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United States · Official source
5,795 records where Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Destructive Ammunition Prohibition Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the use of destructive ammunition, defined as any jacketed, hollow point projectile that may be used in a handgun and the jacket of which is designed to produce, upon impact, sharp-tipped, barb-like projections that extend beyond the diameter of the unfired projectile.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate from knowingly accepting a gift from any person. (Currently, such individuals and their spouses are allowed to accept gifts totalling up to $250 from any one person.) Considers a gift to a spouse or dependent of a Member, officer, or employee to be a gift to the member, officer, or employee if given with their knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of their official positions. Applies the gift restriction to: (1) anything provided to a Member, officer, or employee by lobbyists or foreign agents which is paid for or reimbursed by a client or firm of the lobbyist or foreign agent; (2) charitable contributions made by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents on the basis of a recommendation or specification of a Member, officer, or employee or charitable contributions made by such individuals in lieu of honoraria; (3) contributions and other payments by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents to a legal expense fund established for the benefit of a Member, officer, or employee; and (4) financial contributions or expenditures made by lobbyists, lobbying firms, or foreign agents relating to a conference or similar event affiliated with an official congressional organization for or on behalf of Members, officers, or employees. Lists items exempt from the gift restriction, including: (1) anything provided on the basis of a personal or family relationship unless the Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (2) unused items that are promptly returned to the donor; (3) food or refreshments believed to have a value of less than $20; (4) food, lodging, and other benefits resulting from the outside business or employment activities of a Member, officer, or employee or their spouses if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the recipient's official position; (5) such benefits customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions or by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (6) certain awards or prizes given in contests open to the public; (7) certain honorary degrees and other awards; (8) donations of products from the Member's State that are intended for promotional purposes and are of minimal value; (9) certain training; (10) bequests and inheritances; (11) anything paid for by the Government or by a State or local government or secured under a Government contract; (12) a gift of personal hospitality; (13) free attendance at an event, as permitted by this Act; and (14) certain other opportunities and benefits. Establishes conditions under which a Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal relationship or friendship exception unless the Select Committee on Ethics determines that such exception applies. Makes such prohibition inapplicable under circumstances which make it clear that the gift is given for a nonbusiness purpose and is motivated by such relationship. Sets forth factors to be considered in determining if the giving of the item is so motivated. Provides that certain reimbursements to a Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered as gifts if advance authorization to accept reimbursement is received and the reimbursement and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. (Sec. 2) Amends the Ethics in Government Act to provide that reimbursements deemed accepted by the Senate under rule XXXV and reported as required under such rule need not be reported under such Act. Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to accept gifts provided they do not involve any duty, burden, or condition, or are not made dependent upon some future performance by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Poverty Data Correction Act of 1995 - Requires any data relating to the incidence of poverty produced or published by or for the Secretary of Commerce for subnational areas to be corrected for differences in the cost of living and data produced for State and sub-State areas to be corrected for differences in the cost of living for at least all States of the United States. Requires such corrected data to be published in 1995 and biennially thereafter. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop or cause to be developed a State cost-of-living index which ranks and assigns an index value to each State using data on wage, housing, and other costs relevant to the cost of living; and (2) multiply the Federal Government's statistical poverty thresholds by the index value for each State's cost of living to produce State poverty thresholds for each State. Requires the State cost-of-living index and resulting State poverty thresholds to be published before September 30, 1996 for calendar year 1995 and to be updated annually thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures Title I: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures Title II: Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices--Establishment and Operations Title III: Administrative and Judicial Dispute-Resolution Procedures Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Division B: Lobbying and Gift Reform Title I: Lobbying Reform Title II: Congressional Gift Reform Division C: Campaign Finance Reform Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Subtitle A: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Subtitle B: Independent Expenditures Subtitle C: Expenditures Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Subtitle F: Effective Dates, Authorizations Comprehensive Congressional Reform Act of 1995 - Division A: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures - Title I: Extension of Rights and Protections, and Associated Procedures - Requires all personnel actions affecting covered employees to be made free from any discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap or disability. Defines a "covered employee" as an employee of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Architect of the Capitol, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), or the Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices (the Office). Provides that any intimidation of, or reprisal against, any covered employee because of the exercise of a right under this Act constitutes an unlawful employment practice. Makes available the relief awarded under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or a specified section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as appropriate, for discrimination violations affecting covered employees. Prohibits punitive damages for such violations. Bars a covered employee from commencing an administrative or judicial proceeding to seek a remedy for prohibited practices, except as provided under this Act. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the ADEA to apply their protection and remedies to the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the General Accounting Office (GAO). Extends coverage under the ADA to GPO and GAO as well. (Sec. 102) Applies the rights, protections, and relief of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), and veterans' employment and reemployment rights to covered employees, GAO, and the Library of Congress. Applies the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to covered employees and GPO. (Sec. 107) Establishes the following exclusive procedures for remedy of violations of the laws described above: (1) employee counseling; (2) mediation; (3) filing of a formal complaint with the Office or filing of a civil action in the U.S. district court; and (4) appealing to the Board of Directors of the Office if aggrieved by a decision or to the U.S. Court of Appeals for review, subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 108) Applies the rights and protections against discrimination in the provision of public services under the ADA to the Senate, the House, congressional joint committees, the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Guide Service, the Capitol Police, CBO, OTA, and the Office. Applies such rights and protections to any qualified individual with a disability, except that, with respect to claims of employment discrimination asserted by a covered employee, the exclusive remedies described above shall apply. Makes relief under such Act available for such violations and describes procedures to remedy such violations, including filing a charge with the General Counsel of the Office, mediation, and judicial review. Makes specified remedies and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 available to disabled visitors, guests, or patrons of instrumentalities of the Congress (GAO, GPO, and the Library) who allege violations under ADA provisions described by this section. (Sec. 109) Directs each employing office (including GAO and the Library) and covered employee to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) and applies such Act's duties, rights, protections, and remedies (except penalties) to such offices and employees. Establishes procedures for such remedies, including granting the General Counsel and the Board certain authorities exercised by the Secretary of Labor under such Act. (Sec. 110) Applies