United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should intensify his efforts to recover from governments of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries the value of improvements (buildings, roads, etc.) made to U.S. military installations in such countries which are closed and turned over to such countries due to U.S. defense spending reductions. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1992 to require the President, before entering into negotiations with such countries for payments-in-kind for the value of such improvements, to provide written notice of such intentions to the defense subcommittees of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. (Currently, only notice to the congressional defense committees is required.) Increases the required contents of such notice. Directs the President, prior to such an agreement being entered into by the Secretary of Defense, to: (1) submit to the Congress a request for rescission of appropriations for overseas base support with respect to such installation; (2) recommend to the Congress a reduction in the request for overseas base support in the amount of the value of the improvements; or (3) a combination of the above actions. Requires the total amount of reductions to be no less than the fair market value of the improvements to be released to the host country. Provides limitations to the Secretary in accepting payments-in-kind under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1994
(Sec. 1) Sets forth U.S. objectives with respect to the international protection of intellectual property rights. (Sec. 2) Prohibits the President from negotiating any new free trade agreement with a foreign country, unless it is determined that such country: (1) is fully implementing the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS); and (2) is willing to enter into an agreement with the United States to provide intellectual property rights protection in line with that set forth in the Model Intellectual Property Agreement. Requires the President to amend existing free trade agreements to provide greater protection of such rights. (Sec. 3) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), among other things, to identify those foreign countries that deny the opportunity to enjoy on a nondiscriminatory basis full commercial benefits associated with exercising rights in protected works, fixations, or products embodying protected works. Sets forth additional factors the USTR must take into account in identifying a priority foreign country. Revises provisions regarding a foreign country's denial of: (1) adequate protection of intellectual property rights; and (2) fair market access. Specifies when a foreign country denies the opportunity to enjoy the commercial benefits associated with exercising rights in protected works, fixations, or products embodying protected rights. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the President, in addition to other specified sanctions, to take other necessary action to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement or to eliminate any foreign country act, policy, or practice which violates such agreement, or burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Revises the definition of when an act, policy, or practice is unreasonable to include any act, policy, or practice which denies fair and equitable provision of adequate protection of intellectual property rights, without regard to whether the country is fully implementing TRIPS, or the obligations of any other bilateral, regional, or multilateral agreement. (Sec. 5) Requires the President, after complying with certain requirements, to withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary developing country that is eligible to receive benefits under the General System of Preferences, if it is determined that such country has been identified as a foreign priority country that denies fair and equitable protection of intellectual property rights and has failed to eliminate such practice. Provides for the redesignation of a country as a beneficiary developing country. (Sec. 6) Requires the USTR to: (1) develop a Model Intellectual Property Agreement which contains provisions for the protection of intellectual property rights that supplement the standards contained in TRIPS and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); and (2) review periodically the Model Intellectual Property Agreement to ensure it reflects adequate protection for new technologies. (Sec. 7) Requires the President's annual international intellectual property protection report to include a review of the efforts undertaken during the preceding calendar year by each U.S. agency in support of international protection of intellectual property rights. (Sec. 8) Requires the USTR to develop a procedure for interested private sector persons to participate in the preparation for dispute settlement proceedings which involve the United States with respect to intellectual property rights.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Designates September 16, 1994, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at: (1) all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1994 (Memorial Day), September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1994 (Veterans Day); and (2) the White House, the Capitol Building, and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Selective Service System on September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1994
Designates August 1, 1994, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes the President to reassert America's commitment to the Helsinki Accords and requests him to: (1) convey to all signatories of the Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a vital element of further progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (2) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of such process to address the major problems that remain.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
Prohibits imposing any charge or fee, except those already in effect at the time of enactment of this Act, for tuition, room, or board for U.S. citizens attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any health care reform legislation that is enacted should contain provisions that ensure that qualified poison control centers are adequately compensated; and (2) a national commission should be established to study the delivery and funding of poison control services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1994
Congressional Accountability Act - Makes specified Federal statutes (or provisions thereof) applicable to the offices and employees of the legislative branch of the Federal Government, including (with exceptions): (1) the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA); (2) the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA); (3) the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (4) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (5) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); (6) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (7) the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (8) the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988; (9) the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; (10) the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); (11) the Privacy Act of 1974 (Privacy Act); and (12) provisions governing Federal labor-management relations. (Sec. 3) Establishes in the legislative branch an Office of Compliance. Provides for a Board of Directors: (1) to issue regulations that specify the manner in which provisions of this Act shall be implemented to ensure compliance; (2) when proposing regulations, to recommend to the Congress any needed changes in or repeals of existing law to accommodate the application of such provision to its employees and offices; and (3) to study provisions of Federal law relating to employment, personnel actions, or availability of information to the public that are similar to such provision and that do not apply to congressional offices or employees, and recommend to the Congress whether any of those provisions should be applied to congressional offices or employees. Sets forth congressional disapproval procedures with respect to the issuance of regulations of, and rulemaking by, the Office. Requires the Board to carry out a program to inform Members of Congress, congressional employees, and heads of congressional offices as to the provisions, including remedies, made applicable to the legislative branch. (Sec. 5) Sets forth procedures for consideration of alleged violations of civil rights and personnel requirements, including: (1) step I, counseling; (2) step II, mediation; and (3) at the election of the employee alleging the violation, step IIIA, formal complaint and hearing by a hearing board, and step IV, judicial review of a hearing board decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or step IIIB, a civil action in a U.S. district court. (Sec. 11) Sets forth procedures for consideration of alleged violations relating to: (1) information requirements; and (2) labor management and occupational health and safety requirements. (Sec. 13) Makes FOIA and the Privacy Act inapplicable to specified offices, including the personnel offices of Members of Congress, congressional committees, and the offices of any caucus or partisan organization related to the Congress. (Sec. 15) Treats intimidation of, or reprisal against, a congressional