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Official portrait of Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]

Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]

United States · Official source

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5,049 records where Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 1860 (103rd)referred

1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994

1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Mandates that the surcharges collected from the sale of such coins be paid to the 1995 Special Olympics World Games Organizing Committee, Inc.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 60 (103rd)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994

Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.

Bill· SS. 1815 (103rd)referred

Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1994

Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program under which the Attorney General will contribute up to 50 percent of the funds needed to provide merchandise, certificates for merchandise or services, or other non-cash incentives to individuals who turn in firearms under State, local, or private firearm buy-back programs. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) agree to contribute an amount that is no greater than the State, local, and private funds committed to the particular program; and (2) set such other terms to ensure that each program is operated in an efficient and bona fide manner consistent with the interests of law enforcement. Prohibits the Attorney General from prescribing the terms under which such programs will accept firearms in exchange for any offered incentive. Directs the Attorney General to require that: (1) all firearms that are turned in be destroyed; and (2) a program agree to provide only non-cash incentives. Terminates the Attorney General's program on September 30, 1995. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Attorney General to report on the effect of the firearm buy-back programs in reducing the incidence of crime.

Bill· SS. 1770 (103rd)open

Health Equity and Access Reform Today Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS Title I: Basic Reforms to Expand Access to Health Insurance coverage and to Ensure Universal Coverage Subtitle A: Universal Access Subtitle B: Qualified General Access Plans in the Small Employer and Individual Marketplace Subtitle C: Qualified Health Plans in the Large Employer Marketplace Subtitle D: Benefits; Benefits Commission Subtitle E: State and Federal Responsibilities in Relation to Qualified Health Plans Subtitle F: Universal Coverage Subtitle G: Definitions Title II: Tax Enforcement Provisions Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Acceleration of Death Benefits Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions Subtitle D: Enforcement Provisions Title III: Quality Assurance and Simplification Subtitle A: Quality Assurance Subtitle B: Administrative Simplification Title IV: Judicial Reforms Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle C: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services Title VI: Treatment of Existing Federal Programs Subtitle A: Medicaid Program Subtitle B: Medicare Title VII: Patient's Right to Self-Determination Regarding Health Care Health Equity and Access Reform Today Act of 1993 - Title I: Basic Reforms to Expand Access to Health Insurance Coverage and to Ensure Universal Coverage - Subtitle A: Universal Access - Provides access to health insurance coverage under a qualified health plan for every citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States. (Sec. 1003) Establishes a program under which persons with low incomes (and who are not eligible for Medicaid) will receive vouchers to buy insurance through purchasing groups. (Sec. 1004) Requires each employer to make available, either directly, through a purchasing group, or otherwise, enrollment in a qualified health plan to each eligible employee. Subtitle B: Qualified General Access Plan in the Small Employer and Individual Marketplace - Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop specific standards to implement requirements concerning: (1) guaranteed eligibility, availability, and renewability of health insurance coverage; (2) nondiscrimination based on health status; (3) benefits offered; (4) insurer financial solvency; (5) enrollment process; (6) premium rating limitations; (7) risk adjustment; and (8) consumer protection. (Sec. 1119) Requires each qualified general access plan to: (1) establish and maintain a quality assurance program and a mediation procedures program; and (2) contain assurances of service to designated underserved areas. (Sec. 1141) Provides for the formation of purchasing groups by individuals and small employers. (Sec. 1161) Requires brokers or insurers to provide specified information to prospective enrollees. (Sec. 1162) Prohibits insurers from creating improper financial incentives and from selling duplicate coverage. Subtitle C: Qualified Health Plans in the Large Employer Marketplace - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to establish standards for large employer plans similar to requirements applicable to small employer plans. (Sec. 1203) Requires large employers to offer to employees at least a standard package and a catastrophic package. (Sec. 1205) Allows two or more large employers to form purchasing groups, but not through an individual or small employer purchasing group. (Sec. 1206) Requires a semi-annual review of each large employer plan to determine whether requirements are being met and what corrective actions need to be taken. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions to conform to this Act. Subtitle D: Benefits; Benefits Commission - Requires each qualified health plan to provide a standard package and a catastrophic package. Specifies items and services to be covered. (Sec. 1311) Establishes the Benefits Commission to develop and propose legislation that provides a clarification of covered items and services and includes specifications for cost sharing. (Sec. 1314) Provides for congressional consideration and implementation of such legislation. Subtitle E: State and Federal Responsibilities in Relation to Qualified Health Plans - Requires each State to establish a program to: (1) certify insured health plans; (2) disseminate information on health care coverage areas; (3) establish procedures for purchasing groups; (4) prepare information concerning plans and purchasing groups; (5) provide for a risk adjustment program, including an adjustment for differences in nonpayments among qualified insured health plans; (6) develop a binding arbitration process; and (7) specify an annual general enrollment period. (Sec. 1421) Allows the waiver of specified requirements. (Sec. 1431) Provides preemptions of certain State laws. (Sec. 1441) Specifies the Federal responsibilities with respect to multi-State employer plans and in case of State defaults. Subtitle F: Universal Coverage - Requires each citizen or lawful permanent resident to be covered under a qualified health plan or equivalent health care program by January 1, 2005. Provides an exception for any individual who is opposed for religious reasons to health plan coverage, including those who rely on healing using spiritual means through prayer alone. Subtitle G: Definitions - Defines terms used in this Act. Title II: Tax and Enforcement Provisions - Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an employee's gross income employer-provided coverage under a qualified health plan or employer-provided contributions to the employee's medical savings account. Includes excess employer contributions in such gross income. (Sec. 2002) Allows a business expense deduction for employer costs of qualified health plans or contributions to an employee's medical savings account. Increases the allowable deduction (from 25 percent to 100 percent) for the qualified health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Makes such deduction permanent. (Sec. 2003) Allows individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions. Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. (Sec. 2004) Eliminates the commonality of interest and geographic location requirements with respect to group purchasing by large tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 2005) Revises and repeals provisions concerning continuation coverage requirements of group health plans upon implementation of this Act. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Acceleration of Death Benefits - Requires payment under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill to be treated as a death benefit, making such payment eligible for tax exclusion from gross income. (Sec. 2102) Provides that any reference to life insurance shall be treated as referring to a qualified terminal illness rider. Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions - Treats qualified long-term care services as medical care for purposes of the medical expense deduction. (Sec. 2202) Provides for the treatment of long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance. (Sec. 2301) Sets forth consumer protection provisions to be satisfied by qualified long-term care insurance contracts, including the model regulation and Act promulgated by National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Requires NAIC to promulgate standards for the use of uniform language and definitions in such policies, with certain variations permitted. Subtitle D: Enforcement Provisions - Amends part A (General Provisions) of Social Security Act title XI to establish the Health Insurance Coverage Data Bank to: (1) further the purposes of coverage requirements under this Act; and (2) collect certain information reported by employers about individual employee group health plan coverage for purposes of identifying and collecting from responsible third parties any amounts owed to reimburse Medicare or Medicaid for health care items and services furnished to their beneficiaries. (Replaces the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank.) (Sec. 2402) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose excise taxes on failures by employers and insurers to comply with provisions of this Act. (Sec. 2411) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make conforming changes regarding enforcement of employer failures. Title III: Quality Assurance and Simplification - Subtitle A: Quality Assurance - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with relevant agencies, to develop and publish standards for quality assurance programs and ensure that appropriate performance measures are established. Requires the standards to contain provider risk programs to prevent or provide early warning of practices that may result in injury. (Sec. 3002) Provides for the standardization of information through a national health data system. (Sec. 3003) Requires the Secretary to establish measures to determine quality of care in specialized centers of care. (Sec. 3004) Authorizes appropriations to examine the feasibility of creating an Agency for Clinical Evaluations by consolidating the responsibilities of specified other offices. (Sec. 3005) Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on factors affecting universal coverage and make recommendations for increasing such coverage. (Sec. 3006) Requires the Secretary to monitor the reinsurance market for qualified health plans and periodically report to the Congress on the financial implications. (Sec. 3101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research a clearinghouse for information and research data concerning clinical trials. Requires the appointment of a fund investigator for the Agency. (Sec. 3201) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the National Fund for Medical Research and provide for the designation of tax overpayments to such fund. Subtitle B: Administrative Simplification - Establishes a health care data interchange system to make data available on a uniform basis to all participants in the health care system. (Sec. 3302) Requires the Health Care Data Panel to develop regulations for the operation of an integrated electronic health care data interchange system. (Sec. 3304) Sets forth requirements for such system