the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute to employing offices and covered employees. Grants the Board and the General Counsel specified authorities under the Statute. (Sec. 111) Requires the Board of the Office to: (1) review provisions of Federal laws and regulations relating to the terms and conditions of employment (including protection from discrimination in personnel actions, health and safety, and family and medical leave) of employees and access to public services and accommodations; and (2) report on December 31, 1996, and biennially thereafter, on whether or to what degree such provisions are applicable or inapplicable to the legislative branch and, if inapplicable, whether they should be made applicable. Requires each report of a congressional committee accompanying any bill or joint resolution to: (1) describe the manner in which the provisions of the bill or joint resolution apply to the Congress and congressional instrumentalities; or (2) if the provisions do not apply, include a statement of the reasons why. (Sec. 112) Directs the Board to study the application of the following laws to GAO, GPO, the Library , and other entities in the legislative branch not covered by all the sections of this title: (1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (2) the ADEA; (3) the ADA; (4) the FMLA; (5) the FLSA; (6) the OSHA; (7) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (8) the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; (9) the General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980; (10) the EPPA; (11) the WARN; and (12) provisions relating to veterans' employment and reemployment rights. Title II: Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices-Establishment and Operations - Establishes the Office of Congressional Fair Employment Practices within the legislative branch. (Sec. 207) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Administrative and Judicial Dispute-Resolution Procedures - Sets forth procedures for counseling, mediation, hearings, appeals to the Board, judicial review of Board decisions, and civil actions relating to violations described under title I. (Sec. 307) Sets deadlines for: (1) making counseling requests; and (2) charging discrimination in public services or discrimination in exercising rights relating to occupational safety and health. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes Settlements and Awards Reserve appropriation accounts in the Contingent Funds of the House and the Senate. Makes amounts in such accounts available for the payment of awards for settlements made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Prohibits judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this Act, except in proceedings authorized under title III. (Sec. 406) Provides that it shall not be a violation of any provision to consider the party affiliation, domicile, or political compatibility, with respect to employment decisions, of employees who are: (1) on the staff of the House or Senate leadership; (2) on the staff of congressional committees, joint committees, or subcommittees; (3) on the staff of Members of the House or Senators; (4) officers of the House or the Senate or elected or appointed congressional staff; or (5) applicants for any such positions. (Sec. 407) Directs the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to retain full power with respect to the discipline of Members, officers, and employees for violating rules of the Senate and the House on nondiscrimination in employment. (Sec. 410) Sets forth transitional provisions with respect to certain existing claims. Division B: Lobbying and Gift Reform - Title I: Lobbying Reform - 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. 1104) Specifies the contents of such registration and reports. (Sec. 1105) 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 of a registrant whose employees lobby on its own behalf) for the semiannual period. Requires periodic adjustment of such dollar amounts for inflation. (Sec. 1106) 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. 1107) Establishes the Office as an executive agency, and specifies its duties, including making public the semiannual lobbyist activity reports. (Sec. 1108) Establishes procedures for: (1) determining and resolving alleged violations of this Act; and (2) judicial review of Office decisions. (Sec. 1113) 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. 1114) 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. 1115) 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. 1118) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1119) 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. 1121) 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. 1122) Requires the President to appoint an interim Director of the Office within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Title II: Congressional Gift Reform - Amends rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate from knowingly accepting a gift from: (1) a registered lobbyist, lobbying firm, or agent of a foreign principal in violation of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1994; or (2) any person, subject to exceptions listed in this Act. (Currently, such individuals and their spouses are allowed to accept gifts totalling up to $250 from any one person.) Considers a gift to a spouse or dependent of a Member, officer, or employee to be a gift to the Member, officer, or employee if given with their knowledge and acquiescence and if there is reason to believe that the gift was given because of their official positions. Lists items exempt from the restriction on gifts from persons other than lobbyists, lobbying firms, or agents of foreign principals, including: (1) anything provided on the basis of a personal or family relationship unless the Member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of his or her official position; (2) unused items that are promptly returned to the donor; (3) food or refreshments believed to have a value of less than $20; (4) food, lodging, and other benefits resulting from the outside business or employment activities of a Member, officer, or employee or their spouses if such benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the recipient's official position; (5) such benefits customarily provided by a prospective employer in connection with bona fide employment discussions or by a political organization in connection with a fund raising or campaign event; (6) certain awards or prizes given in contests open to the public; (7) certain honorary degrees and other awards; (8) donations of products from the Member's State that are intended for promotional purposes and are of minimal value as well as food, refreshments, and entertainment provided in the home State, subject to reasonable limitations; (9) certain training; (10) bequests and inheritances; (11) anything paid for by the Government or by a State or local government or secured under a Government contract; (12) a gift of personal hospitality; (13) free attendance at an event, as permitted by this Act; and (14) certain other opportunities and benefits. Establishes conditions under which a Member, officer, or employee may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift exceeding $250 on the basis of the personal relationship or friendship exception unless the Select Committee on Ethics determines that such exception applies. Provides that certain reimbursements to a Member, officer, or employee for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered as gifts if advance authorization to accept reimbursement is received and the reimbursement and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. (Sec. 1202) Makes parallel amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives to reflect conforming gift restrictions. (Sec. 1203) Amends the Ethics in Government Act to provide that reimbursements deemed accepted by the Senate or the House and reported as required under such rules need not be reported under such Act. Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to accept gifts provided they do not involve any duty, burden, or condition, or are not made dependent upon some future performance by the United States. Division C: Campaign Finance Reform - Title I: Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform - Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Part 1: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to make Senate candidates who meet certain filing requirements and contribution and expenditure limits eligible for FECA benefits. Limits Senate primary expenditures for a candidate (or his or her authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) 67 percent of the general election expenditure limit; or (2) $2.75 million. Limits runoff expenditures. Sets a threshold contribution amount which triggers application of such primary and runoff limits. Limits the use by a Senate candidate (or authorized committees), during an entire election cycle, of the candidate's personal (or family) funds (including debt). Limits aggregate general election expenditures by an eligible Senate candidate (or authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) $5.5 million; or (2) the greater of $1.2 million, or $4,000,000 plus 30 cents times the voting age population up to 4 million and 25 cents times the voting age population over 4 million. Exempts from the general election expenditure limit qualified accounting and legal expenditures. Entitles eligible Senate candidates to certain broadcast media rates, and in certain circumstances, payments compensating for independent expenditures and excess expenditures on behalf of the candidate's opponent. Requires the Federal Election Commission (Commission) to certify an eligible Senate candidate within 48 hours after his or her application to the Secretary of the Senate. Requires the Commission to examine and audit, for FECA compliance, the campaign accounts of five percent of all Senate and House of Representatives candidates, and the campaign accounts of all opponents of such candidates as well. Requires candidates to refund to the Commission any excess payments or expenditures. Sets civil penalties for excess expenditures and contributions. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions and requires Commission reports to the Senate. Requires closed captioning for eligible Senate candidates' television commercials. Authorizes reduced candidate payments under circumstances of insufficient funds. (Sec. 10002) Prohibits Senate election activities by political action committees (PACs). Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the maximum aggregate contributions of any PAC to a Senate candidate (or authorized committees). Makes it unlawful for aggregate PACs to contribute to any Senate candidate (or authorized committees) more than the lesser of: (1) $825,000; or (2) 20 percent of the aggregate Federal election spending limit. Requires annual adjustments of such dollar amounts according to a specified price index. (Sec. 10003) Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates not eligible for FECA benefits. Requires reports to the Secretary within two days of any contributions raised and expenditures made in excess of FECA limits. Requires any candidate for the Senate who, during the election cycle, exceeds limits on the use of personal and immediate family funds, and on personal loans incurred by the candidate and the candidate's immediate family, to report to the Secretary of the Senate within two days after such expenditures have been made or loans incurred. Requires certain expenditure reports from any Senate candidate who held Federal, State, or local office during the same election cycle, and made any expenditures, before becoming a Senate candidate, which would have been treated as Senate candidate expenditures. (Sec. 10004) Requires Senate candidates ineligible for FECA benefits to place on every paid or authorized political commercial or communication the declaration: "This candidate has not agreed to voluntary campaign spending limits." Part II: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast station to make broadcast time available to all House and Senate candidates in the last 30 (currently 45) days before a primary at the lowest unit charge of the station for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time) for the same period on the same date. Allows Senate candidates to purchase broadcast time at 50 percent of the lowest unit rate for the 60 days before a general election. Prohibits broadcasters from preempting advertisements sold to political candidates at the lowest unit rate, unless the preemption is beyond the broadcaster's control. (Sec. 10012) Amends FECA to set forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 10015) Amends Federal law to prohibit a Senator who is a candidate for election to any public office from making a mass mailing under the frank during the calendar year of any primary or general election for such office. Subtitle B: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to define "independent expenditure" as an expenditure for an advertisement or other communication that: (1) contains express advocacy; and (2) is made without the participation or cooperation of a candidate or a candidate's representative. Excludes from the meaning of "independent expenditure" any expenditure by: (1) a political committee of a political party; (2) persons who communicate or receive information about activities that have a purpose of influencing a candidate's election; and (3) persons with other specified relationships with a candidate or candidate's agents in the same election cycle. Defines "express advocacy" as any communication that when taken as a whole: (1) expresses support for or opposition to a specific candidate, a specific group of candidates, or candidates of a particular political party; or (2) suggests taking action with respect to an election, such as voting for or against, contributing to, or participating in campaign activity. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for equal broadcast time, including notification and opportunity to purchase equal time on an independent expenditure basis. Subtitle C: Expenditures - Part I: Personal Loans; Credit - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of contributions after the date of a general election to repay loans to a candidate (or authorized committee) by the candidate himself or herself or by members of the candidate's family. Treats as a contribution any extension of credit of more than $1,000 for more than 60 days to candidates for Federal office (or authorized committees) by political advisers. Part II: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends FECA to define: (1) "generic campaign activity" as a campaign activity on behalf of a party rather than a candidate; and (2) "State Party Grass Roots Fund" as a segregated State fund on behalf of a Federal candidate. (Sec. 10034) Permits maximum contributions to a State Party Grassroots Fund of: (1) $20,000 by an individual; and (2) $15,000 from a multicandidate committee. Establishes an overall $60,000 annual limit on individual contributions, including specified limits for: (1) candidates and their political committees; and (2) State committees. (Sec. 10035) Subjects to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements any amount solicited, received, or expended directly or indirectly by a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party (including any subordinate committee) with respect to an activity (such as voter registration and get-out-the vote activities among others) which, in whole or in part, is in connection with an election to Federal office. Limits the expenditures for which a State committee may use its State Party Grassroots Fund. (Sec. 10036) Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting contributions not subject to FECA. Restricts on solicitations from tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 10037) Requires: (1) a national committee and a congressional campaign committee to report all receipts and disbursements whether or not in connection with a Federal election; and (2) other specified political committees to report all receipts and disbursements in connection with a Federal election. Subtitle D: Contributions - Specifies circumstances in which contributions made or arranged to be made directly or indirectly by a person to or on behalf of a particular candidate through an intermediary or conduit shall be treated as contributions from such intermediary or conduit to the candidate (thus subjecting them to the FECA limitations otherwise applicable to that intermediary or conduit). Requires an intermediary or conduit to report the original source, contributor, and intended recipient of each forwarded contribution. Prohibits certain lobbyist contributions. (Sec. 10042) Treats contributions by a dependent not of voting age as having been made by the individual on whom that dependent is a dependent. (Sec. 10043) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting, with respect to any election, any contribution from a State or local political party committee (or subordinate committee) if such contribution, when added to the total of contributions previously accepted from all such committees of that political party, exceeds the relevant contribution limitation. (Sec. 10044) Makes it unlawful to coerce contributions or expenditures by physical threat or other intimidation. (Sec. 10045) Prohibit acceptance by a candidate of cash contributions from any one person aggregating more than $100. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee (such as a "leadership committee") other than a principal campaign committee of the candidate, authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee designated as an authorized committee. (Sec. 10052) Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of developing telephonic voting for persons with disabilities. (Sec. 10053) Exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from specified corporate expenditure limits. (Sec. 10055) Requires exact copies of campaign advertising that refers to a candidate's opponent to be filed with the Commission and the Secretary of State of the candidate's State. (Sec. 10056) Amends Federal law to prohibit a Member of Congress, during an election year, from using the franking privilege for a mass mailing from January 1 until the general election date. Subtitle F: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth the general effective date of this Act. Provides for direct, expedited appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court from any court rulings on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or amendment made by it.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate in support of the Schindler Project's efforts to provide high school seniors with the opportunity to view the film "Schindler's List" and discuss its historical implications and the application of those lessons to contemporary society.