the Secretary, when granting such relief, to include within the notice of action published in the Federal Register: (1) the name of the person; (2) the disability with respect to which the relief is granted (and, if the disability was imposed by reason of a criminal conviction of the person, the crime for which and court in which the person was convicted); and (3) the reason for the action. Revises Federal firearms provisions regarding the definition of "conviction" to specify that a State conviction that has been expunged or set aside, or for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored, shall not be considered to be a conviction for purposes of such provisions if: (1) it expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive, and possess firearms; and (2) the granting State authority has expressly determined that the circumstances regarding the conviction and the person's record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Makes such provision inapplicable to a conviction for a violent felony or serious drug offense. (Sec. 503) Applies an enhanced penalty for the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 504) Sets: (1) penalties for violation of Federal firearms laws in aid of drug trafficking; and (2) mandatory penalties for firearms possession by violent felons and serious drug offenders with previous convictions. Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants - Prohibits the disposal of firearms or ammunition to, or the receipt of firearms or ammunition by, persons convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order. Title VII: Ammunition - Requires a Federal license to deal in ammunition, with exceptions. Makes applicable to ammunition certain penalties imposed for firearms violations, including the interstate transportation of firearms and the possession of firearms in Federal facilities. (Sec. 702) Defines "armor piercing ammunition" to include a jacketed: (1) hollow point projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which is designed to produce, upon impact, evenly spaced sharp or barb-like projections that extend beyond the diameter of the unfired projectile; and (2) projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide information on the proper handling and disposal of used regulated batteries and rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Defines a "regulated battery" as a rechargeable battery that contains a cadmium or lead electrode or contains other electrode chemistries and is the subject of a specified determination by the Administrator. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements and establishes access authorities for the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Prohibits any person from selling for use in the United States a regulated battery or a rechargeable consumer product ready for retail sale and manufactured on or after 12 months after this Act's enactment date unless: (1) the battery is easily removable from the product or is sold separately; and (2) the rechargeable consumer product and the battery are labeled in accordance with this Act. Sets forth labeling requirements, including that the label contain a statement that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that other rechargeable batteries having electrode chemistries different from regulated batteries are toxic and may cause substantial harm if discarded for land disposal or incineration, to promulgate requirements for: (1) labeling such batteries and related products; and (2) easy removability of regulated batteries from rechargeable consumer products designed to contain such batteries. Provides for exemptions from this Act's requirements under certain conditions. Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Prohibits the sale or offering for sale or promotional purposes of: (1) alkaline-manganese batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced (limits the content in alkaline-manganese button cells to 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell); (2) zinc carbon batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, that contain mercury that was intentionally introduced; (3) button cell mercuric-oxide batteries for use in the United States on or after January 1, 1996; and (4) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after January 1, 1996, unless the manufacturer identifies a collection site that has all required Federal, State, and local government approvals, to which persons may send such batteries for recycling or disposal and informs its purchasers of such site and of a telephone number to get information about sending such batteries for recycling or disposal. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the petition of a person that proposes a new use for a battery technology or the use of a battery described in this title in a new product, to exempt such new use or product from this title if there exist safeguards to ensure that the battery or product will not be disposed of in an incinerator, composting facility, or landfill (other than a facility regulated under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act).
