United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1994
Requires Federal agencies, in implementing the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, to differentiate between animal fats or oils of vegetable origin and other oils, including petroleum oils, on the basis of their physical, chemical, biological, and other properties and their environmental effects.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to forest management plan implementation, including that the Secretary of Agriculture recognize the multiple uses of national forests.
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
Regulatory Flexibility Amendments Act of 1994 - Revises Federal provisions regarding judicial review of regulatory flexibility analyses. Authorizes an affected small entity, within one year after the effective date of a final rule which an agency certified would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities or for which an agency prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis, to petition for judicial review. Specifies that where a provision of law requires that an action challenging a final agency regulation be commenced before the expiration of the one-year period, such lesser period shall apply to a petition for judicial review. Requires that, where an agency delays the issuance of a final regulatory flexibility analysis, a petition for judicial review shall be filed not later than: (1) one year after the date the analysis is made available to the public; or (2) a lesser number of days specified by a provision of law that requires that an action challenging a final agency regulation be commenced before the expiration of such one-year period. Authorizes the court, where the agency: (1) certified that such rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, to order the agency to prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis if the court determines that the certification was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; and (2) prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis, to order the agency to take corrective action if the court determines that the analysis was prepared without observance of proper procedure. Authorizes the court, if by the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the court order (or such longer period as the court may provide) the agency fails to prepare the required analysis or to take corrective action, to stay the rule or grant such other relief as appropriate. Specifies that: (1) in an action for the judicial review of a rule, any analysis for such rule shall constitute part of the whole record of agency action; and (2) nothing in this Act bars judicial review of any other impact statement or similar analysis required by law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from applying to electronic benefit transfers established under a State or local governmental entitlement program certain disclosures, protections, responsibilities, and remedies (in effect, the liability limits currently applicable to private sector ATM and consumer credit cards), unless the payment under such program is made directly into a consumer's account held by the recipient.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1994
Revises rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate (Member) from accepting a gift, knowing that such gift is provided by a lobbyist, a registered lobbyist under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, a lobbying firm, or an agent of a foreign principal. Sets forth provisions regarding what: (1) constitutes a prohibited gift (including anything provided by a lobbyist which is paid for, charged to, or reimbursed by a client or firm of such lobbyist, certain charitable contributions or other payments by a lobbyist relating to a retreat sponsored by or affiliated with an official congressional organization); and (2) does not constitute a gift (including anything for which the recipient pays the market value, anything the recipient does not use and promptly returns to the donor, food or refreshments of nominal value offered other than as part of a meal, and pension and other benefits resulting from continued participation in an employee welfare and benefits plan maintained by a former employer). Sets forth provisions regarding gifts given for a nonbusiness purpose, motivated by family relationship or close personal friendship (generally permitted). Prohibits any Member from knowingly accepting a gift from any other person except as provided in this rule. Lists circumstances where such restrictions shall not apply. Considers a gift to the spouse or dependent of a Member to be a gift to such Member if given with the knowledge and acquiescence of, and with reason to believe the gift was given because of official position as, a Member. Permits Members to accept: (1) offers of free attendance at a widely attended convention, symposium, reception, or similar event, subject to specified requirements; and (2) a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at a charity event, except for reimbursement for transportation and lodging in connection with the event. Directs the Select Committee on Ethics to provide guidance setting forth reasonable steps that may be taken by Members, with a minimum of paperwork and time, to prevent the acceptance of prohibited gifts from lobbyists.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1994
Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a sheep and wool promotion, research, education, and information order. Includes in such order: (1) establishment of a National Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Board; and (2) assessment of fees. Provides for approval referenda among producers, feeders, and importers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1994
False Identification Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce to three (currently, five) the minimum number of documents that must be involved for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails any unverified identification document which bears a birth date showing the individual named to be 21 years of age or older when in fact that individual has not attained age 21. Directs the Attorney General to establish a pilot program on the use of certain drivers' licenses as documents establishing both employment authorization and identity, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem and meet other specified conditions; (2) classify as Type B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions and values; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, are prior converted cropland, are fastlands, or are lands within areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions and values. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States on acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; or (2) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards to govern the delineation of wetlands, to be binding on all Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
