United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1996
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) assert the U.S. Government's concern regarding Iran's violations of the rights of its citizens, including members of the Baha'i community, along with expressions of concern regarding the Iranian Government's support for international terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of the Iranian Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'i community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; (3) urge the Iranian Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants on human rights; and (4) encourage other governments to continue to appeal to the Government of Iran, and to cooperate with other governments and international organizations, in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Industrial Espionage Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties upon individuals or corporations that, with the intent to injure any owner of proprietary economic information having a value of not less than $100,000 that is produced for, or placed in, interstate commerce or to convert it to his or her own direct use or benefit or to that of another, knowingly engage in specified activities, such as stealing, wrongfully copying, or possessing such information, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit such offenses. Provides for the forfeiture of any property that is used to commit, or that constitutes or is derived from any proceeds obtained as the result of, such violation. Authorizes: (1) the President to prohibit for a period of up to three years the importation into, or exportation from, the United States of any product produced, made, assembled, or manufactured by a person convicted of any such offense; and (2) the Attorney General to impose a civil penalty (after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record) not to exceed five times the value of the exports or imports involved or $100,000, whichever is greater, against any person who knowingly violates any such presidential order. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) extraterritoriality; (2) construction with other laws; (3) confidentiality; and (4) law enforcement and intelligence activities. Includes economic espionage among the offenses with respect to which the Attorney General may authorize an application for, and a Federal judge may grant, an order authorizing interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Economic Security Act of 1996 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to impose penalties upon individuals and corporations that engage in economic espionage, or that attempt, conspire, or solicit others to do so, in order to aid foreign nations, governments, corporations, institutions, instrumentalities, or agents. Provides for the forfeiture of any property that is used to commit, or that constitutes or is derived from any proceeds obtained as the result of, such violation. Authorizes: (1) the President to prohibit for a period of up to five years the importation into, or exportation from, the United States of any product produced, made, assembled, or manufactured by a person convicted of any such offense; and (2) the Attorney General to impose a civil penalty (after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record) not to exceed five times the value of the exports or imports involved or $100,000, whichever is greater, against any person who knowingly violates any such presidential order. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) extraterritoriality; (2) construction with other laws; (3) confidentiality; and (4) law enforcement and intelligence activities. Includes economic espionage among the offenses with respect to which the Attorney General may authorize an application for, and a Federal judge may grant, an order authorizing interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1996
Commends the men and women who have served or are presently serving in the American Foreign Service and honors those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Designates the first Friday in May 1996 as American Foreign Service Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1996
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
Congratulates Frederick P. Hitz on his five-year anniversary as the first statutory Central Intelligence Agency Inspector General. Expresses support for the Office of the CIA Inspector General.
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 · 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 · 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 · 2 November 1995
Designates the Civil War Center located on Raphael Semmes Drive at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the United States Civil War Center. Makes the Center the flagship institution for planning the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1995
Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to provide that the first vacancy in the office of district judge occurring in the western district of Michigan after December 1, 1995, or in each of other specified judicial districts five years or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill a temporary judgeship created by such Act, shall not be filled.