including: data and transaction standards, uniform working files, code sets, unique identifiers, standards for confidentiality, rules for the transfer of information, and periodic reviews. (Sec. 3313) Establishes the Health Care Data Panel and a National Health Informatics Commission to advise the Panel on its activities. Title IV: Judicial Reforms - Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform - Requires a qualified health plan to provide effective mediation procedures for hearing and resolving health care malpractice claims. (Sec. 4013) Requires each State to adopt an alternative dispute resolution method for the resolution of health care malpractice claims and consumer grievances. (Sec. 4021) Establishes provisions with respect to liability under health care malpractice actions brought in State or Federal courts. (Sec. 4022) Limits attorney contingency fees and award amounts for noneconomic damages. (Sec. 4024) Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for health care malpractice claims, except in the case of minors. (Sec. 4025) Requires each State to establish a set of specialty clinical guidelines. Allows the use of such guidelines as a rebuttable presumption in a claim or action, if the service provided was the appropriate standard of medical care. (Sec. 4026) Prohibits the award of punitive damages against the producer of a drug or device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 4027) Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the operation of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Requires the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services a program to control fraud and abuse under the universal health care plan. Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. (Sec. 4102) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the application of the penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud to all health care programs. (Sec. 4103) Requires the Secretary to establish a program through which Medicare-eligible individuals may report instances of suspected fraud under Medicare. (Sec. 4111) Revises current SSA title XI sanctions for fraud and abuse involving Medicare and State health care programs, with changes providing for: (1) program exclusion for individuals convicted of a felony relating to fraud or the unlawful manufacture or dispensing of a controlled substance; (2) new offenses under civil monetary penalty provisions, such as the offering of inducements to program-eligible individuals; (3) establishment of a minimum period of exclusion for practitioners and persons who fail to meet statutory obligations; (4) intermediate sanctions on eligible health maintenance organizations for program violations; and (5) procedures for imposing such sanctions. (Sec. 4121) Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting by each government agency and health care plan of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, and practitioners. Requires program information to be made available to the public for a reasonable fee. (Sec. 4122) Amends SSA title XI to require the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a listing of all final adverse actions taken during the quarter. (Sec. 4131) Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to: (1) defraud any health care plan in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits, items, or services (benefits); and (2) obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care plan or person in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits. (Sec. 4132) Directs the court, upon a finding that a Federal health care offense is of a type that poses a serious threat to the health of any individual or has a significant detrimental impact on the health care system, to order a person convicted of that offense to forfeit property that was used in the commission of the offense or that constitutes or was derived from proceeds traceable to the offense that is of a value proportionate to the seriousness of the offense. (Sec. 4133) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin a violation constituting a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 4134) Makes commission of a Federal health care offense a predicate to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 4141) Makes provisions of the Civil False Claims Act applicable to the use of false records or statements made to a health care plan. Includes within the definition of "claim" for purposes of such Act any request or demand for money or property which is made or presented to a health care plan. Subtitle C: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws - Exempts from the antitrust laws specified "safe harbor" activities related to the provision of health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of attorney fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt. (Sec. 4202) Lists as safe harbors specified: (1) activities relating to health care services of combinations of health care providers with market share below a specified threshold; (2) activities of medical self-regulatory entities relating to standard setting or enforcement activities not conducted for purposes of financial gain; (3) participation of a health care provider in a written survey of the prices of services, reimbursement levels, or the compensation and benefits of employees and personnel; (4) activities relating to health care joint ventures for high technology and costly equipment and services; (5) activities relating to hospital mergers; (6) joint purchasing arrangements; and (7) negotiations. (Sec. 4203) Directs the Attorney General to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors and to review and report to the Congress on proposed safe harbors. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes. (Sec. 4204) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth provisions regarding applications for, revocation of, and review of determinations regarding such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information. (Sec. 4205) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures. (Sec. 4206) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) review the safe harbors and certificates of review periodically; and (2) promulgate such rules, regulations, and guidelines as necessary to carry out provisions of this subtitle. (Sec. 4208) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy. Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of allotments to States for grants for community-based primary health services to low-income or medically underserved populations regarding infant mortality and referrals for the health management of infants and pregnant women. Earmarks for the allotments specified percentages of appropriations under certain provisions added by this Act. (Sec. 5002) Mandates grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities for providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by a FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the relationship and interaction between community health centers and hospitals in providing services to such populations. (Sec. 5003) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a nonrefundable credit for certain primary health services providers for mandatory service periods in health professional shortage areas; (2) exclude from gross income qualified loan repayments to the National Health Service Corps; (3) increase the dollar limitation allowed for expensing medical equipment used in rural health shortage areas; and (4) allow a deduction for student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas. (Sec. 5004) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 5005) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5006) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project and grant program to encourage the development and operation of rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5007) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on improving access to benefits under qualified health plans for individuals residing in rural areas. Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education - Requires the Secretary to provide for the establishment of demonstration projects to evaluate mechanisms to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice through funds otherwise available for direct graduate medical education costs under the Medicare program. (Sec. 5102) Allows funding under Medicare for training in nonhospital-owned facilities. (Sec. 5103) Increases authorized funding for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Authorizes funding through FY 1998. (Sec. 5104) Increases and extends through FY 1997 authorized funding for training for certain health service providers. Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services - Authorizes appropriations for a grant program to improve coordination of maternal and infant care. (Sec. 5202) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations to carry out a comprehensive school health education and prevention program for elementary and secondary school students. (Sec. 5203) Allows frontier States (including Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana) to implement proposals and participate in demonstration projects which give special consideration to their diverse needs. Title VI: Treatment of Existing Federal Programs - Subtitle A: Medicaid Program - Gives States the option of allowing the enrollment of Medicaid-eligible individuals (including a limited number of AFDC- and SSI-eligible individuals) in the standard benefit package under a qualified health plan, instead of enrollment in the State's Medicaid program. (Sec. 6001) Sets forth requirements for States exercising such option. Places a cap on Federal payments for acute medical services furnished under a State's Medicaid programs. (Sec. 6011) Discontinues reimbursement standards for inpatient hospital services. Revises the Federal medical assistance percentage for certain States. Modifies Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid. (Sec. 6021) Provides for waivers from requirements on coordinated care programs. Gives States the option to guarantee the continued Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled with risk contracting and other managed care entities. (Sec. 6031) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicaid hospital disproportionate share adjustment payments. Subtitle B: Medicare - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in qualified health plans; and (2) provide for a monthly payment to a qualified health plan on behalf of enrolled Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 6111) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OMBRA '90) to revise provisions for a modified payment methodology for risk contractors. (Sec. 6112) Requires the Secretary to provide for adjustment in Medicare capitation payments to take into account secondary payer status. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional payments to eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts. (Sec. 6121) Amends OMBRA '90 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States. Amends Medicare to revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with such a policy. (Sec. 6131) Makes specified changes with regard to monthly Medicare part B premium determinations for part B enrollees. (Sec. 6132) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for individuals with high income. (Sec. 6133) Makes permanent certain payment reductions relating to outpatient hospital services furnished under Medicare. (Sec. 6135) Imposes copayments for laboratory services and certain home health visits provided under Medicare. (Sec. 6137) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicare disproportionate share hospital payments. (Sec. 6138) Directs the Secretary to discontinue hospital reimbursements for costs relating to the recovery of bad debts. (Sec. 6139) Makes specified changes with regard to Medicare as a secondary payer. Title VII: Patient's Right to Self-Determination Regarding Health Care - Provides for the treatment of advance directives and other measures, including a study by the Secretary on issues relating to health care decisions by the patient, in addressing the patient's right to self-determination regarding health care.