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 · 21 September 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should issue an Executive order to promote and expand Federal assistance to Indian institutions of higher education and foster advancement of the National Education Goals in the Goals 2000: Educate America Act for Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994
Crime Control Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (the Act) to eliminate the Model Intensive Grant Program, the Local Partnership Grant Program, the Local Crime Prevention Block Grant Program, the Family and Community Endeavor Schools Program, the Community-Based Justice Grant Program, the Urban Recreation Program, the At-Risk Youth Program, the Police Recruitment Program, the National Community Economic Partnership Program, the Community Schools Program, the Ounce of Prevention Program, the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, the Drug Courts Program, and the Family Unity Demonstration Project. Revises the Act to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to construct, expand, modify, operate, or improve conventional prisons (currently, correctional facilities). Repeals provisions regarding the transfer of unused funds. Increases Federal mandatory minimum sentences for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, employing minors in drug trafficking, and selling illegal drugs to minors. Bars the court from placing on probation or suspending the sentence of any person convicted of such offenses. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felony." Authorizes the Attorney General to issue a final order of deportation against any alien who was not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or who had permanent resident status on a conditional basis, whom the Attorney General determines to be deportable under provisions relating to conviction of an aggravated felony. Limits judicial review of such determinations. Provides for deportation of permanent resident aliens under specified circumstances. Grants a U.S. district court jurisdiction to enter a judicial order of deportation at the time of sentencing against an alien whose criminal conviction causes such alien to be deportable if requested prior to sentencing by the U.S. Attorney. Restricts defenses to deportation. Enhances penalties for failing to depart or reentering after a final order of deportation. Limits collateral attacks on deportation orders. Directs the Attorney General to operate a criminal alien tracking center. Authorizes appropriations. Revises provisions of the Act pertaining to the non-application of mandatory minimum sentences in certain cases involving nonviolent drug offenses. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all grants authorized under the Act and not required to be distributed according to a formula prescribed by law shall be distributed in a fair and equitable manner that ensures that rural States receive a fair and proportional share of the funds.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1994
Amends the Small Business Act to set aside ten percent of microloan assistance for qualifying Indian small business concerns. Provides technical assistance grants to institutions of higher education for Indian mentor education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1994
Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act - Prohibits funds for foreign assistance from being made available for any country whose government prohibits or restricts the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Waives such prohibition if the President notifies the Congress that providing such assistance is in the national security interest. Provides for a resumption of assistance when the President certifies to the Speaker of the House and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that such country is no longer prohibiting or restricting such transports or deliveries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1994
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, consistent with U.S. obligations to limit agricultural export subsidies under the Uruguay Round Agreement, to promote U.S. agricultural exports.
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 · 20 July 1994
Prohibits U.S. military and economic assistance to Turkey until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Turkish Government has released or accounted for the five Americans abducted by the Turkish invasion forces in 1974 and the 1,614 Greek Cypriots who have been missing since the Turkish invasion; (2) the churches in the occupied parts of Cyprus that were converted to mosques in violation of the Geneva Conventions have been restored to their original condition for Christian worship; (3) the Turkish Government has authorized a census of the colonists on Cyprus; (4) all Turkish military forces and illegal Turkish colonists have been withdrawn from Cyprus; (5) the Turkish Government has returned the area of Famagusta/Varosha to the Government of Cyprus; (6) negotiations have resulted in progress towards establishing a democracy in Cyprus; and (7) the Turkish Government is in compliance with the United Nations Charter, specified United Nations resolutions, the North Atlantic Treaty, and the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and is not engaged in human rights violations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should refrain from signing, on behalf of the United States, the seabed mining agreement that will be open for signature on July 29, 1994, relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Government should: (1) enunciate a policy to promote democracy in Burma; (2) encourage members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the July meetings in Bangkok to join U.S. efforts to seek the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, achieve the transfer of power to the winners of the 1990 democratic election, join the U.S. arms embargo against Burma, and end human rights abuses perpetrated by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); (3) indicate continued U.S. opposition to SLORC participation in ASEAN; (4) work to implement United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution 48/150 and pledge to seek international sanctions through the UN and the appointment of a special envoy; (5) oppose commercial arrangements and foreign aid and financial assistance from international finance institutions that only provide financial support for the SLORC; (6) encourage the Government of Thailand to allow Burmese political leaders and refugees to continue their efforts to bring democratic change to Burma without fear of harassment or other pressure; (7) continue the current policy of not sending an ambassador to Rangoon until the SLORC has taken steps to end human rights abuses and transfer power to the democratically elected leaders of Burma; and (8) investigate claims of forced repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1994
