Defence

Welfare Transformation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Child Protection Block Grant Program Title III: Restricting Welfare for Aliens Title IV: Supplemental Security Income Title V: Child Support Subtitle A: Case Registries, Eligibility for Services, and Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Welfare Transformation Act of 1995 - Title I: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance For Needy Families - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to convert the current AFDC program into a block grant program with specified work, job search, and education and training requirements designed to increase State flexibility in providing time-limited assistance and support services (including birth control and child care services) to needy families to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient. (Sec. 101) Prohibits such assistance, generally, to: (1) certain aliens; (2) families without a minor child; (3) families not cooperating in paternity establishment; (4) children born out-of-wedlock to a minor parent (or the parent until such parent turns age 18); (5) families not assigning support rights to the State; (6) minor children born to benefit recipients; and (7) a person convicted of fraudulently misrepresenting residence in order to receive welfare benefits. Withholds a portion of assistance for families which include a child whose paternity is not established. Provides that in order to be eligible for block grants under such program a State must submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a plan that includes: (1) an outline of the assistance the State intends on providing to needy families with children; and (2) certifications that the State will operate revised SSA title IV part B (Child-Welfare Services) and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) programs in accordance with this Act. Allows States to use grants for: (1) providing low-income household heating and cooling assistance; (2) implementing an electronic benefit transfer system for providing assistance to needy families with children; and (3) carrying out a State program pursuant to specified provisions of Federal law, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Gives States the authority to treat families moving interstate under the former State program rules if they reside in their new State of residence for less than 12 months. Increases the amount of such grants for States which have reduced their out-of-wedlock births. Sets out penalties for violations of grant uses and mandatory work requirements. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving loan fund known as the Federal Rainy Day Fund for making loans to, and receiving payments of principal and interest on such loans from, qualified States under the new State block grant program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents who have not attained 18 years of age to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school. Directs the Secretary to: (1) research the costs and benefits of State activities under this title; (2) evaluate innovative approaches to employing program recipients; (3) rank States in order of their success under the grant program; and (4) review the most and least successful State work programs. Sets forth requirements for: (1) State data collection and reporting; and (2) a Census Bureau study obtaining information for evaluating the impact of this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State block grant programs. Appropriates funds for the latter. Directs the Secretary to develop innovative methods of disseminating information on any research, evaluations, and studies conducted under this title. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on automated data processing systems under State block grant programs and the modifications necessary for tracking public program participants and checking case records to prohibit participants from participating in public programs of two or more States. (Sec. 106) Provides for the continued application of current AFDC standards under the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX. Title II: Child Protection Block Grant Program - Revises SSA title IV part B's Child-Welfare Services program, converting it also into a program of block grants to the States, in this case, for the protection of children in accordance with specified standards. (Sec. 201) Sets forth requirements, similar to those in title I, pertaining to: (1) State eligibility plans with appropriate certifications; (2) grant uses; (3) penalties; (4) data collection and reporting; (5) research; (6) a national random sample study; and (7) continued application of current standards under the Medicaid program. Adds requirements for: (1) citizen review panels for examining specific cases to ensure that State and local agencies are doing their job properly to protect children; (2) a clearinghouse and telephone hotline on missing and runaway children; (3) decreasing the time children wait for adoption; and (4) preventing discrimination in multiethnic placements of children. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Restricting Welfare for Aliens - Declares that it is a compelling government interest to enact new rules for eligibility and sponsorship agreements in order to assure that aliens be self-reliant in accordance with national immigration policy. (Sec. 302) Places restrictions on the types of Federal welfare assistance that certain aliens may receive. (Sec. 303) Makes illegal aliens ineligible for any State or local means-tested public assistance, with certain exceptions for emergency medical services, immunizations, and treatment of communicable diseases. (Sec. 304) Authorizes States to determine eligibility requirements for aliens who are lawfully present in the United States not as a result of any refugee, aged, or veteran exceptions for any State means-tested public assistance program, with the same medical care exceptions. (Sec. 305) Provides that in determining the eligibility and the amount of benefits of any alien for any means-tested public assistance program, the income and resources of the alien shall be deemed to include: (1) the income and resources of any person who executed an affidavit of support on the alien's behalf; and (2) the income and resources of the person's spouse (if any). Applies such requirement with respect to an alien until such time as the alien achieves U.S. citizenship through naturalization. (Sec. 306) Sets forth requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support. (Sec. 308) Requires each agency that administers the State block grant program under SSA title IV part A to provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service with any identification it has of any illegal alien with a child who is a U.S. citizen or national. Title IV: Supplemental Security Income - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) place restrictions on eligibility for cash benefits for disabled children; (3) establish a program of block grants to States for children with disabilities; and (4) repeal the maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Provides funding to the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse for the: (1) Federal Capacity Expansion Program to expand the availability of drug treatment; and (2) medication development project to improve drug abuse and treatment research. (Sec. 403) Amends the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 to provide for the examination of certain mental disorder listings in determining the eligibility of children for SSI benefits by reason of disability. (Sec. 404) Amends SSA title XI to limit the total amount payable under SSA titles I (Old Age Assistance), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), and XVI (SSI) to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. (Sec. 405) Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Title V: Child Support - Subtitle A: Case Registries, Eligibility for Services, and Distribution of Payments - Revises SSA title IV part D's child support and paternity establishment program to make various specified changes with regard to: (1) case registries; (2) State obligation to provide child support enforcement services; (3) distribution of child support collections; and (4) privacy safeguards. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Modifies such program further to make various additional specified changes with regard to: (1) automated State case registries and new hire directories for tracking cases, exchanging and comparing information, handling locate requests, and other specified matters; (2) collection and disbursement of support payments through State disbursement units; (3) income withholding; (4) locate information from interstate networks and the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS); (5) reimbursement for information from Federal agencies and for reports by State agencies; (6) an expanded FPLS containing the automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and the National Directory of New Hires; and (7) collection and use of social security numbers for use in child support enforcement. Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have in effect the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August 1992, and modified by this Act, and the procedures required to implement such Act. Requires such law to be applied to any case involving an order which is established or modified in a State and which is sought to be modified or enforced in another State. (Sec. 522) Amends the Federal judicial code to modify provisions concerning the full faith and credit for child support orders. (Sec. 523) Requires each State to have in effect laws: (1) requiring the use of procedures for administrative enforcement in interstate cases; and (2) providing expedited procedures for establishing paternity and for establishing, modifying, and enforcing support obligations using automated means. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Modifies State law procedures for paternity establishment, among other changes, providing for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. (Sec. 532) Provides for outreach for voluntary paternity establishment. (Sec. 533) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to provide for the cooperation by applicants for and recipients of temporary family assistance in establishing the paternity of, and in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order for, any child of the individual. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Makes various specified changes to State payment provisions, including incentive payment requirements (with reduction adjustments for State failure to meet the paternity establishment percentage). Revises State plan and other provisions with respect to, among other items, Federal and State reviews and audits and State procedures for collecting and reporting information required by SSA title IV part D. (Sec. 545) Revises automated data processing requirements, requiring State agencies to have a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system capable of performing specified tasks relating to the management of the State's SSA title IV part D program. (Sec. 546) Provides funding for technical assistance to States for improving their SSA title IV part D programs and for operation of the FPLS. (Sec. 547) Makes changes with regard to annual congressional reports and data collection by the Secretary. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the process for the review and adjustment of child support orders. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and SSA title IV part D with regard to enforcement of child support orders, among other changes: (1) providing for changed order of refund distribution; (2) eliminating the disparities in treatment of assigned and non-assigned arrearages; (3) consolidating and revising authorities for collecting support from Federal employees; (4) providing for laws voiding fraudulent transfers; (5) providing for procedures to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or have a plan for payment of such support and (6) defining the term "support order." (Sec. 563) Provides for enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 565) Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should suspend any driver's license, business license, or occupational license issued to any person who owes past-due child support. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make a technical correction to the definition of medical child support order under that Act. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Nonresidential Parents - Amends SSA title IV part D to require the Administration for Children and Families to make grants to enable States to establish and administer programs to support and facilitate absent parent' access to and visitation of their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995

Bosnia and Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of 1995 - Directs the President to terminate the U.S. arms embargo of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the date of receipt of a request from such government for assistance in exercising its right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter or on May 1, 1995, whichever comes first.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax to employers who employ members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States and to self-employed individuals who are members of such reserve components.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to employers of members of reserve components of the armed forces and to self-employed individuals who are members of such reserve components.

A bill for the relief of the heirs, successors, or assigns of Sadae Tamabayashi.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1995

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to the heirs, successors, and assigns of a named individual in full satisfaction of their claims against the United States for the destruction or loss of property resulting from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, or from the defense of Oahu against such attack.

Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorizations Title II: Personnel Management Amendments Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management Title IV: Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Title V: Establishment of Alternate Convention Tonnage (ITC) Thresholds Title VI: Miscellaneous Amendments Title VII: State Recreational Boating Safety Funding Title VIII: Personnel Management Improvement Title IX: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management Title X: Marine Safety Management Improvements Title XI: Coast Guard Regulatory Reform Title XII: Law Enforcement Enhancement Title XIII: Coast Guard Auxiliary Amendments Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997 - Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY 1996 and 1997 for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration at Coast Guard facilities. Amends Federal law to authorize the funding of highway bridges that are determined to be unreasonable obstructions to navigation under the Truman-Hobbs Act from amounts set aside from the discretionary bridge program. Limits the amounts available in specified fiscal years. (Sec. 102) Authorizes Coast Guard end-of-year strength and military training student loads. Title II: Personnel Management Amendments - Amends Federal law to authorize the Coast Guard Commandant to require that Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve personnel (including cadets and applicants) request that all information on the individual in the National Driver Register be made available to the Commandant. (Sec. 202) Amends Federal law relating to the Coast Guard to clarify that provisions mandating confidentiality of medical quality assurance records applies to activities before, on, and after the date the confidentiality requirements were enacted. Shields from civil liability an individual who in good faith provides information to a person (currently, to an individual) that reviews or creates quality assurance records. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Commandant to enter into personal services and other contracts to provide health care to Coast Guard personnel and covered beneficiaries. (Sec. 204) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to prohibit providing, by grant or contract, any Department of Transportation funds to any higher education institution that prevents campus military recruiting. Title III: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management - Amends the Inland Navigational Rules to modify specified rules. (Sec. 302) Amends Federal law to declare that: (1) provisions relating to recreational boating safety do not apply to an undocumented barge numbering system established under specified provisions; and (2) the system and the issuing authority for the system shall be determined by regulations promulgated by the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (Sec. 303) Amends the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 to extend the termination date of the Navigation Safety Advisory Council. (Sec. 304) Amends Federal law to extend the termination date of the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee. Title IV: Marine Safety and Environmental Protection - Amends Federal law to declare that provisions relating to court sales of documented vessels do not apply to a documented vessel that has been operated only as a fishing vessel, a fish processing vessel, a fish tender vessel, or a documented vessel operated only for pleasure. (Sec. 402) Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to prohibit general or public disclosure or inspection of information regarding security for passenger vessels or passenger terminals authorized under the Act. (Sec. 403) Amends Federal law to impose a civil penalty for failing to implement or conduct drug or alcohol testing prescribed by provisions relating to vessels and seamen or prescribed by the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (Sec. 404) Amends Federal law relating to transportation of hazardous material, the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, the Inland Navigational Rules Act, and Federal law relating to carriage of liquid bulk dangerous cargoes to mandate refusal or revocation of customs clearance to leave a port or a permit (under the Tariff Act of 1930) to depart if there is reasonable cause to believe that the owner, operator, or person in charge of a vessel may be subject to various penalties or fines under those Acts. (Sec. 405) Allows evaluation (notwithstanding specified provisions) of the service of an applicant for a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document by using the tonnage on which service was acquired. (Sec. 406) Amends Federal law to increase the penalties for failing to report a marine casualty or violating small vessel manning provisions. Title V: Establishment of Alternate Convention Tonnage (ITC) Thresholds - Amends Federal law relating to measurement of vessels to authorize the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe, where a statute allows, an alternate tonnage. (Sec. 502) Allows alternate tonnage measurement by amending the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act, the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act, the Port and Tanker Safety Act, the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, the Maritime Education and Training Act of 1980, and numerous provisions of Federal law relating to vessels and seamen. Title VI: Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to define "vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" as the term is defined in the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. Makes it: (1) unlawful for any person on a vessel of the United States or subject to U.S. jurisdiction to engage in large-scale driftnet fishing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of any nation or within the U.S. EEZ; (2) a rebuttable presumption that any vessel in such areas with gear capable of use for that type of fishing is engaged in such fishing. (Sec. 602) Amends Federal law to allow the sale, by a modified negotiated sale, of recyclable Coast Guard materials when the estimated proceeds will not exceed a specified amount. (Sec. 603) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require ships of a certain tonnage to have a radio station complying with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Ends certain exemptions from that requirement. Modifies the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to exempt ships. Removes provisions allowing exemptions related to unforeseeable equipment failures and radio direction finding apparatus requirements. Specifies the FCC's authorities regarding ship radio installations for passenger and cargo vessels. Removes provisions relating to: (1) technical requirements of equipment on radiotelephone equipped ships; (2) survival craft; (3) approval of installations by the FCC; (4) safety information; and (5) master's control over operations. Title VII: State Recreational Boating Safety Funding - Amends Federal law (popularly known as the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, the Fish Restoration and Management Projects Act, and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act) to mandate the distribution from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of certain amounts in specified fiscal years for grants under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 and State recreational boating safety programs. Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to spend, under contracts with States, certain amounts for State recreational boating safety programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Personnel Management Improvement - Amends Federal law to allow the Coast Guard to expend operating funds for recruiting. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to make child development services available for members of the armed forces and Federal civilian employees. Authorizes expenditures. (Sec. 803) Declares that provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 relating to homeowners' assistance for individuals affected by hurricane Andrew apply to Coast Guard military personnel in the vicinity of Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. Requires that Coast Guard funds, limited in amount, be used. (Sec. 804) Amends Federal law relating to continuation of Coast Guard captains on active duty to remove provisions requiring dissemination to the service at large of the names of those selected for continuation. (Sec. 805) Prohibits counting, in computing authorized strength, Coast Guard Ready Reserve members ordered to active duty in an emergency. (Sec. 806) Requires lieutenants, selected for separation for failure of promotion and then selected (for the needs of the service) for continuation for two to four years, to further continue until they have completed 20 years of service if they have completed at least 18 years of service on the date specified for discharge. (Sec. 807) Authorizes the Coast Guard Commandant to: (1) obtain research on personnel resource and training needs; and (2) employ special programs for recruiting women and minorities, including using grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. Terminates this authority on a specified date. Title IX: Navigation Safety and Waterway Services Management - Amends Federal law to remove provisions relating to fees for certain foreign vessel inspection. (Sec. 902) Amends Federal law relating to documentation of vessels to increase civil penalties for violations. Allows seizure and forfeiture of a documented vessel placed under the command of a non-U.S. citizen. (Sec. 903) Requires documented uninspected fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels to be operated by an individual licensed to operate that type of vessel. (Sec. 904) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to mandate a civil penalty for failure to comply with or violation of a regulation issued under the Act. (Sec. 905) Amends Federal law to authorize the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct informal investigations of marine casualties. Makes opinions, recommendations, deliberations, and conclusions in a report of a marine casualty investigation inadmissible as evidence and not subject to discovery in any civil, administrative, or State criminal proceeding arising from a marine casualty without the consent of the Secretary of Transportation. Title X: Marine Safety Management Improvements - Amends Federal law relating to uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels to add a requirement that vessels that operate beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes be equipped with alerting and locating equipment, including emergency position indicating radio beacons. (Sec. 1002) Declares that a person commits a class D felony if the person services or alters lifesaving, fire safety, or any other equipment subject to provisions relating to inspection and regulation of vessels so that the equipment is so defective as to be insufficient for its purpose. (Sec. 1003) Adds a requirement that, in order to be eligible for documentation, a vessel must be over a specified length. Title XI: Coast Guard Regulatory Reform - Coast Guard Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Authorizes the head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (the Secretary), in order to implement the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention adopted by the International Maritime Organization and to establish voluntary alternative compliance programs, to prescribe regulations governing the U.S. merchant marine, merchant marine personnel, and shore-based management of vessels. (Sec. 1103) Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out provisions relating to inspection and regulation of vessels, to use reports, documents, and certificates issued by persons the Secretary determines may be relied on regarding marine safety, security, and environmental protection. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary to accept certain approvals of fire and life safety equipment and materials by foreign governments. (Sec. 1105) Modifies the required inspection frequency of specified types of vessels. (Sec. 1106) Eliminates the maximum time limit before an inspection certificate expires that the Secretary must be notified that inspection will be required or the vessel will not be operated so as to require inspection. (Sec. 1107) Allows the use of the American Bureau of Shipping or other classification society (currently, or a similar U.S. classification society) in connection with conducting and certifying vessel inspections. Title XII: Law Enforcement Enhancement - Amends Federal criminal law to make it unlawful to: (1) fail to land an aircraft or bring to a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction on order of a Federal law enforcement officer; or (2) resist vessel boarding, arrest, or other law enforcement action authorized by Federal law. Allows a foreign nation to consent or waive objection to enforcement of U.S. law by radio, telephone, or similar oral or electronic means. Mandates imprisonment and fines for violation and authorizes aircraft and vessel seizure and forfeiture and liability in rem. (Sec. 1202) Amends Federal transportation law to require revocation of an aircraft's registration and the airman certificate of any person on failure to land. (Sec. 1203) Amends Federal law to authorize the Coast Guard to issue orders and make inquiries, searches, seizures, and arrests regarding U.S. law violations aboard any aircraft subject to U.S. jurisdiction. (Sec. 1204) Imposes a civil penalty upon a person, and in rem liability of a vessel or aircraft, for violations. (Sec. 1205) Amends provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 relating to boarding vessels to define "authorized place" with respect to vehicles and aircraft. (Sec. 1206) Mandates a civil penalty for a person, makes an aircraft liable in rem, and provides for seizure, forfeiture, and sale of an aircraft for failure to comply with an order of a Federal law enforcement officer to land. Title XIII: Coast Guard Auxiliary Amendments - Amends Federal law to specify the Coast Guard Commandant's authorities regarding the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Deems the Auxiliary a U.S. instrumentality except when it acts outside its legislated purpose or forms a corporation under State law. (Sec. 1302) Declares that the Auxiliary's purpose is to assist the Coast Guard. (Sec. 1403 (sic)) Declares that Auxiliary members are not Federal employees except for certain situations. (Sec. 1304) Removes the word "specific" from provisions: (1) authorizing the use of Coast Guard appropriations for certain expenses of Auxiliary members assigned to authorized specific duties; and (2) relating to assignment of Auxiliary members to specific duties and related vesting in the Auxiliary members of the same power and authority as members of the regular Coast Guard assigned to similar duty. (Sec. 1305) Authorizes the Coast Guard to use Auxiliary members and facilities in assisting Federal agencies, States, Territories, possessions, or political subdivisions. (Sec. 1306) Deems motorboats, yachts, or aircraft, while assigned to Coast Guard duty, to be public vessels of the United States and vessels of the Coast Guard or Coast Guard aircraft. Deems (subject to specified provisions) Auxiliary pilots to be Coast Guard pilots. (Sec. 1308) Authorizes disposal of obsolete or unneeded Coast Guard material to the Auxiliary.

Sikes Act Improvement Amendments of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995

Sikes Act Improvement Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Act of September 15, 1960, commonly referred to as the Sikes Act, to direct (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program of wildlife, fish, and game conservation on each U.S. military installation. Requires an integrated natural resource management plan (plan) to be included in each program. Requires the plan to address the needs for fish and wildlife management, land management, forest management, and wildlife-oriented recreation. Requires an opportunity for public comment on each plan prepared. Requires the: (1) Secretaries of each military department to review and report to the Secretary on military installations under their jurisdiction which would be appropriate for a plan; and (2) Secretary to report to the Congress on such reviews. Provides a deadline for the establishment of such plans. Directs the Secretary to annually review the extent to which plans were prepared or in effect and implemented during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees on funds expended on conservation activities conducted pursuant to such plans. Provides for the enforcement on military installations of all Federal laws relating to natural resources conservation on Federal lands. Requires the Secretary of each military department to ensure that sufficient numbers of trained natural resource management and law enforcement personnel are available and assigned to perform tasks necessary to ensure plan compliance. Entitles the Act of September 15, 1960, as the Sikes Act. Extends through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for natural resources conservation programs on military installations, as well as equivalent programs on other public lands.

Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1995

Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 1995 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include certain service in the organized military forces of the Philippines and service as Philippine Scouts within the definition of active U.S. military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits for former active-duty military personnel.

To prohibit economic assistance and military assistance or arms transfer to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago until appropriate action is taken to eliminate illicit drug trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995

Prohibits the President from providing economic or military assistance or arms transfers to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago unless the President certifies to the Congress that such government has taken appropriate action to eliminate illicit drug trafficking, including the enactment and enforcement of laws that prohibit illicit drug trafficking and that provide punishment for violators.