employee by any Member or officer of the Congress, any head of a congressional office, or any congressional employee, because of the exercise of a right under this Act, as an unlawful employment practice. (Sec. 16) Sets forth provisions regarding confidentiality with respect to counseling, mediation, hearings, release of records for judicial review, and access by congressional committees. (Sec. 17) Requires the Office, on a regular basis and at least once during each Congress, to request that the Secretary of Labor and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board detail to the Office such personnel as necessary to inspect the facilities of the legislative branch to ensure compliance with OSHA, FLSA, and ADA. (Sec. 18) Requires the executive director of the office (appointed by the chairperson of the Board) to: (1) collect information with respect to complaints filed under this Act; and (2) submit for publication in the Congressional Record a report containing such information, without identifying parties by name. (Sec. 19) Specifies that it shall not be a violation to consider the party affiliation, domicile, or political compatibility with the employing office of an employee with respect to employment decisions issued under this Act. (Sec. 20) Prohibits a congressional employee from commencing a judicial proceeding to redress practices prohibited under this Act, except as provided in this Act. (Sec. 22) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Handgun Controls Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes Title III: Dealer Responsibility Title IV: Theft of Firearms Title V: Armed Felons Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants Title VII: Ammunition Handgun Control and Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: National Handgun Controls - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor: (1) has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license that meets specified minimum requirements by examining such license and a valid identification document containing a photograph of the transferee and by contracting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license to confirm that such license has not been revoked; and (2) has provided to such officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a completed State handgun registration form. Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license and prohibits such an individual from receiving a handgun or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth: (1) minimum requirements to constitute a valid State handgun license; (2) procedures with respect to the issuance of such a license; and (3) penalties for violations of this title. Directs the Attorney General to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any licensed dealer: (1) during any 30-day period, from selling two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual; or (2) from selling a handgun to an unlicensed individual who purchased a handgun during the 30-day period ending on the date of the sale. Permits the exchange of a handgun for a handgun. Prohibits an unlicensed individual from purchasing two or more handguns during any 30-day period. (Sec. 103) Prohibits engaging in the business of dealing in handguns without specific authorization. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize a licensed dealer (or applicant) to engage in the business of dealing in firearms if the dealer (or applicant) demonstrates that there is significant unmet lawful demand for handguns in the market area served by the dealer. Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes - Requires each licensee to provide all record information required to be kept, or such lesser information as the Secretary may specify, as may be required for determining the disposition of a firearm in the course of a law enforcement investigation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) to centralize all records of receipt and disposition of firearms obtained by the BATF, and maintain such records in whatever manner will enable their most efficient use in law enforcement investigations. (Sec. 203) Restates provisions regarding the interstate transportation of firearms to prohibit an unlicensed individual from transporting a firearm from one State into another State. (Sec. 204) Prohibits an unlicensed individual from receiving a firearm with intent to transfer the firearm for profit. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Requires each licensed manufacturer to maintain records of the ballistics of handgun barrels made by the manufacturer and the serial numbers of such barrels and to make such records available to the Secretary. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to establish in the BATF a National Firearms Tracing Center which shall be operated for the purpose of tracing the chain of possession of firearms and ammunition used in crimes. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Dealer Responsibility - Requires compliance with State and local firearms licensing laws before issuance of a Federal firearms license. (Sec. 302) Requires that the background investigation of an applicant for a Federal firearms license include: (1) checking the applicant's fingerprints against all appropriate compilations of criminal records; and (2) inspection (by the Secretary) of the place at which the applicant is to conduct business pursuant to the license. Requires the applicant to have a business premises (currently, premises) from which he conduct such business. Extends the period for approving or denying the application. (Sec. 303) Increases license fees for dealer of firearms, destructive devices, or ammunition. (Sec. 304) Increases penalties for knowingly making false statements in connection with, or violating recordkeeping requirements concerning, firearms. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary to inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed dealer without reasonable cause or warrant as necessary to ensure compliance with Federal firearms provisions, to further a criminal investigation, or to determine the disposition of one or more particular firearms. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling or delivering any handgun to any person who is not a licensed dealer at any place other than the location specified on the license of the transferor. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) require a licensed dealer identified as the source of three or more firearms recovered by law enforcement officials in criminal investigations during a one-year period, or whom the Secretary has reason to believe is a source of firearms used in crimes, to produce any or all records of the acquisition and disposition of firearms; and (2) continue to impose such requirement until the Secretary determines that the dealer is not a source of firearms used in crimes. (Sec. 308) Authorizes any person suffering physical injury arising from a crime of violence in which a firearm that has been transferred by a licensed dealer to a convicted felon or a minor was used, to bring an action against the dealer who transferred the firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the recipient was prohibited from receiving it. Specifies that the defendant shall be held liable in tort, without regard to fault or proof of defect, for all direct and consequential damages arising from the crime of violence, with exceptions. Permits the court to award punitive damages. (Sec. 309) Requires: (1) a common or contract carrier that transports or delivers firearms in interstate or foreign commerce not less frequently than monthly to obtain from the Secretary a list of licensed dealers; and (2) the Secretary to provide to any such carrier, upon request and without charge, a list of licensed dealers and their license numbers. Prohibits knowingly delivering to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce (currently, to persons other than licensed dealers) any package or other container in which there is a firearm or ammunition without: (1) written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped, with exceptions (as under current law); and (2) written notice of the dealer's license number if the intended recipient of the package or container is a licensed dealer. Specifies that a common or contract carrier shall be considered to have cause to believe that a shipment of firearms would violate Federal firearms provisions if it fails to verify that the intended recipient is a licensed dealer. Title IV: Theft of Firearms - Requires each licensee to report to the Secretary and to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the premises specified on the license is located any theft of firearms from the licensee by the close of business on the licensee's first business day after discovering the theft. (Sec. 402) Sets penalties for the theft of firearms or explosives and for such thefts from a licensee. (Sec. 404) Requires licensed dealers to provide for security against theft of firearms from their business premises in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Makes it a requirement for a dealer's license that the applicant has provided for such security against theft. (Sec. 405) Prohibits the receipt, possession, concealment, storing, bartering, selling, disposition, or pledging or accepting as security for a loan of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition which has moved in interstate or foreign commerce, either