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 · 10 October 1995
Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (Goals 2000) to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council (the Council). Eliminates the requirement that the National Education Goals Panel review and approve model or national content standards, national student performance standards, or national opportunity-to-learn standards. Terminates funding for: (1) the Council; (2) opportunity-to-learn development grants; and (3) assessment development and evaluation grants. Revises Goals 2000 provisions for State improvement plans to eliminate Federal requirements with respect to: (1) the composition, duties, and procedures of the broad-based State panel which is to develop such plans in cooperation with the State educational agency and the Governor; (2) establishment of opportunity-to-learn standards and strategies; and (3) peer review and approval by the Secretary of Education of such plans and their amendments. Revises provisions for the Secretary's review of State educational agency applications for Goals 2000 funds to eliminate certain conditions of approval. Revises provisions for Goals 2000 subgrants for local reform and professional development to eliminate certain requirements with respect to local panel appointments, composition, and procedures in developing local plans. Authorizes the Secretary to bypass any State that does not participate in the Goals 2000 program and use its allotment to award competitive grants to local educational agencies in such State with applications approved by the Secretary. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the General Education Provisions Act, and the Education Amendments of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1995
Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding remedies for prison crowding to substitute provisions regarding remedies for prison conditions. Prohibits: (1) prospective relief in any civil action regarding prison conditions from extending further than necessary to correct the violation of the Federal right of particular plaintiffs; and (2) the court from granting or approving any such relief unless that relief is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of the Federal right, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct the violation. Directs the court to give substantial weight to any adverse impact on public safety or the operation of a criminal justice system caused by the relief. Authorizes the court to enter a temporary restraining order or an order for preliminary injunctive relief, which shall automatically expire 90 days after its entry, with exceptions. Prohibits a prisoner release order from being entered unless: (1) a court has previously entered an order for less intrusive relief that has failed to remedy the deprivation of the Federal right and the defendant has had a reasonable amount of time to comply with the previous court orders; and (2) it is entered by a three-judge court, which finds by clear and convincing evidence that crowding is the primary cause of the violation and no other relief will remedy it, and finds by a preponderance of the evidence that crowding has deprived an identifiable plaintiff of an essential human need. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination or modification of relief; (2) settlements; (3) State law remedies; (4) procedure for motions affecting prospective relief; and (5) the use of special masters. (Sec. 3) Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to require the Attorney General to personally sign any complaint filed, or certification or motion to intervene made, to initiate a civil action under the Act. Revises provisions of the Act to prohibit any action from being brought with respect to prison conditions by a prisoner until such administrative remedies as are available are exhausted. Specifies that the failure of a State to adopt or adhere to an administrative grievance procedure shall not constitute the basis for an action. Directs the court to dismiss any such action if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted or is frivolous or malicious (and, if a claim is on its face frivolous or malicious, authorizes the court to dismiss the underlying claim without first requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on the award of attorney's fees; (2) limits on recovery; (3) hearing location; and (4) waiver of reply. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal judicial code to require a prisoner: (1) of a Federal, State, or local institution seeking to bring a civil action or appeal a judgment in a civil action or proceeding without prepayment of fees or security to submit a certified copy of the prisoner's trust fund account statement for the six-month period immediately preceding the filing of the complaint or notice of appeal, obtained from the appropriate official of each institution at which the prisoner is or was confined; and (2) who brings a civil action or files an appeal in forma pauperis to pay the full amount of a filing fee (and directs the court to assess, and when funds exist to collect, as a partial payment of any court fees required by law, an initial partial filing fee of 20 percent of the greater of the average monthly deposits to the prisoner's account or the average monthly balance in the prisoner's account for such six-month period). Sets forth similar provisions regarding the payment of costs by the prisoner. Revises provisions regarding the appointment of counsel in forma pauperis proceedings to require the court to dismiss the case at any time if the allegation of poverty is untrue or if the action or appeal is frivolous or malicious or fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) successive claims; (2) judicial screening of complaints in civil actions brought by prisoners against governmental entities; and (3) limits of Federal tort claims by prisoners. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the court to revoke earned release credit under specified circumstances. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) direct the Bureau of Prisons, in awarding credit towards service of sentence for satisfactory behavior, to consider whether the prisoner, during the relevant period, has earned or is making satisfactory progress toward earning a high school diploma or an equivalent degree; and (2) provide that credit awarded after the date of enactment of this Act shall vest on the date the prisoner is released from custody.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1995
Prison Conditions Litigation Reform Act - Revises Federal criminal code provisions regarding remedies for prison crowding to substitute provisions regarding remedies for prison conditions. Prohibits: (1) prospective relief in any civil action regarding prison conditions from extending further than necessary to correct the violation of the Federal right of particular plaintiffs; and (2) the court from granting or approving any such relief unless that relief is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of the Federal right, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct the violation. Directs the court, in determining the intrusiveness of the relief, to give substantial weight to any adverse impact on public safety or the operation of a criminal justice system caused by the relief. Authorizes the court to enter a temporary restraining order or an order for preliminary injunctive relief, which shall expire automatically 90 days after its entry, with exceptions. Prohibits a prisoner release order from being entered unless: (1) a court has previously entered an order for less intrusive relief that has failed to remedy the deprivation of the Federal right, and the defendant has had a reasonable amount of time to comply with the previous court orders; and (2) it is entered by a three-judge court, which finds by clear and convincing evidence that crowding is the primary cause of the violation and no other relief will remedy it and finds by a preponderance of the evidence that crowding has deprived an identifiable plaintiff of at least one essential human need. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination or modification of relief; (2) settlements; (3) State law remedies; and (4) procedure for motions affecting prospective relief. (Sec. 3) Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to authorize the award of attorney's fees in an action brought by a prisoner only if: (1) the fee was directly and reasonably incurred in proving an actual violation of the plaintiff's rights protected by a statute pursuant to which a fee may be awarded under the Revised Statutes; and (2) the amount of the fee is proportionately related to the court ordered relief for the violation. Requires, in an action brought in Federal court by a prisoner, that pretrial proceedings in which the prisoner's participation is required or permitted be conducted by telephone without removing the prisoner from the facility in which the prisoner is confined. Allows any State to adopt a similar requirement regarding hearings in such actions in that State's courts. (Sec. 4) Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit a prisoner from bringing a civil action or appealing a judgment in a civil action or proceeding in forma pauperis if the prisoner has, on three or more prior occasions, brought an action or appeal in a U.S. court that was dismissed on the grounds that it was frivolous, malicious, or failed to state a claim upon which relief could have been granted, unless the prisoner is under imminent danger of serious bodily harm.