To repeal statutory limitations on the transportation of chemical munitions.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995

Repeals specified provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1995 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 which: (1) prohibit appropriated funds from being used to transport chemical munitions (munitions) to the Johnston Atoll for the purpose of storage or demilitarization; (2) prohibit the transportation of munitions across State lines; and (3) allow the transportation to the nearest storage facility of munitions which are not part of the chemical weapons stockpile only if considered necessary and able to be accomplished while protecting the public health and safety.

To clarify the war powers of Congress and the President in the post-Cold War period.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995

Repeals the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President, in every possible instance, to consult with the Congress before introducing the armed forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated and to consult regularly with the Congress until such forces are no longer engaged in such hostilities or have been removed from such situations. Directs the President, in the absence of a declaration of war, to report to the Congress in any case in which the armed forces are introduced: (1) into hostilities or situations described above; (2) into the territory, airspace, or waters of a foreign nation while equipped for combat, with specified exceptions; or (3) in numbers which substantially enlarge armed forces equipped for combat already located in a foreign nation. Requires such report to set forth: (1) the circumstances necessitating such introduction; (2) the constitutional and legislative authority under which such introduction took place; and (3) the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities or involvement. Provides for continuing reports to the Congress as long as the armed forces are so engaged.

Employment Enhancement Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle A: Block Grants to States Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs Subtitle C: Effective Dates Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit Title III: Repeal of Temporary Futa Surtax Employment Enhancement Reform Act - Title I: Consolidation of Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Subtitle A: Block Grants to States - Establishes a block grant program to prepare individuals for employment by increasing their occupational and educational skills. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make such grants, for up to five-year periods subject to annual approval and availability of appropriations, to States to provide employment assistance to eligible individuals. Reserves funds for grants to Indian tribes and migrant and seasonal farmworker organizations. (Sec. 103) Allocates such grants to States on the basis of relative numbers of: (1) unemployed in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) excess unemployed; and (3) economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Sets forth requirements for applications, use of grants, and conduct of State programs. Requires State programs to provide employment assistance to the following types of eligible individuals: (1) economically disadvantaged and 14 years or older; (2) certain types of dislocated workers; (3) individuals with disabilities; (4) Armed Forces members being separated under other than adverse conditions; (5) unemployed veterans; and (6) displaced homemakers. Requires States to: (1) profile and evaluate individuals to determine the employment assistance services to be provided; (2) notify individuals of other sources of supportive services; (3) provide appropriate employment assistance, within specified limits; (4) monitor rates of individuals successfully obtaining employment after separation from the program, according to specified criteria; and (5) establish one-stop-shop centers throughout the State for program information and profiling and evaluation. Authorizes certain discretionary activities under State programs. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to make biennial determinations of State success in placing individuals in employment. Authorizes reduction or termination of payments when a State has not been successful, and reinstatement or increase of payments when a State implements appropriate modifications of its program. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Consolidation and Repeal of Certain Federal Employment Assistance Programs - Chapter 1: Consolidation of Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to eliminate community mental health services demonstration projects for homeless individuals who are chronically mentally ill. (Sec. 112) Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to add requirements for State collaborative programs of supported employment services for individuals with the most severe disabilities, special recreation activities and services, and projects with industry. Repeals other provisions for special project grants for supported employment programs, special recreational programs, projects with industry, and supported employment services for individuals with severe disabilities. Chapter 2: Repeal of Programs - Repeals Higher Education Act of 1965 provisions for special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farm work. (Sec. 122) Repeals: (1) the disabled veterans outreach program and the local veterans employment representative program under Federal law relating to veterans; and (2) the homeless veterans reintegration project under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 123) Repeals: (1) the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act; (2) employment and training program provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (but allowing college students who are parents responsible for care of a dependent child under age six to be eligible for the food stamp program); and (3) the older American community service employment program under the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 124) Repeals the Job Training Partnership Act, except those provisions relating to the Job Corps. Authorizes appropriations for the Job Corps. (Sec. 125) Repeals the Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations program under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (Sec. 126) Repeals certain provisions relating to rules for computing the targeted jobs credit under the Internal Revenue Code. (Sec. 127) Repeals the JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills training) program provisions for recipients of AFDC (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 128) Repeals: (1) the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991; and (5) the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 133) Repeals special programs relating to adult education for Indians, under the Indian Education Act of 1988. (Sec. 134) Repeals special Social Security Act provisions relating to Indian tribes and JOBS training programs. (Sec. 135) Repeals provisions for the VISTA Literacy Corps under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 136) Repeals: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment agencies); (2) the adult education for the homeless grants program and the job training for the homeless demonstration grants program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (3) the trade adjustment assistance for workers program under the Trade Act of 1974; (4) FY 1993 and 1994 authorizations of appropriations for certain grants, as well as certain technical assistance conditions, under the Homeownership and Opportunity through HOPE Act; and (5) the State legalization impact-assistance grants program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Subtitle C: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates. Title II: Notice of Availability of Earned Income Credit - Amends the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require that notice of availability of the earned income tax credit be provided to applicants for and former recipients of AFDC, Medicaid, or food stamps. (Sec. 202) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to require printing of a notice of the availability of the earned income tax credit and the dependent care tax credit on W-4 forms for employee withholding exemptions. Title III: Repeal of Temporary FUTA Surtax - Repeals the temporary FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) surtax under the Internal Revenue Code.

ROTC Campus Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995

ROTC Campus Access Act - Prohibits the availability of Federal funds by contract or grant to any institution of higher education that has an anti-ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) policy and at which the Secretary of Defense would otherwise seek to either establish a unit of the Senior ROTC or enroll students in such program. Requires notice of the anti-ROTC policy determination to be: (1) transmitted to the Secretary of Education and specified congressional committees; and (2) published in the Federal Register (along with a list of each institution currently ineligible for Federal funds due to such determination).

To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the educational assistance allowance with respect to skills or specialties for which there is a critical shortage of personnel.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to increase the amount of educational assistance allowable (up to a maximum $350 per month) in the case of individuals who have a skill or specialty in which there is a critical shortage of personnel or for which it is difficult to recruit.

To provide a minimum survivor annuity for the unremarried surviving spouses of retired members of the Armed Forces who died before having an opportunity to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1995

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay on the date of death; or (2) was a member of the reserves, died during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired or retainer pay but for the fact that the member was under 60 years of age. Defines a qualified surviving spouse as one who has not remarried and who is not eligible for an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides the annuity amount and reduces such amount by the amount of any dependency and indemnity compensation to which the survivor is entitled.

Common Sense Product Liability and Legal Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Punitive Damages Reform Title III: Biomaterials Suppliers Title IV: Effect on Other Law; Effective Date Common Sense Product Liability and Legal Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Declares that this title governs any State or Federal product liability action except actions for commercial loss. Supersedes State law only as State law applies to an issue covered by this title. (Sec. 103) Makes a seller liable if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect in a way that would have revealed the harmful aspect. Makes the seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought or the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. (Sec. 104) Makes it a complete defense if the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and was more than 50 percent responsible for the event that resulted in the harm. (Sec. 105) Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for misuse or alteration by the employer or any co-employee who is immune from suit by the claimant under the State law on workplace injuries. (Sec. 106) Imposes sanctions for frivolous pleadings. (Sec. 107) Declares that product liability for noneconomic loss shall be several only and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the noneconomic loss attributable to that defendant's share of fault. (Sec. 108) Bars product liability actions after 15 years after the delivery of the product to its first purchaser or lessee, subject to exceptions. Applies this bar only if the claimant has received or would be eligible to receive from any source full medical expense compensation. (Sec. 109) Declares that this title does not apply to a product liability action unless the manufacturer has appointed an agent in the United States for service of process from anywhere in the United States. Title II: Punitive Damages Reform - Allows punitive damages if the harm was a result of conduct intended to cause harm or conduct manifesting a conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of others. Limits amounts. Requires the trier of fact, on request of any party, to consider punitive damages in a separate proceeding. Title III: Biomaterials Suppliers - Allows liability for biomaterials suppliers for harm caused by medical devices only i: (1) the raw materials or component parts delivered by the supplier did not constitute the product described in the contract between the supplier and the person contracting for delivery or failed to meet certain types of specifications; (2) the supplier intentionally and wrongfully withheld or misrepresented information material and relevant to the harm; or (3) the supplier had actual knowledge of prospective fraudulent or malicious activities, relevant to the harm, in the use of its supplies. (Sec. 302) Allows a supplier who is a defendant in a medical device product liability action, subject to exceptions and if the supplier did not take part in the design, manufacture, or sale of the device, to move to dismiss an action on the grounds that the claimant has failed to: (1) establish that the supplier furnished materials or parts in violation of the contractual requirements or specifications; or (2) comply with requirements to name the manufacturer of the device as a party. Requires the claimant to pay the supplier's attorney's fees and costs if the claimant named or joined the supplier and the claim against the supplier is held to be without merit and frivolous. Title IV: Effect on Other Law; Effective Date - Specifies ways in which this Act shall not be construed. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on provisions of the U.S. Code relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy. Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Josue Robles, Jr., 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 Robert D. Stuart, Jr., term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 27 February 1995

Omnibus Adoption Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Advisory Board on Adoption Title II: Adoption Data Collection System Title III: Adoption Education Programs Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel Title V: Adoption Tax Credit Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws Omnibus Adoption Act of 1995 - Title I: National Advisory Board on Adoption - Establishes the National Advisory Board on Adoption to monitor program implementation under this Act and make recommendations to the Congress. Title II: Adoption Data Collection System - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to submit a status report to the Congress on implementation of a certain data collection system required under the Social Security Act. Title III: Adoption Education Programs - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award social work graduate school fellowships for work in innovative programs on the effects of adoption on the parties involved. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to the States for implementation of adoption education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel - Amends Federal law to set forth adoption benefits for Federal employees and military personnel. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate their efforts in implementing this Act and to consult with the National Advisory Board on Adoption. Title V: Adoption Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow adoption expenses as a credit against the individual income tax. Requires married couples to file jointly in order to receive such credit. Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a maternal health certificates program to cover maternity and housing services facility expenses incurred by eligible pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement a grant program to assist eligible nonprofit entities to rehabilitate buildings for use as housing and services facilities for eligible pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should adopt a specified statutory adoption scheme, including certain health plan benefits.

Veterans Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995

Veterans Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take all necessary action to ensure that all rights and benefits provided under Federal law to qualified veterans are: (1) made available to veterans to the same extent in every State or geographic location; and (2) not denied on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, or geographic location.