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), with respect to the use or transferability of any portion of a military installation closed or to be closed under such Act, to: (1) identify the buildings and property for which the Department of Defense (DOD) or another Federal department or agency has a use or will accept a transfer; (2) identify any property as surplus; (3) submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to the redevelopment authority for such installation information on any property identified as surplus; and (4) publish in the Federal Register and the appropriate local newspaper information on the surplus property. Requires State and local governments, representatives of the homeless, and other parties interested in the surplus property to submit to the redevelopment authority (RA) a notice of interest in such property, with certain time limits. Requires the representative of the homeless to submit with such notice specific information with respect to the proposed homeless assistance program for such property, as well as certain assessments and descriptions. Directs the RA for each installation to prepare a redevelopment plan for such installation which includes legally binding agreements concerning the use of such property to assist the homeless. Requires redevelopment plan approval by the HUD Secretary. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the HUD Secretary, in completing a review of a plan, should take into consideration and be receptive to the predominant views on the plan of the communities in the vicinity of the installation covered by the plan. Requires an RA, upon completion of a redevelopment plan, to submit to the Secretary and the HUD Secretary an application containing such plan. Requires the Secretaries to complete a review of the plan within 60 days after receipt, including a determination as to whether such plan meets certain requirements with respect to the homeless population in the area, the availability of existing services to meet the needs of the homeless, and the suitability of the surplus property to meet such needs. Allows for the negotiation of plan deficiencies between the RA and the HUD Secretary during such review . Requires appropriate action by the parties concerned if the HUD Secretary determines a redevelopment plan to be inappropriate, including plan revision and resubmission by the RA. Provides for transfer to the representative of the homeless or the RA of surplus property for disposal, without consideration, under an approved redevelopment plan. Authorizes either Secretary to postpone any deadline related to plan consideration and approval in the interest of the communities affected. Provides transition provisions applicable to installations approved for closure before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Designates the week of October 23 through 31, 1994, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Requires the Secretary of the Senate to make technical corrections in the enrollment of S. 349 (Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1994).
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1994
Recognizes Belleville, New Jersey, as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. delegation to the Spring 1995 meeting of the Facilitation Division of the International Civil Aviation Organization: (1) seek to amend the Convention on International Civil Aviation, done on December 7, 1944, at Chicago, to end aircraft disinsection practices that threaten the health of aircraft passengers and crew; and (2) make every effort to gain the support of other member nations of the organization in that amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal to commemorate organ and tissue donors and their families. Makes eligible for the medal any organ or tissue donor or donor's family. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to solicit donations to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit all solicited donations into the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act) to limit the grant program for emergency relief for areas with substantial need for services to eligible areas with a population of at least 500,000 individuals. Requires an HIV health services planning council (which advises on the distribution of such grants) to be reflective of the demographics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in an eligible area, with particular consideration given to disproportionately affected and historically underserved groups. Revises the method of distributing such grants and extends authorized appropriations for them until FY 2000. Revises the care grant program that makes funds available for individuals and families with the HIV disease. Authorizes the award of supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance community-based care, treatment, and supportive services through the development and operation of consortia and innovative approaches. Extends authorized appropriations for such grant program through FY 2000. Requires the establishment of grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs to facilitate the development of a complete continuum of HIV-related services for individuals with HIV disease and those at risk of such disease. Extends authorized appropriations for early intervention services until FY 2000. Extends authorized appropriations until FY 2000 for grants for coordinated services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families (formerly known as demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric patients regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Makes appropriations available for special projects of national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Title II: Contracting Program for Certain Small Business Concerns Title III: Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities Title IV: Repeals and Technical Amendments Title V: Definitions Title VI: Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates Business Development Opportunity Act of 1994 - Title I: Amendments to the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program - Part A: Program Organization and Participation Standards - Amends the Small Business Act to replace certain provisions regarding the minority small business and capital ownership development program with those establishing a Minority Enterprise Development Program. (Sec. 101) Requires the Program to consist of a Business Creation Phase, a Business Development Phase, and a Business Development (Preferential Contracting) Phase. Provides that only firms participating in the last phase shall be eligible for awards of Federal contracts and refers to such firms as Program participants. Permits firms to participate in the preferential contracting phase for up to nine years. (Sec. 103) Expands the definition of "socially and economically disadvantaged business concern" to include all Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations for purposes of such Program. (Currently, such definition only includes economically disadvantaged Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.) (Sec. 104) Prohibits an applicant from being denied admission into the Program based solely on a determination that the participant has not been in operation for a period of time specified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) if the firm meets specified requirements, including demonstrations of business management and technical expertise, adequate capital, and ability to meet contract requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the SBA Administrator to develop an action plan for improving participation in the Program by firms across the nation. Part B: Business Development Assistance - Removes conditions on the use of working capital provided under loan assistance programs for Program participants. (Sec. 113) Revises conditions regarding exemptions from surety bond requirements for Program participants. Authorizes Federal agencies with contracting authority to grant such an exemption if: (1) the Program participant provides certification that the firm was unable to obtain the requisite bonding from corporate surety bonding firms even with an SBA-issued guarantee; (2) the participant has provided for the protection of persons furnishing materials or labor under the contract pursuant to specified conditions; and (3) the award value of the contract for which the exemption is sought does not exceed $1 million (currently, $3 million). Terminates such authority after FY 1997. (Sec. 115) Authorizes financial assistance for business executive education programs conducted by institutions of graduate business education for owners or managers of small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. (Sec. 116) Establishes a Developmental Teaming Program within the Program to encourage the formation of teaming arrangements and long-term strategic business alliances between firms participating in the Program and Program graduates. Part C: Improving Access to Equity for Program Graduates - Provides that Program participants shall remain eligible for participating in the Program after a transfer of an ownership interest in the firm if ownership and control is: (1) retained by the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals upon whom Program eligibility is based; or (2) acquired by a small business owned and controlled by such individuals who have graduated from the Program or exited the Program through a means other than a termination proceeding. Permits Program participants that are tribally owned corporations to remain eligible for participation with other than a Native American as the firm's chief executive officer if the tribe certifies that it was unable to hire a qualified Native American after conducting national recruitment. Part D: Contract Award and Eligibility Matters - Removes existing provisions regarding