Bill· SS. 1715 (103rd)referred

Equitable Escheatment Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993

Equitable Escheatment Act of 1993 - Amends specified Federal law to prescribe guidelines under which unclaimed distributions of security interests shall be subject to the custodial taking (escheatment) by the State which contains the principal executive offices of either the issuer or the holder of those securities.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 170 (103rd)referred

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include primary care services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.

Bill· SS. 1657 (103rd)open

A bill to reform habeas corpus procedures.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1993

Bill to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to reform habeas corpus - Amends the Federal judicial code to impose a 180-day limitations period for the filing of Federal habeas corpus petitions, applicable in both capital and non-capital cases in which the State has offered the petitioner counsel for State post-conviction review, which begins from the time the petitioner's conviction becomes final on State direct review. Tolls such period while the petitioner pursues State post-conviction remedies, unless the petitioner fails to initiate post-conviction review within specified time frames. Provides for a one-time 60-day extension of the period upon a showing of good cause. (Sec. 303) Provides an automatic stay of execution in capital cases through the consideration of the first Federal habeas corpus petition. Permits a stay of execution to be granted thereafter only if the petition on its face satisfies the requirements for successive petitions. (Sec. 304) Requires that in Federal habeas corpus proceedings: (1) all claims be governed by the law as it was when the petitioner's conviction became final; and (2) a court consider intervening decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court which establish fundamental constitutional rights. Codifies case law providing for an independent Federal habeas corpus review of claims under Federal law, except for fourth amendment exclusionary rule claims. Specifies that the State bears the burden of proving harmless error in Federal habeas corpus review of State criminal convictions. (Sec. 305) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on successive petitions (allows a prisoner to bring a second or subsequent petition only upon a showing of cause for not having brought the claim before and prejudice if the claim is not heard, subject to specified restrictions); and (2) new evidence (allows prisoners in capital cases to present claims of actual innocence based on newly discovered evidence that the petitioner did not previously know about). (Sec. 308) Sets forth: (1) time requirements for consideration by district courts, and by courts of appeals of district court determinations, of habeas corpus petitions in capital cases; (2) provisions regarding the exhaustion of collateral remedies requirement in capital cases; and (3) standards and procedures for the provision of counsel for indigent defendants at all stages of State capital litigation. Requires each State in which a sentence of death may be imposed to establish a State counsel certification authority, comprised of members of the State's criminal defense bar, to create a roster of qualified lawyers eligible for court appointment and monitor the performance of attorneys so certified. (Sec. 312) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States to help fund the provision of defense counsel. Authorizes: (1) Federal grants of up to 75 percent of the additional costs imposed by the new counsel requirements during the first three years following enactment of this Act and 50 percent thereafter; and (2) grants for the prosecution of Federal habeas corpus cases in an amount equal to that allocated to capital resource centers. (Sec. 313) Abrogates State sovereign immunity from suit in Federal court for a violation of specified provisions regarding the establishment of a State certification authority and attorney compensation.

Bill· SS. 1602 (103rd)referred

Act to Restore Fair Competition in the Ocean Shipping Industry

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1993

Act to Restore Fair Competition in the Ocean Shipping Industry - Amends the Sherman Act to repeal the exemption from the antitrust laws provided under the Shipping Act of 1984, insofar as it applies to ocean common carriers.

Bill· SS. 1583 (103rd)referred

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1993

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act of 1993 - Imposes a trade embargo between the United States and Iran. Exempts transactions involving the furnishing, for humanitarian purposes, of food, clothing, medicine, or medical supplies. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director of specified international financial institutions to oppose any extension of credit or financial assistance to Iran. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations should oppose the provision of U.N. assistance to such country. Sets forth requirements for the waiver of such embargo or denial of assistance. Requires the President to submit a specified report to appropriate congressional committees.

Bill· SS. 1580 (103rd)open

A bill to provide that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 does not preempt certain State laws, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1993

Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) does not preempt any State law which provides for: (1) the payment of prevailing wages; (2) standards or other requirements relating to apprenticeship or other training programs; or (3) liens, bonding, or other security to collect delinquent contributions to a multiemployer plan.

Bill· SS. 1524 (103rd)referred

A bill to repeal the retroactive application of the income, estate, and gift tax rates made by the Budget Reconciliation Act and reduce administrative expenses for agencies by $3,000,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1994, 1995, and 1996.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the retroactive application of income, estate, and gift tax rate increases. Requires a reduction in administrative expenses of Federal departments and agencies for FY 1994 through 1996.