Guam Commonwealth Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Political Relationship Title II: Applicability of Federal Law Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense Title IV: Courts Title V: Trade Title VI: Taxation Title VII: Immigration Title VIII: Labor Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities Title XI: United States Financial Assistance Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation Guam Commonwealth Act - Title I: Political Relationship - Creates the Commonwealth of Guam. Grants the people of Guam the right of full self-government through adoption of a Constitution and within specified guidelines. (Sec. 102) Recognizes the right of self-determination of the people of Guam. Directs the U.S. Government to promote preservation of the Chamorro culture, enhanced economic, social, and educational opportunities for Chamorros, and training of Chamorros for employment. Directs Guam to establish a land trust for the benefit of the indigenous Chamorro people and to establish residency requirements under the Constitution of Guam for voting and holding elective office. (Sec. 103) Allows this Act to be modified only with the mutual consent of the Governments of the United States and Guam. Title II: Applicability of Federal Law - Makes specified provisions of, and amendments to, the U.S. Constitution applicable to Guam. (Sec. 202) Makes Federal laws, rules, or regulations passed after the date of this Act inapplicable unless mutually consented to by the Governments of the United States and Guam. (Sec. 203) Creates the Joint Commission on the Applicability of Federal Law. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to delegate to the Governor of Guam performance of functions now vested in Federal administrative agencies. Title III: Foreign Affairs and Defense - Grants the United States responsibility for authority with respect to matters relating to foreign affairs and defense that affect Guam. (Sec. 302) Prohibits the establishment of military security zones or the stationing of foreign military personnel on the Island of Guam without the approval of the Government of Guam except in time of declared war, or the establishment of military bases without consultation with the Governor. (Sec. 304) Prohibits the United States from using Guam or the water surrounding it for the dumping or storage of nuclear waste or hazardous chemicals. Provides for the cleanup by the United States of chemical dump sites used by the military. Requires the United States to compensate any person injured as a result of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of by the U.S. Government in Guam or its waters. Title IV: Courts - Specifies provisions governing the relations between U.S. courts and the local courts of Guam, the jurisdiction of the District Court of Guam, and the applicable district court rules. (Sec. 404) Provides for the appointment of a judge for the District Court of Guam, a U.S. attorney, and a U.S. marshal for Guam. Title V: Trade - Establishes a Guam-United States free trade area. Authorizes Guam to impose, increase, reduce, or eliminate duties and other restrictions on certain imports and exports. Title VI: Taxation - Makes U.S. income tax laws applicable to Guam. Deems such laws to impose a separate tax to be known as the Guam Commonwealth income tax. (Sec. 603) Allows the Government of Guam to provide for the rebate or reduction of taxes in order to assist new industries or economic development. (Sec. 604) Grants Guam the power to determine the nature and amount of taxes imposed upon the income and property of persons within its jurisdiction. Repeals applicable U.S. tax laws one year after Guam has enacted a replacement comprehensive local income tax. (Sec. 605) Exempts all bonds or other obligations issued by Guam from taxation by Federal, State, or local governments of the United States. Title VII: Immigration - Applies the Immigration and Nationality Act and pertinent Federal regulations to Guam for two years from enactment of this Act. Directs Guam to enact a comprehensive law on immigration to become effective at the end of the two-year period. (Sec. 702) Authorizes U.S. consular officials to issue visas for travel only to Guam for any alien seeking to enter Guam as a non-immigrant in order to encourage investors and tourists to come to Guam. Title VIII: Labor - Grants preference to qualified residents of Guam in all Federal civil service vacancies occurring in Guam. (Sec. 802) Grants Guam the authority to enact and enforce all laws regulating or affecting employment in Guam. Title IX: Transportation and Telecommunications - Precludes application of any U.S. law barring the U.S. registration and use of any foreign-built vessel within the waters around Guam for any purpose. Exempts from the coastwise laws of the United States any shipment of fish or fish products from Guam to any U.S. coastwise destination. Directs the Commission to examine the applicability of such laws and to recommend their termination upon determining that such laws constrain Guam's economic development. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the Governor of Guam to sponsor any qualified air service carrier to come to Guam, subject to presidential consultation concerning U.S. foreign policy and security interests. Exempts Guam from all bilateral treaties between the United States and foreign states with respect to scheduling and technical specifications of aircraft, other than safety requirements. (Sec. 903) Defines Guam as "domestic" for Federal Communications Commission rate setting purposes. Title X: Land, Natural Resources and Utilities - Grants the Government of Guam the power of eminent domain. Sets limits on U.S. acquisition of real property on Guam. Exempts Guam from Federal regulations governing the transfer or sale of excess Federal real property. Provides for the transfer of all excess Federal property to Guam, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 1003) Provides for access and use by the residents of Guam of certain retained Federal property, subject to military security requirements. (Sec. 1004) Directs the United States to transfer ownership of island utilities to Guam. Title XI: United States Financial Assistance - Provides for the return of U.S. revenues from taxes and fees collected in Guam to the Government of Guam. Makes U.S. laws providing Federal benefits and financial assistance which are applicable to the States equally applicable to Guam. (Sec. 1104) Directs the Governor of Guam, in preparing an annual budget, to identify the costs and benefits to Guam brought about by its role as one of the principal U.S. military bases. (Sec. 1105) Provides for assistance to aid Guam's transition to a Commonwealth. Title XII: Technical Amendments and Interpretation - Makes technical and conforming amendments. (Sec. 1204) Requires this Act to be submitted to the registered voters of Guam for ratification after being passed by the Congress. Repeals the Organic Act of Guam.

Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995

Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (OFPPA) to revise procurement integrity provisions, replacing them with specified restrictions on disclosing and obtaining contractor bid or proposal information or source selection information. Repeals specified armed forces procurement provisions, post-employment restrictions and reporting requirements with respect to retired military officers and defense contractors, and OFPPA procedures applicable to purchases below micro-purchase threshold. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to repeal provisions relating to research, development, and production costs.

A bill to provide for the payment to States of plot allowances for certain veterans eligible for burial in a national cemetery who are buried in cemeteries of such States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to the appropriate State or local political entity a $150 burial plot or interment allowance for the burial of any veteran who is: (1) eligible for burial in a national cemetery; and (2) buried in a cemetery that is used solely for the interment of persons so eligible and that is owned by such State or political entity.

Illegal Immigration Control Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 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. 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. Title VIII: Asylum - Amends the Act to revise asylum procedures. (Sec. 802) Sets forth mandatory and discretionary conditions for granting provisional asylum.

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 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.

Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Risk Assessment and Communication Title II: Analysis of Risk Reduction Benefits and Costs Title III: Peer Review Title IV: Judicial Review Title V: Plan Title VI: Priorities Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit Act of 1995 - Declares that this Act shall not apply to: (1) an emergency situation, in which case the agency head shall comply with this Act within as reasonable a time as is practical; (2) activities necessary to maintain military readiness; (3) any individual food, drug, or other product label, or any risk characterization appearing on any such label, if the individual product label is required by law to be approved by a Federal department or agency prior to use; and (4) Federal agency approval of State programs or plans. Title I: Risk Assessment and Communication - Risk Assessment and Communication Act of 1995 - Applies this title generally to all significant risk assessment and risk characterization documents, except: (1) screening analyses; (2) health, safety, or environmental inspections; or (3) the sale or lease of Federal resources or regulatory activities that directly result in collection of Federal receipts. (Sec. 104) Requires each covered Federal agency head to apply specified principles in order to assure that significant risk assessment documents and all of their components distinguish scientific findings from other considerations and are, to the extent feasible, scientifically objective, unbiased, and inclusive of all relevant data and rely, to the extent available and practicable, on scientific findings. (Sec. 105) Specifies the requirements that each significant risk characterization document is required to meet. (Sec. 106) Prohibits any covered Federal agency from automatically incorporating or adopting any recommendation or classification made by a non-United States-based entity concerning the health effects value of a substance without an opportunity for notice and comment. Requires compliance with this title by any risk assessment document or risk characterization document adopted by a covered Federal agency on the basis of such a recommendation or classification. (Sec. 107) Directs the President to: (1) issue guidelines for Federal agencies consistent with specified risk assessment and characterization principles; and (2) provide a format for summarizing risk assessment results. Requires such guidelines to include guidance on such subjects such as the evaluation of benign tumors and the use of different types of dose-response models. Requires the President to periodically review and revise such guidelines as appropriate. (Sec. 108) Directs each covered Federal agency head to do the following for periodic reports to the Congress: (1) regularly and systematically evaluate risk assessment research and training needs of the agency; and (2) develop a strategy and schedule for carrying out research and training to meet certain such needs. (Sec. 109) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide for a study using comparative risk analysis to rank health, safety, and environmental risks and to provide a common basis for evaluating strategies for reducing or preventing those risks. Requires the Director to submit to the Congress a report of the National Research Council with recommendations regarding the use of comparative risk analysis and ways to improve the use of comparative risk analysis for decision-making in appropriate Federal agencies. (Sec. 110) Limits covered Federal agencies to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (3) the Food and Drug Administration; (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (5) the Department of Transportation; (6) the Department of Energy; (7) the Department of Agriculture; (8) the Department of the Interior; (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (10) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (11) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; (12) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; and (13) other Federal agencies determined by the President, acting through the OMB Director. Title II: Analysis of Risk Reduction Benefits and Costs - Requires the President to require each Federal agency to prepare specified analyses for each new major rule within a program designed to protect human health, safety, or the environment. (Sec. 202) Requires that certain certifications be made in order for a final rule subject to this title to be promulgated. (Sec. 203) Directs OMB to issue guidance consistent with this title to: (1) assist the agencies, the public, and the regulated community in the implementation of this title, including any new requirements or procedures needed to supplement prior agency practice; and (2) govern the development and preparation of analyses of risk reduction benefits and costs. Title III: Peer Review - Requires each Federal agency head to develop a systematic program for independent and external peer review for regulatory programs designed to protect human health, safety, or the environment in connection with any risk assessment or cost analysis forming the basis of any rule likely to result in an annual increase in costs of $100 million or more. Exempts from such requirement any: (1) rule or other action taken by an agency to authorize or approve any individual substance or product; and (2) data or method which has been previously subjected to peer review or any component of any analysis or assessment previously subjected to peer review. Authorizes the OMB Director to order that peer review be provided for any major risk assessment or cost assessment likely to have a significant impact on public policy decisions. Directs the President to appoint National Peer Review Panels to review annually for a report to the Congress the risk and cost assessment practices of each Federal agency for programs designed to protect human health, safety, or the environment. Title IV: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review under this Act. Title V: Plan - Requires each covered Federal agency to publish a plan to review and, where appropriate, revise significant risk assessment or characterization documents if the agency head determines that application of the appropriate specified principles for risk assessment and risk characterization and communication would be likely to alter significantly the results of the prior risk assessment or characterization. Provides for public participation and consultation in plan development. Title VI: Priorities - Directs the President, in order to assist in the public policy and regulation of risks to public health, to identify specified opportunities to reflect priorities within existing Federal regulatory programs designed to protect human health in a cost-effective and cost-reasonable manner. (Sec. 601) Requires the President to issue biennial reports to the Congress recommending priorities for modifications to, elimination of, or strategies for existing Federal regulatory programs designed to protect public health. Requires an agency to consider the priorities set forth in the report when preparing a budget or strategic plan for any such regulatory program.

Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995

Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Integrated Spent Nuclear Fuel Management Act of 1995. (Sec. 1) Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by not later than January 31, 1998. Entitles contract holders to specified remedies for the Secretary's failure to meet service contract obligations, or to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste as mandated under this Act. States that the Nuclear Waste Fund shall fund the execution of service contract and implementation of the Secretary's responsibilities, including the acceptance of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at contract holder sites and transporting such fuel or waste to a private storage facility. Establishes an integrated spent nuclear fuel management system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, including its storage, transportation, and disposal. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the use of: (1) railroads; (2) transportation planning and requirements; (3) multi-purpose canister systems; (4) interim storage facilities; (5) permanent disposal; (6) land withdrawal; and (7) private storage facilities. Prescribes consultation and assistance guidelines between the Secretary and the State of Nevada. Prescribes budget priorities for purposes of annual requests for appropriations from the Waste Fund. Prescribes a fee schedule for electricity and nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor. Sets forth advance contract prerequisites for utilization or production facility license renewals. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish by rule the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Subjects the Secretary to all Federal, State, and local environmental or land use laws and regulations, with specified exceptions. Grants the U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Provides that upon a contract holder's request, the Secretary shall take title to or possession of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste without removing it from the contract holder's designated storage site if the Secretary cannot accept such items within the contract's acceptance schedule. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take action as necessary to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. States that the program is not subject to civil service regulations. Abolishes the Interim Storage Fund, the Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission, the Office of Subseabed Disposal Research, and the Office of Nuclear Waste Negotiator. Repeals all references to the Yucca Mountain site. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress whether particular milestones have been reached with respect to: (1) multi-purpose canister systems; (2) land withdrawals; (3) interim storage facilities; and (4) acceptance of spent nuclear fuel from contract holders. Directs the Secretary to: (1) create a value engineering function within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (2) employ on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. (Sec. 2) Sets forth transition provisions for the continuation of: (1) contracts; (2) Nuclear Waste Fund; (3) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (4) Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. (Sec. 3) Mandates that amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund be appropriated exclusively for certain authorized purposes cited in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Precludes such appropriations from being taken into account for any budget enforcement procedures under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Amends such Act to provide that appropriations to the Nuclear Waste Fund are not subject to its discretionary spending limits or to a certain allocation of the Energy and Waster Development Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. Reduces specified discretionary spending limits under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

Veterans Housing Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1995

Veterans Housing Fairness Act - Authorizes the provision of loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans for the purpose of purchasing residential property in a cooperative housing project if such cooperative is approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Welfare Reform Consolidation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Care Block Grants Title II: Family and School-Based Nutrition Block Grants Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Family Nutrition Block Grant Program Subtitle C: School-Based Nutrition Block Grant Program Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Restricting Alien Eligibility for Certain Education, Training, and Other Programs Title IV: Other Repealers and Conforming Amendments Title V: General Effective Date; Preservation of Actions, Obligations, and Rights Welfare Reform Consolidation Act of 1995 - Title I: Child Care Block Grants - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to add the following as goals for such Act: (1) to allow each State maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies that best suit the needs of children and parents within such State; (2) to promote parental choice to empower working parents to make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their family's needs; (3) to encourage States to provide consumer education information to help parents make informed choices about child care; (4) to assist States to provide child care to parents trying to achieve independence from public assistance; and (5) to assist States in implementing the health, safety, licensing, and registration standards established in State regulations. (Sec. 101) Reauthorizes and extends such Act through 2000. Makes various specified technical and other changes to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 with regard to lead State agency designation, State application and plan, and limitations on State allotments. Repeals earmarked required expenditures. Requires each State to report a plan for annual evaluations of the extent to which the State has achieved each goal established by this Act. Authorizes a State to transfer funds to carry out other State programs operated under specified provisions of Federal law, including State Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) and Child-Welfare Services programs. (Sec. 102) Repeals certain child care assistance authorized by specified Acts other than the Social Security Act, including Native Hawaiian Family-Based Education Centers under the Native Hawaiian Education Act. (Sec. 103) Repeals AFDC's transitional and at-risk child care programs. Title II: Family and School-Based Nutrition Block Grants - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth the definitions of various terms used in this title. Subtitle B: Family Nutritional Block Grant Program - Replaces the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 with a State family nutrition block grant program with goals that include the following: (1) to provide nutritional risk assessment, food assistance based on such risk assessment, and nutrition education and counseling to economically disadvantaged pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and young children at nutritional risk; and (2) to provide food assistance, including nutritious meal supplements, to such women in order to reduce incidences of low-birthweight babies and babies born with birth defects as a result of nutritional deficiencies. (Sec. 222) Sets forth the formula for allotting appropriations among the States. Specifies the use of grant amounts, and establishes penalties for misuse of funds. Sets out State reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: School-Based Nutrition Block Grant Program - Replaces the National School Lunch Act with a school-based nutrition block grant program to provide assistance to schools to establish and carry out nutritious food service programs that provide affordable meals and supplements to students. Sets forth similar grant allotment, application, use, reporting, and penalty provisions. (Sec. 257) Provides that if, by reason of any other provision of law, a State is prohibited from providing assistance received from a grant under this subtitle for children enrolled in a private elementary or secondary school, the Secretary shall arrange for the provision of such assistance to such children through arrangements which shall be subject to the requirements of this subtitle. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the following Acts: (1) the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (2) the National School Lunch Act; (3) the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987; and (4) the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 1989. Title III: Restricting Alien Eligibility For Certain Education, Training, And Other Programs - Makes illegal aliens ineligible for specified higher education, job training, aged, child care, and other Federal programs. Limits the eligibility for such programs of a lawful alien to one who: (1) has fulfilled the residency requirements, and has an application pending, for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act; or (2) is a veteran with an honorable discharge, or is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, or is the spouse or unmarried dependent child of one or the other. T: e IV: Other Repealers and Conforming Amendments - Repeals: (1) the JOBS program under part F of title IV of the Social Security Act; (2) the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 with conforming amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973; (3) the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act with conforming amendments to the Victims of Crime Act of 1984; (4) the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978; and (5) the Missing Children's Assistance Act. (Sec. 402) Makes technical amendments to the Temporary Child Care for Children with Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986, removing references to crisis nurseries, among other changes. Repeals family support center provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and certain investigatory and prosecutory provisions of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990. Title V: General Effective Date; Preservation of Actions, Obligations, And Rights - Specifies the effective date of this Act and the application of its amendments and repeals.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 889) making emergency supplemental appropriations and rescissions to preserve and enhance the military readiness of the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1995

Sets forth the modified closed rule for the consideration of H.R. 889 (emergency supplemental appropriations and rescissions with respect to the Department of Defense).

Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNP) to consist of portions of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Arsenal) in Illinois and to be managed as part of the National Forest System. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) roads, utility rights-of-way, and access within the MNP; (2) agricultural leases and special use authorizations; (3) user fees; (4) salvage of improvements; (5) treatment of user fees and salvage receipts; and (6) cooperation with States, local governments, and other entities. Requires the Secretary of the Army to transfer the Arsenal property constituting the MNP, without reimbursement, to the Secretary. Permits the transfer of portions only for which no further action is required under environmental law and that have been eliminated from the areas to be studied further pursuant to the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for the Arsenal. Requires the Secretary of the Army to retain jurisdiction, authority, and control over real property at the Arsenal that is used for: (1) water treatment; (2) the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances or petroleum products or derivatives; and (3) response purposes or actions required under an environmental law to remediate contamination or noncompliance. Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey certain Arsenal property to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs to be used for a national cemetery; (2) the county of Will, Illinois, to be used for a landfill; and (3) the village of Elwood, Illinois, and the city of Wilmington, Illinois, to be used for industrial parks. Provides that use of such landfill by Federal agencies or additional acreage added for purposes of accommodating the disposal of materials from the restoration of the Arsenal shall be at no cost to the Federal Government. Requires such property to revert to the Secretary for inclusion in the MNP if the property is not operated as a landfill. Provides for the conveyance of specified other Arsenal property to be added to the MNP subject to the Secretary's acceptance. Directs the Secretary of the Army, with respect to the real property at the Arsenal, to remain liable for and continue to carry out all: (1) response actions required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and all remediation actions required under other environmental laws at or related to the property; and (2) actions required under other environmental laws to remediate petroleum products or their derivatives. Requires the Secretary of the Army to retain any obligation or liability at the Arsenal that he or she had under CERCLA and other environmental laws.