World War II Peace Accords Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri should not go unrecognized at the national level; and (2) the United States should recognize such anniversary by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Sets forth specifications for half dollar clad coins. Mandates that the surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation for the purpose of preserving the Pacific War heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Establishes the Special Subcommittee on Certain Allegations Concerning Whitewater Development Corporation, Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan Association, and Capital Management Services, Inc., and Related Issues within the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Declares that the purpose of such Subcommittee shall be to conduct an investigation into, and study matters related to: (1) Whitewater, Madison, Capital Management, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, and Value Partners I; (2) the conduct and policies of specified Federal executive and regulatory agencies; and (3) the circumstances surrounding Hillary Rodham Clinton's commodities-futures trading activities. Requires the Subcommittee to report its findings to the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-of-Wedlock Subtitle C: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families Subtitle D: Expansion of Abstinence Education Title III: Child Support Enforcement Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending Welfare Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients - Amends Part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require each State, as a condition of participation in the AFDC program, to establish a workfare and dependency reduction program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 101) Sets forth program participation requirements for parents in the AFDC unemployed parent program and certain noncustodial parents, including a specified mix of weekly community work service and job search activities or benefits to wages program participation. Specifies participation requirements for each adult AFDC recipient in a single-adult family. Requires States to establish: (1) a community work service program under which a participating individual shall work for a public or nonprofit private sector organization; and (2) a benefits to wages program under which an individual shall work for a qualified private employer whom the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall pay a wage subsidy on behalf of such individual equal to the amount of AFDC allotment and the cash value of food stamp benefits the individual would otherwise receive. Sets forth penalties (including allotment reductions and eligibility denials) for individuals, including noncustodial parents, who fail to meet participation requirements. Prohibits participating organizations or entities from replacing any employed workers with participating AFDC individuals. Specifies payments to States for welfare and dependency reduction programs. Requires State plans to require custodial parents under 19 years old who have not successfully completed a high-school education to participate in an educational activity, either a high-school diploma or equivalency degree program or other training or work activities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for advance payments of the earned income tax credit to employees in a benefits to wages program. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to deny food stamp eligibility to any able-bodied individual belonging to a household otherwise eligible for food stamps if that individual has not performed at least 32 hours of work on behalf of a State or local government, through a program established by that government, during the preceding month. (Sec. 103) Specifies job search requirements for AFDC applicants and recipients with children over five years old. Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility - Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits - Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) marriage is the foundation of a successful society; and (2) in view of specified negative consequences of out-of-wedlock birth on the child, the mother, and society, the reduction of such births is an important government interest. (Sec. 201) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require State plans and State food stamp agencies, respectively, with specified exceptions, to deny AFDC payments for a child born to any unmarried individual under 26 (or later age, if the State so determines). Allows such payments if the child is legally adopted or if the child's custodian marries an individual who assumes lawful paternity or permanent legal guardianship and financial responsibility for the child. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require public housing contracts to provide for denial of housing and rental assistance in the same circumstances. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require similar denial of benefits with respect to any additional children born while the custodial parent was receiving assistance. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require reductions in AFDC payments to a family where a child has been born for whom paternity has not been established. Provides for such payments, notwithstanding such denial policy, for a child of up to four months old if some identifying information on the putative father is provided. Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-Of-Wedlock - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to provide for grants to States for programs to discourage out-of-wedlock births and to care for children born out-of-wedlock. Allows the use of such funds to: (1) establish or expand out-of-wedlock pregnancy reduction programs; (2) promote adoption; (3) establish and operate orphanages; and (4) establish and operate closely supervised residential group homes for unwed mothers. (Sec. 211) Prohibits payments to: (1) parents of out-of-wedlock children; or (2) such children if parent and child live in any conventional residential or community setting, including a relative's household or a household headed by the custodial parent. Subtitle C: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional earned income tax credit for a married individual who: (1) has lived together with his or her spouse at all times during the marriage during the taxable year; and (2) has earned at least $8,500 in income for such year. Subtitle D: Expansion of Abstinence Education - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States and public and private entities to establish educational programs beginning in the sixth grade or later that emphasize the social, psychological, and health gains to be derived from abstaining from sexual activity while unmarried. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Child Support Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a system for the reporting of information relating to child support obligations of employees, including mandatory reporting of such information on W-4 forms. (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require State agencies to: (1) maintain child support order registries; (2) make all pertinent State records accessible to any agency of any other State through the Interstate Locate Network; (3) give custodial parents access to State parent locator services to aid in establishment and enforcement of child support obligations against noncustodial parents; and (4) give noncustodial parents access to such services to aid in establishment of visitation rights. (Sec. 303) Provides for expansion of the Parent Locator Service. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish an Interstate Locate Network linking the Parent Locator Service and all State databases. Requires regulations governing information sharing among States, within States, and between the States and the Parent Locator Service. (Sec. 304) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require States to have laws requiring employers to withhold child support pursuant to uniform income withholding orders. (Sec. 305) Requires the responsible unit within HHS to develop: (1) a uniform abstract of a child support order containing specified terms for use by all State courts; and (2) procedures providing for voluntary establishment or acknowledgement of paternity. (Sec. 306) Waives the application and genetic testing fees for any individual receiving child support collection or paternity determination services who has been denied AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance under this Act. Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending - Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the income eligibility guidelines for reduced price lunches from 185 to 130 percent of the applicable family-size nonfarm income levels. (Sec. 402) Repeals the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Applies the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as if the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act had not been enacted. (Sec. 403) Amends the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 to repeal the mandates and authorities for empowerment zones and enterprise communities. (Sec. 404) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to reduce by 25 percent monthly benefits to AFDC families who also receive public housing benefits. (Sec. 405) Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires Federal contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages). (Sec. 406) Reduces the authorization of appropriations for social services block grants for each fiscal year after FY 1994. (Sec. 407) Limits specified welfare benefits, currently available to aliens, to U.S. citizens only. Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that States and local educational agencies should not be required to provide a free public elementary or secondary education to any individual who is not a U.S. citizen, a lawful resident alien, or an alien permanently residing in the United States under color of law. Requires a State or local educational agency to notify the Attorney General whenever it learns of a public school child who does not belong to any such category. Requires immediate deportation proceedings against such child. (Sec. 408) Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to direct the HHS Secretary to issue vouchers in lieu of cash benefits to each eligible child under 18 to cover the cost of certain medical expenses. (Sec. 409) Requires an eligibility review during the year after the 18th birthday of any individual receiving disability benefits. (Sec. 410) Requires a specified reduction of the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for any fiscal year. Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC), the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to allow States the option to: (1) place a time limit on AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance to any individual; and (2) apply that time limit to any household moving to a State from another State with such a time limit. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to give a State the option to treat interstate immigrants under the AFDC benefit rules of their former State. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the States, to conduct ongoing evaluations of Federal and State job training programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504) Amends specified parts of the Social Security Act, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require safeguards and information exchange among law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitive felons and probation and parole violators do not receive Medicaid, AFDC benefits, food stamps, SSI, or housing assistance. Requires public housing agencies to furnish Federal, State or local law enforcement agencies, upon request, the current address of any assistance recipient identified as a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator. Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending - Specifies FY 1995 through 1996 and subsequent fiscal year caps on Federal spending on certain welfare programs. (Sec. 602) Directs the HHS Secretary to make welfare block grants to the States for aid to low-income households. Prohibits the use of such funds for abortions or for any counseling related to abortion. Sets forth general work, job search, and training requirements for aid recipients, as well as certain participation requirements for States. Denies cash or direct food assistance to young unwed parents as under title II of this Act, or to noncitizens, fugitive felons, or probation or parole violators. (Sec. 603) Terminates funding and State obligations under specified cash, medical, housing, energy, education, jobs and training, social services, and low-income community aid welfare programs as of the end of FY 1994. (Sec. 604) Dedicates to deficit reduction all Federal savings under the spending cap mandated by this title. Requires the adjustment of the present discretionary spending caps for the net increase in discretionary spending that results from the creation of the welfare block grant as a replacement for current welfare entitlement programs. (Sec. 605) Sets forth special rules, upon termination of the AFDC program, with respect to grants for assistance to children born out-of-wedlock. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to Medicaid eligibility criteria after enactment of this Act. Authorizes States to request a waiver to simplify such criteria. Requires the HHS Secretary to review and approve such requests only if Federal Medicaid expenditures will not be increased as a result.
