United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1996
Prohibition on United Nations Taxation Act of 1996 - Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the United Nations (U.N.) or any of its agencies if the U.N.: (1) attempts to impose a tax on any U.S. person; or (2) borrow funds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Monetary Fund, or any other similar or regional international financial institution. Prohibits the U.S. from paying any voluntary or assessed contributions to the U.N. or any of its agencies, including the U.N. Development Program, unless the President certifies to the Congress 15 days in advance of such payment that the U.N. or such agency is not engaged in any effort to develop or promote any taxation proposals in order to raise revenue for the U.N. or any such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends Federal natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety transportation law to revise the exclusion from the meaning of the term "transporting gas" (thus from coverage by such law) of the gathering of gas in a rural area outside a populated, non-rural area to specified locations outside the limits of any incorporated or unincorporated city, town, or village. Extends coverage, however, to the movement of gas through regulated lines, regardless of location. (Sec. 4) Repeals the mandate that Federal minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities to include a requirement that all individuals responsible for the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities be tested for their qualifications. Requires only that they be qualified. Requires such qualifications to address the ability to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may indicate a dangerous situation or a condition exceeding design limits. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in prescribing minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities, to: (1) consider compliance costs and any comments and recommendations received; (2) prepare a risk assessment document assessing costs and benefits under such standards; and (3) submit each such document to either the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, as appropriate. Requires such committees, serving as peer review panels, to evaluate and report to the Secretary on such documents. Directs the Secretary to review such evaluations and certify that the incremental benefits of a standard will likely justify its incremental costs. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend the application of a standard during an emergency. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on the implementation of the risk assessment requirements of this section. Directs the Secretary, to the extent appropriate and practicable, to update incorporated industry standards that have been adopted as part of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to establish risk management demonstration projects under which owners and operators of gas pipeline and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities voluntarily demonstrate applications of risk management. Authorizes the Secretary, during a demonstration project, to waive the applicability of all or a portion of safety standards that would otherwise apply. Outlines demonstration project requirements. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the application of certain inspection and maintenance requirements to persons who transport gas or hazardous liquids. Repeals the requirement of biennial pipeline facility inspections (leaving their frequency to the Secretary's discretion). (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that establish criteria by which operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and gathering lines shall identify each such facility or line that crosses waters where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists. (Currently, such requirement applies to all navigable waters, regardless of such likelihood.) Requires the Secretary, when identifying an area as unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline accident, to consider including locations that are critical to drinking water, as well as critical wetlands, national parks, wilderness and wildlife preservation areas, wild and scenic rivers, and critical habitat areas for threatened or endangered species. Repeals the mandate to consider earthquake and landslide zones, freshwater lakes, rivers and waterways, and river deltas and other areas subject to soil erosion or subsidence from flooding. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to adopt industry accepted performance standards for the performance of excess flow valves used to protect lines in a natural gas distribution system. (Sec. 9) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary promote the adoption of measures to improve the safety of customer-owned natural gas service lines. (Sec. 10) Redesignates the one-call notification system as the underground facility damage prevention program. Repeals the requirement for criminal penalties in regulations establishing a one-call notification system with respect to the safety of pipeline facilities. (Sec. 11) Requires the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee to serve as peer review committees. Deems such service to be in compliance with the requirements of other applicable Federal statutes. Requires committee members to be experienced in risk management. Requires at least one of the individuals selected for each committee from the natural gas or hazardous liquid industry and from the general public to have education, background, or experience in risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary, when presenting each committee each standard proposed for transporting gas and hazardous liquid and for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, to include a risk assessment document and other supporting analyses. Requires each committee to meet with the Secretary at least four times (currently, twice) annually. (Sec. 12) Requires each owner or operator of a natural gas pipeline facility to provide a program for educating the public on the use of an underground facility damage prevention program prior to excavation. Repeals the requirement that persons transporting gas conduct public education programs. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants and other cooperative agreements with any State, local government, or private entity to carry out pipeline safety programs, including the development, improvement, and promotion of "one-call" damage prevention programs, research, risk assessment, and mapping. (Sec. 14) Deems owners and operators of pipeline facilities who participate in risk management demonstration projects to be in compliance with safety standards or regulatory requirements prescribed under such project. (Sec. 15) Subjects to civil and criminal penalties any person who knowingly and willfully excavates and subsequently damages a pipeline facility and does not report such damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline facility and other appropriate authorities. (Sec. 16) Changes from annual to biennial certain required reports from the Secretary to the Congress concerning gas and hazardous liquid transportation safety requirements. (Sec. 17) Directs the Secretary to make available to the appropriate official of each State the land use recommendations contained in the special report entitled "Pipelines and Public Safety." Requires the evaluation and implementation of recommendations contained in such report. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to analyze and report to the Congress on the assessment of pipeline safety user fees based solely on mileage and the Secretary's determinations with respect to such assessment. (Sec. 19) Prohibits any person from excavating for unauthorized disposal (dumping) of solid waste within the right-of-way of an interstate gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility. (Sec. 20) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct promotional activities relating to prevention of damage to gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. (Sec. 22) Extends and increases annually through FY 1999 the authorization of appropriations for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety programs and activities carried out through the Department of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 December 1995
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding impact aid payments. Provides hold-harmless payment amounts for impact-aid payments relating to Federal acquisition of real property. Provides that no eligible local educational agency shall receive less than 85 percent of the preceding year's amount in such a payment for any fiscal year. Provides for ratable reductions and increases in certain types of impact-aid payments in specified circumstances. Allows two specified school districts in South Dakota to claim eligibility as heavily-impacted districts for the current year, and amend their applications for increased payments. Revises provisions with respect to maximum payments for certain heavily impacted local educational agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1995
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1995
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees regarding Indian tribal school funding, repair, and construction.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Expresses congressional: (1) opposition to President Clinton's decision to deploy U.S. military ground forces into the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its associated annexes; and (2) support for U.S. military personnel who may be ordered by the President to implement such Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
Rodeo Freedom Act of 1995 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs from having authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to regulate: (1) activities of sponsors or sponsorship programs connected with professional rodeo associations (including the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association); or (2) advertising used or purchased by or in connection with professional rodeo associations (including the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association).
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to enter into an agreement with a State and its political subdivisions under which: (1) the State and political subdivision employees having the requisite expertise and background will operate components of the National Park System (NPS) in the State during any period in a fiscal year in which the Service is unable to maintain the normal level of park operations; (2) before the time when their services may be required, the Secretary, using available appropriations, will provide any training that such employees may need to perform operations; and (3) the Secretary may accept a monetary donation from a State or its political subdivision to enable the Secretary to operate NPS components during such period. Allows the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations, to reimburse the State and political subdivisions for costs incurred in performance of the agreement. Makes a State or its political subdivision liable to the United States in indemnification for any Federal liability imposed for an act or omission by an employee or political subdivision providing such services.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization Title II: General Provisions National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1996 through 1998. Authorizes FY 1996 through 1998 appropriations for a NSF pilot grant program to consortia of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) institutions and non-EPSCoR institutions. Requires the Director of NSF to design and implement a pilot program to develop interactive telecommunications systems at tribally-controlled community colleges. Obligates specified funds for consultation and representation expenses. Sets forth certain reprogramming provisions. Title II: General Provisions - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to direct NSF to include in its annual report to the President a strategic plan defining its goals, criteria, and procedures. Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 and the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976. Subjects temporary NSF employees to financial disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995
Amends specified Federal law (a joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996, Public Law 104-56) to provide for reimbursement to States for federally funded employees carrying out Federal programs during the lapse in appropriations from November 14, 1995, through November 19, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995
Federal Shutdown Equity Act - Amends specified Federal laws relating to compensation for Members of Congress and for the President to prohibit any such compensation from being paid for any period during FY 1996 during which appropriations for the compensation of Federal employees have lapsed, until all regular appropriations laws have been enacted or a continuing appropriations resolution has become law covering those regular appropriations bills that have not been enacted (thus providing for comparable treatment of Federal employees and Members of Congress and the President during any fiscal hiatus during FY 1996).