before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen. Title V: Armed Felons - Bars: (1) an individual from applying for, and the Secretary from granting, relief from disabilities imposed by Federal firearms prohibitions; and (2) any person whose application for relief from such disabilities is denied by the Secretary from filing for judicial review of such denial. Requires the Secretary, when granting such relief, to include within the notice of action published in the Federal Register: (1) the name of the person; (2) the disability with respect to which the relief is granted (and, if the disability was imposed by reason of a criminal conviction of the person, the crime for which and court in which the person was convicted); and (3) the reason for the action. Revises Federal firearms provisions regarding the definition of "conviction" to specify that a State conviction that has been expunged or set aside, or for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored, shall not be considered to be a conviction for purposes of such provisions if: (1) it expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive, and possess firearms; and (2) the granting State authority has expressly determined that the circumstances regarding the conviction and the person's record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Makes such provision inapplicable to a conviction for a violent felony or serious drug offense. (Sec. 503) Applies an enhanced penalty for the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 504) Sets: (1) penalties for violation of Federal firearms laws in aid of drug trafficking; and (2) mandatory penalties for firearms possession by violent felons and serious drug offenders with previous convictions. Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants - Prohibits the disposal of firearms or ammunition to, or the receipt of firearms or ammunition by, persons convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order. Title VII: Ammunition - Requires a Federal license to deal in ammunition, with exceptions. Makes applicable to ammunition certain penalties imposed for firearms violations, including the interstate transportation of firearms and the possession of firearms in Federal facilities. (Sec. 702) Defines "armor piercing ammunition" to include a jacketed: (1) hollow point projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which is designed to produce, upon impact, evenly spaced sharp or barb-like projections that extend beyond the diameter of the unfired projectile; and (2) projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994
Prohibits the President or any other member of the executive branch from interfering with the transfer of arms to the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Requires the President to terminate the U.S. arms embargo of such government upon receipt from such government of a request for assistance in exercising its right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994
Rights of Intellectual Property Owners Fairness Facilitation Act of 1994 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating a country a beneficiary developing country eligible for trade benefits under the generalized system of preferences if such country is not implementing the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) within a specified time. Authorizes a country that has been denied such designation to be so designated if the President determines that the country is fully implementing TRIPS. Directs the United States Trade Representative to notify the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development of any country which is not implementing TRIPS. Sets forth specified actions to be taken to encourage countries to implement TRIPS.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
Haitian Restoration of Democracy Act of 1994 - Supports the restoration of democracy in Haiti and the return to office of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the elected President of Haiti. Urges the President to: (1) facilitate the return to Haiti of a full contingent of human rights observers; and (2) subject to the request of Aristide, effect the deployment of a multinational border patrol between the Dominican Republic and Haiti to halt cross-border violations of sanctions against Haiti imposed by the United States and other countries. Supports multilateral socieconomic and peacekeeping assistance to Haiti upon the return to power of the democratically-elected President and the removal of Haiti's military high command. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from attempting to amend, reinterpret, or nullify the Governors Island Agreement (except with regard to the October 1993 deadline for the return to power of Aristide). Requires the President to notify the Haitian Government of the intention to terminate the bilateral migrant interdiction agreement effected in 1991. Prohibits the return to Haiti of any Haitian national or habitual resident without the individual's consent, unless the President determines, in a manner that incorporates procedural safeguards consistent with internationally endorsed standards, that such individual is not a refugee. Makes exceptions to such prohibition if an individual was involved in persecution of another person or is a felon who constitutes a danger to the United States. Imposes sanctions against Haiti, including prohibitions on: (1) credits or loans; (2) imports and exports; (3) contracts; and (4) air transport activities. Prohibits U.S. assistance to other countries that are not cooperating with sanctions against Haiti. Imposes sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act against such countries. Terminates sanctions when the President certifies to the Congress that the democratically-elected President has been reinstated and Haiti's military high command has met its obligations under the Governors Island Agreement. Grants eligible Haitians temporary protected status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Excludes certain Haitians connected with the military, the military coup, and terrorist activities from admission into the United States. Blocks assets of such individuals that are in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1994
George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins with the likeness of George C. Marshall in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II and General George C. Marshall's service. Directs the Secretary to pay all surcharges from such coin sales to the Friends of George C. Marshall to be used solely for the construction of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Visitor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act Title II: Mercury Containing Battery Management Act Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide information on the proper handling and disposal of used regulated batteries and rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Defines a "regulated battery" as a rechargeable battery that contains a cadmium or lead electrode or other electrode chemistries as determined by the Administrator. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements and establishes inspection and access authorities for the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Prohibits any person from selling to an end user for use in the United States a regulated battery or rechargeable consumer product manufactured on or after 12 months after this Act's enactment date unless: (1) the battery is easily removable from the product, is contained in a battery pack that is easily removable, or is sold separately; and (2) the rechargeable consumer product and the battery are labeled in accordance with this Act. Sets forth labeling requirements, including that the label contain a statement that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly. Requires retail establishments that sell such batteries or products to post notices informing consumers that regulated batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that other rechargeable batteries having electrode chemistries different from regulated batteries are toxic and may cause substantial harm if discarded for land disposal or incineration, to promulgate: (1) labeling requirements for such batteries and related products; and (2) easily-removable design requirements for rechargeable consumer products designed to contain such batteries or battery packs. Provides for exemptions from this Act's requirements under certain conditions. Title II: Mercury Containing Battery Management Act - Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Prohibits the sale or offering for sale or promotional purposes of: (1) alkaline-manganese batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced (limits the content in alkaline-manganese button cells to 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell); (2) zinc carbon batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1995, that contain mercury that was intentionally introduced; (3) button cell mercuric-oxide batteries on or after January 1, 1995; and (4) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after January 1, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