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon request of a certain licensee, to extend the time required to commence construction of a specified project.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Pipeline Safety Enhancement Act of 1995 - Amends Federal pipeline safety law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe minimum standards: (1) for toughness for new pipes installed in gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities (with particular attention to new pipes in high-density population areas); (2) that require the marking of pipelines in class three and four locations to identify hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and high-pressure pipelines; and (3) that require operators of gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to conduct periodic inspections or tests for identifying damage caused by corrosion and other time-dependent damage that may be detrimental to the safe operation of the pipeline and necessitate remedial action, in order to determine the adequacy of such pipeline to operate at established maximum allowable operating pressure. Requires the Secretary to conduct biennial assessments of the aforementioned safety programs. Requires the Secretary to expedite the study by the Research and Special Programs Administration of the Department of Transportation concerning the methods to reduce public safety risks in the siting of pipeline facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Medicare/Medicaid Solvency Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Tobacco Product Health Care Cost Reimbursement Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) distribute amounts in the Fund to each Secretary responsible for the expenditure of Federal funds for that fiscal year (beginning with FY 1997) under titles XXVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or any other Federal program for the payment of health care costs for individuals with diseases attributable to the use of tobacco products; and (2) pay administrative expenses of the Fund. Requires each manufacturer of tobacco products to pay to the Fund an annual contribution based on the total amount of tobacco-related Federal health care costs in proportion to that manufacturer's share of the tobacco market.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Tobacco Consumption Reduction and Health Improvement Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on: (1) cigars; (2) cigarettes; (3) cigarette papers and tubes; (4) snuff; and (5) chewing and pipe tobacco. Imposes a tax on the floor stocks of such tobacco products which are removed before January 1, 1996. Makes an exception to the imposition of such tax for floor stocks of such products held on such date at the place intended to be sold at retail. Imposes such tax on such products entered into the United States from foreign trade zones before such date. Imposes a tax on roll-your-own tobacco manufactured in or imported into the United States. Establishes in the Treasury the Tobacco Conversion Trust Fund, to which the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer an amount equivalent to three percent of the net increase in revenues attributable to the tax increases imposed by this Act. Makes Fund amounts available for expenditures for providing: (1) assistance to farmers for conversion from tobacco growing (including Government purchase of tobacco allotments) and improving their access to markets for other crops; and (2) grants and loans to communities and persons involved in tobacco growing and tobacco product manufacture to support economic diversification plans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Elimination of USDA and Transfer of Certain Functions Title II: Agribusiness Block Grant Program Title III: Elimination of Certain Agricultural Programs Subtitle A: Elimination of Price Support Programs Subtitle B: Elimination of Other Programs Title IV: Effective Date Agriculture Modernization Act of 1995 - Title I: Elimination of USDA and Transfer of Certain Functions - Transfers specified Department of Agriculture functions to: (1) the Secretary of Commerce; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) the Secretary of the Interior; (4) the Secretary of State; (5) the Secretary of the Treasury; and (6) the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides for related transfer of appropriations and personnel. (Sec. 114) Amends Federal law to repeal statutory authority for the Department of Agriculture. Title II: Agribusiness Block Grant Program - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish: (1) an agribusiness block grant program; and (2) the position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Agribusiness Affairs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Elimination of Certain Agricultural Programs - Subtitle A: Elimination of Price Support Programs - Eliminates specified agricultural price support and related programs. Subtitle B: Elimination of Other Programs - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to eliminate the market promotion program. (Sec. 322) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to eliminate the export enhancement program. (Sec. 323) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to eliminate the rural electric and telephone programs. (Sec. 324) Amends the Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1986 to eliminate certain nuisance animal control authority of the Secretary of Agriculture. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include primary care services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1995 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 103) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. (Sec. 104) Sets forth: (1) an annual, graduated rental fee schedule based upon the number of diligence years following location of the claim; and (2) a forfeiture procedure for failure to pay. (Sec. 105) Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 per violation of mining claim fraud. (Sec. 107) Prohibits the issuance after January 28, 1993, of patents for mining or mill site claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 108) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain provisions of the Act of July 23, 1955, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 109) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal laws: (1) the Surface Resources Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Prescribes surface management guidelines for mineral activities and reclamation, including a mandatory plan of operations. Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses. Requires the Secretary to establish reclamation standards. (Sec. 202) Requires the Secretary to inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with statutory directives. Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil penalties for non-compliance. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 203) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, water or air quality, which either meet or exceed Federal standards, shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 204) Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Grants any person with an interest that may be adversely affected by potential mineral activities the right to petition the Secretary for a suitability review. (Sec. 205) Identifies categories of lands which are not open to the location of mining claims under this Act (including wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, and related lands). Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund, composed of specified fees and collections, for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities (other than coal and fluid minerals activities). (Sec. 303) Sets forth: (1) State eligibility requirements; and (2) Fund allocation and expenditure guidelines for grant distribution among eligible States. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement specified minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decisionmaking for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to establish user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 404) Sets forth guidelines for a three-year transitional period during which the holder of an unpatented mining or mill site claim may elect to convert it or risk its forfeiture. (Sec. 406) Prescribes guidelines under which a mining claim may be challenged. (Sec. 410) Sets a minimum royalty amount of eight percent of the gross income from the production of locatable minerals or concentrates from any mining claim located under this Act, payable to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 - Designates the most recent National Highway System (as of the date of this Act's enactment) as submitted by the Secretary of Transportation to be the National Highway System (NHS). Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a State, to add a new route segment to the NHS (including a new intermodal connection) or delete a route segment in existence on the date of the request if the total mileage of the NHS, including any route segment or connection proposed to be added, does not exceed 165,000 miles. Requires each State making a request for a change in the NHS to establish that each change has been identified by the State, in cooperation with local officials, pursuant to applicable transportation planning activities for metropolitan areas and statewide planning processes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such a request upon determining that the change meets the criteria established for, and enhances the national transportation characteristics of, the NHS. Authorizes the obligation of funds for capital and operating costs for traffic monitoring, management, and control facilities and programs (currently, for startup costs for traffic management and control if such costs are limited as specified). Increases the percentage (from 40 to 60) of apportionments that may be transferred from the apportionment under one section to the apportionment under any other if requested by the State highway department and approved by the Secretary as being in the public interest. Revises provisions regarding the Federal share for: (1) highways, bridges, and tunnels to make such share a percentage determined by the State, but not to exceed 80 percent; and (2) bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways to make such share a sum to be determined according to a specified formula. Authorizes individuals to donate funds, materials, or services in connection with activities eligible for Federal assistance under Federal highway provisions. Directs that, in the case of such an activity with respect to which the Federal Government and the State share in paying the cost, any donated funds or the fair market value of any donated materials or services that are accepted and incorporated into the activity by the State highway agency shall be credited against the State share. Bars any State from being required to: (1) erect any highway sign that establishes any speed limit, distance, or other measurement using the metric system; or (2) modify any highway sign that establishes any such measurement so that the sign uses the metric system. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to set a time limit for obligation of funds for intelligent vehicle-highway systems projects. Authorizes the Secretary to reallocate such funds if they are not obligated by the specified date.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995
Fish and Wildlife Management Act of 1995 - Makes technical changes to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995
Working Wage Increase Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage per hour to: (1) $4.70 during the year beginning July 4, 1995; and (2) $5.15 after July 3, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Flow Control Act of 1995 - Authorizes a State or qualified political subdivision to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste, incinerator ash, and construction or demolition debris generated within its boundaries if, before May 15, 1994, such entity: (1) adopted a law, regulation, or legally binding provision that contains such authority and directs the waste, ash, or debris to a waste management facility designated before such date or identifies the use of waste management methods; and (2) committed to the designation of a facility for such methods. Authorizes such an entity to exercise such authority for voluntarily relinquished recyclable materials generated within its boundaries. Establishes similar authority for States and subdivisions that meet such requirements after this Act's enactment. Provides that laws, regulations, or legally binding provisions that implement flow control authority shall be considered to be a reasonable regulation of commerce. Permits such authority with respect to recyclable materials only if: (1) the generator or owner of the materials voluntarily made the materials available to the State or subdivision and relinquished any rights to, or ownership of, such materials; and (2) the State or subdivision assumes such rights or ownership. Allows such authority with respect to solid waste or recyclable materials only if the State or subdivision establishes a program to separate or divert recyclable materials for purposes of recycling, reclamation, or reuse. Makes such condition inapplicable in certain cases. Establishes additional conditions on the exercise of flow control authority, including requirements that: (1) such authority is necessary to meet current or anticipated waste management needs; (2) revenues derived from the exercise of such authority are devoted primarily to solid waste management services; and (3) States and subdivisions implement a competitive designation process with respect to waste management facilities or facilities for recyclable materials. Retains the applicability of certain existing laws and contracts and considers such laws and contracts to be a reasonable regulation of commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995