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 · 14 September 1995
Provides for educational assistance for eligible dependents of Federal law enforcement officers who are killed or disabled in the performance of their duties. Entitles such dependents to such assistance for: (1) one month for each month (or fraction) of the disabled officer's service, up to a maximum of 45 months; and (2) the maximum 45 months, if the officer has been killed. Limits the period for using such assistance to before the later of: (1) ten years after the officer was killed or permanently and totally disabled; or (2) the dependent's 27th birthday. Directs the Attorney General to make certain counseling services available, upon the dependent's request, and to publicize the availability of such services. Provides for such assistance program applications and their approval, standards, discontinuance for unsatisfactory progress or conduct, and a special rule for retroactive assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
Davis-Bacon Act Reform Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) to provide for wage determinations based on the locality where the work is performed. (Sec. 2) Requires contractors and subcontractors covered by DBA to pay laborers and mechanics: (1) unconditionally; (2) at least weekly; and (3) without subsequent deduction or rebate. Applies DBA requirements to laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor to: (1) work directly upon the site of the work, including work at fabrication plants, batch plants, tool yards, or similar facilities not on the project site but dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to project construction (except previously established facilities whose location and continuance in operation are determined wholly without regard to the contract work); or (2) transport materials, supplies, and equipment to or from the worksite. Increases the minimum threshold (currently $2,000) for DBA coverage of contracts for public buildings and works to: (1) $100,000 for new construction, complete rehabilitation, or reconstruction; and (2) $25,000 for repairs or alterations. Sets conditions for coverage of leased property. Provides for periodic adjustments of such thresholds. Prohibits splitting contracts. Sets forth wage requirements in cases of contract option provisions. Sets preemption conditions. Sets forth provisions relating to apprentices, trainees, and helpers. Sets forth requirements relating to wages. Revises DBA enforcement provisions, including: (1) administrative procedures, including the Secretary of Labor's authority with respect to payment of workers, debarment of contractors, and coordination of enforcement; (2) review procedures, including court review of coverage determinations; and (3) creation of an administrative petition procedure for workers for wages, benefits, and damages. (Sec. 3) Amends the Copeland Act to: (1) eliminate weekly payroll data submission for contracts of $100,000 or less; and (2) change such weekly requirement to a monthly one for contracts of more than $100,000, with provisions for waivers for contractors or subcontractors who have demonstrated compliance with DBA and other labor standards. Revises enforcement provisions to: (1) require contractors and subcontractors to maintain payroll and related records for three years after completion of contract work and make such records available upon request of the contracting officer or the Secretary; (2) grant the Secretary subpoena and debarment authority with respect to records; and (3) establish penalties for false records. (Sec. 4) Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to provide that: (1) the Secretary, rather than the Comptroller General, shall initiate debarment action for violations; and (2) the General Services Administration (GSA) shall include the names of those debarred on a governmentwide list.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1995
Freedom and Human Rights for the Enclaved People of Cyprus Act - Directs the President to establish U.S. efforts to: (1) inform the United Nations, foreign governments, and appropriate Federal departments and agencies of the freedom and human rights restrictions on the enclaved people of Cyprus; (2) enlist the United Nations and foreign governments in efforts to end such restrictions; (3) establish U.S. Government programs of assistance to the people of Cyprus and efforts for the elimination of the restrictions; and (4) use funds allocated to the government or ethnic community participating in the imposition of such restrictions on the promotion of freedom and human rights for the people of Cyprus, or in the absence of such funds, establish a foreign assistance program for them. Requires the President to direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to: (1) urge the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to address and solve the plight of those enclaved on Cyprus; and (2) call upon the U.N. Human Rights Commissioner to investigate their plight and implement appropriate corrective action.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995
George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and George Catlett Marshall. Mandates that coin sale surcharges be paid equally to: (1) the George C. Marshall Foundation; and (2) the Friends of George C. Marshall for construction and operation of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Visitor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Comprehensive Torture Victims Relief Act - Prohibits the U.S. Government from expelling, extraditing, or involuntarily returning an individual to a country if there is substantial evidence that the individual would fear subjection to torture. Allows any alien presenting a credible claim of having been tortured in the alien's country of nationality (or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, that country in which the alien last habitually resided) and who applies for refugee status, asylum, or withholding of deportation under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to be processed in accordance with this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) consideration by appropriate officials