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 · 11 May 1994
Equitable Communication Site Fee Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish and collect annual fees for the use of radio, television, and commercial mobile radio communications sites located on public lands. Sets forth fee schedules, with required annual fee review by the National Forest Service (Service) and the Bureau of Land Management (Bureau), and provides for annual fee adjustments, with limitations. Requires additional fees for additional site users. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and collect an annual fee for the use of television translator stations and FM translator stations located on public lands. Directs the: (1) Secretaries to establish an advisory group for each of the television, radio, and commercial mobile radio industries to determine the fair market value for the use of communications sites on public lands; and (2) Chief Forester of the Service and the Bureau Director to jointly establish an advisory committee to determine fair market values and next best alternative uses for private radio communications site users from public and private communications sites. Requires reports from each of the advisory committees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
Northern Great Plains Rural Development Act - Establishes the Northern Great Plains Rural Development Commission to study the economic needs of, and develop a rural economic development plan for, the Northern Great Plains. Terminates the Commission on the earlier of: (1) a specified period of time after submission of its final report; or (2) two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Small Business Administration Amendments of 1994 - Title I: Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to: (1) allow the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), under the microloan demonstration program, to make up to 100 percent deferred participation loans to ten small business intermediaries located in urban areas and ten intermediaries located in rural areas;(2) revise the authorized number of microloan programs for fiscal years after 1992; (3) increase from $1.5 to $5 million the annual microloan limits to a State; (4) increase from $1.25 to $1.75 million the total outstanding loan limit authorized for each intermediary; and (5) revise microloan repayment requirements. Title II: Revises provisions concerning the participatory amount of the SBA in small business loans provided on a deferred basis. Increases from $250,000 to $750,000 the authorized outstanding loan amounts for small businesses engaged in or adversely affected by international trade. Title III: Allows the SBA Administrator to inventory the productive facilities and capacities of business (currently, only small businesses) as part of a business loan process. Title IV: Establishes within the SBA an Office of Women's Business Ownership to administer the women's demonstration projects (projects providing financial assistance to businesses owned and controlled by women) created under the Act. Title V: Amends the Act and the Small Business Investment Act to provide that the authority of the SBA to make loans under such Acts shall remain available until expressly repealed. (Sec. 503) Removes a six-month limitation on the payment of transportation expenses of SBA employees in connection with any disaster loan assistance. (Sec. 505) Establishes in the Treasury one Loan Liquidation Fund, replacing various revolving funds, a disaster loan fund, and a business and investment loan fund under the Act. Provides for repayment of all such loans to the Fund. Requires a report from the SBA Administrator to specified congressional committees concerning Fund activities. (Sec. 507) Authorizes the SBA Administrator to specify detailed definitions or standards by which a business shall be recognized as a small business for purposes of the Act, with certain requirements such as an opportunity for public hearing. (Sec. 508) Empowers the SBA Administrator to impose reasonable fees in connection with assistance provided and information compiled and disseminated under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act. Title VI: Authorizes specified program funding levels for FY 1995 through 1997 for loans and other programs, as well as salaries and expenses, as provided or required under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Mni Wiconi Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Mni Wiconi Project Act of 1988 to: (1) include within its purposes the provision of a sufficient water supply to the Rosebud and Lower Brule Indian Reservations in South Dakota; (2) require the Oglala Sioux rural water supply system to include specified interconnecting facilities; (3) direct the Secretary of the Interior to construct and operate the Rosebud Sioux and Lower Brule Sioux rural water systems consisting of appropriate pumping and treatment facilities, pipelines, and related equipment; (4) require cooperative agreements with non-Federal entities for such systems (with specified agreement and construction requirements); (5) authorize the Secretary to interconnect the Lyman-Jones and West River rural water systems with the other systems authorized under such Act and to provide for the delivery of water to such systems from the Missouri River through common facilities of the Oglala, Rosebud, and Lower Brule water systems; and (6) subject the Rosebud and Lower Brule Sioux water supply systems to certain requirements of such Act regarding mitigation of fish and wildlife losses during any required construction. Directs the Secretary to make Federal grants to the Oglala, Rosebud, and Lower Brule Sioux Bio-Diversity Trusts for the construction of appropriate water supply systems. Directs the Secretary to make Federal grants to the West River and Lyman-Jones Bio-Diversity Trusts. Subjects the Rosebud and Lower Brule water supply systems to a prohibition on the use of funds for irrigation purposes. Authorizes appropriations for the planning, design, and construction of all systems cited under this Act, to be used through the end of FY 2003. Authorizes appropriations for the: (1) Oglala, Rosebud, and Lower Brule Sioux rural water supply systems; (2) Bio-Diversity Trusts created under this Act; and (3) waste water disposal system feasibility studies required under such Act Applies certain water rights provisions under such Act to the Rosebud and Lower Brule Sioux rural water supply systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Meat and Poultry Products Inspection Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to: (1) permit State inspected meat and meat products to be sold or transported in interstate commerce; (2) permit the Secretary of Agriculture to use State inspectors; (3) permit State inspected meat products to be used in the preparation of products processed in federally inspected facilities; and (4) prohibit the imposition of additional or different State facilities or marketing and labeling requirements than apply under such Act. Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to make similar amendments for poultry and poultry products.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, for the planning and construction of a water supply system to provide service to specified counties in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Requires the Secretary to make grants and other funds available to the System and other private, State, and Federal entities for the initial development of the environmental enhancement component. Directs that the water conservation program: (1) be designed to ensure that users of water from the water supply system use the best practicable technology and management techniques to conserve water use; and (2) include provisions for periodic review and revision. Specifies that mitigation for fish and wildlife losses incurred as a result of the construction and operation of the water supply system be on an acre-for-acre basis, based on ecological equivalency, concurrent with project construction. Requires the Western Area Power Administration to make available the capacity and energy required to meet the pumping and incidental operational requirements of the water supply system during the period beginning May 1, and ending October 31, of each year from power designated for future irrigation and drainage pumping for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program. Provides that this Act shall not: (1) limit the authorization for water projects in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota; or (2) preempt State water rights. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to allow the Bureau of Reclamation to provide project construction oversight to the water supply system and environmental enhancement component. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 19 April 1994
Small Business Investment and Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a maximum small business tax rate on taxable small business income for individuals, partnerships, or certain S corporations. Describes such income as the least of: (1) income from the active conduct of a trade or business in which the taxpayer is a material participant; (2) net earnings from self-employment; or (3) the taxpayer's share of additions to a qualified retained earnings account of such trade or business. Allows distributions from such account to pay ordinary and necessary business expenses or to pay the tax imposed by this Act. Excludes from employment taxes the portion of taxable small business income in excess of $135,000.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994
Reauthorizes and revises specified Federal law relating to construction of school facilities in areas affected by Federal activities (school construction portion of impact aid program). Provides for financial assistance to federally impacted school districts urgently in need of: (1) school facilities in districts having substantial increases in school membership resulting from new or increased Federal activities and whose membership includes children in need of minimum school facilities; and (2) facility improvements or structural modifications to meet life safety codes, average daily attendance requirements, Federal laws or regulations, or curriculum improvements. Extends the authorization of appropriations. Divides equally between payments to school districts for militarily-connected children (or other children residing on or with a parent working on Federal property) and payments to districts for Indian children (or children with inadequate school facilities due to the revenue impact of Federal property) the remaining funds after the Secretary of Education has determined the portion of funds for temporary school facilities and for children whom local educational agencies (LEAs) are unable to provide education. Prohibits approval of applications for payments based upon increases in the number of students residing on, or residing with a parent employed on, property which is part of a low-rent housing project assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937 until all other applications for payments relating to militarily connected children and Indian children have been approved for that fiscal year. Revises formulas used in determining: (1) the Federal share for any project; and (2) limitation on total payments to LEAs. Revises application provisions to require: (1) assurance of compliance with Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements, except for emergency relief impact aid; and (2) resubmission of applications after a three-year period. Provides that provisions for certain additional payments shall take effect only when funds are specifically appropriated for such purpose. Requires that, prior to transfer, facilities meet all State and Federal building health and safety requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out school construction impact aid, to use and pay for the services and facilities of other Federal agencies and public or nonprofit agencies or institutions. Sets forth criteria for certain determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1994
Private Property Rights Act of 1994 - States that the Congress declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to use all practicable means and measures to minimize Federal takings of private property. Directs Federal agencies to certify to the Attorney General that a private property taking impact analysis has been completed before initiating any action which could result in a taking or diminution of use or value of private property. Requires that the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies under this Act. Specifies the content of such an analysis and requires a copy to be transmitted to the owner of the affected property, as well as made available to the public. Creates a rebuttable presumption that unmodified analyses five years or older are outdated for purposes of any agency action or administrative or judicial proceeding. Sets the statute of limitations for court actions for enforcing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
Local Rail Freight Assistance Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Department of Transportation Act with respect to local rail service assistance to authorize appropriations for FY 1995 through 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1994
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) work to achieve an enforceable agreement with U.S. allies which establishes a multilateral export control system for the proliferation of products and technologies to rogue regimes that threaten U.S. national security; and (2) persuade such allies to promote mutual security interests by preventing such regimes from obtaining militarily critical products and technologies.