Bill· SS. 1493 (103rd)referred

South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1993

South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to U.S. policy towards South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, providing for a total repeal of such Act when the President certifies to the Congress that an interim government that was elected on a nonracial basis through free and fair elections has taken office in South Africa. Urges all State or local governments and private entities in the United States to rescind any restrictions on economic interactions with South Africa. Authorizes the President to provide development and economic support fund assistance to support the transition to nonracial democracy in South Africa. Prohibits such assistance to the Government of South Africa unless the President certifies to the Congress that an interim government elected on a nonracial basis through free and fair elections has taken office. Exempts from such prohibition assistance to the Transitional Executive Council, South African higher education institutions, and any other entity that would promote the transition to nonracial democracy. Declares that the President should: (1) negotiate a tax treaty with South Africa; (2) initiate negotiations with the South African Government to provide for Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs in such country; (3) conclude cooperative agreements with South Africa on various issues; and (4) encourage other donors to expand their activities in support of the transition to nonracial democracy. States that: (1) the Director of the Trade and Development Agency should provide additional funds for projects in South Africa; (2) the Export-Import Bank should expand its activities in connection with exports to South Africa; and (3) the Director of the U.S. Information Agency should use his authorities to promote the transition to nonracial democracy. Requires the heads of Federal Government agencies, in procuring goods or services, to make affirmative efforts to assist business enterprises having more than 50 percent ownership by nonwhite South Africans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions to urge financial assistance to South Africa to support the transition to democracy.

Bill· SS. 1448 (103rd)referred

Police Corps and Law Enforcement Scholarship and Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Police Corps Program Title II: Enforcement Scholarship and Employment Program Police Corps and Law Enforcement Scholarship and Employment Act - Requires a State that desires to participate in the Police Corps program or the Law Enforcement Scholarship program (established pursuant to this Act) to designate a lead agency and submit a State plan containing assurances with respect to: (1) lead agency cooperation with other State and local agencies; (2) the State advertising of the assistance available; (3) State screening and selection of law enforcement personnel for participation in the program; and (4) compliance with other specified requirements. Title I: Police Corps Program - Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) an Office of the Police Corps to be headed by a Director. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Director to award scholarships (including direct payments to institutions and reimbursement of educational costs) to participants who agree to work for four years in a State or local police force after completion of a baccalaureate program and police corps training, subject to specified conditions. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) scholarship assistance for dependent children of law enforcement officers; (2) the selection of participants; (3) minority recruitment; and (4) leaves of absence. (Sec. 105) Requires the Director to establish up to three training centers to provide basic law enforcement training to State Police Corps program participants. Requires participants to attend two eight-week training sessions at such training centers and to meet certain performance standards in order to remain in the Police Corps program. Requires the Director to pay participants a weekly stipend during training. (Sec. 107) Requires a State, in order to participate in the Police Corps program, to submit a plan for implementing such program to the Director for approval. Requires such plan to: (1) include assurances that participants will receive additional State or local training after completing Federal training which shall count toward the four-year service obligation; and (2) provide that program participants shall be assigned to community and preventive patrol in geographic areas with the greatest need for additional law enforcement personnel. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the swearing in of participants as members of the police force which they are assigned after completing Federal training and meeting the requirements of that police force; (2) layoffs; and (3) assistance to States and localities employing Police Corps officers. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Law Enforcement Scholarship and Employment Program - Directs each State to pay from funds under this Act the Federal share (not more than 60 percent) of the costs of: (1) awarding scholarships to in-service law enforcement personnel for further education; and (2) providing full-time employment in the summer or part-time (up to 20 hours per week) employment for a period not to exceed one year. (Sec. 206) Sets forth application requirements. Grants priority in awarding scholarships to persons who are members of underrepresented groups, are pursuing an undergraduate degree, and are not receiving financial assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. (Sec. 208) Requires each scholarship recipient to work in a law enforcement position in the State for a period of one month for each credit hour for which funds are received under the scholarship (with a six-month minimum and two-year maximum). (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations.

Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 129 (103rd)enacted

A joint resolution to authorize the placement of a memorial cairn in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, to honor the 270 victims of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1993

Requests the President to place in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, a memorial cairn honoring the victims of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21, 1988, over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Bill· SS. 1437 (103rd)referred

A bill to amend section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, to increase the rate of pension for persons on the Medal of Honor roll.

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

Increases from $200 to $500 the monthly special pension payable to persons named to the Medal of Honor Roll. Includes losses sustained on the resale of property in the net-value calculation for purposes of provisions regarding defaults on veterans' loans. Provides for a permanent extension of the authority of such provisions.