Health Care Liability Reform and Quality Assurance Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Liability Reform Subtitle A: Liability Reform Subtitle B: Biomaterials Access Assurance Subtitle C: Applicability Title II: Protection of the Health and Safety of Patients Title III: Severability Health Care Liability Reform and Quality Assurance Act of 1995 - Title I: Health Care Liability Reform - Subtitle A: Liability Reform - Makes the provisions of this Subtitle applicable with respect to any health care liability action (action) brought in any Federal or State court, except to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies to an action for damages arising from a vaccine- related injury or death. Preempts any conflicting State law. States that nothing in this Subtitle shall affect, in an action, the defense of sovereign immunity, the choice of law or venue, or the establishment of Federal jurisdiction. (Sec. 104) Prohibits an action subject to this Act from being initiated unless a complaint concerning the action is filed within a two-year period following the discovery of the harm and its cause. (Sec. 105) Allows the award of punitive damages in an action only when there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intended to injure, deliberately failed to avoid injuring, or acted with a conscious disregard of the risk of unnecessary injury. Prohibits the award of punitive damages in any case in which no judgment for compensatory damages is rendered against the defendant. Outlines requirements concerning: (1) procedures for the pleading of punitive damages; and (2) the determination of the amount of such damages, limiting the amount to three times the amount awarded for the economic injury on which the claim is based, or $250,000, whichever is greater. (Sec. 106) Limits to $100,000 the amount a person may be required to pay for future damages in a single payment of a damages award in an action. Allows the defendant to make payments on a periodic basis. (Sec. 107) Allows only several and not joint liability of each defendant in an action with respect to punitive and noneconomic (pain and suffering) damages. (Sec. 108) Requires the total amount of damages received by an individual to be reduced by any payments received from collateral sources with respect to the same claim. (Sec. 109) Limits the amount of contingency fees that may be collected by an attorney in such an action. (Sec. 110) Requires medical malpractice to be proven by clear and convincing evidence in baby delivery cases in which the health care professional against whom the action is brought did not previously treat the pregnant woman for the pregnancy. (Sec. 111) Requires the parties, prior to or immediately following the commencement of an action, to participate in the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system as administered by the State. Provides for the: (1) adoption by each State of an ADR method satisfying certain requirements enumerated under this Act; (2) specification of ADR methods; and (3) initiation or resumption of a cause of action due to dissatisfaction with a determination under an ADR system. (Sec. 112) Prohibits an action from being brought by any individual unless such individual submits an affidavit stating that the individual has consulted with, and received a written report from, a qualified specialist attesting to the reasonable merits of the case (certificate of merit). Outlines administrative procedures with respect to the waiving of such certificate, and, when not waived, the deadline for its submission. Defines a "qualified specialist" as a health care professional having expertise in the same or substantially similar area of practice as that involved in the action. Subtitle B: Biomaterials Access Assurance - 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 fees if the court finds the claim to be without merit and frivolous. Subtitle C: Applicability - Makes provisions of this title applicable to all civil actions commenced on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Title II: Protection of the Health and Safety of Patients - Directs each State to establish: (1) a health care quality assurance program (program), to be approved by the Secretary; and (2) a fund for the program. Requires each State to transfer to the fund 50 percent of all awards for punitive damages resulting from health care liability actions in such State. (Sec. 202) Directs each State to require every health care professional and provider in the State, and their insurers, to participate in a risk management program to prevent and provide early warning of practices which may result in injuries to patients or which otherwise may endanger patient safety. Requires each professional or provider to participate in a risk management program at least once in each three-year period. (Sec. 203) Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for the disclosure of information concerning the reporting of: (1) sanctions taken against a physician by boards of medical examiners; and (2) health care professional review actions taken by health care entities. Title III: Severability - Provides for the severability of the remainder of this Act from provisions held to be unconstitutional.

Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Title II: Effect of Enactment Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - 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, including all applications for motor vehicle licenses and professional licenses. 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 for 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: (1) whether it is appropriate to develop a national child support guideline; or (2) based on a study of various guideline models, the benefits and deficiencies of such models and any needed improvements. (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: Access and Visitation Programs - Authorizes State grants to States to establish and administer programs to facilitate absent parents' access and visitation programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.

Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Subtitle A Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients Subtitle B: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle C: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle D: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle E: Paternity Establishment Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Title II: Increased Access to Financial Information of Noncustodial Parents and Additional Improvements in Enforcement Title III: Effective Dates Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Title I: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - 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 for 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. Title II: Increased Access to Financial Information of Noncustodial Parents and Additional Improvements in Enforcement - Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such State agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. (Sec. 202) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prescribe circumstances under which a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report to a State child support enforcement agency. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title IV part D to prescribes guidelines under which the States are required to have statutorily prescribed procedures which mandate: (1) any child support order to provide for coverage of the health care costs of the child; and (2) employers to pay within ten days any amounts withheld from wages to pay child support obligations. Establishes a late payment penalty for failure of employers to make timely payments. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to expand the Federal Parent Locator Service to establish a national network based on the comprehensive statewide child support enforcement systems developed by the States. Title III: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates for this Act.

Crime Control Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Crime Control Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set mandatory minimum penalties for first, second, and subsequent convictions for knowingly possessing or discharging a firearm that has been moved at any time in interstate or foreign commerce during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime for which the person may be prosecuted in a court of any State. Prohibits: (1) a court from placing on probation or suspending the sentence of any person convicted of a violation of such provision or from imposing a term of imprisonment to run concurrently with any other term of imprisonment; and (2) the release of any person sentenced under such provision for any reason during the term imposed. Specifies that a person shall be considered to be in possession of a firearm if, in the case of: (1) a crime of violence, the person touches a firearm at the scene of the crime at any time during the commission of the crime; and (2) a drug trafficking crime, the person has a firearm readily available at the scene of the crime. Specifies an exception for persons who may be found to have committed a criminal act while acting in defense of person or property during the course of a crime being committed by another person. Specifies that such provisions shall supplement, but not supplant, State and local efforts in prosecuting crimes. Directs the Attorney General to give due deference to the interest that a State or local prosecutor has in prosecuting a person under State law. (Sec. 4) Requires the Attorney General to certify that a State, to be eligible for prison funds authorized under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, has adopted: (1) truth in sentencing laws with respect to any felony crime of violence involving the use or attempted use of force or use of a firearm against a person for which a minimum sentence of five years or more is authorized, that provide that defendants will serve at least 85 percent of the sentence ordered and that provide for a binding sentencing guideline system that limits the discretion of sentencing judges; (2) a pretrial detention system similar to that provided under the Federal criminal code; (3) sentences for murderers, sex offenders, firearm offenders where death or serious bodily injury results, and child abuse offenders that are at least as long as sentences imposed under Federal law; and (4) suitable recognition for the rights of victims, including consideration of the victim's perspective at all appropriate stages of criminal proceedings. Directs the Attorney General to disqualify or withdraw certification of a State that does not comply with such provision or has ceased making substantial progress toward compliance. Authorizes the Attorney General to waive, for up to one year, any requirements of this section with respect to a State if there are compelling law enforcement reasons. (Sec. 5) Amends the Federal criminal code to require (current law authorizes) the court to order restitution of the victim when a convicted defendant is being sentenced for specified offenses and lists expenses to be reimbursed. Authorizes a court to order restitution of any person who was harmed physically, emotionally, or pecuniarily by unlawful conduct of the defendant during the offense or during the course of a related scheme, conspiracy, or pattern of unlawful activity. Directs the court: (1) to order restitution in the full amount of the victim's losses and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the offender or the fact that a victim has received or is entitled to compensation with respect to a loss from insurance or any other source; and (2) to specify in the restitution order the manner of, and schedule for, restitution in consideration of the financial resources and obligations of the offender. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the form of payments; (2) situations where there is more than one offender or more than one victim; (3) compensation with respect to losses from insurance or other sources; (4) set-offs against amounts later recovered as compensatory damages by the victim in Federal and State civil proceedings; and (5) payment by the offender to an entity designated by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Makes compliance with a restitution order a condition of any form of release of an offender. Provides for the enforcement of restitution orders. Authorizes: (1) a victim or offender to petition the court to modify a restitution order in view of a change in the economic circumstances of the offender; and (2) the court to refer any issue arising in connection with a proposed restitution order to a magistrate or special master for proposed findings of fact and recommendations as to disposition, subject to a de novo determination of the issue by the court. (Sec. 6) Requires the Attorney General to implement and enforce regulations mandating prison work for all able-bodied inmates in Federal penal and correctional institutions and prohibiting the provision by the Government in inmates' cells of television, radio, telephone, stereo, or other similar amenities.

To require the Secretary of the Army to submit to Congress a report regarding the management of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and to require that additional emergency warning sirens be provided for communities near chemical stockpile sites.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to specified congressional committees on expenditures for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program since 1986, requiring: (1) an accounting for the various expenses under the Program; and (2) a justification for all Program administrative expenses. Directs the Secretary to approve immediate placement of a minimum of three additional outdoor sirens (to warn local citizens of possible emergencies arising out of the destruction of chemical munitions at a stockpile site) in every county in the United States that is situated within a designated immediate response and protective action zone. Requires funds for the sirens to be provided from Program funding.

Trident II (D-5) Missile Production Termination Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Trident II (D-5) Missile Production Termination Act - Prohibits funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for fiscal years after 1995 from being obligated or expended for production of additional Trident II (D-5) missiles. Allows amounts appropriated to the Department to be expended for such missile only to complete production of those missiles commenced with funds appropriated before FY 1996.

Ballistic Missile Defense Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Ballistic Missile Defense Act of 1995 - Expresses as the policy of the United States to: (1) adhere to the spirit and letter of the 1972 ABM Treaty; and (2) direct the limited U.S. missile defense resources primarily toward short-range missile threats. Limits to $1.25 billion the FY 1996 Department of Defense funding that may be made available for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. Requires field testing and deployment of any missile defense system to be consistent with the traditional interpretation of the ABM Treaty.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the statue of limitations shall not bar a claim for credit or refund based on a retroactive determination of an entitlement to receive military disability benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a special one-year period for claiming an income tax credit or refund based on retroactive determinations of entitlement to military disability benefits.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the establishment in the Department of Veterans Affairs of mental illness research, education, and clinical centers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) designate not more than five facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as locations for centers of mental health services research, education and training, and the development and implementation of innovative clinical activities and systems of care with respect to the delivery of such services by the Department; (2) subject to appropriations, establish and operate such centers; (3) designate one such center by January 1, 1996; and (4) ensure that such centers are located in various geographic regions. Requires the official within the Central Office of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) responsible for mental health and behavioral science matters to establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted to the Secretary for the establishment of new centers. Requires at least three centers to emphasize research into improving the quality of care provided to mentally ill veterans through the development of community-based alternatives to institutional treatment. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Department to ensure that useful information produced by activities at the centers is disseminated throughout the VHA. Authorizes appropriations. Requires reports.