contracts and subcontracts to disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 131) Directs the SBA to ensure that contracts sufficient to satisfy the contract support levels identified by Program participants are designated by Federal agencies for award. Requires the award of contracts to be made on a noncompetitive basis and at fair market prices. (Sec. 132) Revises contract eligibility provisions with respect to Program participants. (Sec. 133) Authorizes the Associate Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development to permit the noncompetitive award of contracts to Program participants to exceed certain amounts subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 135) Provides that the forecasts of overall business activity contained in the business plans of Program participants or estimates contained in contract support levels shall not be used by the SBA to determined that a firm is ineligible for a contract. (Sec. 137) Requires the SBA to promulgate regulations to eliminate regulatory limitations on self-marketing by Program participants. Part E: Tribally Owned Corporations - Authorizes contracts to be awarded to joint ventures owned and controlled by Program participants, notwithstanding the size status of such a joint venture, if the participant: (1) is owned and controlled by an Indian tribe; (2) owns at least 51 percent of the joint venture; (3) is located and performs most of its activities on the Indian reservation; and (4) employs members of such tribe for at least 50 percent of the work force of the joint venture. Prohibits such contracts if the tribe owns and controls one or more participants who are currently joint venturers on more than five of such contracts. Part F: Contract Administration Matters - Directs Federal agencies awarding contracts to disadvantaged small businesses to make reasonable efforts to respond to requests by contracting officers with respect to contract administration matters. Requires such agency, upon the request of a Program participant, to make alternative dispute resolution available. Part G: Program Administration - Requires Program participants to report specified information annually (currently, semiannually) to a Business Opportunity Specialist. Title II: Contracting Program for Certain Small Business Concerns - Part A: Civilian Agencies Program - Authorizes executive agencies, for purposes of attaining goals for the participating of disadvantaged small businesses, to enter into contracts using: (1) less than full and open competition by restricting competition for awards to such businesses; and (2) a price evaluation preference, of up to ten percent, when evaluating an offer received from a small business as the result of an unrestricted solicitation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be amended to provide uniform implementation of such procedures by such agencies. Includes within the FAR: (1) conditions for the use of advance payments; (2) provisions for accelerated payment for contract work and full payment for work performed; (3) guidance on how contracting officers may provide a reasonable advantage to disadvantaged small businesses without eliminating any participation of other small businesses; (4) procedures for a person to request a Federal agency to determine whether the use of competitions restricted to disadvantaged small businesses at a contracting activity has caused a particular industry category to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts awarded to attain the goal established for such activity; and (5) guidance for limiting the use of restricted competitions in cases where such an industry is caused to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts. Part B: Eligibility Determinations Regarding Status - Authorizes protests to be brought regarding a self-certification by a business regarding its status as a disadvantaged small business in cases where such certification is believed to be false. (Sec. 211) Requires the Office of Hearings and Appeals to hear appeals regarding such status. Imposes penalties against firms engaged in a pattern of misrepresentation. Title III: Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities - Sets forth provisions regarding subcontracting by small and disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 302) Requires disadvantaged small businesses to negotiate a subcontracting plan for the use of emerging disadvantaged small businesses under certain circumstances. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the publication of notices of subcontracting opportunities in the Commerce Business Daily. Title IV: Repeals and Technical Amendments - Part A: Repeals - Repeals specified expired and superseded provisions of the Small Business Act and the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988. Part B: Technical Amendments - Revises goals for the percentage of procurement contracts to be awarded to small and disadvantaged small businesses. Title V: Definitions - Revises specified definitions and defines "emerging small business concern." Title VI: Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates - Part A: Assuring Timely Regulatory Implementation - Sets forth deadlines for the issuance of specified amendments to the FAR or SBA regulations. Part B: Effective Dates - Provides that this Act shall take effect upon enactment, except with respect to provisions requiring the issuance of regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1994
Designates October 19, 1994, as Mercy Otis Warren Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1994
Designates March 1995 and March 1996 as Irish-American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Tax Compliance Enforcement Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a delinquent taxpayer from receiving Federal benefits or from being hired as an officer or employee of the Government of the United States, including the legislative and judicial branches. Increases certain tax-related criminal fines.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1994
Designates October 19, 1994, as National Mammography Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994
Gun Victim Compensation Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make any person who sells, delivers, or otherwise transfers a firearm to a juvenile, felon, or other disqualified individual, or a handgun to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile liable for damages caused by a discharge of the transferred firearm by the transferee. Makes exceptions, including for certain temporary transfers to a juvenile who uses a handgun in the course of employment relating to ranching or farming with the prior written consent of a parent or guardian and for the issuance of a handgun to a juvenile who is a member of the armed forces or National Guard. Authorizes an action for damages to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers damages resulting from bodily injury or death caused by a discharge of the transferred firearm by the transferee. Specifies that there shall be no liability under this Act if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the damages were suffered by an individual who was engaged in a criminal act against the person or property of another at the time of the injury; or (2) the injury was self-inflicted unless the plaintiff establishes that, at the time of the transfer, the transferor knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the transferee had not attained age 18 or had been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution. Limits actions to those brought within five years after the date of the transfer of the firearm. Requires that a prevailing plaintiff be awarded attorney's fees. Permits the award of punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1994
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to extend the period during which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may not recapture, adjust, withdraw, or reduce any urban development action grants (UDAG) from UDAG recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1994
Designates January 16, 1995, as Religious Freedom Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1994
Domestic Violence Community Response Team Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to encourage eligible entities to develop community response teams to combat domestic violence. Directs that grants be awarded in a manner that ensure geographic and demographic diversity. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) grant amounts and duration; (2) eligibile entities; (3) the role of community response teams; and (4) applications and other requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to award a contract to an eligible entity to serve as a technical assistance center under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1994
Urges the Secretary of State to: (1) apply consistent criteria in determining whether to restrict the use of U.S. passports in any country; and (2) in deciding whether to extend the ban on the use of such passports in Lebanon, give paramount consideration to the need to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and full consideration to the improved security situation in Lebanon, to the effect of the ban on opportunities for U.S. businesses, to the impact of the ban on U.S. interests in Lebanon and the Middle East, and to whether U.S. interests would be more effectively served by removing the ban and instituting a travel advisory for Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1994
