Education

Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 Title I: Department of State and Related Agencies Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations Chapter 2: Authorities and Activities Chapter 3: Personnel Chapter 4: Consular and Related Activities Title II: United Nations Chapter 1: Funding; Budgetary and Management Reform Chapter 2: United Nations Peacekeeping Title III: Other International Organizations Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations Chapter 2: General Provisions Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Chapter 1: Authorizations of Appropriations Chapter 2: USIA and Related Agencies Authorities and Activities Title V: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Agency for International Development Title VI: Foreign Policy Division B: Consolidation and Reinvention of Foreign Affairs Agencies Title XI (sic): Organization of the Department of State and Foreign Service Title XII: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title XIII: United States Information Agency Title XIV: Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency Title XV: Proposed Reorganization of the United Nations Title XVI: Plan for Reorganization of United States Export Promotion and Trade Activities Title XVII: Transition Provisions Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995 - Division A: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 - Title I: Department of State and Related Agencies - Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the administration of foreign affairs. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for: (1) offsetting adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and (2) migration and refugee assistance. Bars the use of funds for U.S. liaison offices with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DRPK), or DRPK offices in Washington, D.C., unless they are specifically authorized by statute. Chapter 2: Authorities and Activities - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) utilize property held by the United States in the vicinity of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, as the U.S. Embassy to Germany; and (2) be authorized to make necessary improvements. (Sec. 125) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, with respect to the Secretary of State's authority to transfer to the Buying Power Maintenance account any unobligated funds used to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, to repeal the permanent requirement that such authority only be exercised to the extent and in such amounts as specifically provided for in advance in appropriations Acts. (Sec. 137 of this Act does require, nonetheless, that such authority be exercised only to the extent or in the amounts provided in appropriations Acts, without limiting this requirement to provision in advance in such Acts.) (Sec. 128) Authorizes the Secretary of State to charge a fee for use of the Department of State diplomatic reception rooms. (Sec. 129) Requires a contracting officer of a U.S. agency that performs functions at diplomatic posts abroad to avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, entering into contracts for procurement of property and services that can be procured under an existing contract of another U.S. agency performing such functions abroad. (Sec. 130) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to procure personal services in prosecuting a proceeding before an international tribunal or a claim by or against a foreign entity. (Sec. 131) Amends the Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995 to limit funding to the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service (DTS). Revises the composition of the members on the DTS Policy Board. Designates the Department of State senior career information management official serving on the Board as the Executive Director of the Board. (Sec. 133) Authorizes the Secretary of State to deposit international center maintenance and security reserve funds retained in interest bearing accounts. (Sec. 134) Authorizes certain joint funds under international agreements for cooperation in environmental, scientific, and cultural areas to be deposited in interest bearing accounts, such interest to be used for program and administrative purposes. (Sec. 135) Authorizes the Secretary of State to lease or acquire an office and residence in Pristina, Kosova, for use by U.S. diplomatic or consular personnel. (Sec. 136) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should urge foreign countries to adopt certain antibribery principles set forth in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 in order to implement effective means of combating bribery of foreign public officials, including the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions for such bribery. Directs the Secretary of State to conduct, and submit to specified congressional committees, a study to develop proposals to end the discrimination against U.S. exports that result from bribery and corruption in international business transactions. (Sec. 137) Requires that authorities contained in specified sections of this Act be exercised only to the extent or in the amounts provided in appropriations Acts. Chapter 3: Personnel - Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel (including noncareer limited appointments) in the Department of State, the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), and the Agency for International Development (AID). (Sec. 142) Amends Federal criminal law to subject to both criminal and civil penalties any person who serves in the position of chief of mission and who, within one year after termination from such position, engages in certain lobbying activities. (Sec. 143) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should require the National Center for Humanities, Education, Languages, and Management Studies (the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, as redesignated) to increase the emphasis on commercial activity, export promotion, and trade in carrying out its core programs and should offer additional classes in such subjects. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a financial system by which the State Department is reimbursed by other Federal agencies that maintain an overseas presence for the incremental expenses incurred by the Department in providing administrative support to such agencies at U.S. posts abroad. Directs the President to establish an interagency committee consisting of representatives from Federal agencies maintaining a significant number of personnel overseas and headed by the Secretary of State to implement such system. Establishes a working capital fund. (Sec. 145) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to revise provisions relating to Foreign Service performance pay, meritorious and distinguished service awards, and expedited separation of low- ranking employees from the Service. Declares that one objective of the Act is to strengthen and improve the Service by establishing a consolidated and uniform administration of a single Foreign Service by the Director General of the Service, under the direction of the President and the Secretary of State. (Sec. 146) Excludes certain individuals who are not involved in the administration or formulation of personnel policies and programs of the State Department from specified prohibitions with respect to participation in the management of labor organizations by Foreign Service personnel, and vice versa. (Sec. 148) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State, under the State Department health care program, to collect from a third party payer the reasonable costs incurred by the Department on behalf of covered beneficiaries for health care services to the same extent that such a beneficiary would be eligible to receive indemnification from the third party payer for such costs. (Sec. 151) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary of State to provide training through the Foreign Service Institute to U.S. company employees and their families that are engaged in business abroad when such training is in the U.S. national interest. Authorizes the Secretary to provide on a reimbursable basis foreign language training programs to Members of Congress. (Sec. 152) Redesignates the National Foreign Affairs Training Center as the National Center for Humanities, Education, Languages, and Management Studies. Chapter 4: Consular and Related Activities - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a fee to be paid by each diversity immigrant issued a visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 162) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State by regulation to authorize State Department officials or the U.S. Postal Service to retain fees for the execution and issuance of passports. (Sec. 163) Authorizes the Secretary of State to collect up to certain amounts for fees charged for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas. (Sec. 166) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from admission into the United States any alien who: (1) is a member of a terrorist organization or who actively supports or advocates terrorist activity; (2) has advocated terrorism or has incited targeted racial vilification or has advocated the death or destruction of U.S. citizens, U.S. officials, or the overthrow of the U.S. Government; or (3) has confiscated, traffics in confiscated, or converts for personal gain confiscated, property which is owned by a U.S. national. (Sec. 169) Permits the President of Taiwan to be admitted to the United States for a visit in 1995. (Sec. 170) Directs the Secretary of State to establish within each U.S. Embassy a Terrorist Lookout Committee. (Sec. 171) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should not impose a border crossing fee along its borders with Canada and Mexico. Title II: United Nations - Chapter 1: Funding; Budgetary and Management Reform - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the Department of State to carry out its foreign affairs responsibilities with respect to: (1) the United Nations, its affiliated agencies, and other international organizations; and (2) international peacekeeping activities. (Sec. 203) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.N. General Assembly should reformulate U.N. contributions by member nations to reflect each nation's share of the total world gross national product. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decisionmaking procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. (Sec. 205) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to require specified percentages of funds made available for a fiscal year for U.S. assessed contributions for the U.N. budget and U.N. peacekeeping activities to be withheld from obligation unless the President certifies to the Congress that the United Nations has an independent office of Inspector General to conduct audits of U.N. programs. Prohibits the United States from paying any voluntary contribution to the United Nations for international peacekeeping activities unless such certification has been made. (Sec. 206) Directs the President to withhold ten percent of the funds made available for U.S. assessed contributions for the U.N. budget until the Secretary of State certifies to the Congress that the United Nations has implemented certain whistleblower policies with respect to the reporting of fraud and mismanagement. Chapter 2: United Nations Peacekeeping - Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to require the President to notify designated congressional committees of any proposed U.N. peacekeeping activity or any other action under the Charter of the United Nations that would involve the use of U.S. Armed Forces or the expenditure of U.S. funds. (Sec. 214) Urges the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to make every effort to: (1) ensure that the United Nations completes a review and reassessment of each nation's assessed contributions for U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (2) advance, as part of the review, the concept that host governments in the region where such operations are carried out should bear a greater burden of its financial cost. Limits the U.S. assessed contribution for U.N. peacekeeping operations. (Sec. 215) Prohibits the obligation of funds to pay U.S. assessed or voluntary contributions for U.N. peacekeeping activities unless the Secretary of State certifies to designated congressional committees that U.S. manufacturers are being given opportunities to provide equipment and services equal to those given to foreign manufacturers. (Sec. 216) Prohibits the sharing of U.S. intelligence information with the United Nations unless the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that certain requirements to protect such information have been implemented by the United Nations. (Sec. 