International Peacekeeping Policy Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

International Peacekeeping Policy Act of 1995 - Prohibits funds made available to the Department of State under the Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities Account or under any law to pay for contributions for United Nations peacekeeping activities from being available to the United Nations for the establishment, expansion, or modification in mission of a United Nations peacekeeping operation unless the President: (1) makes the certification required by this Act; and (2) notifies the Congress, at least 15 days before the approval of the operation by the United Nations Security Council, of the intent to support the operation. Directs the President to certify that the peacekeeping operation meets the following requirements: (1) the operation involves an international conflict in which hostilities have ceased and all significant parties to the conflict agree to the imposition of United Nations forces to seek a solution to the conflict; (2) the percentage of the U.S.-assessed share of the operation is no greater than the percentage of the share for the regular United Nations budget; (3) no U.S. intelligence information involving sensitive sources and methods of intelligence gathering will be provided to support the operation; and (4) with respect to units of the armed forces trained to carry out direct combat missions, the operation advances U.S. national security interests, the units are critical to the success of the operation and will be under the command of the United States, and any armed forces member would be protected by the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

International Partnership and Prosperity Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title II: Security Assistance and Related Programs Title III: Trade, Investment and Export Promotion Title IV: International Financial Institutions Title V: Middle East Title VI: Europe and the New Independent States Title VII: Special Authorities Title VIII: Reports, Limitations, and General Provisions Chapter A: Reporting Requirements Chapter B: Limitations on Assistance Chapter C: Administrative Provisions International Partnership and Prosperity Act of 1995 - Title I: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Authorizes the President to provide bilateral economic assistance for the following purposes: (1) to promote economic reforms, conditions, and institutions which contribute to the transition to free markets and democracy; (2) to meet urgent disaster and humanitarian needs; and (3) to control transnational threats. Requires: (1) U.S. assistance policy and programs to take into consideration a nation's commitment to free market principles; and (2) U.S. assistance to contribute to the strengthening of institutions and organizations which expand political freedom and civil liberty. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the President to make voluntary contributions on a grant basis to international organizations and programs administered by such organizations. Prohibits funds under this section from being made available for programs for Iran, Iraq, Libya, Cuba, North Korea, or Burma. Directs the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the budgets and accounts of all international organizations receiving payments of funds under this section; and (2) the amount of funds expended by each international organization or program, including the amount contributed by the United States. Earmarks funding to carry out this section. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the President to provide, and earmarks funding for, assistance to alleviate human suffering caused by man- made and natural disasters. (Sec. 104) Earmarks funding for: (1) migration and refugee assistance, including a specified amount for refugees resettling in Israel; and (2) Peace Corps activities. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title II: Security Assistance and Related Programs - Permits U.S. security assistance to be provided only to: (1) enhance the military capabilities of a friendly nation to meet legitimate self- defense and security needs; (2) strengthen such capabilities to permit effective participation in collective security or peacekeeping activities; (3) support the efforts of a foreign government to combat mutual, transational threats; (4) strengthen civilian and military relations consistent with democratic principles and with emphasis on improving military standards of professionalism; (5) promote self- defense and defense cooperation with U.S. allies and friendly nations through the acquisition of U.S. defense articles and services; and (6) support the transition to democracy. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the President to furnish security assistance to any eligible and friendly country by: (1) acquiring from any source and providing any defense article or service; (2) assigning or detailing members of the armed forces and other personnel to perform noncombatant duties; or (3) transferring funds to meet obligations of the recipient for payments for sales under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 203) Sets forth conditions for eligibility to receive defense articles, services, or related training. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to furnish military education and training to foreign military and civilian personnel. Earmarks funding for such training, including a specified amount for programs in Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to friendly countries and international organizations for peacekeeping operations in furtherance of U.S. national security interests. Permits such assistance to include reimbursement to the Department of Defense for expenses incurred for noncombatant activities under the United Nations Participation Act. Limits such reimbursement to $10 million. Prohibits the use of funds to train, equip, or support U.S. military personnel serving under United Nations command. Earmarks funding to carry out this section, including a specified amount to support a joint Baltic peacekeeping battalion. (Sec. 206) Authorizes the President to provide antiterrorism assistance to foreign governments. (Sec. 207) Permits the President to transfer excess defense articles to: (1) member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which are eligible for U.S. security assistance and are integrated into NATO's military structure; (2) major non-NATO allies on the south and southeastern flank of NATO which are eligible for such assistance; (3) Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia; and (4) Latin American or Caribbean countries with democratic governments that are major drug producing or transit countries. Authorizes the transfer of nonlethal excess defense articles to other eligible countries, as necessary. Requires prior congressional notification for transfers of excess defense articles. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the President, after reporting to the Congress, to direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education and training for specified emergency or humanitarian purposes. Limits the aggregate value per fiscal year of articles, services, and training provided. (Sec. 209) Authorizes the President to assign members of the armed forces to a foreign country to: (1) provide equipment and services case management, training management, program monitoring, evaluation and planning of the host government's military capabilities and requirements, administrative support, and liaison functions; and (2) promote defense cooperation measures. (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title, earmarking an amount for the cost of direct and guaranteed loans under credit sales provisions of the Arms Export Control Act. Title III: Trade, Investment and Export Promotion - Requires U.S. assistance to be provided to expand American job, trade, and investment opportunities abroad. Provides that specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that deal with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) shall remain in effect. Consolidates the programs of the Trade and Development Agency with those of OPIC. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the subsidy cost of OPIC direct loans, guarantees, and administrative expenses; and (2) such consolidation. Title IV: International Financial Institutions - Authorizes appropriations to fulfill obligations to international financial institutions. (Sec. 402) Provides that the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative (under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) shall remain in effect. Title V: Middle East - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) Israel and Egypt; and (2) fulfilling conditions of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel and Jordan. (Sec. 504) Deems a provision of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to loan guarantees for Israel to remain in effect. Title VI: Europe and the New Independent States - Authorizes appropriations to carry out programs in Eastern Europe and the Baltics. (Sec. 603) Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified activities in the new independent states and earmarks specified amounts for Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia and for joint law enforcement and training activities. (Sec. 604) Prohibits funds from being made available to Russia if the Russian Government directs or supports any action which violates the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other state. Exempts humanitarian assistance from such prohibition. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on any steps taken by a new independent state in violation of the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other state. (Sec. 605) Requires assistance programs under this title to be carried out exclusively on a bilateral basis. Title VII: Special Authorities - Authorizes the President to use funds made available under this Act to provide for unanticipated contingencies subject to fiscal year limitations and advance reporting requirements. (Sec. 702) Provides for the transfer of funds between accounts subject to certain limitations and advance congressional notification. (Sec. 703) Authorizes the President to waive certain restrictions in this Act or the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the furnishing of foreign assistance if it is in the national security interest. Limits amounts that may be made available. Title VIII: Reports, Limitations, and General Provisions - Chapter A: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Speaker of the House and specified congressional committees on human rights practices of countries that receive assistance under this Act or are members of the United Nations. (Sec. 802) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations a report on international narcotics control that is the same as an existing report required under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 803) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) congressional notification of program changes; and (2) an annual allocation report by the President regarding countries and organizations receiving assistance. Chapter B: Limitations on Assistance - Makes ineligible for foreign assistance any country: (1) that is a communist country; (2) that engages in gross violations of human rights; (3) that has expropriated property or nullified contracts with U.S. citizens and has not provided compensation or submitted the dispute to international arbitration within a specified time period; (4) whose elected head of government is deposed by military coup unless a democratically-elected government has taken office subsequent to the coup; (5) whose government provides support for international terrorism; (6) that is a major illicit drug-producing or transit country; or (7) that is more than one year in arrears to the U.S. Government on a payment of interest or principal on a loan made or credit extended under this Act, the Arms Export Control Act, or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Exempts from such prohibition assistance that is in the national security interest, for alleviation of suffering resulting from a disaster, or for migration and refugee assistance, provided the President reports in advance to specified congressional committees. Sets forth provisions regarding the listing of communist and terrorist countries. Establishes additional restrictions on assistance under other specified Acts to human rights violators, terrorist countries, and major illicit drug-producing and transit countries. Chapter C: Administrative Provisions - Subchapter 1: Procurement - Permits funds to be made available for programs under this Act for procurement only in the United States, the recipient country, or developing countries. Lists conditions under which procurement may be made from other countries. (Sec. 822) Provides that ocean transportation between foreign countries of articles purchased with foreign currencies derived from funds made available under this Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, or predecessor Acts and transfers of fresh fruit under this Act shall not be governed by the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 or any other law relating to the ocean transportation of commodities on U.S. flag vessels. Authorizes funding under this Act to be used to make grants to recipients or otherwise pay any differential that exists between U.S. and foreign flag vessel charter or freight rates. (Sec. 823) Sets forth provisions regarding the retention, transfer, or use of articles procured to carry out this Act. Subchapter 2: Inter-Agency Authorities - Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation and reimbursement of funds to Government agencies for providing foreign assistance. (Sec. 832) Authorizes Government agencies to furnish articles and services on an advance-of-funds or reimbursement basis to friendly countries and international and nongovernmental organizations. Subchapter 3: General Administration - Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) general assistance authorities, including conditions of assistance; (2) health and accident insurance for foreign employees of Government agencies or assistance programs and conditions under which alien participants in assistance programs may be admitted to the United States; (3) guarantees; (4) administrative uses of funds; and (5) termination expenses. Subchapter 4: Personnel - Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) employment of personnel and details of personnel to foreign governments and international organizations to carry out this Act; and (2) offices abroad. Subchapter 5: Definitions, Conforming Changes, Repeals - Sets forth definitions. Prohibits a U.S. court from declining on the ground of the Federal act of state doctrine to make a determination on the merits giving effect to the principles of international law in a case in which claim of title or other right to property is asserted by any party based upon a taking after January 1, 1959, by an act of that state in violation of the principles of international law. (Sec. 864) Deems references to: (1) the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) and to the administrator of the agency primarily responsible for administering part I of this part to be references to the Secretary; (2) AID to be references to the Department of State; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency to be references to OPIC. (Sec. 865) Repeals the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (with the exception of a few provisions).

Product Liability Fairness Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Punitive Damages Reform Title III: Effect on Other Law; Effective Date Common Sense Legal Standards Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Common Sense Product Liability Reform Act of 1995 - Declares that: (1) U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction pursuant to this title based on specified provisions of the Federal judicial code; (2) this title governs any product liability action brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory for harm caused by a product, except actions brought under the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 and civil actions brought against a manufacturer or product seller for commercial losses which shall be governed only by applicable commercial or contract law; and (3) this title supersedes State law only to the extent that such law applies to an issue covered by this title. (Sec. 104) Makes a product seller other than a manufacturer liable to a claimant in a product liability action only if the claimant establishes that: (1) the seller sold the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of was sold by the product seller, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was a proximate cause of the claimant's harm; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to the product independent of any express warranty made by the manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the claimant's harm; or (3) the seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing as determined under applicable State law and such intentional wrongdoing was a proximate cause of the harm complained of by the claimant. Specifies that a product seller shall: (1) not be considered to have failed to exercise reasonable care based upon an alleged failure to inspect a product where there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would have revealed the aspect of the product which allegedly caused the claimant's harm; and (2) be liable, in a product liability action, for harm to the claimant caused by such product as if the seller were the manufacturer of such product if the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under the laws of any State in which the action might have been brought, or the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgement against the manufacturer. (Sec. 105) Makes it a complete defense to a product liability action that the claimant: (1) was intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug; and (2) as a result of such influence, was more than 50 percent responsible for the accident or event which resulted in such claimant's harm. (Sec. 106) Specifies that in a product liability action the liability of each defendant for noneconomic loss shall be several only and not joint, and that each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss attributable to such defendant's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the claimant's harm, as determined by the trier of fact. (Sec. 107) Bars a product liability action unless the complaint is served and filed within 15 years after the time of delivery of the product, with exceptions. Title II: Punitive Damages Reform - Authorizes punitive damages, to the extent permitted by applicable State law, in any civil action in Federal or State court against a defendant if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct specifically intended to cause harm or conduct manifesting a conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by the product for which the action was brought. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) proportional awards; (2) applicability and preemption; and (3) bifurcation of proceedings at either party's request. Title III: Effect on Other Law; Effective Date - Specifies that nothing in title I or II shall be construed to: (1) waive or affect any defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) supersede any Federal law, except the Federal Employers Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act; (3) affect the applicability of Federal judicial code provisions regarding the jurisdictional immunities of foreign states; (4) preempt State choice-of-law rules with respect to claims brought by a foreign nation or a citizen of a foreign nation; (5) affect the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or of a citizen of a foreign nation on the ground of inconvenient forum; or (6) supersede any Federal law that prescribes a specific regimen for punitive damages.

