Defence

To provide for congressional approval of a nuclear aircraft carrier waste disposal plan before the construction of CVN-76, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of the Navy to submit to the Congress a 20-year plan for the safe life-cycle maintenance and decommissioning of the Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Requires the plan to include sites and methods for the safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel and the ships' hulls, structures, machinery, and equipment. Prohibits the obligation of any funds for construction of the next nuclear- powered aircraft carrier (CVN-76) until such a plan has been approved by law. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress detailing the likelihood and environmental impact of a reactor accident aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress detailing the costs and benefits of the construction of another nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Child Support Enforcement Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Expanding Collector Access to Information Title II: National Recognition of Child Support Orders Title III: Cost Sharing and Collections Disbursements Title IV: Accounting and Reviews Title V: Effective Date Child Support Enforcement Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Expanding Collector Access to Information - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) to be used along with appropriate disclosure safeguards for parentage and child support establishment and visitation enforcement. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) (Secretary) with access to quarterly estimated Federal income tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Requires that: (1) State agencies charged with child support enforcement maintain child support order registries and be allowed access to medical, financial, employment, and other specified data base information on absent parents; and (2) registry information from each State be sent to the Office of Child Support Enforcement (designated under title VI of this Act) within HHS for a national registry of all State child support orders. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on additional Federal databases which may assist the FPLS in locating individuals owing child support obligations. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to expand FPLS to provide State agencies and courts with a national locate and case tracking network. (Sec. 104) Requires that private attorneys and pro se obligees be given access, in accordance with appropriate safeguards, to State locate resources and through State enforcement techniques with respect to child support, visitation, and parentage orders. (Sec. 105) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers to withhold from employee wages amounts owed for child support. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the W-4 form completed by new employees in order to enable employers to obtain employee child support and other information for the appropriate State employment security agency. (Sec. 106) Requires the heads of national and regional individual tracking systems to allow child support enforcement agencies access to their information for paternity or child support purposes. (Sec. 107) Requires that States: (1) broadcast warrants issued in child support proceedings over their crime information systems; (2) remit, in a criminal case, to any individual owed child support any security posted by or on behalf of the individual owing the support and then forfeited, to the extent of any arrearage in support owed; and (3) have procedures to obtain access to financial records for purposes of child support establishment and enforcement. Title II: National Recognition of Child Support Orders - Amends the Judicial Code to prescribe guidelines consistent with the provisions of this Act with respect to full faith and credit for child support and parentage orders among the States. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IV part D to provide for service of process on Federal employees and members of the armed forces in connection with parentage and child support proceedings. (Sec. 203) Requires that: (1) parents' identification and locate information be filed with the appropriate adjudicating entity in parentage and child support actions; (2) there be appropriate safeguards on such information where a court has ordered that the custodial parent or child receive physical protection from the noncustodial parent; (3) appropriate administrative agencies make reasonable attempts to timely notify any individual owed child support of any proceeding to establish, modify, or enforce the support obligation; (4) States allow parties seeking both parentage and child support establishment in a judicial proceeding to bring a joint action in a single cause of action; and (5) States provide for uniform procedures regarding jurisdiction and venue in parentage and child support cases. (Sec. 206) Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to allow appropriate State agencies to obtain from credit reporting agencies information for establishing and modifying child support awards. (Sec. 207) Amends SSA title IV part D to: (1) specify certain principles to be used in accordance with the application of State child support guidelines; and (2) require each State to adopt without material change the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act adopted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Title III: Cost Sharing and Collections Disbursements - Amends SSA title IV part D to modify the guidelines for the determination of cost sharing and disbursement of collected child support with respect to children receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children and children not eligible to receive such aid. (Sec. 302) Grants States the option of providing child support enforcement services to families whose income exceeds 200 percent of the poverty line. Title IV: Accounting and Reviews - Directs the Secretary to develop accounting guidelines for specified costs. Instructs the Comptroller General to review certain mandatory activities and reporting requirements imposed upon the States, and to submit recommendations thereon to the Secretary. Title V: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Public Health and Safety Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Public Health and Safety Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale, purchase, transfer, receipt, ownership, possession, transport, or use (transaction) of a handgun or handgun ammunition. Makes exceptions with respect to the military, law enforcement agencies, registered security guard services, and licensed handgun clubs and members of such clubs. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to approve such a transaction by licensed manufacturers, importers, and dealers as necessary to meet the lawful requirements of such persons and entities covered by the exceptions. Specifies handgun club licensing requirements. Requires: (1) the Secretary to revoke the license of any such club that does not continue to meet such requirements; and (2) such club to pay to the Secretary an annual license fee of $25. Specifies security guard service registration requirements. Requires: (1) the Secretary to revoke such registration if the service does not continue to meet such requirements; and (2) such service to pay to the Secretary an annual registration fee of $50. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) recordkeeping (by licensed manufacturers, importers, dealers, handgun clubs or their members and by registered security guard services that transfer handguns or handgun ammunition); (2) reports of loss or theft; and (3) transfers to handgun clubs. Authorizes the voluntary delivery to any designated Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency of a handgun owned or possessed by a person. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange with each such agency to receive handguns for the transfer, destruction, or other disposition of such handguns; and (2) pay to such person $25 or the fair market value of the gun. Authorizes appropriations. Sets penalties for violations of this Act. Specifies that a person who voluntarily delivers a handgun under this Act after 180 days after enactment shall not be subject to criminal prosecution for possession of the handgun, but shall pay to the Secretary a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500. Establishes penalties for: (1) failure to report the loss or theft of a handgun; (2) negligent and intentional deliveries to an unauthorized place; (3) false statements or representations; and (4) failure to keep, or permit inspection of, records. Provides for the forfeiture of any handgun or handgun ammunition involved or used in a violation of this Act or of any other criminal law of the United States.