National Park Service Concession Policy Reform Act of 1995 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System (NPS). (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors other than by award of a concession contract or permit. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. (Sec. 7) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 8) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 9) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 10) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 11) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 12) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 13) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 15) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 16) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 18) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 19) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Equal Remedies Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove the limits on the dollar amount of damages awardable for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses and punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include within the definition of "local government" for purposes of assistance under such Act any nonprofit camp meeting association in existence on the date of enactment of this Act that maintains one or more public facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Commemorates January 27, 1995, as the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp by Allied forces in the Second World War. Calls upon all Americans to remember the victims murdered at Auschwitz as part of the Holocaust.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995 - Requires the military commander of the unit, facility, or area to which the following persons are assigned to conduct an investigation as to their whereabouts after receiving factual information that their status is uncertain: (1) military personnel who disappear during a period of war, national emergency, or hostilities; and (2) any civilian Federal employee (including an employee of a Federal contractor) who serves with or accompanies an armed force in the field during such a period. Requires such persons to be placed in a missing status and requires notification of such status to either the officer having general court-martial authority over the person (for military personnel) or the Secretary of the military department employing such person (for civilian and contractor employees). Requires such officials to be kept informed (specifies deadlines) as to all information and inquiries concerning efforts to locate such missing personnel. Requires such officials to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into the whereabouts and status of such persons. Provides for: (1) board composition, activities, and access to information; (2) inquiry proceedings (requiring the appointment of counsel, with specified duties, to represent the missing person); (3) a board recommendation as to the official status of a person following such an inquiry; (4) board reports to the officials involved as to board conclusions (prohibiting public availability of such reports for a one-year period); (5) report review by the official; (6) a report from such official to interested persons; and (7) an additional investigation and inquiry by an additional board upon receipt of new information within one year after the date of the first official notice of a person's disappearance. Allows interested persons (family members, dependents, next of kin) to participate at the proceedings of the board during such additional inquiry. Provides for the availability of appropriate information to board personnel conducting investigations and inquiries. Provides similar procedures for the second board with respect to meetings (open to the public, with exceptions), recommendations, reports, review by the Secretary of the military department concerned, and reports to interested persons. Requires a board to be reconvened when information becomes available that would directly lead to a determination of a person's status. Requires the Secretary concerned to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the status of a missing person: (1) on or about three years after the first official notice of the disappearance of such person; and (2) not later than every three years thereafter until a total of 12 years after the first official notice. Provides for: (1) the release to a board by the Secretary concerned of all personnel file information concerning missing persons; (2) the treatment of classified information; (3) penalties for the wrongful withholding of information; (4) limited circumstances under which a board may recommend that a missing person be declared officially dead; (5) the submission by the board of appropriate information if such recommendation occurs; and (6) judicial review for interested persons of a board decision to declare a person officially dead. Provides for the appointment of a board to review the status of a person previously declared dead, with board procedures similar to those described above. Requires a person previously declared dead or in a missing status who is subsequently found alive to be paid for the full time of their absence. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment or commission of a person in an armed force, to require such person to specify in writing his or her dependents, immediate family, primary next of kin, and any other individual that the person shall designate for purposes of this Act. Allows for revision of such designation at any time.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Extends veterans benefits to an individual who served as a member of the U.S. merchant marine between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, who, during that period, was licensed or otherwise documented by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document such an individual as a crewmember of a vessel that at the time of service was: (1) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, or an agent thereof; (2) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States; (3) under contract, charter to, or property of, the U.S. Government; and (4) serving the armed forces. Establishes application procedures. Requires the issuance of a certificate of honorable discharge, subject to the same standards relating to the nature and duration of service that apply to the honorable discharges issued under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977, to an individual who performed qualified service. Deems qualified service of an individual who receives an honorable discharge under this Act and who is not eligible under any other provision of law for benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be active duty in the armed forces during a period of war for purposes of eligibility for benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reimbursement of the Secretary for the value of benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides to an individual by reason of eligibility under this Act; and (2) an application processing fee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Federal Government should not shift certain costs to the States, nor should States do so to local governments; (2) States should end imposition, without full legislative consideration, of mandates on local governments without adequate State funding; and (3) a primary objective of efforts to change relationships among these governmental levels should be to reduce taxes and spending at all levels and to end the practice of shifting costs from one level to another with little or no benefit to taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Attorney General should fully enforce the law and protect persons seeking to provide or obtain, or assist in providing or obtaining, reproductive health services from violent attack. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct (including peaceful picketing or other peaceful demonstration) protected from legal prohibition by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1995