of the effects of torture; (2) expedited processing of refugee admissions and for asylum and withholding of deportation; and (3) parole in lieu of detention. Directs the Attorney General, other officials of the Department of Justice, and the Secretary of State to provide training for immigration officials and consular officers regarding the identification of evidence of torture, the circumstances surrounding torture, the long-term effects and the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of torture, and the appropriate manner of interviewing torture victims. Directs the National Institutes of Health to study and report to specified congressional committees with respect to the estimated number and geographic distribution, needs, and availability of services of refugees and asylum-seekers admitted to the United States since October 1, 1987, who were tortured abroad. Amends the INA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost of specified services for torture victims. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to assist domestic centers and programs for the treatment of torture victims. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries which are specifically carrying out projects or activities to treat victims of torture. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture for FY 1996 through 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Health Plan Rules Subtitle B: Individual Health Plan Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Coalitions Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Health Plan Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to provide coverage, and plans from establishing certain types of requirements, based on health status, medical condition, and similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for nonpayment of premiums, termination of the plan, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws that limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law, or employers with not more than 50 employees if not defined in State law). Subtitle B: Individual Health Plan Rules - Prohibits an insurer from establishing, for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage, eligibility, continuation, or enrollment requirements based on health status, medical condition, and similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, misrepresentation of material fact, or termination of the plan. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law is not as effective in providing access. (Sec. 113) Mandates a study and report on ensuring the availability of health insurance to individuals, the need for Federal premium variation standards, and the effectiveness of this Act and State laws in stabilizing the small group health insurance market by providing for the broad pooling of risk. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Coalitions - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing coalitions (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws, State rating requirement laws (subject to exception), and other State laws in direct conflict. Applies to HPPCs the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on: (1) a plan to be imposed on the insurer; and (2) a self-insured plan to be imposed on the plan sponsor. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary, for self-insured health plans, to enforce the standards under this Act. Subjects failing plans to civil enforcement under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that the Congress should take steps to further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1995 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) current provisions of law requiring funding for abortion services in cases of life endangerment, and for victims of rape or incest, to women eligible for medical assistance through the Medicaid program are essential to their health; (2) Federal resources are necessary to ensure that women have safe access to reproductive health facilities and that health professionals can deliver services in a secure environment free from threats of force; (3) it is necessary and appropriate to use Federal resources to combat the nationwide campaign of violence and harassment against reproductive health centers; (4) the program of grants under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) should receive a level of funding that is adequate for all States to receive grants under such title; (5) the program of research centers under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program; and (6) the program of loan-repayment contracts under the PHSA should receive a level of funding that is adequate for a reasonable number of individuals to conduct research under the program. Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited provided specific requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan to provide maternity benefits for a minimum hospital stay for a mother and her newborn following the birth of the child. Provides an exception for home births. Prohibits a health plan from modifying the terms and conditions of coverage if the enrollee requests less than minimum coverage. Requires a health plan to provide written notice, prominently positioned in any literature or correspondence, to each enrollee regarding the coverage required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1995