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995 - Requires the military commander of the unit, facility, or area to which the following persons are assigned to conduct an investigation as to their whereabouts after receiving factual information that their status is uncertain: (1) military personnel who disappear during a period of war, national emergency, or hostilities; and (2) any civilian Federal employee (including an employee of a Federal contractor) who serves with or accompanies an armed force in the field during such a period. Requires such persons to be placed in a missing status and requires notification of such status to either the officer having general court-martial authority over the person (for military personnel) or the Secretary of the military department employing such person (for civilian and contractor employees). Requires such officials to be kept informed (specifies deadlines) as to all information and inquiries concerning efforts to locate such missing personnel. Requires such officials to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into the whereabouts and status of such persons. Provides for: (1) board composition, activities, and access to information; (2) inquiry proceedings (requiring the appointment of counsel, with specified duties, to represent the missing person); (3) a board recommendation as to the official status of a person following such an inquiry; (4) board reports to the officials involved as to board conclusions (prohibiting public availability of such reports for a one-year period); (5) report review by the official; (6) a report from such official to interested persons; and (7) an additional investigation and inquiry by an additional board upon receipt of new information within one year after the date of the first official notice of a person's disappearance. Allows interested persons (family members, dependents, next of kin) to participate at the proceedings of the board during such additional inquiry. Provides for the availability of appropriate information to board personnel conducting investigations and inquiries. Provides similar procedures for the second board with respect to meetings (open to the public, with exceptions), recommendations, reports, review by the Secretary of the military department concerned, and reports to interested persons. Directs the Secretary concerned: (1) if information becomes available on the whereabouts or status of a missing person within three years after the first official notice of the person's disappearance, to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into such information; and (2) to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the status of any missing person on or about three years after the first official notice of the disappearance of such person and not later than every three years thereafter until a total of 12 years after the first official notice. Allows certain interested persons to request the Secretary to appoint a board to review the status of a person declared dead before five years after the enactment of this Act. Limits the review subjects to those whose deaths were declared to have occurred on or after December 7, 1941. Provides for the conditions under which an appointed board may recommend that a person be declared dead. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that the personnel file of each person covered contains all information in possession of the Government relating to the disappearance and whereabouts or status of such person. Provides for judicial review of a person's declared status under this Act. Requires a person in a missing status or previously declared dead who is subsequently found alive to be paid for the full time of their absence. Requires the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment of a person in an armed force, to require such person to specify in writing the individual(s) to whom information on their whereabouts or status shall be provided in the event of an investigation under this Act. Allows for revision of such choice by the enlisting individual.

Common Sense Product Liability Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995

Common Sense Product Liability Reform Act of 1995 - Declares that this Act: (1) does not provide U.S. district courts with jurisdiction over product liability actions based on specified provisions of the Federal judicial code; (2) governs any product liability action brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory for harm caused by a product, except product liability actions brought against a manufacturer or product seller for commercial losses which shall be governed only by applicable commercial or contract law; and (3) supersedes State law only to the extent that such law applies to an issue covered by this Act. (Sec. 4) Makes a product seller other than a manufacturer liable to a claimant in a product liability action only if the claimant establishes that: (1) the seller sold the product which allegedly caused the harm, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was a proximate cause of the claimant's harm; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to the product independent of any express warranty made by a manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the claimant's harm; or (3) the seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing as determined under applicable State law and such intentional wrongdoing was a proximate cause of the harm complained of by the claimant. Specifies that a product seller shall: (1) not be considered to have failed to exercise reasonable care based upon an alleged failure to inspect a product where there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would have revealed the aspect of the product which allegedly caused the claimant's harm; and (2) be liable, in a product liability action, for harm to the claimant caused by such product as if the seller were the manufacturer of such product if the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under the laws of any State in which the action might have been brought, or the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgement against the manufacturer. (Sec. 5) Makes it a complete defense to a product liability action that the claimant: (1) was intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug; and (2) as a result of such influence, was more than 50 percent responsible for the accident or event which resulted in such claimant's harm. (Sec. 6) Specifies that in a product liability action the liability of each defendant for noneconomic loss shall be several only and not joint, and that each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss attributable to such defendant's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the claimant's harm, as determined by the trier of fact. (Sec. 7) Bars a product liability action unless the complaint is served and filed within 15 years after the time of delivery of the product, with exceptions. (Sec. 8) Authorizes punitive damages, to the extent permitted by applicable State law, in any product liability action in Federal or State court against a defendant if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct specifically intended to cause harm or conduct manifesting a conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by the product for which the action was brought. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) proportional awards; (2) applicability and preemption; and (3) bifurcation of proceedings at either party's request.

Readjustment Counseling Service Amendments of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Readjustment Counseling Service Amendments of 1995 - Includes a Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) as part of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from altering or revising the organizational structure of RCS until the Secretary has notified specified congressional committees and 60 days have elapsed since such notification. Requires RCS budget information to be included annually in the President's budget submitted to the Congress. Outlines eligibility requirements for one of the Assistant Under Secretaries for Health in the Department, including at least three years of clinical experience and two years of administrative experience in RCS or other comparable mental health care counseling service. Makes such a qualified person the director of RCS. Increases from eight to nine the authorized number of Assistant Under Secretaries for Health. Directs the Secretary to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who: (1) served on active duty during the Vietnam era; or (2) served on active duty in a theater of combat during a period of war (currently, only after May 7, 1975) in any area in which hostilities occurred. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish such assistance to any other veteran upon request. Directs the Secretary to provide counseling to survivors and dependents of members of the armed forces killed while performing such duty. Allows the Secretary to provide such counseling to the survivors and dependents of other members killed during active duty or from a condition incurred in or aggravated by such service. Establishes in the Department the Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans to perform advisory services with respect to veterans' readjustment, taking into special account Vietnam era veterans. Requires specified reports from the Advisory Committee and the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to the congressional veterans' affairs committees: (1) a plan for the expansion of the Vietnam Veteran Resource Center program; and (2) on the feasibility and desirability of the collocation of Vet Centers and outpatient clinics of the Department as current leases for such centers and clinics expire. Directs the Secretary to carry out and report to the Congress on a pilot program for the provision of health-related services to eligible veterans at readjustment counseling centers.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow defense contractors a credit against income tax for 20 percent of the defense conversion employee retraining expenses paid or incurred by the contractors.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit, in the case of defense contractors, for defense conversion employee retraining expenses.

A bill to amend the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to give priority in the provision of community economic adjustment assistance to those communities most seriously affected by reductions in defense spending, the completion, cancellation, or termination of defense contracts, or the closure or realignment of military installations.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Amends the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to require the Economic Development Administration, in making economic adjustment assistance available under such Act, to give priority to communities substantially and seriously affected by the closure or realignment of a military installation or the curtailment, completion, elimination, or realignment of a major defense contract or subcontract.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives relating to the closure, realignment, or downsizing of military installations.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make dislocated employees eligible for the targeted jobs credit. Defines a dislocated employee as an individual: (1) who was employed on a military installation; and (2) whose job was terminated as a result of the closing or realignment of such installation under a defense base closure law or a reduction in force at such installation.

A bill to consolidate the administration of defense economic conversion activities in the Executive Office of the President.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Directs the President to consolidate within, and coordinate through, the Executive Office of the President all defense conversion, reinvestment, and transition assistance programs of the Department of Defense. Establishes in the Executive Office a Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Defense Conversion. Directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer the Office of Economic Adjustment and the Advanced Research Projects Agency to the jurisdiction of the National Economic Council in the Executive Office of the President. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to transfer the Economic Conversion Information Exchange to the same jurisdiction.

Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Seeking Sanctions Against the Castro Government Title II: Assistance to a Free and Independent Cuba Title III: Protection of American Property Rights Abroad Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995 - Title I: Seeking 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 state to make the nuclear facility at Cienfuegos operational will have a detrimental impact on U.S. assistance to and relations with such state. (Sec. 102) Reaffirms a provision of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 that 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. Declares that the President should instruct the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to enforce the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. (Sec. 103) Prohibits any U.S. person from extending 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 oppose 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) 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. 106) 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. 107) Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on assistance and commerce received by Cuba from other foreign countries. (Sec. 108) 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: Assistance to a Free and Independent Cuba - Requires the President to develop a plan for providing economic assistance to Cuba at such time that a transition or a democratically-elected government is in power. Limits assistance for a transition government to humanitarian assistance, specified assistance comparable to that provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the economic and democratic development of the independent states of the former Soviet Union, and military adjustment assistance. Expands assistance to include development and agricultural assistance and export financing (as well as other specified assistance) when a democratically-elected government is in power. (Sec. 202) Requires the President to take steps to: (1) obtain the agreement of other countries, international financial institutions, and multilateral organizations to provide comparable assistance to Cuba; and (2) encourage the Organization of American States (OAS) to create a special emergency fund for deploying human rights observers and election support and observation in Cuba. Withholds up to $5 million of U.S. arrearages to the OAS until the OAS agrees to make available an equivalent amount for the special fund. Directs the President to determine whether to designate Cuba as a beneficiary country pursuant to the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Permits such designation only after a democratically-elected government is in power. Amends such Act to make Cuba eligible for such designation. Requires the President, upon transmittal to the Congress of a determination that a democratically-elected government is in power, to: (1) enter into a preliminary agreement with Cuba providing for extension of the North American Free Trade Agreement or to seek the creation of an economic community with Cuba; and (2) designate a United States-Cuba Council to ensure coordination between the U.S. Government and private sector in responding to change and promoting market-based development in Cuba and to establish periodic meetings between the U.S. and Cuban private sectors for facilitating bilateral trade. (Sec. 204) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Terminates the U.S. economic 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. 206) 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 enactment of this section.

To provide that certain civil defense employees and employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be eligible for certain public safety officers death benefits, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1995

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to make certain employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and civil defense officers eligible for public safety officers' death benefits.