Common Sense Product Liability Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Common Sense Product Liability Reform Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action in State or Federal court against a manufacturer or seller, except for: (1) actions for commercial loss; (2) issues not covered by this Act; (3) actions under title XXI (Vaccines) of the Public Health Service Act; and (4) drugs and devices subject to premarket approval or generally recognized as safe and effective. (Sec. 3) Establishes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty (independent of any express manufacturer's warranty), or engaged in intentional wrongdoing as determined under State law. Declares that the seller shall not be considered to have failed to exercise reasonable care based on a failure to inspect the product where there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect. Makes the seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under the laws of the State of the action; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. (Sec. 4) Makes it a complete defense for the manufacturer if the product complied with: (1) a product standard established by a Federal agency or a labeling requirement of a Federal agency, unless the manufacturer withheld information that directly relates to product harm; or (2) a voluntary product standard established by a Federal agency, absent gross negligence or maliciousness of the manufacturer. (Sec. 5) Allows: (1) manufacturer or seller liability only if the manufacturer or seller is at fault; (2) defenses of contributory negligence, comparative negligence, assumption of risk, and product alteration or misuse; and (3) several (but not joint) liability in direct proportion to the manufacturer's or seller's percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount of non-economic damages. Allows installment payments in certain circumstances. Permits limited punitive damages if allowed under State law and if the harm resulted from conduct manifesting actual malice. Requires a specified percentage of punitive damages to be deposited into the Federal or State treasury. (Sec. 7) Makes it a complete defense if the claimant, as a result of the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, was more than 50 percent responsible for causing the event that resulted in the harm. (Sec. 8) Establishes time limits for actions, including separate limits for products that are capital goods. (Sec. 9) Allows: (1) an employer or workers' compensation insurer a right of subrogation against the manufacturer or seller; (2) the employer or insurer to participate in the action and prohibits settlements or employee acceptance of payments without employer consent; (3) a manufacturer or seller to allege that the harm was caused by the fault of the employer or a coemployee; and (4) the employer or insurer to recover attorney's fees and court costs from the manufacturer or seller. Prohibits, in an action for damages for harm covered by workers' compensation, any third party tortfeasor from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the employee. Prohibits the verdict of any court in a product liability action from being used as evidence in a workers' compensation proceeding.

American Shipyard Worker Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

American Shipyard Worker Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from contracting with a foreign nation or firm for the overhaul, repair, or maintenance of vessels unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to specified congressional committees that: (1) the work was unplanned and of an emergency nature; or (2) there is a compelling national security or economic reason for the work to be done by the foreign nation or firm.

To encourage liberty inside the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. national conducting a commercial cooperation project in Vietnam should adhere to specified principles regarding: (1) nondiscrimination in employment; (2) worker and environmental safety; (3) partnerships with businesses not controlled by the Vietnamese Government; (4) prohibitions on a military presence and political indoctrination programs on project premises; (5) freedoms of association and expression; and (6) the promotion of a full accounting of all Americans missing in action from the Vietnam conflict. Directs the Secretary of State to encourage member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to promote similar principles. Requires U.S. nationals conducting commercial cooperation projects in Vietnam to: (1) register with the Secretary and indicate whether they agree to implement such principles; and (2) report annually to the Department of State on adherence to such principles. Permits Federal agencies to intercede with a foreign government or national on behalf of such a U.S. national regarding export marketing activities in Vietnam only if such individual adheres to the principles.

A bill to provide for the establishment of policy on the deployment by the United States of an antiballistic missile system and of advanced theater missile defense systems.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

States that it shall be the policy of the United States to: (1) deploy at the earliest practical date an antiballistic missile system (ABM system) capable of providing a highly effective defense against ballistic missile attacks; and (2) provide highly effective theater missile defenses (TMDs) to forward-deployed and expeditionary elements of U.S. armed forces, as well as friendly and allied forces. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment at the earliest practicable date: (1) a cost- and operationally-effective ABM system; and (2) advanced TMDs. Requires a plan with respect to the deployment of such systems to be submitted to specified congressional committees within 60 days after the enactment of this Act.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Title II: Rescinding Certain Budget Authority Title III: Additional Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Further Enhance Readiness Title IV: General Provisions Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995 - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for active military personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as reserve personnel in the Army. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for operation and maintenance (O&M) in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as for defense-wide O&M and O&M for the Navy Reserve. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for other procurement in the Army and Air Force, as well as for the Defense Health Program. Title II: Rescinding Certain Budget Authority - Rescinds specified funds currently available for: (1) O&M in the Air Force; (2) O&M defense-wide; (3) environmental restoration, defense; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) aircraft and missile procurement, Air Force; (6) procurement of National Guard and reserve equipment; (7) Defense Production Act purchases; (8) research, development, test, and evaluation in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense-wide; and (9) the National Security Education Trust Fund. Title III: Additional Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Further Enhance Readiness - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to DOD for: (1) active and reserve military personnel, as well as Army and Air Force National Guard personnel; and (2) O&M for such personnel. Title IV: General Provisions - Prohibits any part of any appropriation contained in this Act from remaining available beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly provided herein. Requires all funds received by the United States as reimbursement for expenses for which funds are provided in this Act to be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

To provide for retroactive award of the Navy Combat Action Ribbon based upon participation in ground or surface combat as a member of the Navy or Marine Corps during the period between July 4, 1943, and March 1, 1961.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide for the retroactive award of the Navy Combat Ribbon with respect to participation in ground or surface combat during any period after July 4, 1943, and before March 1, 1961.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide military reservists who are retained in active status after qualifying for reserve retired pay credit toward computation of retired pay for service performed after so qualifying.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

Provides that for purposes of computing retired pay for non-regular military service, a person's days of active service shall include the person's days served in active status after qualifying for retired pay, which shall be credited when the person leaves active status. Makes such provision effective with respect to any person qualifying for retired pay after January 1, 1988.

Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strengthening International Sanctions Against the Castro Government Title II: Support for a Free and Independent Cuba Title III: Protection of American Property Rights Abroad Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995 - Title I: Strengthening International Sanctions Against the Castro Government - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to seek within the Security Council a mandatory international embargo against the Cuban Government; and (2) efforts by any independent state of the former Soviet Union to make the nuclear facility at Cienfuegos operational will have a detrimental impact on U.S. assistance to such state. (Sec. 102) Reaffirms a provision of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 which states that the President should encourage foreign countries to restrict trade and credit relations with Cuba. Urges the President to take steps to apply sanctions described by such Act against countries assisting Cuba. Directs the President to instruct the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to enforce the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. (Sec. 103) Makes it unlawful for any U.S. person to extend knowingly any loan or other financing to a foreign person that traffics in property confiscated by the Cuban Government the claim to which is owned by a U.S. person. Terminates such prohibition upon termination of the economic embargo of Cuba. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the international financial institutions to vote against the admission of Cuba as a member of such institutions until Cuba holds free and fair democratic elections. Requires the President to support Cuba's membership in such institutions during the period that a transition government is in power, subject to the membership taking effect after a democratically-elected government is in power. Reduces U.S. payments to institutions that approve assistance to Cuba over the opposition of the United States. (Sec. 105) States that the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States to vote against the readmission of Cuba to membership until a democratically-elected government is in power. (Sec. 106) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on progress towards the withdrawal of personnel of any independent state of the former Soviet Union from the Cienfuegos nuclear facility. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make ineligible for assistance any independent state that is providing assistance for, or engaging in nonmarket based trade with, Cuba. Withholds from assistance allocated for an independent state an amount equal to the assistance and credits provided by such state in support of military and intelligence facilities in Cuba. (Sec. 107) Requires the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to implement a conversion of television broadcasting to Cuba under the Television Marti Service to ultra high frequency broadcasting. (Sec. 108) Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on other countries' commerce with, and assistance to, Cuba. (Sec. 109) Prohibits the importation into U.S. customs territory of any sugars, syrups, and molasses that are the product of a country that has imported Cuban sugar, syrups, or molasses. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if such country certifies to the President that it will not import Cuban sugar, syrups, or molasses until free and fair elections are held in Cuba. Authorizes the President to reallocate to other countries the quota of sugars, syrups, and molasses allocated to such a country during the period in which a prohibition is in effect. Title II: Support for a Free and Independent Cuba - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for the Cuban people after a transition or a democratically-elected government is in power. Limits assistance to a transition government to humanitarian assistance. Expands assistance to a democratically-elected government to include assistance to promote free market development, private enterprise, and a mutually beneficial trade relationship between the United States and Cuba. (Sec. 202) Directs the President to determine whether to designate Cuba as a beneficiary country pursuant to the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Permits such designation to be made only after a democratically-elected government is in power. Amends such Act to make Cuba eligible for such designation. Declares that the President, upon transmittal to the Congress of a determination that a democratically-elected government is in power in Cuba, should take steps to extend nondiscriminatory trade treatment (most-favored-nation status) to Cuban products and to encourage investment in Cuba. (Sec. 204) Terminates the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba upon the President's transmittal to the Congress of a determination that a democratically-elected government is in power in Cuba. (Sec. 205) Sets forth conditions under which a government in Cuba will be considered transitional or democratic. Title III: Protection of American Property Rights Abroad - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from the United States aliens involved in the confiscation of property owned by U.S. persons. (Sec. 302) Sets forth provisions regarding liability for damages owed to U.S. persons by persons or governments trafficking in confiscated property. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction over such actions. (Sec. 303) Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to authorize a U.S. national to bring a claim resulting from expropriation actions of the Cuban Government to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission for certification of the amount and validity whether or not the U.S. national qualified as a U.S. national at the time of the action. Requires claimants to be U.S. nationals at the time of confiscation in the case of property confiscated after the date of the enactment of the LIBERTAD Act of 1995. Repeals a time limitation on completion of the Commission's settlement of claims against China and Cuba.