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 to: (1) extend its purview to educational and nonprofit institutions, Federal contractors, and tribal governments; (2) revise the authority and functions of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), specifying information dissemination and related agency oversight responsibilities; and (3) require OMB to conduct pilot projects to test alternative policies and procedures, and to develop a government wide strategic information resources management plan. Requires the OIRA Director to establish an Interagency Council on Statistical Policy. Requires each Federal agency to: (1) establish a process, independent of program responsibility, to evaluate proposed collections of information; (2) establish a permanent information resources management steering committee; and (3) ensure that the public has timely and equitable access to information products and services. Prohibits agencies, except where specifically authorized by statute, from: (1) establishing exclusive, restricted, or other distribution arrangements that interfere with timely and equitable public availability; (2) restricting or regulating the use, resale, or redissemination of public information by the public; (3) charging fees or royalties for resale or redissemination of public information; or (4) establishing user fees that exceed the cost of dissemination. Specifies actions agencies must take with respect to information technology. Replaces the Federal Information Locator System with an agency-based electronic Government Information Locator Service to identify the major information systems, holdings, and dissemination products of each agency. Reauthorizes appropriations for OIRA.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1995
Sterling Forest Protection Act of 1995 - Establishes the Sterling Forest Reserve, New York, upon certification by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to the Secretary of the Interior that the Commission has acquired sufficient lands or interests therein to constitute a manageable unit. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Reserve boundaries; (2) the transfer of funds to the Commission for land acquisition; and (3) conditions of funding (including provision for specified conservation easements and that funds may be transferred to the Commission only to the extent that they are matched from funds contributed by non-Federal sources). Directs the Commission to: (1) manage the lands acquired within the Reserve in a manner consistent with the Commission's authorities and the protection of significant watershed, wildlife, and recreational resources within the New York-New Jersey highlands region; and (2) prepare a general management plan for the Reserve, to be submitted to the Secretary for approval. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount that may be transferred to the Commission for the acquisition of lands and interests in land within the Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
Right to Know Act - Prohibits an article proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution from being submitted to the States for ratification in the 104th Congress until the adoption of a concurrent resolution containing specified enforcement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
Cop Killer Ammunition Ban Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to expand the definition of "armor piercing ammunition" to include a projectile that may be used in a handgun and that the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be capable of penetrating body armor. Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for the uniform testing of projectiles against body armor that meets minimum standards for protection of law enforcement officers (which standards have been developed in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney General and which take into account variations in performance related to the length of the barrel of the handgun and the amount and kind of powder used).
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1995
Great Falls Preservation and Redevelopment Act - Establishes the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New Jersey, local governments, and private nonprofit entities under which the Secretary agrees to pay up to 50 percent of the costs of: (1) preparation of a plan for the development of historic, architectural, natural, cultural, and interpretive resources within the District; and (2) implementation of projects approved under the plan. Permits the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the owners of property within the District that the Secretary determines are of historical or cultural significance under which the Secretary may: (1) pay up to 50 percent of the costs of restoring and improving the properties; (2) provide technical assistance with respect to the preservation and interpretation of the properties; and (3) mark and provide interpretation of the properties. Lists additional conditions for such agreements. Requires the Secretary, in making funds available for such purposes, to give consideration to projects that provide a greater leverage of Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General should fully enforce the law and take any necessary measures to protect from violent attack persons seeking to provide or obtain reproductive health services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Reduction of Federal Spending Through Space Station Termination Act of 1995 - Prohibits the expenditure of appropriated funds for the Space Station Program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Military Satellite Communications Enhancement Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Milstar II communications satellite development and acquisition program after procurement of two such satellites. Directs the Secretary to develop, and report to the Congress on, a program to accelerate development, acquisition, and deployment of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency Communications Satellite (Milstar III), small enough to be launched on a medium-launch vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Prohibition on D-5 Trident II Backfit Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and the Navy and the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Strategic Command to cease all planning for modification of any Trident I submarine to enable such submarine to be deployed with Trident II (D-5) missiles. Prohibits any funds appropriated to the Department of Defense from being obligated for any D-5 missiles, components, or modifications associated with a D-5 Trident II backfit program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Comprehensive One-Call Notification Act of 1995 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation to provide for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free telephone number system to be used by State one-call notification systems; and (2) each State to consider whether to adopt a comprehensive statewide one-call notification program as described in this Act to protect underground facilities from damage due to excavation. Sets forth provisions regarding program elements, including 24-hour coverage for emergency excavation, effective mechanisms for penalties and enforcement, a fair schedule of fees to cover the costs of providing for, maintaining, and operating the State program, and an opportunity for citizen suits to enforce such program. Requires States to consider establishing specified civil penalties for violations by excavators or facilitiy operators. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to States, or to operators of one-call notification systems in such States, to establish and maintain a State program pursuant to this Act; (2) review and report to the Congress on the extent to which any policies, programs, and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) could be used to achieve the purposes of this title; (3) develop and make available to States a model State program; and (4) consult with other agencies as to the availability and affordability of technologies which will help relocate pipelines from above-ground and remote locations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1995