Bear Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prohibit: (1) the import into, or export from, the United States of bear viscera; and (2) the sale, barter, offer of sale or barter, purchase, or possession with intent to sell or barter, in interstate or foreign commerce, of bear viscera. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the bear viscera trade and any U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to monitor it. Requires the United States Trade Representative and the Secretary to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Capital Gains Reform Subtitle A: Capital Gains Deduction for Taxpayers Other Than Corporations Subtitle B: Capital Gains Reduction for Corporations Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence Title II: Small Business Venture Capital Stock Capital Formation Act of 1995 - Title I: Capital Gains Reform - Subtitle A: Capital Gains Deduction for Taxpayers Other Than Corporations - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make, for noncorporate taxpayers, 50 percent of net capital gains deductible from gross income. Allows the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Subtitle B: Capital Gains Reduction for Corporations - Revises requirements regarding alternative capital gains taxes for corporations. Subtitle C: Capital Loss Deduction Allowed With Respect to Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence - Allows an individual to deduct losses arising from the sale or exchange of the taxpayer's principal residence. Title II: Small Business Venture Capital Stock - Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the exclusion of any gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held more than five years and applies the exclusion to corporate as well as noncorporate taxpayers. Removes provisions including, as an item of tax preference, a specified percentage of gains on the sale of certain small business stock. Increases the dollar gross asset limits domestic C corporations must not exceed in order to qualify for the exclusion as small businesses and institutes an inflation adjustment for those limits. Removes provisions relating to a per-issuer limitation on a taxpayer's eligible gain. Modifies: (1) working capital provisions and the definition of "qualified trade or business," both with regard to meeting the active business requirement; and (2) requirements regarding purchases by a corporation of its own stock. Recognizes, if the taxpayer so elects, eligible gain from the sale of qualified small business stock only to the extent that the amount realized exceeds specified factors.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the design selected by the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins shall be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities Title VI: Federal Bureau of Investigation Title VII: Technical Corrections Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) Drug Enforcement Administration; (9) National Reconnaissance Office; and (10) Central Imagery Office. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1996, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1996 when the DCI determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the Senate and House Intelligence Committees (intelligence committees) when such authority is exercised. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1996. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such Staff. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes a specified sum for FY 1996 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to authorize the President to delay the imposition of a sanction related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, or advanced conventional weapons when he determines that to proceed without such delay would seriously risk the compromise of a sensitive intelligence source or method or an ongoing criminal investigation. Directs the President to: (1) terminate such delay when no longer necessary; and (2) promptly report to the intelligence committees the rationale and circumstances that led to the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 304) Forfeits contributions made by the Federal Government to the Thrift Savings Plan under the Federal Employees Retirement System on behalf of a Federal employee, as well as any earnings from such contributions, if the annuity of such employee, or that of any survivor or beneficiary, is forfeited due to conviction for certain crimes against the United States. (Sec. 305) Makes the spouse of a Federal employee whose annuity or retired pay has been forfeited due to conviction for certain national security offenses eligible for spousal benefits if the Attorney General determines that such spouse fully cooperated with the Federal authorities in the investigation and prosecution which resulted in the forfeiture. (Sec. 306) Amends the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993 to include employees of specified Federal agencies who are currently prohibited from engaging in certain political action under a Federal provision which authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to permit such activities under specified circumstances. (Sec. 307) Requires the DCI to submit to the intelligence committees a report describing personnel procedures and recommended legislation for the mandatory retirement of CIA employees due to expiration of time in class comparable to provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as well as termination of specified intelligence employees based on relative performance. (Sec. 308) Allows funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act to be used to provide assistance to a foreign country for counterterrorism efforts if: (1) such assistance protects the property of the U.S. Government or the life and property of any of its citizens; and (2) the appropriate congressional committees are notified at least 15 days in advance. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Extends through FY 1999 the Central Intelligence Agency Voluntary Separation Pay Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the DCI to establish and maintain a program for FY 1996 through 2001 to utilize the services contributed by not more than 50 annuitants who serve as volunteers in the aid of a systematic or mandatory review for the declassification or downgrading of classified information of the CIA under applicable executive orders. Authorizes the CIA to use available funds for paying costs incidental to the utilization of such services. (Sec. 403) Requires the CIA Inspector General (currently, the DCI) to report to the Attorney General any complaints or allegations of possible violations of law involving a CIA program or operation. Exempts from information nondisclosure requirements a disclosure by the Inspector General to an official of the Department of Justice responsible for determining whether a prosecution should be undertaken. (Sec. 404) Requires the DCI, as well as the heads of all other Federal intelligence departments and agencies, to annually submit to the intelligence committees a report describing all liaison relationships for the preceding year. Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities - Provides to civilian and military personnel assigned to the DIA outside the United States benefits and allowances comparable to those provided to officers and employees of the Foreign Service. (Sec. 502) Extends through 2001 the authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize DOD to conduct commercial activities as security for intelligence collection activities abroad. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to establish an undergraduate training program with respect to civilian employees in the Military Departments' Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System that is similar to the program established by the Secretary for civilian employees of NSA under the National Security Act of 1959. Requires the availability of appropriated funds for such purpose. Title VI: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency (CRA) to furnish to the FBI for counterintelligence purposes the names and addresses of all financial institutions at which a consumer maintains or has maintained an account. Requires an FBI request for such information to be in writing and signed by the FBI Director or his designee and to certify compliance with requirements of this title. Requires the Director, before making such certification, to determine that: (1) the information is necessary for the conduct of an authorized foreign counterintelligence investigation; and (2) there are facts giving reason to believe that the consumer is a foreign power or agent of a foreign power. Outlines information required to be transmitted by a CRA upon a valid certification. Authorizes a court to issue an order ex parte directing the release by a CRA of such information upon proper FBI certification. Provides CRA information confidentiality requirements. Directs the FBI to pay a CRA a fee for reasonable costs associated with the gathering and disclosure of such information. Limits the authorized FBI dissemination of such information. Directs the Attorney General to inform specified congressional committees semiannually concerning all requests made under this title. Provides for damages and disciplinary actions for the unlawful disclosure of such information, with a good-faith exception in the case of a CRA which relies upon an FBI certification. Makes injunctive relief available for compliance with this title. Title VII: Technical Corrections - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require active duty commissioned officers (currently, commissioned officers) to continue to receive commissioned officer military pay and allowances, except for retired pay, after appointment as a Director or Deputy Director of Central Intelligence. (Sec. 702) Amends the CIA Information Act of 1984 to change the designation of the CIA Office of Security to the Office of Personnel Security.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Permits the Boeing Company and United Technologies Corporation Joint Venture, acting in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to sponsor a free public event featuring the first flying prototype of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter on the East Front Plaza of the Capitol Grounds on June 21, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1995 - Amends the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to prohibit possessing or, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, discharging (or attempting to discharge) a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce (thus providing the jurisdictional basis for regulation under the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution) in a school zone.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995
Prohibits the President's use of U.S. ground forces in Bosnia-Hercegovina unless: (1) the Congress authorizes such use in advance; or (2) the deployment of U.S. ground forces is vital to American national security, there is insufficient time to seek and receive congressional authorization, and the President reports to Congress no later than 48 hours after the initiation of the deployment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to apply provisions prohibiting fraud and false statements with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of any U.S. department or agency to any department, agency, or court of the United States or of the Congress or any duly constituted congressional committee or subcommittee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (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.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Implementation Act of 1995 - Declares it is U.S. policy that: (1) Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel; and (2) construction of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should begin no later than December 31, 1996, and officially open no later than May 31, 1999. States that not more than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for FY 1997 and 1999 to the Department of State for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" may be obligated in the respective fiscal year until the Secretary of State determines, and reports to the Congress, that (for FY 1997) such construction has begun and that (for FY 1999) the Embassy has opened. Limits the availability of specified amounts of such funds in certain fiscal years until they are expended for: (1) costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem; and (2) the costs for its construction. 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 · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it regrets that negotiations between the United States and Japan for reductions in trade imbalances in automotive sales and parts, through the elimination of restrictive Japanese market-closing practices, have collapsed; and (2) if negotiations fail to open the Japanese auto parts market, it supports the President's decision to impose sanctions on Japanese products.
![Official portrait of Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000709_200.jpg)