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the Belle Fourche School District, South Dakota, all rights and interest to the former radar bomb scoring site in Belle Fourche. Requires such property to be used for education, economic development, and housing purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Prisoner Fraud Prevention Act - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to provide for payments to State and local prisons for monthly reports on the identities of inmates ineligible for benefits, especially those erroneously paid such a benefit. Denies SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained such benefits while in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995
Provides that in any case during FY 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for the payment of veterans' benefits, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that such payments are made in accordance with regular procedures and schedules. Appropriates necessary amounts for such purpose. Requires applicable accounts to be charged for such payments when regular appropriations become available for such purpose. Requires such payments to be made also in any case during such fiscal year in which certain functions of the Government are delayed, deferred, or canceled due to a limitation on the Government's ability to borrow funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1995
Amends the Fair Housing Act to establish State control over fair housing cases involving occupancy standards within its jurisdiction. Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from establishing a de jure or de facto national occupancy code.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Condemns the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Extends condolences to his family and to all the people of Israel. Expresses admiration for his historic contributions and support for the government of Acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Reaffirms a commitment to the process of building a just and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Provides for the adjournment of the Senate as a further mark of respect for Rabin.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission; Repeal of Obsolete and Unnecessary Provisions of Law Subtitle A: Termination of ICC Subtitle B: Repeal of Obsolete, Etc., Provisions Title II: Intermodal Surface Transportation Board Subtitle A: Organization Subtitle B: Administrative Title III: Rail and Pipeline Transportation Title IV: Motor Carrier, Water Carrier, Broker, and Freight Forwarder Transportation Subtitle A: Addition of Part B Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance Requirements Title V: Amendments to Other Laws Title VI: Authorization Title VII: Effective Date Interstate Commerce Commission Sunset Act of 1995 - Title I: Termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission; Repeal of Obsolete and Unnecessary Provisions of Law - Subtitle A: Termination of ICC - Terminates the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) as an independent executive agency of the U.S. Government upon transfer of specified functions to the Secretary of Transportation and to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Board established by this Act. Subtitle B: Repeal of Obsolete, Etc., Provisions - Amends Federal transportation law to repeal specified provisions relating to the regulation of rail and certain other surface transportation. Title II: Intermodal Surface Transportation Board - Subtitle A: Organization - Amends Federal transportation law to establish the Intermodal Surface Transportation Board (Board) within the Department of Transportation (DOT). (Sec. 201) Declares that the Board shall perform all functions previously performed by the ICC. Subtitle B: Administrative - Sets forth administrative provisions, including authorizing the Board to: (1) obtain certain information from transportation carriers under its jurisdiction; and (2) reopen, on its own initiative because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances, any proceeding, or grant a rehearing of or change a Board action. (Sec. 212) Authorizes an interested party to petition to reopen and reconsider a Board action. (Sec. 215) Directs the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to a specified variety of fatigue-related transportation issues. Title III: Rail and Pipeline Transportation - Makes conforming amendments to reflect the Board's jurisdiction with respect to rail and pipeline transportation. (Sec. 302) Declares, among other things, that in regulating the railroad industry it is the policy of the U.S. Government to provide expeditious remedies for traffic and facilities lacking effective transportation competition. (Sec. 303) Revises, for purposes of this title, the term "common carrier" to mean a pipeline carrier or a rail carrier only, eliminating express carrier, sleeping car carrier, motor common carrier, water common carrier, and household goods freight forwarder. (Sec. 306) Revises the requirements for: (1) revocation of an exemption from Federal transportation law; and (2) the calculation of monetary damages in a complaint accompanying a request for revocation that claims a violation of Federal transportation law by a railroad. (Sec. 308) Directs the Board to: (1) complete the pending ICC non-coal rate guidelines proceeding to establish a simplified and expedited method for determining the reasonableness of challenged rail rates in those cases in which a stand-alone cost presentation is impractical; and (2) establish procedures to ensure expeditious handling of challenges to the reasonableness of railroad rates. (Sec. 314) Denies the Board authority to begin, on its own initiative, an investigation to determine whether a proposed rail carrier rate, classification, rule, or practice is reasonable. Authorizes the Board to conduct such an investigation only upon complaint of an interested party. (Sec. 315) Sets forth specified factors the Board shall consider when determining whether a rail carrier rate is reasonable. Authorizes the Board, upon complaint of an interested party, to begin an investigation to determine whether a proposed rate increase is reasonable if such rate results in a revenue-variable cost percentage that is equal to or greater than 20 percentage points above the revenue-variable cost percentage applicable under this title. Requires the Board to set forth its reasons, giving due consideration to specified factors, when determining whether to investigate a rate increase. (Sec. 316) Authorizes the Board, on application of an interested party (but not on its own initiative), to begin a proceeding to determine the lawfulness of any pipeline carrier-proposed new individual or joint rate or individual or joint classification, rule, or practice affecting a rate. (Sec. 317) Requires the Board to consider the availability of other economic transportation alternatives, in addition to any other factors it deems relevant, when making a determination of market dominance in proceedings to determine the lawfulness of a rail carrier rate. Revises provisions with respect to market dominance determinations. (Sec. 318) Requires filing with the Board of a summary of each contract between one or more rail carriers and one or more purchasers for the transportation of agricultural products, including grain. (Sec. 320) Prohibits a carrier from subjecting a freight forwarder to unreasonable discrimination (charge a different rate for the same service) whether or not such forwarder is controlled by the carrier. (Sec. 326) Prohibits a carrier from providing transportation of agricultural products, including grain, (currently, a carrier providing any transportation or service) without a tariff containing the rates, classifications, rules, and practices for such transportation (thus eliminating general filing requirements). Requires such tariff to be published and made available for public inspection. (Sec. 328) Authorizes the Board to require certain employee protection arrangements for transactions involving certain Class II freight rail carriers and Class III freight rail carriers and non-carriers that are not owned or controlled by a Class I rail carrier and that are not a commuter, switching, or terminal railroad. Authorizes the Board, with respect to all transactions involving such carriers which propose to construct or provide transportation over a railroad line, to require an arrangement for the protection of the interest of railroad employees who are adversely affected by such transaction not to exceed one year's salary per affected employee and protection no less than that required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. (Sec. 334) Requires a carrier to provide, upon request, common carrier rates and other common carrier service terms. (Sec. 337) Requires the Board to consult with the National Grain Car Council on matters within the charter of that body. (Sec. 346) Requires the Board to collect and keep open for public inspection a railway equipment register. (Sec. 349) Repeals discretionary authority to exempt persons, classes, and transactions from merger, consolidation, and acquisition requirements if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 350) Repeals provision for rail carrier applications for approval of a transaction to furnish motor carrier transportation before or after rail transportation to serve inadequately served shippers located on a railroad other than the applicant carrier. (Sec. 375) Establishes the Rail-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council, which shall advise the Secretary of Transportation, Council Chairman, and relevant congressional transportation policy oversight committees with respect to significant rail transportation policy issues, with particular attention to issues of importance to small shippers and small railroads. Title IV: Motor Carrier, Water Carrier, Broker, and Freight Forwarder Transportation - Subtitle A: Addition of Part B - Amends Federal transportation law to add a new Part B of Subtitle IV, Title 49, U.S. Code, covering the regulation of motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Declares that in order to ensure the development, coordination, and preservation of a transportation system that meets the transportation needs of the United States, it is U.S. policy to provide for the impartial regulation of modes of transportation, including motor carrier transportation and the transportation of passengers by motor carrier. (Sec. 401) Defines "carrier" to mean a motor carrier, a water carrier, and a freight forwarder (including, for registration purposes, foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers). Sets forth administrative provisions with respect to: (1) the powers and jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Board over motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders; (2) certain requirements for rates, classifications, through routes, rules, and practices with respect to the transportation of household goods or passengers by motor carrier or transportation by water carrier; (3) procedures for resolving claims by a motor carrier of property (other than a household goods carrier) or freight forwarder with respect to unfiled, negotiated transportation rates; (4) rates for the transportation of U.S. property or U.S. officials; (5) nondiscriminatory compensation requirements with regard to the transportation of food and grocery products; (6) certain motor carrier, freight forwarder, and motor carrier broker registration requirements; (7) an on-line Federal registration system for motor carriers; (8) general operation requirements with respect to motor carriers; (9) inspection of records of motor carriers and brokers; (10) security interests in motor carrier vehicles; (11) pooling or division of transportation services or earnings by motor carriers; (12) Federal jurisdiction over interstate and intrastate transportation of passengers by motor carrier and transportation by freight forwarders and brokers; (13) State and local tax discrimination against motor carrier transportation property; (14) State and local income taxation of motor carrier employees; (15) enforcement, investigations, rights, and remedies; and (16) civil and criminal penalties. Subtitle B: Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance Requirements - Requires State plans for the enforcement of Federal and compatible State commercial motor vehicle safety standards to include, among other things, assurances that the State will cooperate in the enforcement of certain motor carrier registration and insurance requirements. (Sec. 453) Directs the Secretary to continue to enforce ICC rules and regulations, as in effect on July 1, 1995, governing the qualifications for approval of a motor carrier as a self-insurer, until it is in the public interest to revise them. Requires any rule revision to provide for continued ability of motor carriers to qualify as self-insurers, including continued qualification of all carriers already qualified. (Sec. 454) Directs the Secretary to establish a Motor Carrier Register that will serve as a clearinghouse and depository of information on compliance with required levels of financial responsibility (insurance), service of process agents, and identification and disqualification of motor carriers required to register with the Secretary. (Sec. 456) Directs the Secretary to require motor carriers of passengers or property to register their motor vehicle operations with DOT. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments to specified Federal laws. Title VI: Authorization - Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Effective Date - Makes January 1, 1996, the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1995
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit any civil or administrative penalty from being imposed against a local government for a violation of a provisions of the Act: (1) if such government has entered into an agreement with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, or the State to carry out a compliance plan with respect to a prior violation of the provision; and (2) during the period beginning on the date on which the government and the Administrator, Secretary, or State enter into such agreement and ending on the date on which the government is required to be in compliance under the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1995
Local Environmental Improvement Facilitation Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that, in the case of a civil or administrative penalty assessed against an individual, corporation, partnership, or association (private person), the private person may elect to pay: (1) the amount of the penalty to the Treasury for deposit into a special account for payment of public debt obligations; or (2) an amount not to exceed $500,000 of the penalty to carry out a community environmental project in accordance with this Act, with the remainder to be paid into the Treasury's special account. Requires a private person who makes the latter election, after consulting with and obtaining the concurrence of the State and each political subdivision of the State within which the violation occurred, to enter into an agreement to pay the prescribed amount to an appropriate person to carry out one or more environmental projects. Requires a separate agreement to be entered into with respect to each penalty for which an election is made. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) suitable environmental projects; and (2) oversight.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Agricultural Resources Enhancement Act of 1995 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 (the Act) to define: (1) "alternative conservation system" as one that achieves a substantial reduction in soil erosion; (2) "conservation system" to mean the conservation measures and practices that are approved for application by a producer to a highly erodible field that provide for cost effective and practical erosion reduction based on local resource conditions and standards contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide (technical guide); and (3) "frequently cropped agricultural land" to mean agricultural land that exhibits wetland characteristics and that has been used for six of the ten years prior to January 1, 1996, for agricultural production or production of an annual or perennial agricultural crop, an aquaculture product, a nursery product, or a wetland crop. Specifies that a designation of highly erodible land on agricultural land shall be valid until an owner or operator requests a new designation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to provide the designation on the request of the owner or operator. Allows a designation of highly erodible land to be based on the most contemporary science, method, or technology, as determined by the Secretary, for determining soil erodibility that accurately reflects the potential for soil loss. (Sec. 4) Revises provisions of the Act regarding the highly erodible land conservation program to provide that (with exceptions) any participant in an annual program under the Agricultural Act of 1949 after January 1, 1996, who in any crop year after that date produces an agricultural commodity on a field on which highly erodible land is predominate, shall be in violation of such provisions and ineligible for loans or payments in an amount proportionate to the severity of the violation, taking into account the intent of the person and the frequency of the violations. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) ineligibility for specified loans and payments because of violations; (2) exemptions; (3) the effect on a landlord of ineligibility of a tenant or sharecropper for benefits; (4) a good faith exemption; and (5) failure to apply a conservation plan. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the standards and guidelines contained in a local technical guide applicable to a required conservation plan: (1) allow a person to use an alternative conservation system as a means of meeting the requirements and achieving the goals of the Act with respect to a highly erodible field that has been used in the production of an agricultural commodity after December 23, 1985; and (2) provide for conservation measures and practices that are cost-effective and technically and economically feasible based on local resource conditions and available conservation technology and that do not cause undue economic hardship to the person applying the plan or system. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) erosion measurement; (2) crop residue measurements; (3) revisions of conservation plans and systems and updating of local technical guides; (4) technical assistance; (5) violations; (6) expedited variances; and (7) persons affiliated with those affected by a reduction in benefits due to violations. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions of the Act regarding wetland conservation to provide that (with exceptions) any person who participates in an annual program under the Agricultural Act of 1949 after January 1, 1996, who in any crop year after that date produces an agricultural commodity on converted wetland shall be in violation of such provisions and ineligible for loans or payments in an amount proportionate to the severity of the violation. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding ineligibility for loans and payments, delineation of wetland and exemptions (including a requirement that the Secretary establish a pilot program for mitigation banking of wetlands to assist owners and operators in complying with wetland conservation requirements), consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, and the effect of a reduction in benefits due to violations on affiliated persons. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to bar the Secretary from placing a permanent wetland conservation or floodplain easement on any farm property after January 1, 1996. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) define "agricultural land" to mean cropland, pasture land, native pasture, rangeland, an orchard, a vineyard, an area that supports a wetland crop, and any other land that is used to produce or support the production of an annual or perennial agricultural crop, an aquaculture product, a nursery product, or a wetland crop; and (2) direct the Secretary to make all determinations concerning the presence of a wetland on agricultural land, the discharge or dredge of fill material from normal farming and ranching activities, and normal farming and ranching practices on agricultural land as provided in provisions permitting the discharge of dredged or fill material from normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities. (Sec. 6) Revises provisions of the Act to direct the Secretary, during calendar years 1996 through 2002, to establish an environmental conservation acreage reserve program (ECARP) to be implemented through contracts and the acquisition of easements to assist owners and operators of farms and ranches to conserve and enhance soil, water, and related natural resources, including grazing land, wetland, and wildlife habitat. Directs the Secretary to carry out ECARP by providing: (1) for the long-term protection of environmentally sensitive land; and (2) technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve the management and operation of the farms and ranches and to reconcile productivity and profitability with protection and enhancement of the environment. Specifies that ECARP shall consist of the conservation reserve, wetlands, reserve, and environmental quality incentive programs. Directs the Secretary to designate watersheds or regions of special environmental sensitivity, including the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, and Long Island Sound regions, as conservation priority areas eligible for enhanced assistance, subject to specified procedures and requirements. (Sec. 7) Revises provisions regarding the purpose and goals of the Act, including specifying that the goals of the conservation reserve program shall be to idle land only on a voluntary basis, conserve the environment, ensure respect for private property rights, and enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat. Modifies Act provisions regarding: (1) eligible lands; (2) enrollment priorities; (3) priority functions; (4) duration of contracts; (5) incidental grazing; (6) determination of annual rental payments to be paid to owners and operators for converting eligible cropland normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity to a less intensive use; and (7) ownership and operation requirements. Directs the Secretary, regarding such priority functions, to: (1) enroll in the conservation reserve program at least 1.5 million acres of cropland or pasture land that are contiguous or proximate to permanent bodies of water, tributaries or smaller streams, or intermittent streams that the Secretary determines significantly contribute to downstream water quality degradation; (2) accept offers to enroll up to 1.5 million acres of frequently cropped agricultural land; (3) accept offers to enroll a field containing highly erodible land if specified conditions are met; and (4) ensure that such offers to enroll acreage are accepted so as to maximize wildlife habitat benefits. (Sec. 8) Revises the purposes of the Act to include protecting wetlands for purposes of enhancing water quality and providing wildlife benefits while recognizing landowner rights. Modifies Act provisions regarding: (1) minimum enrollment (provides for enrollment in the wetlands reserve program of not more than 975,000 acres during calendar years 1991 through 2002); (2) eligibility; (3) other eligible lands; (4) easements (specifies that the development of a restoration plan, including any compatible use, shall be made through the local Natural Resources Conservation Service representative in consultation with the State technical committee); and (5) duties of the Secretary regarding easement priorities. (Sec. 9) Revises Act provisions regarding the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to direct the Secretary to use CCC funds, for each of FY 1996 through 2002, to carry out specified programs. Sets forth provisions regarding advance appropriations to the CCC. Makes specified funds available for the environmental quality incentives, wetland reserve, and conservation reserve programs. Sets forth provisions regarding conservation plans, acreage limitations, and tenant protection. (Sec. 11) Encourages the Secretary to promote wildlife benefits to the extent practicable and to the extent that the action does not conflict with the requirements or purposes of the programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
Cooperator Program Act of 1995 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and, in cooperation with eligible trade organizations (ETOs), carry out a foreign market development cooperator program to maintain and develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Directs that such program be carried out through multiyear contracts or agreements between the Secretary and ETOs under which cost sharing assistance shall be provided by the Secretary to the ETOs as cooperators for the conduct of foreign market development activities, and to third party cooperators, under specified annual marketing plans. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility requirements; and (2) criteria for contract approval. Requires an ETO participating in the program to provide market development and customer support services outside the United States directed at foreign purchasers, potential purchasers, and users of U.S. agricultural commodities and products through trade servicing, technical assistance, and consumer education. Sets forth specific goals, such as to increase foreign consumer and commercial use of, develop long-term foreign demand for, and help overcome constraints to U.S. exports of, the commodity or product. Requires: (1) a participating ETO to coordinate its activities with those of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) which shall assist ETOs in the development and operation of trade promotion programs that use product exhibits, trade teams, market information services, and trade referral services to expand international markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products; and (2) an ETO to consult with the FAS to ensure that the ETO's annual marketing plan is consistent with and complements the FAS's foreign market development activities. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) annual marketing plans; (2) oversight; and (3) cooperator organizations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1995
Prohibits any member of the armed forces from being required to wear any uniform item or insignia which indicates an allegiance to or affiliation with the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Endangered Species Habitat Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow landowners of qualified acreage a credit, for agreement to manage such lands for the preservation of endangered species, in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the applicable acreage rate of the qualified acreage; or (2) $50,000. Provides for recapture of the credit if the taxpayer transfers the qualified acreage without also transferring the obligations for such acreage. Prohibits making a payment to an owner under capital gain and loss provisions if that owner has indicated an intention to claim an income tax credit or deduction for participation. Provides for a deduction for the donation of property as a conservation easement. Provides for the valuation of property which provides for the protection of endangered species. Provides an additional deduction on State and local real property taxes paid or accrued on property subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Prohibits the deduction in certain cases. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate fully with the appropriate States, tribes, and other non-Federal persons, including consultation with such persons before the acquisition or interest of any land or water for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Sets forth provisions providing for the Secretary to enter into a cooperative management agreement with non-Federal persons for the management of: (1) endangered and threatened species or group of species; or (2) a candidate species or group of candidate species. Directs that a cooperative management agreement shall remain in effect and not be required to be amended to include subsequent listing of endangered or threatened species not applicable to such agreement. Allows the Secretary to provide a habitat conservation grant to certain non-Federal persons for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving the habitat of endangered and threatened species. Allows a grant to be transferred to subsequent property owners.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to revise the findings, purposes, and policy of the Act. Declares it to be congressional policy to conserve endangered and threatened species and to equally consider the conservation of listed species, preservation of economic growth, maintenance of a strong tax base, and protection against the diminishment of the use and value of private property. (Sec. 3) Revises definitions under the Act, including the definition of: (1) "critical habitat" to mean the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by an endangered or threatened species, at the time the species is listed, that contain such physical or biological features as are essential to the conservation of the species and the persistence of the species for at least seven human generations (with "human generation" meaning 20 years) and as may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) "endangered species" to mean any species that, if no action were taken under the Act, would be placed on an irreversible course to extinction within two human generations, with exceptions. (Sec. 4) Modifies provisions regarding the determination of an endangered or threatened species to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to: (1) make such determination on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after requesting the Endangered Species Commission (established under this Act) to conduct a scientific review; and (2) give priority to species the conservation of which is most likely to reduce the need to list other species dependent on the same habitat, and consideration to species identified as a known source of pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. Requires the Secretary to designate, and make revisions regarding, critical habitat on the basis of the best new scientific data available. Specifies that: (1) the information shall include data documenting the biological vulnerability of, and threats to, the species or habitat of the species; and (2) failure to so document the information shall result in a presumption that the petition is inadequate. Directs the Secretary, if such a petition is found to present the information, to: (1) provide a copy of the petition to the State having jurisdiction over the area in which the species is believed to occur; and (2) invite the determination of the State as to whether the petitioned action is warranted, promptly request the Commission to conduct a scientific review of any new information presented by the petition with respect to the status of the species, and promptly publish each finding made in the Federal Register. Sets forth or modifies provisions regarding: (1) judicial review of such findings; (2) endangered species determinations with regard to foreign species; (3) notice of regulations (requiring a readily understandable, nontechnical explanation of the reasons for and purpose of the proposed regulation, an analysis concluding that the conservation benefit outweighs any negative conservation impact of the regulation, and a summary of the findings of the assessment team based on the required review); and (4) State review of such regulations (including scientific review of conflicts between the Secretary and the affected State). Requires the Commission to conduct, at least once every five years, a review of all species included in a list of endangered or threatened species and to report the results to the Secretary. Sets forth procedures for changes in the status of a species. Repeals provisions regarding the development and implementation of recovery plans by the Secretary for the conservation and survival of listed species. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the States having jurisdiction over areas in which listed species are believed to occur, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, and considering the options presented by the Commission, to develop and implement conservation plans to provide for the conservation of the species and the habitats on which the species depend, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary, in developing a conservation objective and plan for a foreign species, to: (1) act in a manner consistent with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Convention); and (2) cooperate with and support any conservation strategy adopted for the species by each foreign nation in which the species occurs. Directs the Secretary, Federal agencies, and the States to minimize adverse social and economic consequences and impacts on private property that may result from the implementation of conservation plans. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the establishment of conservation objectives; (2) schedules for conservation plan preparation; (3) priorities of plans; (4) alternative strategies; (5) procedures for the preparation of proposed and final plans; (6) publication of final plans; and (7) participation by other persons in developing and implementing such plans. Directs the Secretary to designate critical habitat that supports the conservation objective of the Secretary for the species and to revise a critical habitat designation. Permits the Secretary to elect not to designate any critical habitat for the species where the designation is not prudent or determinable. Requires that such designation or revision be made on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after taking into consideration the availability of substitute habitat in mitigation banks or from other sources and the economic or any other relevant impact. Directs the Secretary to exclude any area from critical habitat for which the Secretary determines that the benefits of the exclusion outweigh the benefits of designating the area as part of the critical habitat, unless the Secretary determines, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, that the failure to designate the area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species for which the habitat is designated. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revision of critical habitat designation; (2) the effects of agency actions that are consistent with the conservation objective and plan; (3) alternative species protection; (4) interim management prior to publication of a final conservation plan or a conservation objective, the entering into of a cooperative management agreement, or the issuance of an incidental taking permit; (5) suspension of conservation plans or objectives; (6) reporting requirements; and (7) the standard of judicial review of agency decisions. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage persons to apply to exchange lands, waters, or interests therein under their jurisdiction (lands) (other than units of the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and the National Trails System) for lands that are not in Federal ownership and that are affected by the Act, provided that the lands to be exchanged are of approximately equal value. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) appraisals; (2) environmental assessment; and (3) valuation. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States and other non-Federal persons, including consulting as appropriate before seeking to acquire land for the purpose of conserving any endangered or threatened species. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) with any State or group of States, political subdivision of a State, local government, or other non-Federal person for the management of a listed species, species proposed to be listed, or candidate species (i.e., species found warranted to be listed but precluded from listing because of pending proposals to list that are of a higher priority); and (2) designate any non-Federal person participating or assisting in the implementation of a CMA as a volunteer under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of a CMA with a non-Federal person. Exempts the preparation, approval, and entering into of a CMA from specified requirements of the Act and of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Specifies that: (1) except under extraordinary circumstances (in which case the Secretary shall have the burden of demonstrating and clearly documenting the existence of such circumstances), no additional measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a CMA shall be required of a non-Federal party to the agreement that is in compliance with the agreement; and (2) with respect to any species that is a subject of such a CMA, under no circumstances shall a non-Federal party in compliance with the CMA be required to make any additional payment for any purpose, or accept any additional restriction on any parcel of land available for development or land management under the CMA, without the consent of the non-Federal party. Provides that a CMA shall remain in effect and shall not be required to be amended if a species to which the agreement does not apply is determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) violations of CMAs; (2) requirements governing acquisition of water; and (3) Federal reclamation projects and contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to non-Federal persons, from appropriated funds, for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving habitat for an endangered or threatened species; and (2) enter into safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons who own real property for the purpose of encouraging the voluntary management, restoration, or enhancement of non-Federal lands owned by such persons to conserve listed and candidate species. Requires the Secretary: (1) at the request of a State, to delegate to the State the authority to develop and implement a conservation plan for a listed species unless the Secretary determines that the State lacks authority and capability to carry out the requirements of the Act; and (2) to monitor the actions of States in developing and implementing conservation plans. (Sec. 8) Directs each Federal agency to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency that affects any endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat of the species is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal agency consultation with the Secretary regarding agency actions likely to significantly and adversely affect an endangered or threatened species and regarding guidance on the consistency of an agency action with the conservation plan or objective for, an incidental taking permit for, or a CMA concerning, the species; (2) consideration of information and other law; (3) actions exempt from consultation and conferencing; (4) actions not constituting takings; (5) the resolution of conflicts between the responsibilities of a Federal agency under the Act vis-a-vis any other law, treaty, or interstate compact; (6) the use of mitigation banks; (7) risk assessment; and (8) exemptions from the Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to act cooperatively with other nations in conserving wildlife. Prohibits such Secretaries, to the extent that the conservation programs of such nations are consistent with the Convention, from obstructing the programs of such nations unless the Secretary demonstrates good cause for the action based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to limit a finding under the Convention to the purpose of the importation. Bars the Secretary from: (1) duplicating the findings required to be made by the exporting nation that is a party to the Convention except for good cause based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence; and (2) prohibiting any act that is permitted under the Convention in issuing protective regulations with respect to a foreign species. Sets forth restrictions regarding the publishing of proposed protective regulations. (Sec. 11) Provides that an activity of a non-Federal person shall be deemed not to constitute a taking of a species if the activity: (1) is consistent with the applicable guidance of a conservation plan or objective; (2) complies with the terms and conditions of an incidental taking permit or a CMA; or (3) addresses a critical, imminent threat to public health or safety or a catastrophic natural event. Specifies that provisions prohibiting importation shall not apply to a member of a threatened species: (1) taken for scientific collection, live export for captive breeding, sport hunting, or falconry in accordance with the laws of a foreign nation that is a party to the Convention; and (2) accompanied by an export permit issued by the nation or an equivalent document. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to permit specified activities, including: (1) the public display or exhibition of living wildlife in a manner that contributes to the education of the public about the ecological role and conservation needs of the affected species; (2) in the case of foreign species, acts that are consistent with the Convention and with conservation strategies adopted by the foreign nations responsible for the conservation of the species; and (3) acts necessary for captive propagation programs. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) the use of mitigation banks; (2) the scope of permits; (3) environmental assessments; (4) limits on additional measures required to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a permit where the permittee is in compliance with the permit; (5) interim permits; (6) permit revocation; and (7) voluntary consultation by non-Federal persons. Authorizes the Secretary, after providing notice and opportunity for public hearing, to issue a general permit on a county, State, regional, or nationwide basis for any category of activities that may affect a listed species upon determining that activities in the category are similar in nature, will cause only minimal adverse effects on the species if performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the species generally. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) educational and propagation permits; (2) the taking of species for inherently limited uses; (3) multiple species non-Federal conservation plans; (4) wildlife bred in captivity; (5) recognition of captive propagation as a means of recovery; and (6) mitigation banks. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury to pay reasonable and necessary costs incurred by any person in providing temporary care for any endangered or threatened fish, wildlife, or plant pending the disposition of any civil or criminal proceeding alleging a violation of the Act. Places the burden of proof on the Secretary to demonstrate that a specimen belongs to a species that has been determined to be an endangered or threatened species under the Act or that is included in an Appendix to the Convention. Prohibits the Secretary from detaining a specimen for a period of longer than 30 days for identification purposes, unless the specimen has been substantially changed from the natural appearance of the specimen, in which case it may be retained for an additional 30 days. Requires the specimen to be released if it cannot be identified within that period. Specifies that no refusal of entry, seizure of evidence, or other enforcement action may take place under the Act if the action is based solely on a notification under the Convention or on a resolution of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. Authorizes any person to: (1) commence a civil suit to remedy any violation of, or regulation issued under, the Act by the United States or any U.S. agency or official or to challenge the Act or a regulation issued thereunder or the implementation thereof; and (2) intervene as a matter of right in any suit brought under the Act that threatens to cause injury to, or relates to any injury sustained by, the person and grants such person the same right to present argument and to accept or reject potential settlements as the parties to the suit have. (Sec. 14) Requires the Commission to review and report to the Secretary on species of plants that, as of the date of this section's enactment, are or may become endangered or threatened within any State and that are known to produce pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. (Sec. 15) Establishes the Endangered Species Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) study the activities of the United States under laws and international conventions relating to endangered and threatened species, including the Convention and the Act; (2) make recommendations to, and consult with, the Secretary and other Federal officials concerning such measures as the Commission considers necessary or desirable for the protection and conservation of such species, including a range of options; and (3) conduct such scientific reviews and analyses as the Secretary requests or as are otherwise required to be conducted under this Act. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of a request from the Secretary for a scientific review or assessment regarding such a species, to establish an assessment and planning team and, within 30 days, to establish and arrange for the provision of technical assistance to such a team to assist the Commission in making required assessments by providing it with the best scientific and commercial data available and data that have been peer reviewed and verified by field testing. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the Commission's response to assessment and planning team recommendations; and (2) reporting requirements. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to provide 30 days' notice of any hearing or other public meeting at which public comment is accepted under the Act. (Sec. 17) Requires the Secretary to: (1) balance achieving the conservation objective for a species and ensuring continuing economic growth, providing essential infrastructure, maintaining strong State and local tax bases, and protecting against the diminishment of the use and value of property; and (2) seek, along with the heads of all other Federal agencies and other Federal officials, to minimize the adverse impacts on the use and value of private property resulting from any requirements imposed on the property. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that may be used for rulemaking to develop standards, rules, and guidelines for the listing or monitoring of species, conservation planning, safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons, and other specified purposes; and (2) develop and implement a pilot program for ADR to be used for such purposes as consistent with the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 and the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide regular training for all employees involved in developing and implementing such program; and (2) evaluate the program and submit a report including recommendations for a permanent program to the Congress and the Administrative Conference of the United States. (Sec. 19) Sets forth provisions regarding Federal cost-sharing requirements for conservation obligations. (Sec. 20) Entitles a non-Federal property owner to receive compensation if a Federal agency takes action under the Act that results in a diminishment of value of any portion of the non-Federal property of the owner. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the amount of compensation, a duty of notice to owners, requests for compensation, offers by the Secretary, and responses by property owners; (2) arbitration; (3) civil actions; (4) the source of payment; (5) U.S. obligations to make payment subject to the availability of appropriations; and (6) administrative provisions. (Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study potential revenue sources for a biodiversity trust fund to be used both for domestic endangered and threatened species protected under the Act and for foreign species subject to the Convention. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 22) Sets: (1) priorities for the development, and a schedule for the adoption, of conservation plans for listed species without recovery plans; and (2) priorities and a schedule for revision of existing plans. Prohibits the Secretary or the head of any other Federal agency from requiring any increase in any measurable criterion contained in a final recovery plan, or any site specific management action in addition to the criteria provided in a final recovery plan, until a conservation plan or conservation objective has been published. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the issuance of a conservation plan or objective, to review and reissue certain written opinions of the Secretary relating to the affected species that were issued after January 1, 1995, under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from the value of the gross estate of a decedent of an amount equal to the adjusted value of real property included in a gross estate which is subject to an endangered species conservation agreement. Provides for recapture of the benefit in certain cases.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ocean Shipping Reform Title II: Controlled Carriers Amendments Title III: Elimination of the Federal Maritime Commission Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Ocean Shipping Reform - Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to include as one of its purposes the granting of authority to carriers and shippers to develop transportation arrangements to meet their specific needs. (Sec. 102) Redefines the term "conference," with respect to an association of ocean carriers permitted, pursuant to an approved agreement, to engage in concerted activity, to change "common tariff," which they all utilize, to "common schedule of transportation rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices." Defines ocean freight forwarder and shippers' association. (Sec. 103) Revises the scope of the Shipping Act of 1984, with respect to certain agreements by or among ocean common carriers, to: (1) substitute "ocean freight forwarders" for "non-vessel-operating common carriers" in exclusive, preferential, or cooperative working arrangements with ocean common carriers covered by the Act; and (2) cover agreements to discuss any matter related to ocean transportation contracts, and to enter ocean transportation contracts and agreements related to those contracts. Repeals coverage of agreements to regulate or prohibit the use of service contracts. (Sec. 104) Requires any shipping conference agreement to provide that a conference member may enter individual and independent negotiations and conclude individual and independent service contracts. Revises provisions relating to certain independent actions on rates or service items by members of a shipping conference agreement. (Sec. 106) Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act to repeal the automated tariff filing and information system provisions of such Act. Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to revise provisions relating to: (1) schedules of transportation rates, terms, and conditions of common carriers and conferences for transportation services not governed by an ocean transportation contract; and (2) ocean transportation contracts between one or more common carriers and a conference and one or more shippers. Prohibits any challenge in any court of an ocean transportation contract or the transportation provided under it on the grounds that the contract violates such Act. Authorizes contracts entered into after January 1, 1998, to be made on a confidential basis, upon agreement of the parties. States that an ocean common carrier that is a member of a conference agreement may not be prohibited or restricted, after such date, from agreeing with one or more shippers that the parties to the contract will not disclose the rates, services, terms, or conditions of that contract to any other member of the agreement, to the conference, to any other carrier, shipper, conference, or to any other third party. (Sec. 107) Revises the enumeration of prohibited acts by persons or common carriers with respect to the provision of ocean transportation services to: (1) replace the current prohibition against charging or collecting compensation different from the rates and charges shown in tariffs or service contracts with a prohibition against subjecting any person, place, port, or shipper (except for service contracts) to unreasonable discrimination; and (2) repeal prohibitions against rebates and concessions. (Sec. 109) Revises provisions for actions that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) may take against foreign carriers whose practices in a foreign country result in conditions that adversely affect U.S. carriers in the oceanborne trade, and do not exist for foreign carriers of that country in the United States. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to request the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke any clearance required for a common carrier vessel if such carrier fails to supply certain information in a FMC investigation or adjudicatory proceeding. (Sec. 114) Revises certain license and bond requirements with respect to ocean freight forwarders. (Sec. 117) Requires marine terminal operators to make available to the public any schedules of rates, regulations, and practices, including limitations of liability, pertaining to receiving, delivering, handling, or storing property at its marine terminal. Title II: Controlled Carrier Amendments - Revises provisions concerning the unjustness and unreasonableness of controlled carrier rates. (Sec. 201) Declares that the rate standards, information submissions, remedies, reviews, and penalties under the Shipping Act of 1984 shall apply to any ocean common carrier that is not a controlled carrier if the Secretary determines the carrier to be structurally or financially affiliated with a government or private nontransportation entity or organization in such a manner as to affect its pricing or marketplace behavior in an unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive manner that disadvantages one or more other ocean common carriers. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to govern the manner in which controlled and non-controlled carriers shall submit price and other information needed to determine whether prices charged by them are unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to develop, and submit to the Congress, a negotiation strategy to persuade foreign governments to divest themselves of ownership and control of ocean common carriers. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on: (1) actions taken under the Foreign Shipping Practices Act and certain sections of the Shipping Act of 1984 and this Act; and (2) the effect on U.S. maritime employment of laws, rules, regulations, policies, or practices of foreign governments, or any practices of foreign carriers or other persons providing maritime services in a foreign country that result in conditions that adversely affect the operations of U.S. carriers in U.S. oceanborne trade. Title III: Elimination of the Federal Maritime Commission - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the Congress a plan to eliminate the FMC no later than October 1, 1997. (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1995
Livestock Concentration Report Act of 1995 - Directs the President to appoint a Commission on Concentration in the Livestock Industry to review and report on specified meat packing industry matters, including certain studies, effects of antitrust laws, and prices.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected; (2) Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (3) the U.S. Embassy in Israel be relocated to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that the Embassy has opened. Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in certain fiscal years only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected; (2) Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (3) the U.S. Embassy in Israel be relocated to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that the Embassy has opened. Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in certain fiscal years only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on: (1) the Department of State's plan to implement this Act; and (2) progress made toward opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Reforms Title II: Operational Reforms Title III: Employee Protection Reforms Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities Title V: Financial Reforms Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations Title VIII: Amtrak Revenue Enhancement Title IX: Preservation of Rail Infrastructure Title X: Fiscal Revitalization AMTRAK and Local Rail Revitalization Act of 1995 - Title I: Procurement Reforms - Amends Federal transportation law to revise National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) contracting out provisions to require AMTRAK and its labor organizations to resolve the issue of under what conditions, if any, it may contract out work normally performed by an AMTRAK bargaining unit employee when such contracting out results in the layoff of such employees. (Currently, AMTRAK may not contract out such work if it will result in the layoff of AMTRAK bargaining unit employees.) Requires each of the parties to the negotiations to select a neutral person from the list of National Mediation Board arbitrators if they are unable to resolve the issue. Requires the Board to select an arbitrator if the parties fail to do so. (Sec. 102) Prohibits AMTRAK from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation, or mail or express transportation. Repeals general AMTRAK authority to maintain and rehabilitate rail passenger equipment, and the mandate to maintain a regional maintenance plan including specified components. Authorizes AMTRAK, with a specified exception, to enter into a contract with a motor carrier of passengers for the intercity transportation over regular routes only if certain requirements are met. (Sec. 103) Authorizes AMTRAK and motor carriers of passengers, subject to Interstate Commerce Commission review, to: (1) combine their respective services and facilities to the public as a means of increasing revenue; and (2) coordinate schedules, routes, rates, reservations, and ticketing to provide for enhanced intermodal surface transportation. (Sec. 104) Establishes as some of the goals for AMTRAK: (1) management of its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service; and (2) treatment of all passengers with respect, courtesy, and dignity. (Sec. 105) Provides that Federal employees shall be permitted to choose travel on AMTRAK for official business where total travel cost from office to office is competitive on a total trip or time basis. Title II: Operational Reforms - Directs AMTRAK to operate as a national rail passenger transportation system which provides access to all areas of the country and ties together existing and emergent regional rail passenger networks and other intermodal passenger service. (Sec. 201) Repeals AMTRAK's mandate: (1) to provide intercity rail passenger transportation within the basic system (unless such transportation is provided by specified others); and (2) to continue to carry out a specified plan to improve such transportation. Requires AMTRAK to give 180 days' notice (currently, 90 days) of its intention to discontinue rail service over a route to States, regional or local authorities, or other persons so that they will have an opportunity to agree to share or assume the cost of any part of the train, route, or service to be discontinued. Repeals AMTRAK's mandates for: (1) cost and performance reviews of AMTRAK routes in the basic system; and (2) provision of special commuter transportation. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) AMTRAK's mandate to increase mail and express transportation revenues, and its authority to provide auto-ferry transportation; (2) route and service criteria with respect to route discontinuances and route additions; (3) additional qualifying routes; (4) certain requests to AMTRAK by State, regional, or local authorities or other persons to provide rail passenger transportation or keep a train, route, or service that AMTRAK intends to discontinue; and (5) authority for the AMTRAK Commuter (thus abolishing it as an AMTRAK subsidiary). Declares that State and local laws that impair the provision of mail, express, and auto-ferry transportation shall not apply to AMTRAK or a rail carrier providing such services. (Sec. 206) Exempts certain commuter authorities from paying a tax or fee to the same extent that AMTRAK is exempt. Declares that such exemption shall not affect any trackage rights held by AMTRAK or Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). (Sec. 207) Provides for the reimbursement of costs to commuter rail carriers that provide transportation over certain rights-of-way and facilities on the Northeast Corridor. Encourages AMTRAK to make agreements with the private sector and undertake initiatives that promote the potential privatization of its operations. (Sec. 208) Declares that a State shall have access to AMTRAK's records, accounts, and other necessary documents used to determine the amount of any State payment to AMTRAK. Title III: Employee Protection Reforms - Repeals certain requirements for fair and equitable employee protective arrangements in the event of a discontinuance of intercity rail passenger service. (Sec. 301) Entitles AMTRAK employees to protective benefits only if deprived of employment as a result of a discontinuance of intercity rail passenger service or other transaction creating an entitlement to such benefits. Limits the total amount of: (1) protective payments to no more than six months' pay; and (2) fringe benefits to no more than six months or the minimum period established by other Federal law for such benefits, whichever is longer. Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to declare that with respect to employees in any class or craft in train or engine service, Conrail shall have the right to furlough one such employee for each similar employee who moves from AMTRAK to Conrail in excess of the cumulative number of such employees who move from Conrail to AMTRAK. Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities - Makes contracts between AMTRAK and its passengers, the Alaska Railroad and its passengers, or private railroad car operators and their passengers regarding claims for personal injury, death, or damage to property in connection with the provision of rail transportation enforceable if: (1) punitive or exemplary damages, where permitted, are not limited to less than two times compensatory damages awarded to any claimant, or $250,000, whichever is greater; (2) passengers are provided adequate notice of any contractual limitation or waiver or choice of forum; and (3) passengers are given an opportunity to purchase supplemental insurance coverage when a ticket is purchased or at point of departure. Title V: Financial Reforms - Directs AMTRAK to prepare a financial plan to operate within specified funding levels, including budgetary goals for FY 1995 through 1997. Requires AMTRAK within five years after enactment of this Act to operate without the need for Federal operating grant funds. (Sec. 502) Requires the AMTRAK Reform Council, within three years after enactment of this Act, to review AMTRAK's progress under its plan to maximize its revenues and minimize Government subsidies, and determine on the basis of such plan the likelihood that it will not need such Federal grants. Requires the Secretary of Transportation and AMTRAK, at the end of three years, unless the Congress disapproves, to: (1) implement a plan for the continued operation of AMTRAK if the Council finds that AMTRAK has met its stated financial goals; or (2) implement the sunset plan if the Council finds AMTRAK has not met such goals. (Sec. 503) Makes certain funds appropriated for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project available to AMTRAK for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Program. (Sec. 504) Relieves AMTRAK from excess tax liability with respect to the payment of retirement and unemployment insurance benefits to its employees. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 507) Exempts AMTRAK (and AMTRAK subsidiary) passengers and customers from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority directly or indirectly on any persons traveling in intercity rail passenger transportation or mail or express transportation provided by AMTRAK or a rail carrier subsidiary of AMTRAK, or on the carriage of such persons, mail, or express, or on the sale of any such transportation, or on the gross receipts derived from such activities, from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Establishes the AMTRAK Reform Council to: (1) evaluate, and report to the Congress on, AMTRAK's performance; (2) suggest strategies for further cost containment and productivity improvements, including strategies for further reduction in Federal operating subsidies; (3) consider the merits and service implications of the partial or complete privatization of AMTRAK's operations; and (4) develop, and submit to the Congress, plans for the continuation without Federal operational support or liquidation of AMTRAK, as the case may be, five years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 604) Extends from October 15, 1996, to October 15, 2001, the deadline for retrofitting of certain intercity rail passenger cars with human waste disposal systems that provide for waste discharge at a servicing facility only. (Sec. 605) Repeals the authority or mandate for: (1) assistance for upgrading rail facilities that pose a hazard; (2) the rail safety system program; (3) a plan for demonstrating new technology in rail passenger equipment; and (4) a program master plan for a Boston-New York main line. (Sec. 610) Declares that AMTRAK shall not be subject to certain requirements under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 until January 1, 1998, and October 15, 2001, respectively. (Sec. 612) Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to repeal the mandate for determination of a costing methodology with respect to certain Northeast Corridor cost disputes. (Sec. 614) Amends the Conrail Privatization Act to repeal a specified provision regarding composition of the Board of Directors of the Consolidated Rail Corporation. (Sec. 615) Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service, including high speed rail service, to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for AMTRAK for: (1) capital expenditures, operating expenses, and certain mandatory payments; and (2) guarantee of obligations to improve railroad facilities or equipment. (Sec. 701) Repeals the current authorization of appropriations for specific projects under the Northeast Corridor Improvement Program, as well as the general authorization for deferment of certain program projects in order to carry out others. Title VIII: AMTRAK Revenue Enhancement - Establishes an Intercity Rail Passenger Account to: (1) acquire passenger equipment and locomotives; and (2) encourage State and local investment in facilities and equipment used to provide intercity rail passenger service. (Sec. 802) Requires the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, in lieu of payments to the Secretary for loan repayments, to make an equal payment into a capital reserve account to maintain Washington Union Station in a state of good repair. (Sec. 803) Authorizes AMTRAK to increase non-Federal revenues through specified sources. Authorizes AMTRAK to sell electric energy in excess of its needs to any purchaser, including electric utilities, to increase its revenues or decrease its costs. Title IX: Preservation of Rail Infrastructure - Rail Infrastructure Preservation Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations for local rail freight assistance. (Sec. 903) Authorizes the Secretary to declare that a disaster has occurred and that Federal funding is necessary to repair and rebuild rail lines damaged by it. Prohibits such assistance unless emergency disaster relief funds are appropriated for such purpose. (Sec. 904) Makes the following activities eligible for local rail freight assistance: (1) the costs of closing or improving a railroad grade crossing or series of railroad grade crossings; and (2) the costs of creating a State-supervised grain car pool. (Sec. 905) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to declare that it is the purpose of the Congress to promote the revitalization of the railway system through, among other things, preservation of light density lines. (Sec. 906) Revises interest rate, repayment, and prepayment penalty requirements with respect to guaranteed railroad improvement loans. Title X: Fiscal Revitalization - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments received by a railroad as an incentive for the on-time operation of intercity passenger trains. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay (without interest) to the Intercity Rail Passenger Account the amount of excise taxes paid by AMTRAK on fuel used in the operation of intercity passenger trains. (Sec. 1003) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Mass Transit Account the intercity rail passenger portion of fuel and transportation taxes paid by AMTRAK to the Intercity Rail Passenger Account. (Sec. 1004) Provides for an accelerated cost recovery (depreciation deduction) for certain leased property used in the provision of intercity rail passenger service if certain requirements are met. (Sec. 1005) Treats intercity rail passenger bonds as non- tax- exempt State or local bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1995
Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1995. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate a repository for the permanent geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by no later than January 31, 1998, at facilities designated pursuant to certain interim storage facility contracts; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes (including procuring all systems and components necessary to transport such fuel and waste among facilities comprising the Integrated Management System established by this Act); and (4) pursue expeditiously the development of each component of the integrated management system. Establishes an integrated management system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, including its storage, transportation, and disposal. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary is charged with the development and operation of a rail spur originating in Lincoln County, Nevada, and terminating at the interim storage facility site. Provides for intermodal transfer pending direct rail access. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must develop the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer at Caliente, Nevada. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada, to advise the Commission regarding intermodal transfer and to facilitate on-site representation. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the availability by January 31, 1998 of: (1) railroads; (2) transportation planning and requirements; (3) interim storage facilities; (4) permanent disposal; and (5) land withdrawal. Prescribes guidelines for consultation, financial, and technical assistance between the Secretary and the State of Nevada. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) offer the State of Nevada and the affected local governmental entity an opportunity to designate an on-site oversight representative; and (2) offer to enter into separate benefits agreements with the State of Nevada and certain affected Counties concerning the integrated management system. Establishes a Review Panel to advise the Secretary on the integrated management system. Prescribes a fee schedule for electricity generated by civilian nuclear power reactors and spent nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor. Provides that payment of a one-time fee on either spent nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor, or the high- level radioactive waste derived from it, relieves the responsible party from further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal. Sets forth advance contract prerequisites for utilization or production facility license renewals under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities and spent nuclear fuel foreign research reactors; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Prescribes a prioritization scheme for the allocation of funds: (1) to components of the integrated management system; and (2) from the Nuclear Waste Fund. States that actions authorized by this Act shall be governed solely in accordance with the provisions of specified statutes. Grants the United States courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds therefor. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear power plant personnel. Delineates an acceptance schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Proscribes: (1) subseabed or ocean water disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste; and (2) any obligation of funds for any such related activity. Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take action as necessary to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. States that the program is not subject to civil service regulations. Abolishes the Interim Storage Fund, the Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission, the Office of Subseabed Disposal Research, and the Office of Nuclear Waste Negotiator. Requires the Secretary to present annual schedule and timeline status reports to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to: (1) create a value engineering function within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; (2) employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization; and (3) report an action plan (and annual updates) to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act and development of the Integrated Waste Management System.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1995
Medicare Anesthesia Services Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise regulations for anesthesia services payment under Medicare to allow payment when they are furnished in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center by a certified registered nurse anesthetist permitted under applicable State law to administer them without physician or anesthesiologist supervision. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for payment for physician and certified registered nurse anesthetist jointly furnished single case anesthesia services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1995
Congratulates the people of Hong Kong for exercising their right to vote on September 17, 1995. Calls for the People's Republic of China to: (1) respect the will of the people of Hong Kong to have a fully democratic government; and (2) enter into a dialogue with the democratically elected representatives of the Hong Kong people.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a cooperative organization to elect to apportion pro rata any portion of the small ethanol producer credit among patrons on the basis of the quantity or value of business done with or for the patrons for the taxable year. Provides for the treatment of the organization and the patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1995
Iran Foreign Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain twelve-month economic sanctions against foreign persons who, with requisite knowledge, export goods or technology that would contribute to Iran's ability to extract, refine, produce, store, or transport petroleum or natural gas products. Waives the requirements of this Act if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has: (1) substantially improved its adherence to internationally recognized standards of human rights; (2) ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles or related delivery systems; and (3) ceased support for acts of international terrorism. Sets forth additional criteria for such a waiver. Directs the President to establish a List of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Related Goods and Technology which shall be subject to the export control restrictions of this Act. Requires the President to report periodically to the appropriate congressional committees on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support, if any, for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
South Dakota National Parks Preservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to enter into an appropriate form of agreement with the Secretary of the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks of South Dakota to provide for maintenance, operation, and administration of the following National Park System (NPS) units in South Dakota by the Department for a period not to exceed ten years: (1) Mount Rushmore National Memorial; (2) Wind Cave National Park; and (3) Jewel Cave National Monument. Allows the agreement to provide that: (1) the Secretary will pay the Department an annual fee in an amount not to exceed expenditures by the Secretary for maintenance, operation, and administration of the NPS units during FY 1994; and (2) if after a number of years stated in the agreement, it appears that such annual Department costs have exceeded and will continue to exceed such annual payment, the Department will be permitted to charge the public entrance fees and user fees for such NPS units in reasonable amounts agreed to by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan Privatization Act of 1995 - Title I: Reforms to Improve the Accuracy of the Federal Credit Reform Act with Respect to Budget Scoring the Cost of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to revise its Federal Credit Reform Act provisions relating to budget accuracy of accounting for Federal costs associated with the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Title II: Phase-Out of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to phase-out the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSL) in a specified manner. Eliminates related requirements involving loan volume limits and administrative expenses for such program. Repeals HEA authority for such program as of the end of FY 1997. Title III: Improvements to the Federal Family Education Loan Program - Amends HEA to revise provisions under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) relating to: (1) recovery of guaranty agency reserves; and (2) return to the Treasury of reserve funds returned or recovered by the Secretary. Terminates FDSL consolidation loan authority. Consolidates FDSL program loans under the FFEL program. Prohibits certain administrative funds from being expended to support public relations activities (by Department of Education employees or pursuant to contracts with the Department) or marketing of institutions to encourage participation in the FDSL program. Provides for sale of FDSL loan portfolios. Directs the Secretary to provide a copy of all reports and analyses prepared in connection with auctions, for purposes of such sales, to the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office and of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires all proceeds received as a result of such auctions to be returned to the Department of the Treasury after deduction of connected expenses incurred by the Department of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Subtitle A: Registration of Pesticides Subtitle B: Minor Use Crop Protection Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments Title II: Data Collection and Improved Procedures to Ensure that Tolerances Safeguard the Health of Infants and Children Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - Subtitle A: Registration of Pesticides - Amends Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) reregistration provisions to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as soon as the Administrator has sufficient information with respect to the dietary risk of a particular active ingredient (but no later the date of a reregistration determination), to: (1) reassess each associated tolerance (or tolerance exemption) issued under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) provisions regarding pesticide residues in raw agricultural commodities; (2) determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets FDCA requirements and whether additional such tolerances or exemptions should be issued; and (3) commence proceedings under both FIFRA and FDCA as are warranted. Establishes a science review board to assist the scientific advisory panel that comments on decisions of the Administrator to cancel a pesticide's registration or change its classification and on regulations issued under FIFRA. Revises the definition of "unreasonable adverse effects on the environment" to include among such effects a human dietary risk from residue that results from use of a pesticide inconsistent with the standard determined by the Administrator to be adequate to protect the public health under FDCA. Subtitle B: Minor Use Crop Protection - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is fewer than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, any one of the alternatives poses greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or any one of the alternatives poses greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to FIFRA related to pesticide minor uses. Title II: Data Collection and Improved Procedures to Ensure That Tolerances Safeguard the Health of Infants and Children - Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to establish procedures to ensure that pesticide tolerances adequately safeguard the health of infants and children based on the recommendations of a specified report prepared by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, to implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to exclude the 39-mile segment of the Missouri River in South Dakota as a recreation river and to designate the segment from the South Dakota and Nebraska border as such.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a special rule for persons with a deceased parent for purposes of the generation-skipping transfer tax. Makes such rule inapplicable to an individual who is not a lineal descendant if there is a living lineal descendant.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs Title IV: Program Administration and Support Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining National Oceanic and Atmospheric Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research; (2) public warning and forecast systems; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) satellite observing systems; and (6) environmental data management systems. States that NWS shall be responsible for: (1) weather and storm warnings; and (2) collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic information, including hydrometeorological guidance and forecast information. Authorizes the Administrator of NOAA to procure specified additional satellites. Amends the Land Remote Sensing Act of 1992 to direct the Administrator to develop an operating plan for the Landsat 7 spacecraft and the processing and distribution of its data, including a related ground system. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) mapping, charting, and geodesy activities; (2) observation and assessment; and (3) ocean and Great Lakes research. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for the national sea grant college program. National Undersea Research Program Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Undersea Research Program, which shall be conducted by regional centers. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for: (1) management program development grants; (2) coastal water protection; (3) State coastal water protection programs; and (4) the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for specified activities under the Act. Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for fisheries: (1) information collection and analysis; (2) conservation and management; and (3) State and industry cooperative programs. Authorizes the construction of fisheries research facilities at: (1) Fort Johnson, South Carolina; and (2) Auke Cape, Alaska. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to: (1) limit Fishing Vessel Obligation loan guarantees; (2) revise loan guarantee fees; and (3) temporarily prohibit new fishing vessel loan guarantees if vessel construction will increase harvesting capacity within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Title IV: Program Administration and Support - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) facilities' acquisition and operations; (3) marine services; and (4) aircraft services. Provides for specified reductions in NOAA personnel. Authorizes appropriations for commissioned officers. Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining - Transfers NOAA aeronautical charting functions to the Federal Aviation Administration. Directs the Secretary to develop plans for NOAA fleet reduction and laboratory consolidation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convey the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Massachusetts; and (2) undertake clean-up activities in the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the Secretary a portion of the Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995
Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for: (1) the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for phasing out the Office of Technology Policy and transferring essential functions to NIST. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to direct the Secretary to establish an Experimental Program to Stimulate Cooperative Technology which shall make grants in furtherance of NIST's mission. Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to eliminate the National Quality Council. Amends the Fastener Quality Act with regard to metal chemistry testing, commingling of fasteners in distribution, and acceptance of nonconforming fasteners.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs Title III: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates Subtitle B: Grant Programs Subtitle C: Other Amendments Subtitle D: Reauthorization Title V: Noncitizens Title VI: Child Care Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth Subtitle D: Transition Provisions Subtitle E: National Activities Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act Title IX: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title X: Reform of Public Housing Work Opportunity Act of 1995 - Title I: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance For Needy Families - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs under parts A and F of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a program of block grants to the States for temporary assistance for needy families with minor children (TEA program). Gives such program the stated purpose of increasing State flexibility in operating a program with mandatory work and education requirements (as well as certain penalties against adult family members on TEA assistance who refuse to work) as well as adult- supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents designe: o: (1) provide certain time-limited assistance to needy families with minor children that enter into a personal responsibility contract with the State, with certain exceptions involving minor children and hardship situations; (2) provide job preparation and opportunities for such families, including opportunities to participate in State-approved job placement agency services; and (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Denies TEA assistance for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) each State operating a TEA program is encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and adults in single-parent families that include older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in work activities; and (2) prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are very important Government interests and the policy contained in the provisions of this title is intended to address the crisis. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Federal Loan Fund for State Welfare Programs for loans to any loan-eligible State for conducting welfare anti-fraud and other specified activities. Outlines program audit and data collection and reporting as well as certain study requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research, evaluations, and national studies with regard to programs funded under this title. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation as necessary to obtain such information as will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this title and other appropriate low-income families. Addresses the treatment of existing State AFDC waivers in effect or approved by the Secretary as of October 1, 1995. Provides for the treatment of Indian tribes with regard to grant amounts and other specified program matters affecting Indians. Makes the Assistant Secretary for Family Support within HHS the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) programs. (Sec. 102) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified by this Act. (Sec. 103) Prohibits financial assistance provided under such programs from being expended for any sectarian purpose or activity, including sectarian worship or instruction. (Sec. 104) Provides for continued application of current AFDC standards under the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX. (Sec. 105) Specifies reductions in HHS personnel the Secretary must make with regard to positions relating to an activity previously authorized under the former AFDC and JOBS programs. (Sec. 107) Makes conforming amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) revise representative payee requirements; (3) provide for limited eligibility of certain noncitizens for SSI benefits; (4) deny SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; (5) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; and (6) provide for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is receiving SSI benefits based on a disability as of the date of the enactment of this Act and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of the above amendments. (Sec. 212) Provides that not less frequently than once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained 18 years of age and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, which is unlikely to improve, at the option of the Commissioner). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, of the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to eligible individuals and their spouses. Subtitle C: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to report annually to the President and the Congress regarding the SSI program. (Sec. 222) Requires the Commissioner to issue a request for comments in the Federal Register regarding improvements to the disability evaluation and determination procedures for individuals under age 18 to ensure the comprehensive assessment of such individuals. Directs the Commissioner to review such comments and issue any regulations implementing any necessary changes not later than 18 months after this Act is enacted. (Sec. 223) Requires the Commissioner to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences, or other independent entity, to study the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for reports to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 224) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact of the amendments made by, and the provisions of, this title on the SSI program. Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and carry out a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities, including the programs under SSA titles II and XVI, with resulting recommendations for appropriate action submitted to the President and the Congress. Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Title III: Food Stamp Program - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for certain households. (Sec. 303) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 304) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 305) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 307) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 309) Revises household income deduction provisions regard: : (1) standard deductions; (2) earned income; (3) dependent care; (4) child support payments; (5) homeless shelter assistance; (6) excess medical expenses; and (7) excess shelter expenses. (Sec. 310) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases. (Sec. 311) Revises the scope of sponsor-attributed income and resources regarding alien program eligibility. (Sec. 312) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 315) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 316) Requires at State option: (1) cooperation with child support agencies in order to maintain program eligibility; and (2) program disqualification for child support arrears. (Sec. 318) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 319) Defines "work program." (Sec. 320) Exempts electronic transfers of program benefits from specified disclosure, protection, and remedy provisions. (Sec. 321) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 323) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 324) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 325) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 327) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 328) Provides for the exchange of information with Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service, under specified circumstances. (Sec. 329) Revises expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 330) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sc. 331) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than the system used in part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 130) Directs program overissuances to be collected by: (1) allotment reduction; (2) unemployment compensation withholding; or (3) Federal pay or Federal income tax refund recovery. (Sec. 333) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program informational activities. (Sec. 335) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 336) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 339) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 340) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) program operations; and (2) Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 342) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth Program provisions. (Sec. 343) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking - Amends the Act to expand the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 352) Increases penalties for specified food stamp program (program) violations. (Sec. 353) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specific time periods for: (1) retain food stores and wholesale food concerns (stores) to apply for program participation; and (2) prohibition of program participation based on lack of business integrity. (Sec 355) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 356) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 358) Authorizes suspension of a store pending administrative and judicial review. (States that the Secretary shall not be liable for lost sales during such period.) (Sec. 359) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 360) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 361) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to terminate the additional lunch payment for schools with high percentages of free or reduced price lunches. (Sec. 402) Revises NSLA annual adjustment provisions for: (1) value of food assistance; and (2) lunches, breakfasts, and supplements. (Sec. 404) Revises NSLA service institution payment provisions for the summer food service program for children. (Sec. 405) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise annual adjustment provisions for: (1) the special milk program; and (2) the school breakfast program. (Sec. 407) Conforms reimbursement for CNA school breakfasts with that for NSLA school lunches. Subtitle B: Grant Programs - Amends CNA to: (1) terminate school breakfast startup grants; and (2) reduce annual authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training programs. Subtitle C: Other Amendments - Amends NSLA and CNA to set forth free and reduced price policy statements for the school lunch program and the school breakfast program. (Sec. 422) Revises NSLA provisions for the summer food service program for children. Allows participating school food authorities to permit a child to refuse not more than one item of a meal that the child does not intend to consume. Provides that a refusal of an offered food shall not affect the amount of payments to a school for the meal. Removes a requirement that States submit a plan or schedule as part of notice to institutions. (Sec. 423) Revises NSLA provisions for the child and adult care food program with respect to payments to certain sponsor employees. Revises provisions regarding day care home reimbursements. Requires reservation of certain funds for grants to States for assistance for family or group day care homes. Requires Federal and State provision of certain data to family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Disallows certain meal claims. Eliminates certain requirements involving State paperwork and outreach. Requires States to provide training, technical assistance, and monitoring. (Sec. 424) Requires a review of all NSLA and CNA reporting requirements and a report recommending elimination of any that impose a paperwork burden on agencies and schools which cannot be justified by their contribution to program effectiveness. Subtitle D: Reauthorization - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to reauthorize appropriations for the commodity distribution program. (Sec. 432) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to extend authority and reauthorize appropriations for the emergency food assistance program. (Sec. 433) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to reauthorize appropriations for the soup kitchens program. (Sec. 434) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend authority for processing of agricultural commodities into food products. (Sec. 435) Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend authority for the commodity supplemental food program. Title V: Noncitizens - Gives States the option of prohibiting the use of any grant funds received under SSA title IV part A, or the new optional State food assistance block grant program established under title III of this Act, for the provision of assistance under the related State programs for an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. (Sec. 502) Provides that, for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual (whether a citizen or national of the United States or an alien) for assistance, and the amount of assistance, under any Federal program of assistance provided or funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government for which eligibility for benefits is based on need, certain described income and resources pertaining to the individual's sponsor shall, in spite of any other provision of law, be deemed to be the income and resources of such individual. Applies such requirement for the period for which the sponsor has agreed, in an affidavit or agreement, to provide support for such individual, or for a period of five years beginning on the date such individual was first lawfully in the United States after the execution of such affidavit or agreement, whichever period is longer. Outlines similar deemed income authority for State and local programs of assistance authorized under Federal law for which eligibility is based on need. Exempts from such restrictions eligibility for emergency medical services under Medicaid, short-term emergency disaster relief, assistance or benefits under the National School Lunch Act, assistance or benefits under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and public health assistance for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment for communicable diseases under certain conditions. (Sec. 503) Details the limited eligibility of noncitizens for SSI benefits. Title VI: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to consolidate Federal child care programs. (Sec. 602) Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act. Revises provisions for the lead agency to allow such agency to administer the financial assistance received by the State under the act either directly or through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Requires sufficient time and statewide distribution for the notice of the public hearing on child care services provision under the State plan. Revises provisions for the State application and plan. Eliminates a requirement that providers that are not required to be licensed or regulated under State or local law be required to register with the State before payment is made under the Act. Requires the State to implement mechanisms to ensure that appropriate payment mechanisms exist so that proper payments under this subchapter will be made to providers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop minimum child care standards, appropriately reflective of tribal needs and available resources, applicable to Indian tribes and tribal organization receiving assistance under the Act. Reduces from 25 to 15 percent of annual assistance to a State the set-aside for quality of child care and before- and after-school and early childhood development services. Applies such set-aside, however, only to child care quality improvement activities and no longer to early childhood development and before- and after-school care services. Adds a limitation on administrative costs. Requires the sliding fee scale to ensure a representative distribution of funding among the working poor and recipients of Federal welfare assistance. Expands eligibility criteria to include families earning up to 100 percent (currently 75 percent) of the State median family income. Revises requirements relating to quality improvement activities to include: (1) under resource and referral programs, consumer education, referrals honoring parental choice, and activities to improve quality and availability of child care; and (2) under other activities, increasing availability of care before- and after-school, for infants, and during nontraditional work hours. Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises requirements for enforcement and for reports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Indian tribe or organization to use certain assistance to construct or renovate facilities that will be used to carry out child care programs. Provides for reallocation of assistance to other Indian tribes or organizations under certain conditions. Allows use of child care certificates as deposits. Includes among eligible child care providers those who care for an eligible great grandchild or sibling (if in the latter case the provider lives in a separate residence). Eliminates certain registration requirements for providers who are relatives. (Sec. 603) Repeals: (1) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; and (2) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Workforce Development Act of 1995 - Sets forth congressional findings, purposes of this title, and the definitions of terms used in this title and title VIII. Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems - Establishes a program of assistance for Statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 711) Directs the Governing Board of the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership, established under this Act) (Governing Board) to make allotments, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to States to help pay costs of establishing and carrying out activities through statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 712) Sets forth formulae for such State allotments. (Sec. 713) Requires States to apportion such allotment funds by specified percentages among workforce employment activities, workforce education activities, and flexible workforce activities. (Sec. 714) Sets forth requirements relating to State plans describing: (1) the strategic plan for the statewide system, including flexible workforce activities, and, if appropriate, economic development activities; (2) workforce employment activities; and (3) workforce education activities. (Sec. 715) Authorizes Governors of States receiving such allotments to establish State workforce development boards with certain membership requirements and functions. (Sec. 716) Sets forth required and authorized uses of funds under this title. Requires funds for workforce employment activities to be used for: (1) one-stop delivery of specified core services; (2) a statewide comprehensive labor market information system; and (3) a job placement accountability system. Allows such funds to also be used for: (1) specified permissible one-stop delivery activities; (2) other specified permissible activities which may be provided through vouchers, including certain forms of training, supportive, and followup services; (3) staff development and training; and (4) incentive grant awards to substate areas that reach or exceed State benchmarks. Requires State educational agencies to use funds for workforce education activities to carry out, through the statewide system, activities that include: (1) integrating academic and vocational education; (2) linking secondary and postsecondary education (including implementing tech-prep programs); (3) career guidance and counseling at the earliest possible age; (4) literacy and basic education for adults and out-of-school youth, including those in correctional institutions; (5) secondary education completion programs for adults and out-of-school youth; (6) improving vocational education programs; and (7) improving access to quality vocational education programs for at-risk youth. Sets forth certain fiscal requirements for such workplace education activities. Requires States to use a portion of the funds for flexible workforce activities (flex account funds) to carry out school-to-work activities through the statewide system (except that any State that received a grant under specified provisions of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 must use such portion to support continued development of the statewide School-to-Work Opportunities system through continuing activities in accordance with such grant). Allows States to use a portion of such flex account funds for workforce employment and workforce education activities. Allows States that meet specified requirements to use a portion of flex account funds for specified economic development activities relating to workforce training and skills upgrading. Sets forth limitations on use of funds and on individual participation under this title. (Sec. 717) Outlines provisions for supporting Indian and Native Hawaiian workforce development activities and associated supplemental services for Indian and Native Hawaiian youth and public assistance recipients on or near reservation areas. (Sec. 718) Directs the Governing Board, using certain funds made available below, to make grants to outlying areas to carry out workforce development activities. (Sec. 721) Provides for local uses of funds under this title, including: (1) local apportionment by activity, distributing 75 percent of workforce employment activities funds to local entities and 80 percent of workforce education activities funds to certain educational entities; (2) distributions for secondary school vocational education, for postsecondary and adult vocational education, and for adult education; and (3) minimal allocations and redistribution. Provides for States to enter into local agreements regarding workforce employment activities, school-to-work activities, and economic development activities to be carried out in each substate area with local partnerships (or, where established, workforce development boards). (Sec. 731) Provides for: (1) accountability; and (2) incentives and sanctions. (Sec. 733) Amends the Social Security Act with respect to the Unemployment Trust Fund to make Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) revenues available for statewide workforce development systems to the extent they are used to carry out specified core services relating to job search, placement assistance and labor market information provided through the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 734) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act (other than subtitle C below). Sets forth certain reservations of funds. Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth - Requires a State to use a portion of its allotment for workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth to maintain any Job Corps Center located in that State and carry out specified activities for Job Corps enrollees assigned there, if such center received assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) for FY 1996 and was not closed in accordance with specified provisions. (Sec. 744) Limits eligibility for the Job Corps to at-risk youth. (Sec. 745) Provides for Job Corps: (1) screening and selection of applicants; (2) enrollment and assignment; (3) centers' development, character, activities, operators, and inclusion of Civilian Conservation Centers; (4) program activities; (5) support by States of enrollees through personal allowances; (6) State operating plans; (7) standards of conduct; (8) community participation; and (9) counseling and placement. (Sec. 754) Directs the Secretary of Labor to offer leases and sales of Job Corps centers, for nominal consideration, to States with approved State plans. (Sec. 755) Provides for closure of certain Job Corps centers. Directs the Governing Board to conduct a national Job Corps audit, report to the appropriate congressional committees, and report recommendations to the Secretary of Labor, including identification of 25 Job Corps centers to be closed by September 30, 1997. Directs the Secretary, after reviewing such report, to close 25 centers by such date. (Sec. 756) Amends JTPA to set forth requirements for interim operating plans for Job Corps centers. (Sec. 759) Directs the Governing Board, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to make allotments to States to help pay for carrying out specified workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth. Sets forth provisions for core required activities, permissible activities, allotment formulas, State plans, applications, and within-State distribution. (Sec. 241) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Subtitle D: Transition Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary (of Labor or of Education or of Health and Human Services, depending on the covered activity) to waive, during a transition period, any requirement under any provision of law (or regulation under it) relating to a covered activity for States or localities that request such waivers and comply with specified requirements. Requires States to submit interim State plans to the Governing Board in order for a State or locality to use such transition waivers. (Sec. 765) Authorizes interim appropriations under the Older American Community Service Employment Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocation and Applied Technology Education Act, and other specified Acts. Subtitle E: National Activities - Establishes the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership) as a Government corporation, with a Governing Board and an Office of Inspector General, to administer activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 772) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement to: (1) conduct a national assessment of vocational education programs assisted under this Act, through studies and analyses conducted independently through competitive awards; and (2) appoint an independent advisory board to advise on implementation of such assessment. (Sec. 773) Directs the Governing Board to oversee development and continuous improvement of a nationwide integrated labor market information system. Sets forth Federal, joint Federal-State, and State responsibilities with respect to labor market information. (Sec. 774) Authorizes the Governing Board to a competitive grant to an institution of higher education, a public or private nonprofit organization or agency, or a consortium to establish a National Center for Research in Education and Workforce Development. (Sec. 775) Transfers to the Federal Partnership, as of June 30, 1998, all functions of the Secretaries of Labor and of Education (including those of their Offices of Inspector General) that relate to a covered activity and are minimally necessary to carrying out Federal Partnership functions. Provides for: (1) determinations of functions by the Board, including Board review of a proposed transition workplan of the Secretaries; (2) personnel, delegation and assignment, reorganization, and rulemaking powers; (3) transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel; (4) incidental transfers, effect on personnel, and savings provisions; (5) a transition period; and (6) Board recommendations for additional legislation. (Sec. 776) Transfers to the appropriate receiving agency all functions that do not relate to a covered activity, but that the Secretaries of Labor and of Education, acting through the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), respectively, exercised before June 30, 1998. Directs the Secretaries to submit, for Board review, a proposed transition workplan that includes determinations of: (1) ETA and OVAE functions that do not relate to a covered activity; and (2) appropriate receiving agencies for such functions. (Sec. 777) Terminates OVAE and ETA on July 1, 1998 (as well as any authority granted them or any of their units by any reorganization plan). Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs - Repeals: (1) the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grant program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (2) specified Federal law to assist workers displaced by the expansion of the Redwood National Park; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act; (4) provisions for Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (5) the Job Training for the Homeless demonstration program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (6) specified Federal transportation law for assistance by the Secretary of Transportation for certain human resource programs relating to mass transportation; and (7) specified Federal transportation law provisions for a program of protection and rehiring of certain dislocated airline employees, and assistance for them from an Airline Employee Protective Account administered by the Department of Labor. Repeals as of July 1, 1998: (1) trade adjustment assistance services under the Trade Act of 1974; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act; (4) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (5) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment services); (6) the Job Training Partnership Act; (7) community service employment for older Americans under the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (8) programs of Adult Education for the Homeless and of Education for Homeless Children and Youth under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 782) Makes conforming amendments to various Federal laws, reflecting such immediate and subsequent repeals. Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to repeal authorities relating to consolidated rehabilitation plans. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Administration to provide assistance to achieve participation by individuals with disabilities in activities carried out through a statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 808) Revises a declaration of policy to include references to linkages between the RA vocational rehabilitation program and other integral components of the statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 810) Revises provisions for individualized written rehabilitation programs, and renames them as individualized employment plans. (Sec. 811) Revises the scope of vocational rehabilitation services to eliminate surgery from the authorized uses of funds. Removes the qualification that small business operators' disabilities must be most severe in order for them to receive certain management services and supervision from State agencies. (Sec. 812) Provides for linkages between members of State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils and State workforce development boards. (Sec. 813) Requires consistency between RA evaluation standards and performance indicators and State benchmarks established under this Act. (Sec. 814) Repeals authority for Innovation and Expansion Grants (part C of title I Vocational Rehabilitation Services under RA). Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act - Prohibits State use of certain funds under the Immigration and Nationality Act for workforce employment activities under this Act. Title: X: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 902) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 903) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 912) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 913) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State- operated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 914) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 915) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 916) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) executing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing visitation orders. (Sec. 917) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) death records. Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 923) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. (Sec. 933) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 942) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 944) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 945) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine the need for consideration by the Congress of national child support guidelines. (Sec. 952) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 953) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 954) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 962) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 964) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 965) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of an absent parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 970) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 971) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 976) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for the provisions of this Act. Title X: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to public housing provisions regarding: (1) ceiling rents; and (2) adjusted and earned income. (Sec. 1003) Exempts tenants from certain labor standards provisions. (Sec. 1004) Prohibits increased housing assistance to a family whose benefits under other public assistance programs have been reduced because of noncompliance. (Sec. 1005) Applies the provisions of this title to Indian housing.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Retiree Continuation Coverage Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to extend group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) to retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or elimination of a retiree group health plan. Allows early retirees and their dependents who lost such employer-sponsored health benefits to purchase continuing group health insurance coverage until they become eligible for Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995
Amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to prohibit interpreting the Act or its amendments to affect, interpret, or address the portion of the First Amendment regarding laws prohibiting the free exercise or religion with respect to any individual incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local correctional, detention, or penal facility.
![Official portrait of Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000513_200.jpg)