Department of Veterans Affairs Mammography Quality Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

Department of Veterans Affairs Mammography Quality Standards Act - Prohibits a mammogram from being performed at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility unless the facility is accredited for such purpose by a private nonprofit organization designated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires any such organization to meet the standards for accrediting bodies established under the Public Health Service Act (the Act). Directs the Secretary to prescribe quality assurance and control standards relating to performance and interpretation of mammograms and the use of Department mammogram equipment and facilities consistent with requirements of the Act. Requires the Secretary to provide for an annual inspection of Department mammogram equipment and facilities. Requires any Department mammograms contracted to a non-Department facility or provider to conform to the standards of the Act. Provides for: (1) a deadline for the prescribing of standards; (2) transition provisions covering mammograms performed prior to the enactment of this Act; and (3) an implementation report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for waiver of the medicare part B late enrollment penalty for certain military retirees and dependents who live near closed military bases and to establish a special enrollment period for such persons under medicare part B.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) late enrollment penalty for certain current and former uniformed service members aged 65 or older and dependents residing within 100 miles of a treatment facility on a military base slated for closure who enroll under part B during a special enrollment period established by this Act.

National Security Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Findings, Policy, and Purposes Title II: Missile Defense Title III: Advisory Commission on Revitalization of National Security Title IV: Command of United States Forces Title V: United Nations Title VI: Revitalization and Expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Title VII: Budget Firewalls National Security Revitalization Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Purposes - Sets forth as purposes of this Act to: (1) establish an advisory commission to assess U.S. military needs and address the problems posed by a continuing decline in defense spending; (2) commit to acceleration of the development and deployment of theater and national ballistic missile defense capabilities; (3) restrict deployment of U.S. forces to missions that are in the national interest; (4) maintain U.S. command of U.S. forces participating in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations and to reduce the cost to the United States of such operations; and (5) reemphasize the U.S. commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Title II: Missile Defense - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to: (1) develop for deployment at the earliest possible date a cost- and operationally-effective antiballistic missile system to protect the United States against ballistic missile attacks; and (2) develop for expeditious deployment advanced theater missile defense systems. Requires a plan with respect to the deployment of such systems to be submitted to specified congressional committees within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Title III: Advisory Commission on Revitalization of National Security - Establishes the Revitalization of National Security Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the long-term U.S. national security needs. Requires an interim and final report from the Commission to designated congressional committees on its assessments and recommendations. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army, during the period between the enactment of this Act and the submission of the interim report, from implementing the plan to reorganize the Army Reserve's continental U.S. headquarters that was announced by the Secretary on January 4, 1995. Provides funding. Title IV: Command of United States Forces - Prohibits funds made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being obligated or expended for activities of any element of the armed forces that is placed under UN command or control after the date of enactment of this Act. Waives such prohibition if the President, at least 15 days in advance, certifies to the Congress that such command or control is necessary to protect U.S. national security interests. Allows the President, in emergency situations, to allow such UN command or control without the advance notification, but requires congressional notification within 48 hours after such action. Outlines certification requirements. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a memorandum of legal points and authorities explaining why the foreign placement of U.S. military personnel does not violate the Constitution. Excepts ongoing operations in Macedonia and Croatia from the above requirements. (Sec. 402) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 (the Act) to require approval by the Congress, by law, of any presidential action taken which makes available to the UN Security Council U.S. armed forces for international peace and security activities. Provides exceptions: (l) in the case of presidential certifications, as above; and (2) when such action is authorized by law. Outlines certification requirements and provides an exception for ongoing operations in Macedonia and Croatia. Requires the President to submit to the Congress the same legal memorandum as required above. Title V: United Nations - Amends the Act to specifically limit the U.S. assessment for UN expenditures in support of international peacekeeping operations. Requires crediting for the United States by the UN for the costs of U.S. support for, or participation in, such activities. Directs the President to submit annually to designated congressional committees a report on the total amount of any fiscal year's incremental costs incurred by DOD to support such activities. (Sec. 502) Codifies within the Act specified provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, concerning the required notification to the Congress of proposed UN peacekeeping activities (excluding intelligence activities reportable under title V of the National Security Act of 1947). Requires within such notification a description of any uncovered U.S. assistance to or support for such activities. Defines a new UN peacekeeping operation as one to be expanded by more than 25 percent during the period covered, or one to be authorized to operate in a country in which it was not previously authorized. (Sec. 503) Requires presidential notification to designated congressional committees within 15 days: (1) after receipt by the United States of a billing request from the UN for the U.S. contribution toward UN peacekeeping activities; or (2) before the U.S. obligates funds for such contributions (except for emergencies, in which case notification is required within 48 hours of such obligation). (Sec. 504) Requires the President to notify designated congressional committees at least 15 days before any agency or entity of the U.S. Government makes available to the UN any assistance or facility to support or facilitate UN peacekeeping activities, with exceptions. Provides the same emergency exception as above. (Sec. 505) Requires, in a report required under the Act, a description of the anticipated budget for the next fiscal year for U.S. participation in UN peacekeeping activities. (Sec. 506) Authorizes the Secretary, in emergency circumstances, to waive the requirement for reimbursement to the United States for in-kind contributions to UN peacekeeping activities. Requires appropriate notification to the designated congressional committees. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that U.S. goods provided by DOD on a reimbursable basis for UN peacekeeping activities are reimbursed at the appropriate value. Directs the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN to report to the designated congressional committees on all U.S. action taken to achieve such objectives. (Sec. 507) Prohibits appropriated funds from being used in any fiscal year to pay any U.S. assessed or voluntary contribution for UN peacekeeping activities until the Secretary certifies to the designated congressional committees that the UN has reimbursed DOD directly for all goods and services provided during the previous fiscal year for such activities. Directs the President to establish procedures for the submission to the UN of requests for reimbursement for such goods and services provided on a reimbursable basis. (Sec. 508) States that, beginning October 1, 1995, funds made available to DOD shall be available for UN peacekeeping activities, any U.S. arrearage to the UN, or their related incremental costs only to the extent that the Congress has by law specifically made those funds available for such purpose. (Sec. 509) Codifies within the Act a specified provision which limits the use of funds authorized for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities for payment of the U.S. assessed contribution for a UN peacekeeping operation to 25 percent of the total amount of all assessed contributions for such operation. Refuses to recognize any arrearages that accumulate as a result of assessments in excess of such percentage. (Sec. 510) Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended for U.S. contributions to UN peacekeeping activities unless the Secretary of State determines and certifies to the designated congressional committees that U.S. manufacturers and suppliers are being given opportunities equal to foreign manufacturers and suppliers to provide equipment, material, and services for such activities. (Sec. 511) Withholds specified percentages of U.S. assessed and voluntary contributions toward UN peacekeeping activities until receipt by the Congress of a certification by the President that the UN, through its Office of Inspector General, has undertaken certain prescribed activities with respect to a financial and management accounting of UN peacekeeping activities. (Sec. 512) Requires the President, before intelligence is provided to the UN by the United States, to ensure that the CIA Director has established guidelines governing the provision of intelligence to the UN which protects intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with provisions of the National Security Act of 1947. Requires periodic reports from the President on the types and purposes of intelligence provided to the UN, and special reports concerning any unauthorized disclosure of intelligence. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the UN to improve the handling, processing, dissemination, and management of all intelligence provided to it by its members. Title VI: Revitalization and Expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO Expansion Act of 1995 - Declares that it should be U.S. policy: (1) to continue the commitment to an active leadership role in NATO; (2) to join with NATO allies to redefine the role of the alliance in the post-Cold War world, taking into account specified factors; (3) to affirm that NATO military planning should include joint military operations beyond the geographic bounds of the alliance under the North Atlantic Treaty when the shared interests of the United States and other member countries require such actions to defend vital interests; (4) to expeditiously pursue joint cooperation agreements for the acquisition of essential systems to significantly increase NATO crisis management capabilities; (5) that Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia should be permitted to join NATO in the near future as long as each such country meets specified standards and undertakes certain commitments; (6) that the United States and other NATO member nations should furnish appropriate assistance to enable such countries to achieve membership; (7) that certain policy decisions of the North Atlantic Council should be reaffirmed with respect to admitting new NATO members only by amendment to the North Atlantic Treaty; (8) that the expansion of NATO should be defensive in nature and increase stability for all European nations; (9) that NATO and its members should cooperate closely with Russia on security issues and strengthen other structures of security cooperation in Europe; and (10) that other European countries may be in a position to achieve NATO membership at a future date. (Sec. 604) Directs the President to establish a program to assist the transition to full NATO membership of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and any other European country emerging from communist domination that is designated by the President. Outlines types of assistance to be provided. Prohibits the President from providing assistance to any country selling or transferring defense articles to a state that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism as determined by the Secretary of State. Requires: (1) a report from the President to designated congressional committees prior to providing assistance to a country for the first time under the program; and (2) annual reports from the President to the appropriate congressional committees on the progress made in implementing this section. Title VII: Budget Firewalls - Expresses the sense of the Congress that so-called "budget firewalls" between defense and domestic discretionary spending should be established for each of FY 1996 through 1998.

Alton W. Cornella, of South Dakota, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, vice Peter B. Bowman, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

Rebecca G. Cox, of California, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

General James B. Davis, United States Air Force, Retired, of Florida, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, vice Beverly Butcher Bryon, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

S. Lee Kling, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, vice Hansford T. Johnson, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

Benjamin F. Montoya, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, vice Arthur Levitt, Jr., term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

Wendi Louise Steele, of Texas, to be a Member of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for a term expiring at the end of the first session of the 104th Congress, vice Harry C. McPherson, Jr., term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 8 February 1995

Military Retiree and Veteran Health Care Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995

Military Retiree and Veteran Health Care Act of 1995 - Entitles members and former members of the armed forces and their dependents who are eligible for medical or dental care in any military facility and who are also entitled to health insurance under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to receive medical or dental care in any military facility. Directs the facility providing such services to recover the costs of such care from Medicare Subvention funding. Provides for the deposit of funds received by a military medical facility or Department of Veterans Affairs facility from Medicare Subvention funding for the provision of such care. Allows a covered beneficiary of a member or former member of the armed forces who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare to receive care in a military treatment facility and to have the Medicare hospital insurance benefits paid to such military treatment facility for the care so provided. Provides that, in the case of health care services incurred on behalf of covered beneficiaries, collection may be made from any third party payer, including the appropriate program under Medicare or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. (Currently, collection from a plan administered by Medicare or Medicaid is prohibited.) Prohibits medical or dental care from being provided to an otherwise eligible person at a military treatment facility only if the senior or commanding officer of such facility determines that such facility cannot provide the particular care required because of lack of space or facilities or because such type of care is not provided at such facility. Requires the administering Secretary to be advised immediately when a determination to deny treatment is made, with a verifiable date as to when the restriction will be removed. Amends Medicare provisions to make Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs treatment facilities eligible for Medicare payments as long as they meet requirements applicable to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities under title XVIII.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that the monthly amounts paid by a State to blind disabled veterans shall be excluded from the determination of annual income for purposes of payment of pension by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Excludes from the determination of income, for purposes of the payment of pension by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, any monthly payments made by a State to blind and totally disabled veterans.

To increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for assistance for highway relocation regarding the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Increases the authorization of appropriations for the National Park Service to assist Georgia in relocating a highway affecting the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Rescinding certain budget authority, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Rescinds certain budget authority for the following: (1) the Immigration Emergency Fund of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice; (2) the Advanced Technology Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; (3) Department of Energy atomic energy defense activities; (4) funds appropriated to the President for contributions to the African Development Fund and assistance for the new independent states of the former Soviet Union; (5) clean coal technology of the Department of Energy; (6) training and employment services of the Department of Labor; (7) school improvement programs of the Department of Education; (8) certain Federal Railroad Administration programs under the Department of Transportation; and (9) wind tunnel construction for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

White Sands Fair Compensation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

White Sands Fair Compensation Act of 1995 - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) the White Sands Fair Compensation Commission. Provides for claims to the Commission for full compensation for the taking by DOD for use as the White Sands Missile Range of property of individuals who were engaged in ranching activities at the time of the taking or who possessed a mining claim in such property and who claim that the amount paid for such taking was not full compensation. Requires claims to be filed within 14 months after the enactment of this Act. Provides for: (1) Commission evaluation of claims; (2) rules for the valuation of real property involved; (3) priority in claim evaluation for individuals owning the property continuously from 1941 until the taking of the property in 1975; (4) appellate and notification procedures; and (5) payment by the Secretary of Defense of appropriate amounts to such individuals. Terminates the Commission 14 months after the completion of all evaluations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) Commission activities; and (2) the payment of claims.

A bill for the relief of Joe W. Floyd.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

Deems a named individual to have completed 20 years of qualifying service for purposes of determining eligibility for military retired pay for service in the Army and Army Reserve.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for inpatient care for veterans exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or environmental hazards, to extend the period of eligibility for outpatient care for veterans exposed to such substances or hazards during service in the Persian Gulf, and to expand the eligibility of veterans exposed to toxic substances or radiation for outpatient care.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

Extends through December 31, 2003, the eligibility of veterans for: (1) inpatient care for exposure to toxic substances and ionizing radiation during military service; (2) inpatient and outpatient care for exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard during the Persian Gulf War. Extends eligibility for such outpatient care for any disability to veterans who, during the period before December 31, 2003, either: (1) served on active duty in Vietnam and may have been exposed to dioxins or other toxic substances during such duty; or (2) were exposed during active duty to ionizing radiation during atomic testing or during the American occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a permanent, confidential database and toll-free telephone line for the collection of medical information concerning members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to provide information for the detection of patterns of illnesses among military personnel and veterans, to maintain a database of the medical histories, service histories, and relevant personal information of military personnel deployed for any operational mission (beginning with the operation in Somalia in 1992-1993) and their spouses and children. Requires permission of the individual before inclusion in the database of information concerning such individual. Requires confidentiality of individual identities represented in the database. Directs the Secretary to maintain a toll-free telephone number to allow military personnel and veterans to report information for inclusion in the database. Allows the Secretary to make database information available to accredited institutions of higher education and other appropriate institutions for medical studies and related research. Directs the Secretary to report annually to appropriate congressional committees on the operation of the database and the toll-free telephone number.

White Sands Fair Compensation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

White Sands Fair Compensation Act of 1995 - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) the White Sands Fair Compensation Commission. Provides for claims to the Commission for full compensation for the taking by DOD for use as the White Sands Missile Range of property of individuals who were engaged in ranching activities at the time of the taking or who possessed a mining claim in such property and who claim that the amount paid for such taking was not full compensation. Requires claims to be filed within 14 months after the enactment of this Act. Provides for: (1) Commission evaluation of claims; (2) rules for the valuation of real property involved; (3) priority in claim evaluation for individuals owning the property continuously from 1941 until the taking of the property in 1975; (4) appellate and notification procedures; and (5) payment by the Secretary of Defense of appropriate amounts to such individuals. Terminates the Commission 14 months after the completion of all evaluations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) Commission activities; and (2) the payment of claims.

To prohibit payment of Federal retirement benefits, except in certain cases, to those who are not retired as defined under the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

Prohibits the Federal Government from paying retirement benefits to or through any person who ceases Federal employment after the year 2000, unless that person is retired as defined under the Social Security Act. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to former public safety officers (as defined under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968) and former members of the armed forces who have been exposed to actual combat dangers as a result of hostile activities by opposing forces.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for jurisdiction, apprehension, and detention of certain civilians accompanying the Armed Forces outside the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

Provides that persons serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States who engage in conduct which would constitute a criminal offense within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be guilty of a like offense against the United States and shall be subject to prosecution and punishment under the Federal criminal code. Exempts such persons who are not nationals of the United States and who were appointed to their positions in the country in which the conduct occurred. Prohibits prosecution for such an offense if a foreign government has prosecuted such person for the conduct, except as may be authorized by specified Federal officials in certain instances. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to designate a person serving in a law enforcement position in a criminal investigative agency of the Department of Defense to apprehend and detain outside the United States any person reasonably believed to have engaged in such an offense. Provides for release of such person to civilian law enforcement authorities of the United States for judicial proceedings. Authorizes such law enforcement designee to deliver to the appropriate authorities of a foreign country an individual alleged to have engaged in such an offense if: (1) the appropriate authorities of such country request such delivery for trial; and (2) such delivery is authorized by a treaty or an agreement to which the United States is a party. Retains any concurrent jurisdiction of military tribunals with respect to offenses of such persons which may be tried by court- martial or otherwise.