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1994 - 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.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization Title II: Personnel Management Improvement Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Title V: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Title VI: Towing Vessel Safety Title VII: Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships Amendments Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1994 - 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, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty and the average military training student loads. Title II: Personnel Management Improvement - Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to make child development services available for members of the armed forces and Federal civilian employees. (Sec. 203) Authorizes homeowners' assistance to military personnel of the Coast Guard who were assigned to, or employed at, any Federal facility or installation in the vicinity of Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, during Hurricane Andrew. (Sec. 207) Allows the Commandant to obtain research on Coast Guard personnel resource and training needs and to employ special programs for recruiting women and minorities. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the Commandant to enter into contracts to carry out health care services for Coast Guard personnel and covered beneficiaries. Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management - Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to increase the amounts transferred from State fish restoration and management project appropriations for grants for recreational boating safety programs. Revises funding from the same appropriations for grants to coastal and inland States for: (1) the construction and renovation of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities; and (2) education of recreational boaters about the problems of human body waste discharges from vessels. (Sec. 301) Increases from 24 months to five years the period of validity for certificates of inspection maintained by vessels that have oil or hazardous substances on board. (Sec. 302) Authorizes eligible States to submit plans for the construction and renovation of public facilities for transient nontrailerable vessels to the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes grants for such purposes. (Sec. 303) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to collect and pay to the Treasury the same fees for the inspection of foreign vessels carrying passengers from the United States that a foreign country charges U.S. vessels trading to the ports of that country. (Sec. 304) Increases civil penalties for violations regarding documentation of vessels. Revises Federal provisions to make a vessel and its equipment liable to seizure by, and forfeiture to, the U.S. Government when: (1) the owner of the vessel or representative of the owner knowingly falsifies or conceals a material fact or makes a false statement or representation about the documentation when applying for documentation of the vessel; (2) a certificate of documentation is knowingly and fraudulently used for a vessel; (3) a vessel is operated after its endorsement has been denied or revoked; (4) a vessel is employed in a trade without an appropriate trade endorsement; (5) a documented vessel with only a recreational endorsement is operated other than for pleasure; or (6) a documented vessel is placed under the command of a person who is not a U.S. citizen. (Sec. 305) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to make persons who fail to comply with regulations issued by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating liable for a civil penalty. (Sec. 306) Requires uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels that operate beyond three nautical miles from the Great Lakes coastline to be equipped with alerting and locating equipment. (Sec. 308) Considers the knowing alteration of lifesaving, fire safety, or other specified equipment such that the equipment is rendered defective to be a class D felony. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in Thacher Island to the Town of Rockport, Massachusetts, except that the Coast Guard shall retain all right, title, and interest in any historical artifact. Conditions such conveyance on the maintenance of specified navigation functions by the United States. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to convey to the Ketchikan Indian Corporation in Ketchikan, Alaska, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified Coast Guard property for use by such corporation as a Native health clinic. (Sec. 403) Requires the Secretary, for purposes of alerting the Florida Avenue Bridge in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to treat the drainage siphon that is adjacent to the bridge as an appurtenance of the bridge. (Sec. 404) Sets forth conditions under which transferring a tuna fishing vessel which is an agreement vessel documented under U.S. laws to foreign registry shall not be treated as a disposition of an agreement vessel or a failure to meet any substantial obligation under an agreement entered into between the owner or operator of the vessel and the approriate Secretary. Provides that all vessel income and expense will, after registry transfer, continue to be reported as income and taxed in the United States as if the vessels's registry had not been transferred. Title V: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement - Amends Federal boating safety law to prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel under 26 feet in length unless each individual six years or younger wears a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while on the vessel's deck. (Sec. 502) Sets forth a formula for the allocation of State recreational boating safety program funds based upon State adoption of prohibitions on the operation of recreational vessels while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to State law enforcement officials. (Sec. 504) Declares that persons who operate a recreational vessel in violation of this Act may be ordered to complete an approved recreational boating safety course. Title VI: Towing Vessel Safety - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to require the use of specified navigation equipment on towing vessels. (Sec. 602) Directs individuals who apply for issuance or renewal of a towing vessel operator's license to demonstrate proficiency in the use of navigational safety equipment. (Sec. 603) Requires marine casualties to be reported as soon as practicable, but in no case later than within five days. Increases penalties for an individual in charge of a vessel for failing to report a casualty. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress on: (1) the adequacy and effectiveness of manning of towing vessels and progress made in implementing improvements in towing vessel operator licensing requirements; and (2) the feasibility of establishing a differential global positioning satellite navigation system and creating electronic charts for U.S. inland waterways. Title VII: Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships Amendments - Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate attesting to the adequacy of garbage reception facilities at a port or terminal only if an inspection has been conducted prior to the issuance of a certificate. (Sec. 702) Makes such certificates valid for a period of five years unless there is a change of operator. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that require the operators of ports or terminals subject to MARPOL Protocol (the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973) requirements relating to reception facilities to post placards stating that users should report facility inadequacies to the Secretary. Requires all vessels to display placards and conduct briefings that notify the crew and passengers of requirements of Annex V of the Convention. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke certain permits to proceed or depart of foreign vessels in violation of MARPOL requirements. Provides for a toll-free telephone number for reporting MARPOL violations. (Sec. 703) Amends the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to report to the Congress on potential improvements of the waste management practices at port facilities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain shipper insurance policies should not provide for the payment of penalties under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Requires persons in charge of vessels to include information on the disposal of onboard waste in the notice of arrival to the port. Direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Marine Debris Coordinating Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1994