Makes it unlawful for a lobbyist or lobbyist's client to provide to legislative branch officials (Members of Congress and their staff and Committee staff) gifts of travel, entertainment, food, lodging, loans, or any other items of value provided at the expense of the lobbyist or client, except for all such items included in a lobbyist's disclosure report. Outlines: (1) items subject to such disclosure, including certain travel-related expenditures, items motivated by personal friendship, and charitable contributions; (2) requirements for notifying an official that the lobbyist intends to include in a disclosure report an item provided to such official; (3) items excepted from disclosure requirements (including political contributions, items with little intrinsic value, items given to family members and personal friends, and others); and (4) requirements for lobbyist notification to clients of any applicable requirements of this Act. Prohibits the payment by any individual of recreational travel-related expenses of a legislative branch official, unless it is made clear that such payments are made for a nonbusiness purpose and are motivated by a family relationship or personal friendship, and not because of the position of the official. Provides penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the President to report to the Congress on problems arising from the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Milstar II Communications Satellite program. Allows funds available for obligation for such program to be used only for the payment of termination costs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1994
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase firearm license application fees. Requires: (1) all firearm licenses issued under Federal firearms provisions to be suspended immediately upon a licensee's conviction of violating specified firearms-related provisions under the Federal criminal code, the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), or the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and to remain suspended until all direct appeals are exhausted; and (2) all such licenses to be automatically revoked if the conviction is upheld on final direct appeal. Sets penalties for knowing falsification of records by licensees. Requires firearm licensees to comply with provisions of the IRC and AECA relating to firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
National Highway System Designation Act of 1994 - Designates the most recent National Highway System as submitted by the Secretary of Transportation to be the National Highway System (NHS). Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a State, to add a new route segment to the NHS (including a new intermodal connection) or delete an existing route segment if the total mileage of the NHS, including any route segment or connection proposed to be added, does not exceed 165,000 miles. Requires each State making a request for a change in the NHS to establish that each change has been identified by the State, in cooperation with local officials, pursuant to applicable transportation planning activities for metropolitan areas and statewide planning processes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such a request upon determining that the change meets the criteria established for, and enhances the national transportation characteristics of, the NHS.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers Title IV: Prohibited Weapons Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not licensed to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) the transferor has verified that the transferee possess a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license; (2) the transferor has provided to the chief officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a State handgun registration form; and (3) seven days have elapsed since the transferor contacted the chief officer of the State that issued the license or the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement issued within the previous ten days by the chief officer of the State in which the transferee resides stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or any member of the transferee's household. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual who is not a licensed dealer unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification; and (2) any such individual from receiving transfer of a handguns or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State handgun licenses; (2) State handgun registration forms; and (3) State handgun safety certificates (issued after the applicant has completed a course and passed an examination in handgun safety). Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession - Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a firearm to, or possession of a firearm by, a person convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order; and (2) the transfer of a handgun (or handgun ammunition) to an individual under age 21 or of a firearm other than a handgun (or ammunition) to an individual under age 16, and the possession of such weapon (or ammunition) by such individuals, respectively, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the storage or leaving of a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition, at any place to which a juvenile is likely to gain access at a time when the juvenile is not under the personal supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing the firearm. Requires each licensed dealer to post conspicuously at each of the dealer's places of business a warning that it is a Federal crime to store or leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and its ammunition, where an unsupervised juvenile can gain access. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a person from possessing more than 20 firearms or more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition unless the person is a licensed dealer or has been issued an arsenal license. Direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue such a license if specified conditions are met, including the payment of a $300 fee for a three-year license period. Subjects the holder of such a license to all requirements pertaining to licensed dealers. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply to the Secretary for restoration of firearm privileges under certain circumstances. Specifies that a conviction shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of Federal firearms provisions if: (1) it has been expunged or set aside or a named person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored; and (2) the authority that grants such action expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive and possess firearms and expressly determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief is not contrary to the public interest. Makes this provision inapplicable to a conviction of a serious drug offense or violent felony. Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers - Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) transferring or receiving a transfer of more than one handgun during any 30-day period; or (2) transferring a handgun to another person who has received transfer of another handgun during the previous 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 302) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition of licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 303) Increases: (1) license application fees; and (2) the length of time before which the Secretary must approve or deny an application. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, for ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements, to inspect a firearms licensee's inventory and records three times during any 12-month period or at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation (currently, once during any 12-month period). (Sec. 306) Requires an applicant, for approval as a licensed dealer, to certify that the business is covered by an insurance policy providing personal injury protection to any person injured while engaged in lawful activity by a handgun obtained through the negligence of the applicant, to a limit of $100,000 for loss sustained by any such person as a result of bodily injury or death. (Sec, 307) Establishes licensing and recordkeeping requirements for ammunition dealers. (Sec. 308) Prohibits a licensed dealer from employing any person in a position in which the person would have unsupervised access to firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) in the case of access to handguns or handgun ammunition, the person has a valid State handgun license; and (2) in the case of access to firearms other than handguns or ammunition other than handgun ammunition, the person is at least age 18, the licensee has contacted the national system designated by the Attorney General pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the system has notified the licensee that the possession of a firearm by the person would not violate Federal, State, or local law, and the licensee has verified the identity of the person by examining a valid photograph identification. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 309) Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm from any motorized or towed vehicle or at a location other than that specified on the license. (Sec. 310) Requires each licensee to: (1) respond immediately to a request by the Secretary for information contained in required records relevant to a criminal investigation; and (2) report the theft or loss of a firearm from inventory within 24 hours after discovery to the Secretary, the chief officer, and appropriate local authorities. (Sec. 312) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include its component parts. (Sec. 313) Prohibits any common or contract carrier from delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm or ammunition without examining the Federal firearms or ammunition license of the recipient and obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who transfers any firearm or ammunition in violation of Federal law liable for all damages proximately caused by such transfer. Permits an action to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a firearm or ammunition transferred in violation of Federal law, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of costs and punitive damages. Title IV: Prohibited Weapons - Prohibits the manufacture, transfer, or possession of "prohibited weapons," defined as firearm mufflers or silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, semiautomatic assault weapons, Saturday-night-special handguns, nonsporting ammunition, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon," "Saturday-night-special handgun," and "large-capacity ammunition feeding device." Categorizes various brands of weapons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a prohibited weapon within the definition of "firearm." Requires the serial number of any prohibited weapon manufactured after the date of enactment to clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects persons using or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to the same enhanced penalty as for such use or possession of a short-barreled shotgun. (Sec. 402) Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture or import of a firearm that does not incorporate a device that: (1) prevents a child of less than age seven from discharging the firearm; (2) prevents a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicates whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Sets penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers Title IV: Prohibited Weapons Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not licensed to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) the transferor has verified that the transferee possess a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license; (2) the transferor has provided to the chief officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a State handgun registration form; and (3) seven days have elapsed since the transferor contacted the chief officer of the State that issued the license or the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement issued within the previous ten days by the chief officer of the State in which the transferee resides stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or any member of the transferee's household. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual who is not a licensed dealer unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification; and (2) any such individual from receiving transfer of a handguns or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State handgun licenses; (2) State handgun registration forms; and (3) State handgun safety certificates (issued after the applicant has completed a course and passed an examination in handgun safety). Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession - Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a firearm to, or possession of a firearm by, a person convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order; and (2) the transfer of a handgun (or handgun ammunition) to an individual under age 21 or of a firearm other than a handgun (or ammunition) to an individual under age 16, and the possession of such weapon (or ammunition) by such individuals, respectively, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the storage or leaving of a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition, at any place to which a juvenile is likely to gain access at a time when the juvenile is not under the personal supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing the firearm. Requires each licensed dealer to post conspicuously at each of the dealer's places of business a warning that it is a Federal crime to store or leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and its ammunition, where an unsupervised juvenile can gain access. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a person from possessing more than 20 firearms or more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition unless the person is a licensed dealer or has been issued an arsenal license. Direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue such a license if specified conditions are met, including the payment of a $300 fee for a three-year license period. Subjects the holder of such a license to all requirements pertaining to licensed dealers. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply to the Secretary for restoration of firearm privileges under certain circumstances. Specifies that a conviction shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of Federal firearms provisions if: (1) it has been expunged or set aside or a named person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored; and (2) the authority that grants such action expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive and possess firearms and expressly determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief is not contrary to the public interest. Makes this provision inapplicable to a conviction of a serious drug offense or violent felony. Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers - Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) transferring or receiving a transfer of more than one handgun during any 30-day period; or (2) transferring a handgun to another person who has received transfer of another handgun during the previous 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 302) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition of licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 303) Increases: (1) license application fees; and (2) the length of time before which the Secretary must approve or deny an application. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, for ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements, to inspect a firearms licensee's inventory and records three times during any 12-month period or at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation (currently, once during any 12-month period). (Sec. 306) Requires an applicant, for approval as a licensed dealer, to certify that the business is covered by an insurance policy providing personal injury protection to any person injured while engaged in lawful activity by a handgun obtained through the negligence of the applicant, to a limit of $100,000 for loss sustained by any such person as a result of bodily injury or death. (Sec, 307) Establishes licensing and recordkeeping requirements for ammunition dealers. (Sec. 308) Prohibits a licensed dealer from employing any person in a position in which the person would have unsupervised access to firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) in the case of access to handguns or handgun ammunition, the person has a valid State handgun license; and (2) in the case of access to firearms other than handguns or ammunition other than handgun ammunition, the person is at least age 18, the licensee has contacted the national system designated by the Attorney General pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the system has notified the licensee that the possession of a firearm by the person would not violate Federal, State, or local law, and the licensee has verified the identity of the person by examining a valid photograph identification. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 309) Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm from any motorized or towed vehicle or at a location other than that specified on the license. (Sec. 310) Requires each licensee to: (1) respond immediately to a request by the Secretary for information contained in required records relevant to a criminal investigation; and (2) report the theft or loss of a firearm from inventory within 24 hours after discovery to the Secretary, the chief officer, and appropriate local authorities. (Sec. 312) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include its component parts. (Sec. 313) Prohibits any common or contract carrier from delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm or ammunition without examining the Federal firearms or ammunition license of the recipient and obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who transfers any firearm or ammunition in violation of Federal law liable for all damages proximately caused by such transfer. Permits an action to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a firearm or ammunition transferred in violation of Federal law, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of costs and punitive damages. Title IV: Prohibited Weapons - Prohibits the manufacture, transfer, or possession of "prohibited weapons," defined as firearm mufflers or silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, semiautomatic assault weapons, Saturday-night-special handguns, nonsporting ammunition, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon," "Saturday-night-special handgun," and "large-capacity ammunition feeding device." Categorizes various brands of weapons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a prohibited weapon within the definition of "firearm." Requires the serial number of any prohibited weapon manufactured after the date of enactment to clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects persons using or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to the same enhanced penalty as for such use or possession of a short-barreled shotgun. (Sec. 402) Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture or import of a firearm that does not incorporate a device that: (1) prevents a child of less than age seven from discharging the firearm; (2) prevents a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicates whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 403) Increases the tax on handguns and handguns ammunition. Establishes in the Treasury a Health Care Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equivalent to such taxes. Makes Trust Fund sums available only for grants to assist hospitals, trauma centers, or other health care providers that have incurred substantial uncompensated costs in providing medical care to gunshot victims, subject to specified limitations. Makes such a provider eligible to apply for such a grant for any calendar year if it is in compliance with Federal and State certification and licensing requirements, is a non-profit entity, and has incurred substantial uncompensated costs during the previous calendar year in providing medical care to gunshot victims. Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives - Establishes special tax rules for gun exchange programs contributions. (Sec. 502) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop a written model program for business-sponsored gun exchange programs; and (2) make such model available to States, local governments, and businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Declares that the Congress supports the efforts of the President of the United States to open Japanese markets and to obtain measurable increases in Japan's imports either through continued negotiation or enforcement of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1994
Breeder Reactor Termination Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to terminate the advanced liquid metal reactor program, including: (1) its promotion of the use of liquid metal reactors for high-level radioactive waste disposal; and (2) Department of Energy (DOE) support for regulatory applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for design certification for advanced liquid metal reactors or related licensed facilities. Reassigns personnel displaced by the program's termination to other activities within DOE. Expresses the policy of the Congress that savings realized from such program termination should be used to reduce the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment, through September 30, 1994, of the personal effects of, and game associated equipment for use by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in the 1994 FIFA World Cup soccer games.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Community Participation and Human Health Title II: State Roles Title III: Voluntary Response Title IV: Liability and Allocation Title V: Remedy Selection and Cleanup Standards Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Funding Title VIII: Environmental Insurance Resolution Fund Title IX: Taxes Superfund Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Community Participation and Human Health - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to direct the President to provide for community involvement in each significant phase of response activities taken under this Act. (Sec. 103) Requires the President to provide the opportunity to establish a representative public forum, known as a Community Working Group (CWG), to achieve direct and regular consultation with community members throughout all stages of a response action. Requires a CWG to serve as a facility information clearinghouse for the community and authorizes a CWG to offer recommendations to the President on anticipated future land uses. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to ensure that an independent Citizen Information and Access Office is established in each State and on each tribal land affected by a National Priorities List (NPL) facility. (Sec. 106) Requires the Administrator to select at least ten demonstration projects to be implemented over a five-year period that relate to the assessment and management of, and response to, multiple sources of risk in and around designated facilities. Directs the Administrator, if a distinct pattern of adverse health effects is identified in the surrounding community, to consider additional health benefits for the community. Provides for demonstration projects in locations that coincide with areas identified as empowerment zones under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1994. (Sec. 107) Includes standards and procedures for assessing risks posed by the release or threatened release of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants in the list of required elements of the national hazardous substance response plan. (Sec. 114) Requires the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Administrator to develop and distribute educational materials on human health effects of hazardous substances to the public. (Sec. 115) Authorizes the ATSDR Administrator to provide grant or contract assistance to individuals who may be affected by releases or threatened releases when: (1) a public health assessment or related health activity is conducted at a facility on the NPL; or (2) a release is being evaluated for inclusion on the NPL. Title II: State Roles - Authorizes States to apply to the Administrator to carry out response actions and enforcement activities at all facilities listed or proposed for listing on the NPL. Makes this authority inapplicable with respect to Federal facilities listed on the NPL if an interagency agreement for such a facility has been entered into. Grants a State such authority if it possesses the legal authority, technical capability, and resources necessary to conduct response actions in a manner consistent with this Act. Makes such States eligible for response action financing from the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund). Requires States to pay 15 percent of the costs of all response actions and program support or other costs for which the State receives funds from Superfund. Makes such cost-sharing requirement inapplicable to Indian tribes. (Sec. 201) Authorizes a State to select a response action that achieves a level of cleanup that is more stringent than required if it agrees to pay for the incremental increase in response cost attributable to achieving the more stringent level. Provides for the retention of the President's authority to take response actions at facilities listed or proposed for listing on the NPL that are not being addressed by States. (Sec. 206) Provides for public notice and comment before a facility is to be listed on the NPL. Authorizes persons to request a facility to be listed on, or removed from, the NPL. Title III: Voluntary Response - Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide assistance to the States to establish and expand voluntary response programs. Makes this title applicable to facilities at which a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant has occurred. Excludes certain facilities. (Sec. 303) Requires the Administrator to establish a program to provide assistance to municipalities to conduct site characterizations for facilities at which voluntary response actions are being conducted or proposed. Title IV: Liability and Allocation - Authorizes the President to issue administrative subpoenas to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of information regarding response actions. Revises confidentiality requirements with respect to such information. (Sec. 403) Absolves of liability for response actions a person who does not impede a response action or natural resource restoration to the extent liability is based solely on: (1) arrangement, transportation, or acceptance provisions relating to the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances and such activities involved fewer than 500 pounds of municipal solid waste (MSW) or sewage sludge or such amount as the Administrator may determine; (2) such provisions and such activities involved fewer than ten pounds or liters of materials containing hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants or such amount as the Administrator may determine; (3) ownership or operation of a vessel or facility and the person is a bona fide prospective purchaser of the facility; (4) ownership by a Federal agency and activities that resulted in a release occurred prior to 1976, the activities were pursuant to a statutory authority, the agency did not cause or contribute to the release, and there are other persons who are potentially liable and fully capable of performing or financing the response action; or (5) ownership by a Federal, State, or local entity of a road or other right of way over which hazardous substances are transported or on the granting of a license or a permit to conduct business. Makes persons who are solely liable under arrangement, transportation, or acceptance provisions regarding disposal or treatment of hazardous substances liable for no more than ten percent of total response costs if such activities only involved MSW or sewage sludge. Applies such limitation only if: (1) acts or omissions giving rise to liability occurred before the date 36 months