Job Creation and Invest in America Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Physical Capital Investment Subtitle A: Highways and Mass Transit Subtitle B: Airports Subtitle C: Railroads Subtitle D: Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities Subtitle E: Environmental Restoration Subtitle F: Community Development Assistance Subtitle G: Education Infrastructure Subtitle H: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Title II: Human Capital Investment Subtitle A: Job Training Subtitle B: Education Subtitle C: Head Start Subtitle D: Programs Under Public Health Service Act Title III: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Reduction in Employee Payroll Taxes; Credit for First-Time Homebuyers Subtitle B: Revenue Increases Title IV: Appropriations Job Creation and Invest in America Act of 1995 - Title I: Physical Capital Investment - Subtitle A: Highways and Mass Transit - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize additional appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for interstate maintenance, surface transportation, and bridges. (Sec. 1002) Amends the Federal Transit Act to authorize additional appropriations and make available additional funding from the Mass Transit Account for certain formula grants and discretionary grants transit programs. Subtitle B: Airports - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to make available additional amounts for airport improvement program grants (including grants for airport noise compatibility planning). Subtitle C: Railroads - Amends the Department of Transportation Act to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for local rail freight assistance. Subtitle D: Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds. Subtitle E: Environmental Restoration - Provides funds for environmental restoration at facilities of the Departments of Defense and of Energy. Sets forth various authorizations of appropriations and makes appropriations for such purposes. Subtitle F: Community Development Assistance - Chapter 1: Community Development Block Grants - Authorizes additional appropriations for community development block grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Chapter 2: Community Banking and Economic Empowerment Act - Community Banking and Economic Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide capital, operating, and technical assistance to community development lenders and certain eligible entities in order to: (1) make credit-related services available to low-income persons inadequately served by traditional lending institutions; and (2) promote development and revitalization of low-income neighborhoods. Delineates the purposes for which the Secretary of HUD may provide assistance to community development lenders and to the eligible entities establishing those lenders. Prescribes guidelines for assisted community development lenders, including assistance agreements and auditing procedures. (Sec. 1520) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act to preclude a regulated financial institution from receiving either an "outstanding" or a "satisfactory" rating for meeting community credit needs solely on the basis of its loans or investments in community development lenders. (Sec. 1521) Requires annual reports to the Congress. (Sec. 1524) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) capital and operating assistance for community development lenders; and (2) technical assistance for organizing and operating community development lenders. Subtitle G: Education Infrastructure - Education Infrastructure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible local educational agencies to meet the National Education Goals through repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary or secondary school libraries, media centers, or facilities, used for academic or vocational instruction, including certain authorized activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1606) Sets forth requirements for: (1) priorities in selection of applications; (2) maintenance of effort, supplementation of non-Federal funds, and general limitations; (3) minority small business participation as project contractors or subcontractors, and payment of wages in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act; and (4) Federal evaluation. (Sec. 1610) Authorizes the comprehensive regional centers to provide technical assistance to such projects. Subtitle H: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency - Authorizes additional appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for renewable energy research, development, and demonstration programs described in specified provisions of the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989. (Sec. 1702) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for the Federal Energy Efficiency Fund and the new technology demonstration program. Title II: Human Capital Investment - Subtitle A: Job Training - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish an allied health professional job training program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish job training assistance programs for at-risk youths and long-term welfare recipients to become allied health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the following youth job training programs: (1) Youth Fair Chance under JTPA; and (2) Youthbuild under the Homeownership and Opportunity Through HOPE Act. Subtitle B: Education - Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for certain programs for educational personnel under the Adult Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Subtitle C: Head Start - Amends the Head Start Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for Head Start programs. Subtitle D: Programs Under Public Health Service Act - Chapter 1: Funding Initiative for Programs Providing Health Services - Authorizes additional appropriations for the following programs under the Public Health Service Act: (1) community health centers; (2) migrant health centers; (3) health care for the homeless; (4) preventive services regarding tuberculosis, breast and cervical cancer, lead exposure, HIV disease, and prostate cancer; (5) immunization; (6) cancer registries; (7) comprehensive school health education; (8) prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, and injuries; (9) child day care health and safety; (10) asthma; (11) environmental health, including response to urgent environmental threats to public health and environmental services regarding the health of individuals in the United States in the vicinity of the Mexican border; (12) block grants for community mental health services, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and preventive health services; and (13) scholarship and loan repayment programs of the National Health Service Corps. Authorizes additional appropriations for the maternal and child health block grant program under the Social Security Act. Chapter 2: Community Health Advisor Program - National Community Health Advisor Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each State or State-designated entity that submits an appropriate application, to award formula grants for the development and operation of community health advisor (CHA) programs. Requires such States to: (1) operate a clearinghouse to maintain and disseminate information on CHA programs; (2) provide technical assistance for training CHAs; and (3) coordinate all CHA activities carried out by the State under the award. Limits administrative costs to 15 percent of the total award. (Sec. 2314) Provides CHA program objectives and goals. Requires funding agreements for such awards to give priority to developing and operating CHA programs for medically underserved communities (poor rural and inner city areas). (Sec. 2315) Requires a State to provide matching funds of 25 percent of award amounts toward such programs. Requires a CHA program in a State to be carried out in at least one urban area and one rural area. Requires ongoing supervision of CHAs involved in the program. Allows for expenditures under the award for training and continuing education programs. Requires reports from State applicants to the Secretary assessing the effectiveness of CHA programs. (Sec. 2317) Provides for the determination of the amount allotted to each chosen applicant, taking into account the population and poverty level of the area involved. (Sec. 2318) Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for quality assurance and cost-effectiveness of the CHA programs. (Sec. 2319) Requires evaluations of each such program. (Sec. 2320) Prohibits this chapter from being construed to require the Secretary to modify or terminate the Community Health Representative Program of the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 2322) Authorizes appropriations for the CHA program. Title III: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Reduction in Employee Payroll Taxes; Credit for First-Time Homebuyers - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide a refundable credit for a portion of social security taxes for taxable years 1995 and 1996, equal to 20 percent of the taxpayer's social security taxes for that year, up to a maximum credit of $200, or $400 for a joint return. (Sec. 3002) Allows a nonrefundable personal credit for purchase of a principal residence by a first-time homebuyer. Sets such maximum overall credit at no more than $6,000. Subtitle B: Revenue Increases - Amends the IRC to establish a stock transfer excise tax. (Sec. 3102) Repeals a preferential rate of tax on capital gains. (Sec. 3103) Repeals a credit for foreign taxes. (Sec. 3104) Repeals provisions for a deferral of income of controlled foreign corporations. (Sec. 3105) Requires the use of a formulaic approach to clearly reflect income of multinational corporations. (Sec. 3106) Repeals an increase in the basis of property acquired from a decedent. Provides that such basis is to be determined under rules applicable to gifts. (Sec. 3107) Phases in a capital gains tax on inherited property. (Sec. 3108) Provides for an additional exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence acquired from a decedent. Title IV: Appropriations - Appropriates amounts authorized under this Act. (Sec. 4002) Designates the entire amount appropriated under this Act as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995

Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1995 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen by free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Authorizes an exemption from such prohibition for a fiscal year if: (1) the President requests an exemption from the Congress stating that it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; and (2) the Congress enacts a law approving such request. Requires the President to submit initial certifications and requests for exemptions in conjunction with the submission of the annual request for enactment of authorizations and appropriations for foreign assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold hearings on controversial certifications and all requests for exemptions.

Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995

Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to: (1) record child support orders in a central case registry; and (2) collect child support payments through a centralized collections unit. (Sec. 101) Revises the guidelines for: (1) State plans for child and spousal support; and (2) payments distribution. (Sec. 103) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Subtitle B: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the formula for: (1) Federal matching payments to the States; and (2) incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate. (Sec. 113) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 115) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 116) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program and to report the results to the Congress. (Sec. 117) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle C: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system function as a single central case registry of State-provided services and support orders. Delineates contents of case records and data matching activities, including data exchange with sister States. (Sec. 122) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 123) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 125) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to add kinds of information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of establishing parentage and executing child support obligations. Requires the Secretary to establish in the Service a Data Bank of Child Support Orders and an automated directory of New Hires. (Sec. 126) Requires State plans to include procedures for recording social security numbers on certain family legal documents and records. Subtitle D: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 132) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for a court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement of child support orders. (Sec. 133) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise State plan guidelines for mandatory expedited administrative and judicial procedures to include: (1) authorized genetic testing to establish paternity; and (2) the securing of assets and increasing of monthly payments to satisfy a support arrearage. Subtitle E: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for statutorily prescribed procedures governing genetic testing and outreach for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine the need for consideration by the Congress of national child support guidelines. (Sec. 152) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the priority of refund distribution with respect to past-due support owed to individuals. (Sec. 163) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of current and retired members of the armed forces. (Sec. 165) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures for: (1) placing liens for child support arrearages on motor vehicle titles of the debtor; (2) voiding fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor; (3) suspending any driver's, business, or occupational license issued to any person who owes past-due child support; (4) reporting to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (5) extending the statute of limitations for collection on child support arrearages; and (6) calculating interest or penalties on such arrearage. (Sec. 171) Prescribes procedural guidelines for passport denial (including revocation) upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 172) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Requires State plans to provide that the State must treat international child support cases as interstate cases. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. Subtitle I: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.

Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995

Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1995 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen by free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Authorizes an exemption from such prohibition for a fiscal year if: (1) the President requests an exemption from the Congress stating that it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; and (2) the Congress enacts a law approving such request. Requires the President to submit initial certifications and requests for exemptions in conjunction with the submission of the annual request for enactment of authorizations and appropriations for foreign assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold hearings on controversial certifications and all requests for exemptions.

Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995

Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Provides that, in any civil action, a biomaterials supplier (one who supplies components or raw materials used to manufacture implants) may raise any defense provided under this Act. Exempts a biomaterials supplier (supplier) from liability for harm to a claimant caused by an implant, with exceptions in the case of a supplier who: (1) is a registered manufacturer of the implant; (2) is a seller of the implant and who held title to the implant at the time of sale; or (3) furnishes raw materials or components that fail to meet applicable contractual requirements or specifications. Provides grounds for liability with respect to each exception. Outlines procedural guidelines for the dismissal of civil actions against suppliers, including the submission of appropriate affidavits in support of, or in defense to, a claim. States that a supplier may be considered a manufacturer of an implant, for purposes of such civil actions, only if the supplier has registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires claimant payment of attorney's fees if the court finds the claim to be without merit and frivolous.

A joint resolution designating April 9, 1995, and April 9, 1996, as "National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day".

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995

Designates April 9, 1995, and April 9, 1996, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

For the relief of Henry Johnson.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995

Makes specified time limitations inapplicable with respect to the awarding of a medal of honor to a named individual for acts of heroism during World War I while a sergeant in the United States Army.

Illegal Immigration Control Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interdiction Title II: Alien Smuggling Title III: Employment Title IV: Government Benefits Title V: Criminal Aliens Title VI: Terrorist Aliens Title VII: Inspections Title VIII: Asylum Illegal Immigration Control Act of 1995 - Title I: Interdiction - Directs the Attorney General to install additional physicial barriers in high illegal-entry border areas. (Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for additional Border Patrol personnel. (Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General and the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to implement an interior repatriation program for illegal aliens who have been deported at least three times. (Sec. 104) Directs the Attorney General and the Commissioner of INS to increase border detention facilites. Authorizes the transfer of closed military bases to be used as Federal incarceration facilities for illegal aliens. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Attorney General to require vessels to provide INS with port of entry notification. (Sec. 106) Directs the Commissioner to collect a user fee for each U.S. land entry. (Sec. 107) Establishes a Border Control Trust Fund. Title II: Alien Smuggling - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act) to expand INS forfeiture authority for smuggling or harboring illegal aliens. (Sec. 202) Brings alien smuggling operations under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to increase penalties for certain alien smuggling offenses. (Sec. 204) Amends Federal law to authorize INS wiretaps for alien smuggling investigations. Title III: Employment - Amends the Act to revise alien employment documentation and employer verification provisions, including social security card enhancements. (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for additional INS investigators. Title IV: Government Benefits - Prohibits direct Federal benefits (except for emergency medical care) or housing assistance to an alien who is not a permanent resident, a refugee, an asylee, or a parolee. (Sec. 402) Prohibits unemployment benefits to an alien who has not been granted INS work authorization. (Sec. 404) Authorizes appropriations for the Save System. (Sec. 405) Reduces Federal assistance by 20 percent to any locality that refuses to cooperate in the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens. (Sec. 406) Establishes a uniform vital statistics pilot program for three States with high numbers of undocumented aliens. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Criminal Aliens - Amends the Act to include aliens on criminal probation or criminal parole among the categories of aliens subject to special registration. (Sec. 502) Restricts specified deportation defenses. (Sec. 503) Authorizes electronic or telephonic deportation proceedings. (Sec. 504) Directs the Commissioner to operate a criminal alien tracking center. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to study the use and effectiveness of the Prisoner Transfer Treaty with Mexico to remove convicted aliens from the United States. (Sec. 506) Expedites deportation proceedings for specified criminal aliens. Title VI: Terrorist Aliens - Amends the Act to establish procedures for the removal of alien terrorists, including a special court to hear such cases. (Sec. 602) Makes membership in a terrorist organization a basis for U.S. exclusion. Title VII: Inspections - Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) specified numbers of preinspection stations at foreign airports identified as last departure points for the greatest numbers of U.S.-arriving passengers and at those with the greatest numbers of U.S.-arriving undocumented aliens; and (2) an air carrier consultant program. (Sec. 702) Provides for the training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. (Sec. 703) Amends Federal law to increase specified passport and visa penalties. Title VIII: Asylum - Amends the Act to revise asylum procedures. (Sec. 802) Sets forth mandatory and discretionary conditions for granting provisional asylum.

Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1995

Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1995 - Provides that, in any civil action, a biomaterials supplier (one who supplies components or raw materials used to manufacture implants) may raise any defense provided under this Act. Exempts a biomaterials supplier (supplier) from liability for harm to a claimant caused by an implant, with exceptions in the case of a supplier who: (1) is a registered manufacturer of the implant; (2) is a seller of the implant and who held title to the implant at the time of sale; or (3) furnishes raw materials or components that fail to meet applicable contractual requirements or specifications. Provides grounds for liability with respect to each exception. Outlines procedural guidelines for the dismissal of civil actions against suppliers, including the submission of appropriate affidavits in support of, or in defense to, a claim. States that a supplier may be considered a manufacturer of an implant, for purposes of such civil actions, only if the supplier has registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires claimant payment of attorney's fees if the court finds the claim to be without merit and frivolous.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the payment to States of per diem for veterans receiving adult day health care, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay each State a per diem rate for each veteran receiving adult day health care in a State home. Includes the construction of adult day health care facilities in the authorized use of funds under a program authorizing the Secretary to provide grants to States for the construction of State veterans' nursing home or hospital care facilities.

To require the Secretary of the Army to convey certain real property at Fort Ord, California, to the City of Seaside, California, in order to foster the economic development of the City, which has been adversely impacted by the closure of Fort Ord.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995

Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to Seaside, California, all rights and interest to a portion of the former Fort Ord Military Complex. Requires the fair market value of such property to be paid by Seaside. Directs the Secretary to deposit part of the amount so paid into the Army's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund and the remaining part into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to change the date for the beginning of the Vietnam era for the purpose of veterans benefits from August 5, 1964, to December 22, 1961.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995

Revises the date for the beginning of the Vietnam era, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits, from August 5, 1964, to December 22, 1961.