Sexually Violent Predators Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish guidelines for State programs to require a sexually violent predator (a person convicted of a sexually violent offense who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder (condition) that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses) to register a current address with a designated State law enforcement agency (agency) upon being released from prison, being placed on parole, or being placed on supervised release; and (2) approve each State program that complies with the guidelines. Makes a State that does not implement and maintain such a program ineligible to receive ten percent of the funds that would otherwise be allocated to it under the Drug Control and System Improvement Grant Program. Provides for reallocation of such funds to States in compliance. Requires: (1) the sentencing court to make the determination that a person is or is no longer a sexually violent predator after receiving a report by a board of experts on sexual offenses; and (2) each State to establish such a board. Directs a State prison officer, if a person required to register is anticipated to be released from prison, paroled, or placed on supervised release, to: (1) inform the person of the duty to register and to provide any change of address to a designated State agency in writing; (2) obtain the person's name, identifying factors, anticipated future residence, and offense history and documentation of any treatment received for the condition; and (3) require the person to read and sign a form stating that the duty to register has been explained. Requires the officer to forward the information to a designated State agency which which shall enter the information into the appropriate State law enforcement record system, notify the appropriate agency with jurisdiction over the area in which the person expects to reside, and transmit the information to the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) quarterly address verification; (2) notification of local agencies of address changes; (3) penalties for failing to register and keep registration current; (4) termination of the obligation to register; (5) community notification; and (6) immunity for good faith conduct under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1994
School Bus Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe Federal proficiency standards for school bus drivers who are required to possess a commercial driver's license to operate a school bus. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing such standards, to authorize States to establish their own proficiency standards in lieu of the Federal standards if the Secretary determines they are as rigorous as the Federal standards. Requires bus drivers to demonstrate their proficiency in operating a school bus in accordance with either the Federal or State standards. (Sec. 4) Prohibits a local agency from employing a person as a school bus driver until it conducts a criminal background check under procedures that meet the guidelines set forth in the National Child Protection Act of 1993. (Sec. 5) Amends the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 to require the Secretary, in deciding which projects to fund under such Act, to ensure that one or more operational tests advance the use and reduce the cost of intelligent vehicle-highway system technologies (including hazard warning systems or sensors) that alert school bus drivers of pedestrians or vehicles in, or approaching, the path of a school bus. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that require driver seat belts and passenger seat belts, including lap safety belts or other child safety devices meeting applicable Federal safety standards, be installed for each seating position in any newly manufactured school bus. Requires the Secretary to conduct a program to promote the use of seat belts in school buses. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to ensure that each State receiving Federal aid to conduct highway safety programs utilizes a portion of such aid (at least $1 million per fiscal year) to conduct traffic engineering activities to improve the safe operation of school buses. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to begin a rulemaking process to determine the feasibility of certain safety and access requirements for school buses. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary in carrying out highway safety research and development projects to provide for the dissemination of information on school bus safety. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to conduct a study, and report the results to specified congressional committees, on school bus safety. (Sec. 11) Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to minimum reporting criteria on traffic-related deaths and injuries under State highway safety programs; and (2) issue a final rule establishing such criteria. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1994
Condemns the: (1) worldwide targeting of Jewish communities by terrorists determined to disrupt the Middle East peace process; and (2) continued use of violence to pursue political objectives. Commends the people of Argentina, Panama, and Great Britain for the outrage they expressed in response to terrorist acts in July of 1994 against targets in such countries. Recognizes the efforts of such countries to investigate such incidents. Urges their governments to commit any resources necessary to apprehend the perpetrators and to adopt measures to prevent a recurrence of such acts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Meat, Poultry, and Eggs Inspection Agency Subtitle A: Establishment and Authorities of Agency Subtitle B: Transitional Provisions Subtitle C: Other Matters Title II: Expansion of Foods Covered By Inspection Laws Title III: Establishment and Enforcement of Safe Cooking Standards for Meat and Poultry Products Title IV: Epidemiological Activities Regarding Foodborne Diseases Title V: Research on Treatment of Foodborne Diseases Katie O'Connell Safe Food Act - Title I: Meat, Poultry, and Eggs Inspection Agency - Subtitle A: Establishment and Authority of Agency - Establishes the Meat, Poultry, and Eggs Inspection Agency (Agency) which shall implement and administer: (1) the Federal Meat Inspection Act; (2) the Poultry Products Inspection Act; (3) the Egg Products Inspection Act; (4) safe cooking standards for meat and poultry preparation at restaurants and other retail food establishments; and (5) related research, inspection, and oversight activities. Establishes within the Agency a Bureau for Improved Inspection Capabilities. Subtitle B: Transitional Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to terminate the inspection activities of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. Transfers related assets, funds, and personnel to the Agency. Requires the Agency appointment of an Office of Inspector General. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Defines specified terms for purposes of this title. Title II: Expansion of Foods Covered by Inspection Laws - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize expanded coverage of meats and poultry. Title III: Establishment and Enforcement of Safe Cooking Standards for Meat and Poultry Products - Requires the Director of the Agency to establish and enforce safe cooking standards for meat and poultry preparation at restaurants and other retail food establishments. Establishes civil monetary penalties for standards violations. Title IV: Epidemiological Activities Regarding Foodborne Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to carry out foodborne disease prevention and control activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Research on Treatment of Foodborne Diseases - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to carry out foodborne disease support activities, including research and data collection.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1994
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution to support programming related to the 150th anniversary and general activities of the Smithsonian Institution; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1994
Defines the term "disease," for purposes of determining the relationship between undiagnosed illness and disease for purposes of entitlement to veterans' disability compensation, as any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a symptom or sign the etiology, pathology, and prognosis for which is known or unknown. Requires due consideration to be given to the common or shared experiences, medical symptoms, or signs of other veterans who were engaged in similar service and who exhibit similar medical symptoms or signs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Title III: Aid to Families With Dependent Children Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1994 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans (IRAs) by active participants in employer-maintained plans, thereby restoring the IRA deduction. Provides an inflation adjustment after 1995. Allows certain spouses a full deduction for contributions to an IRA. Makes certain coins and bullion ineligible as collectible investments for purposes of distributions from an IRA. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus (IRA plus) accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses, and assist certain unemployed individuals. Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1994
Designates August 2, 1994, as National Neighborhood Crime Watch Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
Designates the second Sunday in October 1994 as National Children's Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1994
Designates the month of November 1994 as National Native American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1994
Designates November 21, 1994, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1994
Commends the United States 1994 World Cup soccer team for its outstanding efforts in the 1994 World Cup soccer tournament.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1994
Interstate Gun Control Enforcement Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make unlawful a person's failure to comply with firearm purchase permit requirements within a specified period after moving to a new State of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1994