after enactment of this Act or the person asserting the limitation participates in a qualified household hazardous waste collection program; and (2) the disposal did not occur on lands owned by the United States or on tribal land. Grants the United States a lien upon a facility for unrecovered response costs that inure to the benefit of a potential purchaser. Confers the right of contribution protection on a Federal agency when such agency resolves its share of liability, including liability for all penalties and fines. Applies State laws respecting liability for releases at non-Federal facilities to Federal agencies when such facilities are referred to a State pursuant to this Act or are part of a State-authorized program. Bars immunity for Federal employees from processes or sanctions of State or Federal courts with respect to enforcement of this Act. Entitles the United States to remove any action filed in State court against a Federal agency or employee to the appropriate Federal district court. Absolves Federal employees of personal liability for civil or administrative penalties for acts or omissions within the scope of official duties. (Sec. 404) Makes persons liable under CERCLA liable for other necessary costs of response incurred by any other person, other than the United States, a State, or an Indian tribe (currently, any other person). (Sec. 405) Authorizes adversely affected persons (currently, interested persons) to file petitions for the review of regulations promulgated under CERCLA. Revises contribution provisions to require an action by a potentially responsible party (PRP) against another PRP for recovery of any response costs or damages to be commenced within the later of: (1) three years after completion of a removal action or within six years after initiation of physical on-site construction of the remedial action; or (2) three years after the date of judgment in any action for recovery or the date of any administrative order or judicial settlement for recovery of costs or damages. (Sec. 406) Limits the right to seek contribution from other potentially liable parties where: (1) the person asserting the right has waived such rights in a settlement; (2) the person from whom the contribution is sought is liable solely under provisions regarding arrangement or transportation of hazardous substances for treatment or disposal and contributed fewer than ten pounds or liters of material containing hazardous substances or such amount as the Administrator may determine; or (3) the person from whom the contribution is sought has entered into a final settlement with the United States. Makes any person who commences a contribution action against a person who is not liable pursuant to limitations set forth in this Act or is protected from suits liable to the person against whom the claim is brought for reasonable costs of defending against the claim. Provides that a person who has resolved liability to a State in an administrative or judicially approved settlement shall not be liable for claims to persons other than the United States regarding response costs for damages addressed in the settlement. Provides the same protection for persons who have resolved liability to the United States. Includes protection against all claims that may be asserted against the settling party for recovery of costs or damages paid by another person if addressed in the settlement, except claims based on contractual indemnification. (Sec. 408) Removes provisions regarding guidelines for preliminary allocations of responsibility. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to offer PRPs (currently, any person) who enter into settlement agreements a final covenant not to sue concerning liability to the United States for response actions or costs, provided that: (1) the settling party agrees to perform a final remedial action for the release that is the subject of the settlement; (2) the agreement has been reached prior to the commencement of litigation against the settling party; (3) the settling party waives all contribution rights against other PRPs at the facility; and (4) the settling party pays a premium that compensates for the risks of remedy failure, unanticipated increases in the cost of any uncompleted action (unless the party is performing the action), and the U.S. litigation risk with respect to persons who have not resolved liability to the United States unless the settlement covers 100 percent of U.S. response costs. Authorizes the President, for all other settlements, to provide any person with a covenant not to sue concerning any liability to the United States if the covenant not to sue is in the public interest. Adds the following to the list of conditions that a PRP must meet in order to be eligible for an expedited settlement: (1) liability must be based solely on provisions regarding arrangement, transportation, or acceptance of MSW or sewage sludge for treatment or disposal; and (2) the PRP must be a small business or a municipality that has demonstrated a limited ability to pay response costs. (Sec. 409) Requires the President to initiate a specified allocation of liability process for remedial actions at multi-party facilities. Establishes a moratorium on the commencement of liability actions regarding response actions for which allocations must be performed or have been initiated. Sets forth allocation procedures, including notice to PRPs and selection of an allocator. Requires the allocator, if the allocation parties do not agree to a negotiated allocation of shares, to prepare a report with a nonbinding, equitable allocation of percentage shares for the facility based on factors including: (1) the amount of hazardous substances contributed by each party; (2) the degree of toxicity and mobility of substances contributed by each party; (3) the degree of involvement of each party in the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of the hazardous substance; (4) the degree of care exercised by each party with respect to the substance; and (5) the cooperation of each party in contributing to the response action and providing information. Authorizes the allocator to determine that a percentage share is specifically attributable to an orphan share. Limits orphan shares to specified cases, including shares attributable to identified but insolvent responsible parties who are not affiliated with another allocation party. Requires shares that cannot be attributed to any party to be allocated among the allocation parties. Provides for reimbursements from Superfund to eligible parties for costs attributable to orphan shares. Authorizes the Administrator and the Attorney General to determine not to settle on the basis of the allocator's allocation. Requires settlements based on allocated shares to include: (1) a waiver of contribution rights against all PRPs for the response action; (2) covenants not to sue and provisions regarding performance of such actions; (3) a premium that compensates for the U.S. litigation risk with respect to PRPs who have not resolved liability to the United States, except in cases where the settlement covers 100 percent of costs; (4) contribution protection; and (5) provisions for reimbursement from Superfund for any response costs incurred in excess of the allocated share. Authorizes the United States to commence a liability action against any person who has not resolved liability following allocation on or after 60 days following issuance of the allocator's report. Makes PRPs liable for the unrecovered response costs in such actions. Requires the Administrator and the Attorney General to issue guidelines to ensure that relief sought against de minimis parties under principles of joint and several liability will not be grossly disproportionate to their contribution to the facility. Restricts the admissibility in court of the allocator's report with respect to claims brought by or against the United States, except in its capacity as a nonsettling PRP or for the determination of liability. Title V: Remedy Selection and Cleanup Standards - Revises provisions regarding the degree of cleanup required under remedial actions. Directs the Administrator to promulgate national goals to be applied at all facilities and national generic cleanup levels for specific hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that: (1) reflect reasonably anticipated future land uses; (2) reflect other variables which can be easily measured at a facility and whose effects are scientifically well-understood to vary on a site-specific basis; and (3) represent concentration levels below which a response action is not required. Authorizes the Administrator to rely on a site-specific risk assessment to determine the proper level of cleanup if a national generic cleanup level has not been developed or to account for particular characteristics of a facility. (Sec. 502) Requires remedial actions to comply with substantive requirements of Federal and State laws and standards. Authorizes the President to select a remedial action that does not attain a level of control equivalent to such standards under certain conditions. (Sec. 503) Revises general rules for remedial actions. Requires the President to establish cost-effective generic remedies for categories of facilities. (Sec. 504) Permits a State to enforce only those Federal and State requirements to which the Administrator has determined the remedial action is required to conform. (Sec. 505) Removes a condition on the President's authority to acquire property needed to conduct a response action that requires the State in which the property is located to agree to accept transfer of the property when the action is completed. (Sec. 506) Alters the criteria for the continuance of obligations for removal actions to provide that actions shall not continue after $6 million (currently, $2 million) has been obligated or three years (currently, 12 months) has elapsed from the date of initial response to a release or threatened release of hazardous substances. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Exempts a Federal agency from actions required for Federal facilities under CERCLA, with the exception of certain reporting requirements, if the agency owned or operated a facility over which it exercised no regulatory or other control over activities that resulted in a release of a hazardous substance if: (1) no Federal agency was the primary or sole source or cause of such release; (2) the activities resulting in the release were pursuant to statutory authority and occurred prior to 1976; and (3) the persons primarily responsible for the release are financially viable and capable of performing or financing the response action. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the Administrator, in order to achieve required levels of response, to reimburse up to 50 percent of response costs incurred by a potentially liable party that employs an alternative or innovative technology that fails to achieve the required level. (Sec. 605) Includes a trust or estate within the definition of "owner or operator" for purposes of determining liability under CERCLA. Excludes from such definition: (1) a person who holds title to a vessel or facility solely in the capacity as fiduciary, provided that the person does not participate in management operations that result in a release of hazardous substances and complies with other requirements; or (2) the United States, a Federal agency, or a conservator or receiver appointed by a Federal agency which acquired ownership of a facility or vessel in connection with receivership, conservatorship, forfeiture, or seizure authority or pursuant to an Act of the Congress provided such entity does not participate in operations that result in a release. Title VII: Funding - Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out specified Superfund authorities through FY 1999. Title VIII: Environmental Insurance Resolution Fund - Environmental Insurance Resolution and Equity Act of 1994 - Establishes the Environmental Insurance Resolution Fund to provide for the resolution of disputes between certain PRPs and their insurers. Describes eligible persons, costs, and sites. (Sec. 802) Directs eligible persons that accept Fund resolutions to waive existing and future claims against an insurer for eligible costs. Requires the Fund to make pre- and post-resolution payments to eligible persons who accept a resolution. Makes any eligible person who litigates a claim and obtains a judgment that is less favorable than the resolution offered by the Fund liable to the insurer for 20 percent of reasonable legal fees incurred in the litigation. Provides for Fund reimbursements of certain costs incurred by insurers in cases where a person rejected a resolution and obtained a final judgment against an insurer. Deems payments made by the Fund pursuant to a resolution offer to be payments made by an insurer. (Sec. 804) Provides that this title acts as a stay of all pending litigation regarding claims for indemnity or arising from insurance coverage for eligible costs. Bars stays of litigation after May 31, 2000. (Sec. 805) Terminates the Fund's authority to: (1) accept requests for resolution after FY 1999; and (2) offer resolutions after March 31, 2000. Title IX: Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the applicability of the environmental tax to tax years before January 1, 2001 (currently, 1996). Extends certain provisions regarding the Superfund financing rate. (Sec. 903) Requires all expenditures of the Resolution Fund to be paid out of fees and assessments imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Exempts the Fund from Federal, State, and local taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1994
Small Business Defense Conversion Guaranteed Loan Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make up to $4 billion in guaranteed loans for the small business defense conversion program (a program aiding small businesses adversely affected by military base closures or defense program terminations). Adds to small businesses eligible for such loans those experiencing substantial revenue reduction because of an overall reduction in economic activity in a community due to such closures or terminations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rescissions of Fiscal Year 1994 Spending Subtitle A: Agriculture Subtitle B: National Defense Subtitle C: Foreign Relations and Intelligence Subtitle D: Government Employees and Government Operations Subtitle E: Energy and Commerce Title II: Permanent Program Changes for Fiscal Years After 1994 Subtitle A: Agriculture Subtitle B: National Defense Subtitle C: Foreign Relations and Intelligence Subtitle D: Government Employees and Government Operations Subtitle E: Energy and Commerce Deficit Reduction Act of 1994 - Title I: Rescissions of Fiscal Year 1994 Spending - Subtitle A: Agriculture - Rescinds FY 1994 appropriations made available to the Department of Agriculture. Subtitle B: National Defense - Rescinds FY 1994 appropriations made available for nuclear weapons activities, the Selective Service System, the D5 (Trident II) Missile Program, the Follow-On Early Warning System Program, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization Programs, armed forces recruiting activities, the Titan IV missile launch systems, and the National Aerospace Plane Program. Subtitle C: Foreign Relations and Intelligence - Rescinds FY 1994 appropriations made available for intelligence activities, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and foreign military financing grants. Subtitle D: Government Employees and Government Operations - Rescinds FY 1994 appropriations made available for Senior Executive Service accrued leave upon termination of employment, the acquisition of new Federal buildings, and the Federal Information Center. Subtitle E: Energy and Commerce - Rescinds FY 1994 appropriations made available for the Superconducting Super Collider, the Tennessee Valley Authority Fertilizer Program, the United States Space Station Freedom Program, the modular High-Temperature Gas Reactor Program, and the Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor Program. Title II: Permanent Program Changes for Fiscal Years After 1994 - Subtitle A: Agriculture - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require producers under an acreage limitation program to pay certain irrigation costs. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to reduce the funding level for marketing promotion programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to take specified actions to restructure and reinvent the Department of Agriculture. Subtitle B: National Defense - Limits the number of nuclear warheads maintained by the United States. Specifies amounts to be expended for nuclear weapons research, development, and testing activities for FY 1995 through 1998. Prohibits enrollment at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences after December 31, 1993. Terminates the Selective Service System. Prohibits additional procurement for the D5 (Trident II) Missile Program and limits test flights of such missiles. Terminates the Follow-on Early Warning System Program. Grants preferential funding treatment to the Theater Missile Defense program element of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. Provides for a consolidation and reduction of recruiting activities of the armed forces. Reduces the number of P-3 aircraft squadrons in the Navy. Limits the number of Titan IV missile launch systems. Terminates the National Aerospace Plane Program. Subtitle C: Foreign Relations and Intelligence - Limits FY 1995 through 1998 intelligence funding to FY 1994 levels. Sets forth terms and conditions for the operation of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. Subtitle D: Government Employees and Government Operations - Provides for uniform pay adjustments for Members of Congress and civil service employees for FY 1994. Limits the accumulation of annual leave for members of the Senior Executive Service. Imposes a moratorium on the acquisition of new Federal buildings until October 1, 1998. Terminates the Federal Information Center. Subtitle E: Energy and Commerce - Terminates funding for the Superconducting Super Collider, the Tennessee Valley Authority Fertilizer Program, the United States Space Station Freedom Program, the Gas Turbine-Modular Helium Reactor Project, and the Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor Program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1993
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 1995, the suspension of duty on 2,4-difluoro-4-hydroxy-3-biphenyl-carboxylic acid (also known as diflunisal).
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1993
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1996, the duty on N-(1,1-dimethylethyl- 3-oxo-4-aza-5-alpha-androst-1-ene-17-beta-carboxamide (finasteride and finasteride tablets).
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)