Displaced Defense Worker Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995

Displaced Defense Worker Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to deposit in the Displaced Defense Worker Trust Fund established under this Act the Secretary's portion of any cost savings achieved and returned by a Department of Defense contractor if such savings are a result of the consolidation of operations in a manner that causes the elimination of jobs in the community in which the contract is being carried out. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use amounts appropriated from the Fund for: (1) job retraining assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (2) job creation activities under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Appropriates to the Fund all cost savings realized by the Secretary under this Act. Provides for Fund management. Requires an annual report from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Congress on the financial condition and operations of the Fund during the preceding fiscal year and those expected for the next five fiscal years.

Airlift Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995

Airlift Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the C-17 aircraft acquisition program with those aircraft for which funds are appropriated for FY 1996. Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriated: (1) for FY 1996 for procurement of long-lead items for such aircraft; or (2) after FY 1996 for procurement of such items or such aircraft. Requires the Secretary to develop, and report to the Congress on, a program to meet the remaining strategic airlift requirements of the Air Force through the acquisition of nondevelopmental airlift aircraft.

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act of 1995 - 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 report to appropriate congressional committees on Iran's nuclear and other military capabilities and on its support for acts of international terrorism.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to North-South dialogue on the Korean Peninsula and the United States-North Korea Agreed Framework.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should: (1) ensure that the implementation of the October 21, 1994, Agreed Framework between the United States and North Korea is linked to substantive and rapid progress in the dialogue between North and South Korea; and (2) develop specific timetables for achieving measures to reduce tensions between North and South Korea, such as holding a North Korea-South Korea Summit, dismantling North Korea's nuclear reprocessing facility, initiating mutual nuclear facility inspections, establishing North-South Liaison Offices, and establishing a North-South joint military commission. Declares that the President should appoint a senior official to represent him in communicating directly with the North Korean Government regarding such measures and to consult with South Korea and other allies regarding such communications.

Violent Criminal Incarceration Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Truth in Sentencing Title II: Stopping Abusive Prisoner Lawsuits Title III: Stop Turning Out Prisoners Violent Criminal Incarceration Act of 1995 - Title I: Truth in Sentencing - Revises the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to provide grants to eligible States and to eligible States organized as a regional compact (eligible States) to build, expand, and operate: (1) space in correctional facilities in order to increase the prison bed capacity in such facilities for the confinement of persons convicted of a serious violent felony; and (2) temporary to permanent correctional facilities, including facilities on military bases, for the confinement of convicted nonviolent offenders and criminal aliens for the purpose of freeing suitable existing prison space for the confinement of persons convicted of a serious violent felony. Limits eligible States to receiving either a general grant or a truth-in- sentencing incentive grant. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive general grant funds, to submit an application to the Attorney General that provides assurances (general grant requirements) that such State since 1993 has increased: (1) the percentage of convicted violent offenders sentenced to prison; (2) the average prison time actually to be served in prison by such offenders; and (3) the percentage of sentence to be actually served in prison by violent offenders sentenced to prison. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive truth-in-sentencing incentive grants, to submit an application to the Attorney General that provides assurances that the State has enacted laws and regulations which include: (1) truth-in-sentencing laws which either currently require or within three years will require that persons convicted of a serious violent felony serve not less than 85 percent of the sentence imposed or 85 percent of the court-ordered maximum sentence for States that practice indeterminate sentencing; and (2) laws requiring that the sentencing or releasing authorities notify and allow the victims of the defendant or the family of such victims the opportunity to be heard regarding the issue of sentencing and any postconviction release. Makes a State eligible for grants under this Act notwithstanding the general grant requirements if the State practices indeterminant sentencing and the average times served in such State for murder, rape, robbery, and assault exceed, by ten percent or greater, the national average of times served for such offenses. Specifies that such requirements shall apply except that a State may provide that the Governor of the State may allow for the release of a prisoner over age 70 after a public hearing in which representatives of the public and the prisoner's victims have an opportunity to be heard regarding a proposed release. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the formula for determining the amount of funds that each State may receive; (2) accounting, audit, and reporting requirements; and (3) limitations on funds. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Stopping Abusive Prisoner Lawsuits - Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to prohibit any civil action for deprivation of rights from being brought by an adult convicted of a crime confined in any correctional facility until available plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies are exhausted. (Sec. 202) Requires 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. (Sec. 203) Repeals a provision requiring that the minimum standards provide for an advisory role for employees and inmates in the formulation, implementation, and operation of the system. (Sec. 204) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court to request an attorney to represent a person financially unable to employ counsel (current law) at any time. Requires (current law authorizes) the court to dismiss the case if the allegation of poverty is untrue, or if satisfied that the action is frivolous or malicious. Requires: (1) a prisoner in a correctional institution who files an affidavit of indigence to include a statement of all assets such prisoner possesses; and (2) the court to make inquiry of the institution for information relating to the extent of the prisoner's assets and to require full or partial payment of filing fees according to the prisoner's ability to pay. Title III: Stop Turning Out Prisoners - Revises provisions of the VCCLEA regarding judicial remedies with respect to prison conditions. Specifies that prospective relief in a civil action with respect to prison conditions shall extend no further than necessary to remove the conditions that are causing the deprivation of the Federal rights of individual plaintiffs in that action. Prohibits the court from granting or approving any prospective relief unless it finds that the relief is narrowly drawn and the least intrusive means to remedy the violation of the Federal right. 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. Prohibits the court, in any such action, from granting or approving any relief the purpose or effect of which is to reduce or limit the prison population unless the plaintiff proves that crowding is the primary cause of the deprivation of the Federal right and no other relief will remedy that deprivation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination of relief (including provision for the automatic termination of prospective relief after a two-year period); (2) procedure for motions affecting prospective relief; (3) standing (grants standing to specified Federal, State, or local officials to oppose the imposition or continuation in effect of relief the purpose or effect of which is to reduce or limit the prison population and to intervene in any proceeding relating to that relief); (4) special masters; and (5) attorney's fees.

To establish a national commission to review the regular military compensation of members of the Armed Forces and develop recommendations to end the dependence of some members and their families on Federal and local assistance programs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995

Establishes the National Commission on Fairness in Military Compensation to: (1) determine the extent to which military personnel or their dependents rely on food stamps, the special supplemental food program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and other Federal or local assistance programs as a necessary supplement to their regular military compensation, and the circumstances that lead to such dependence; and (2) submit to the President and the Congress a report on its findings and recommendations on possible changes in the military pay structure so that military personnel will receive adequate compensation and no longer rely on such other forms of assistance. Limits to $750,000 the total authorized expenses of the Commission. Requires the Comptroller General to audit Commission books and records in order to ensure compliance with such expense limit. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its report.

To waive certain statutory time limitations with respect to the award of military decorations in the case of the award of the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1995

Waives the limitations relating to the posthumous award of a medal of honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of heroism during World War I.