Designates the week of November 6 through 12, 1994, as National Health Information Management Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994
Establishes a commission on the roles and capabilities of the United States intelligence community. Requires the Commission to: (1) review the efficacy and appropriateness of U.S. intelligence activities in the post-Cold War global environment; and (2) issue a report containing recommendations with respect to U.S. intelligence roles and capabilities for the foreseeable future.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1994
Designates September 17, 1994, as Constitution Day.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1994
Provides for the printing as a Senate document a collection of statements made in tribute to the late First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1994
Organ Donation Insert Card Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to include organ donation information with individual income tax refund payments.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1994
Medicare and Medicaid Third Party Liability Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to seek a class action recovery from tobacco product manufacturers of any payments made under the Medicare, Medicaid, veterans' health care, or any other similar Federal health care program to or on behalf of more than one recipient with a disease, illness, condition, or complication caused, in whole or in part, by the use of tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including employing authorities of the House of Representatives, employing offices of the Senate, and instrumentalities of the Congress. 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 and Federal immunity. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should actively seek: (1) an international agreement prohibiting the production, possession, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines; and (2) in the interim, international agreements to further limit the production, possession, transfer, and use of such landmines. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a U.S. moratorium on the purchase and production of such landmines would encourage other nations to adopt similar measures. Establishes such moratorium for a one-year period beginning 90 days after enactment of this Act. Calls for the President to urge other nations to adopt such a moratorium. Allows the moratorium to be extended. Earmarks funds authorized under the current Department of Defense Authorization Act for improving landmine detection and neutralization. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and the Secretary of State to jointly submit to the Congress a report containing an analysis of the social, economic, and environmental costs and effects of the use of antipersonnel landmines. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the total number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded by such landmines during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Persian Gulf War.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1994
Flow Control Act of 1994 - Authorizes each State and qualified political subdivision to direct, regulate, or prohibit the transportation of, and designate waste facilities for: (1) municipal solid waste generated from household sources within the boundaries of the State or subdivision; (2) municipal solid waste that is generated, or is commingled with municipal solid waste that is generated, from commercial, institutional, or industrial sources within such boundaries or that is incinerator ash or construction or demolition debris if, before May 15, 1994, the State or political subdivision adopted a law that regulated or prohibited the transportation of waste to a facility designated before such date; and (3) recyclable materials generated within such boundaries. 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. Permits such authority only if the State or subdivision: (1) establishes a program to separate or divert specified materials for purposes of recycling, reclamation, or reuse before exercising such authority; (2) develops and implements a competitive designation process for facilities; and (3) finds on the basis of public hearings that it is necessary to exercise such authority to meet current and anticipated solid waste management needs. Retains the applicability of certain existing laws and contracts and provides that such laws and contracts shall not be considered to impair or discriminate against interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1994
Natural Gas 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) accident investigation; or (2) overseeing the response of the person to the accident. Sets a limit upon the amounts recovered. 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 improved routes and rights-of-way. 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. Proscribes 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. Instructs the Secretary to prescribe a schedule for such inspections. Requires the owner/operator of an interstate transmission facility to notify annually all residents within certain distances of such facility of the reporting procedures for suspicious activities (including 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 case of an accident or a loss of the primary power source. Requires the owner/operator of certain pipelines to obtain baseline pipeline safety information through the use of instrumented internal inspection devices (smart pigs).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1994
Federal Service Priority Placement Program Act of 1994 - Instructs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish a Government-wide demonstration program to facilitate placement in other Federal agencies for Federal employees scheduled to be separated from service under an agency reduction in force. Covers the U.S. Postal Service but not the General Accounting Office. Prescribes guidelines for an interagency placement program for such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1994
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Compensation Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a uniform case assessment protocol to ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War (War) veterans suffering from illnesses the origins of which are currently unkown but which may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during such War; (2) develop case definitions or diagnoses for such illnesses; and (3) implement a comprehensive outreach program, including a newsletter and a toll-free telephone number, to inform War veterans and their families of the medical care and other benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of service in such War. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to a War veteran suffering from a disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness if such disability becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within three years of separation from active military service. Provides exceptions to the payment of such compensation (i.e., when there is a preponderance of evidence to show that the disability was not incurred during such service or occurred after such service). Allows the Secretary to cease such payments after providing specified congressional committees with a scientific report showing that such disabilities are not connected to service in the War. Directs the Secretary to enter into: (1) an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for access to all clinical data on War veterans who remain on active duty, and to continually compile such data (with a required annual report); and (2) a contract for the conduct of an epidemiological study designed to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in such War (with appropriate oversight, a status report, and annual and final reports). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 2000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1995 through 1998 for the conduct of research to advance the understanding of health risks and effects of service in the Gulf during such War and the means of treating such health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
Prisoner Transfer Equity Act - Urges the President to begin to negotiate prisoner transfer treaties, or renegotiate existing treaties, with countries that currently have more prisoners in U.S. prisons than there are U.S. citizens in their prisons in order to relieve overcrowding in Federal and State prisons, focusing on the transfer of illegal aliens who are serving in U.S. prisons. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the progress of such negotiations. Requires not less than one percent nor more than ten percent of U.S. assistance otherwise allocated for such country to be withheld whenever such a report indicates that no progress has been made in negotiations with a foreign country and the United States continues to maintain a surplus of prisoners who are nationals of that country. Authorizes the President to waive such provision if its application would jeopardize relationships between the United States and a foreign country that the President determines to be in the national interest. Requires the President, whenever exercising such waiver authority, to submit written justification to the Congress. Urges the President, for each country that does not receive U.S. assistance and for which the United States continues to maintain a surplus of prisoners who are nationals of that country, to use such diplomatic offices and powers as necessary to make progress in negotiating or renegotiating a prisoner transfer treaty.