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to recover from any person engaged in the transportation of gas or hazardous liquids, or from the owner or operator of pipeline facilities, the costs incurred in: (1) investigating an accident; and (2) overseeing the person's response to the accident. Sets a limit upon the amounts recoverable. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) the States for the development and establishment of a one-call notification system; and (2) one-call notification systems for promoting their use. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary may develop an electronic data base on pipeline facilities in order to facilitate risk assessment and safety planning. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review its practices and guidelines for siting natural gas interstate transmission facilities in urban areas in order to determine whether changes are needed in route selection and right-of-way widths. Authorizes appropriations. Instructs the Secretary to make educational information available to local governments over whose lands pass: (1) natural gas interstate transmission facilities; and (2) hazardous liquid interstate pipeline facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits excavation and solid waste disposal activity within pipeline rights-of-way, or within a limited area in the vicinity of an interstate pipeline facility. Modifies the deadline for the Secretary to issue regulations for periodic pipeline inspections by instrumented internal inspection devices (smart pigs). Instructs the Secretary to prescribe a schedule for such inspections. Requires the owner or operator of an interstate transmission facility to notify annually all residents within certain distances of such facility of procedures for reporting instances of dumping and excavation. Directs the Secretary to develop public service announcements governing pipeline safety. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring the use of remotely or automatically controlled valves for shutting off gas flow in the event of an accident or a loss of the primary power source. Requires the owner or operator of certain pipelines to obtain baseline pipeline safety information through the use of smart pigs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Lobbying Disclosure Title II: Congressional Gift Rules Title I: Lobbying Disclosure - Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Office of Lobbying Registration and Public Disclosure (Office) established by this Act by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 30 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than ten percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. (Sec. 104) Specifies the contents of such registration and reports. (Sec. 105) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the Office. Provides for: (1) exemptions from such registration and reporting requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $2,500 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $5,000 or less (for all lobbying activities) (adjusted periodically for inflation) for the semiannual period. (Sec. 106) Provides for special rules generally prohibiting registrants under this Act and the Foreign Agents Registration Act from providing gifts (including meals, lodging, transportation, entertainment, reimbursements, loans, or forbearance) to any covered legislative branch official, or to the spouse, dependent, friend, or relative of such an official if it is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of such official and is given because of his or her position. Permits certain such items under prescribed circumstances, such as lawful political contributions and informational materials sent to the official's office, and gifts given for a nonbusiness purpose and motivated by family relationship or close personal friendship. (Sec. 107) Establishes the Office as an executive agency, and specifies its duties, including making public the semiannual lobbyist activity reports. (Sec. 108) Establishes procedures for: (1) determining and resolving alleged violations of this Act; and (2) judicial review of Office decisions. (Sec. 113) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) eliminate references to political propaganda and, in certain cases, replace them with references to informational materials; and (2) modify registration exemption provisions. (Sec. 114) Revises (Byrd Amendment) requirements for a declaration by persons requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement with respect to any payments made in connection with it which would be prohibited if made with appropriated funds. Requires, in lieu of information currently required, the: (1) name of any registrant under this Act who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of the person with respect to that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and (2) certification that the declarant has not made, and will not make, any prohibited payment. (Sec. 115) Repeals: (1) the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; and (2) provisions on lobbyist activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949. (Sec. 118) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 119) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 121) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Permits trade or business entities that may take income tax deductions for certain lobbying expenses to make good faith estimates of any non-deductible lobbying expenses in order to meet criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on differences in meaning between this Act and the Internal Revenue Code of "lobbying activities," "lobbying expenditures," "influencing legislation," and related terms. (Sec. 122) Requires the President to appoint an interim Director of the Office within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Title II: Congressional Gift Rules - Makes conforming amendments to the Standing Rules of the Senate and the Rules of the House of Representatives, as well as the Ethics in Government Act and the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, with regard to the restrictions of this Act on gifts by lobbyists and foreign agents to covered subjects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Helium Reform and Deficit Reduction Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the helium operations of the Bureau of Mines.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Real Cost of Destructive Ammunition Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on handgun ammunition. Provides for such additional taxes to be added to the general fund. Imposes a special (occupational) tax on importers and manufacturers of certain handgun ammunition for each place of business.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)