Bill· SS. 1359 (103rd)referred

National Food Stamp Anti-Counterfeiting Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1993

National Food Stamp Anti-Counterfeiting Act of 1993 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the domestic production of food stamp coupons.

Bill· SS. 1329 (103rd)open

A bill to provide for an investigation of the whereabouts of the United States citizens and others who have been missing from Cyprus since 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1993

Directs the President to: (1) investigate and report to the Congress on the whereabouts of U.S. citizens and others who have been missing from Cyprus since 1974; and (2) do everything possible to return such persons (including remains of those no longer alive) to their families.

Bill· SS. 1288 (103rd)open

National Aquaculture Development, Research, and Promotion Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1993

National Aquaculture Development, Commercialization, and Promotion Act of 1993 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to establish the Department of Agriculture as the lead Federal agency for the development of national policy and programs for private aquaculture. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish within the National Agricultural Library a National Aquaculture Information Center; (2) assign new aquaculture programs to the appropriate Federal agencies; and (3) use specified funds for aquaculture development, research and marketing, and export promotion programs. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to pay the Federal share of grants and contracts for aquaculture commercialization research. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a national policy for private aquaculture; (2) implement a Department Aquaculture Plan; (3) revise the National Aquaculture Development Plan; and (4) treat private aquaculture as a form of agriculture. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out grant and cooperative agreement programs to demonstrate aquaculture's application to environmental enhancement, including a pollution assessment program. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out grant and cooperative agreement programs for Native American fishpond revitalization. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to provide disaster assistance to eligible aquaculture farmers for weather-related losses. (Secs. 12 and 13) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish aquaculture education programs in secondary and postsecondary vocational schools; and (2) support international aquaculture scientific exchanges. (Sec. 14) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make aquaculture farmers eligible for farm credit assistance. (Sec. 16) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to direct the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service to establish an international aquaculture information and data collection program. (Sec. 17) Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to make aquaculture farms eligible for the emergency conservation program.

Bill· SS. 1276 (103rd)open

Landmine Moratorium Extension Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1993

Landmine Moratorium Extension Act of 1993 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to seek international agreements prohibiting the sale, transfer, or export, and terminating the manufacture, possession, and use, of antipersonnel landmines. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should submit the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to the Senate for ratification; and (2) the Administration should negotiate a modification of the Landmine Protocol under United Nations auspices or another international agreement to limit the sale, transfer, manufacture, and use of landmines. Prohibits for three years after this Act's enactment: (1) sales, financing, transfers, and the issuance of licenses under the Arms Export Control Act with respect to antipersonnel landmines; and (2) assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to the provision of such landmines.

Bill· SS. 1256 (103rd)referred

Disability Rights in American Foreign Policy Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1993

Disability Rights in American Foreign Policy Act of 1993 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to promote recognition of the human rights of people with disabilities and the elimination of discrimination against such people. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include within the Secretary of State's annual human rights report an examination of discrimination toward people with disabilities.

Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 111 (103rd)enacted

A joint resolution to designate August 1, 1993, as "Helsinki Human Rights Day".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1993

Designates August 1, 1993, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes the President to reassert America's commitment to the Helsinki Accords and requests him to: (1) convey to all signatories of the Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a vital element of further progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (2) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of such process to address the major problems that remain.

Bill· SS. 1208 (103rd)referred

Independence Hall Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1993

Independence Hall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint a specified number of one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the national shrines of liberty, showing the Liberty Bell on one side and Independence Hall on the other. Mandates that 50 percent of the surcharges collected be distributed to: (1) the Treasury; and (2) the Independence Hall Preservation Fund to assist its efforts to meet certain funding needs of the Independence National Historic Park.

Bill· SS. 1159 (103rd)open

Women in the Armed Forces Commemorative Coins Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1993

Women in the Armed Forces Commemorative Coins Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue coins to commemorate the women who have served in the armed forces of the United States; and (2) transfer the surcharges received from coin sales to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation to be used to create, endow, and dedicate the Women in the Armed Forces Memorial.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 31 (103rd)open

A concurrent resolution concerning the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1993

Condemns the repressive anti-Baha'i policy adopted by the Government of Iran. 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) urge such Government to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting such rights; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of such Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'is and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; and (3) 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.