217) Excludes from actions the United States may take to enforce U.N. sanctions against a foreign country any measure to prohibit assistance that promotes: (1) respect for human rights; (2) the exchange of certain informational materials; or (3) the development of democratic institutions. (Sec. 218) Prohibits funds for contributions to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the continued presence of UNPROFOR within its territory; and (2) certain other conditions are met with respect to UNPROFOR. (Sec. 219) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Executive Branch should cease obligating the United States to pay for international peacekeeping operations in excess of funds specifically appropriated for such purpose. Title III: Other International Organizations - Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the Department of State to carry out its foreign affairs responsibilities with respect to: (1) international conferences and contingencies; and (2) specified international commissions. (Sec. 304) Declares the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State, in allocating the level of resources for international organizations, should pay particular attention to funding levels of the inter-American organizations. Chapter 2: General Provisions - Sets forth circumstances under which the United States may participate in an international criminal court. (Sec. 312) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) to pay the U.S. contribution to any international organization which engages in the direct or indirect promotion of the doctrine of one world government or one world citizenship; or (2) for the direct or indirect promotion of such doctrine. (Sec. 313) Prohibits the use of funds to pay U.S. membership in the International Labor Organization (ILO), the U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Inter-American Indian Institute, the Pan American Railway Congress Association, or the Interparliamentary Union. (Sec. 314) Prohibits, until the President makes a certain certification to the Congress, the obligation of funds for: (1) reporting to the Human Rights Committee in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; or (2) responding to any Committee's effort to use such Covenant to resolve claims by other Covenant parties that the United States is not fulfilling its obligations under it. States that such certification is that the Human Rights Committee has: (1) revoked its General Comment No. 24 adopted on November 2, 1994; and (2) expressly recognized the validity as a matter of international law of the reservations, understandings, and declarations contained in the U.S. instrument of ratification of the International Covenant. (Sec. 315) Requires the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional committees on U.S. participation in single-commodity international organizations. (Sec. 316) Prohibits the use of funds for any U.S. contribution to the International Natural Rubber Organization or the International Tropical Timber Organization. (Sec. 318) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the 51 organizations to which the United States makes contributions through the Department of State. Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Chapter 1: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 to carry out specified international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the National Endowment for Democracy. Chapter 2: USIA and Related Agencies Authorities and Activities - Prohibits the use of funds by any Federal agency to participate in an international fair, pavilion, or other major exhibit at any international exposition or world's fair in excess of authorized amounts. (Sec. 412) Authorizes the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to continue to administer an au pair program on a world-wide basis through FY 1999. (Sec. 413) Directs the Director of USIA to carry out a pilot program to determine the feasibility and advisability of permitting advertisements on USIA television and radio broadcasts. (Sec. 414) Authorizes the Director of USIA to make computer readable multilingual text and recorded speech in various languages available to the Linguistic Data Consortium of the University of Pennsylvania. (Sec. 415) Requires the Director of USIA to submit to the Congress a plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia. (Sec. 416) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to expand the Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program (graduate law and business training program) to bring to the United States for study students from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Adds to the selection criteria academic and leadership potential in the fields of journalism, library and information science, and public policy. (Sec. 417) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to authorize the Director of USIA to enter into a contract for the construction of the Voice of America Tinian. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to extend through March 1, 1997, the authority permitting the second fiscal year of a two-year authorization for any account of the USIA to be appropriated to any other USIA account. (Sec. 418) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on: (1) the purposes and activities of the North-South Center, East-West Center, Asia Foundation, and the National Endowment for Democracy, and on the extent to which such organizations' activities duplicate activities conducted elsewhere in the U.S. Government; and (2) the activities of the North-South Center located in Miami, Florida, that had the effect of encouraging the Congress to approve implementing legislation for the NAFTA. Title V: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Agency for International Development - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 to carry out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to declare that nothing in such Act shall be construed to authorize any Government action which would interfere with, restrict, or prohibit the acquisition, possession, or use of firearms by an individual for the lawful purpose of personal defense, sport, recreation, education, or training. (Sec. 503) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for operating expenses of: (1) the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance under such Act; and (2) the office of the inspector general of such agency. Title VI: Foreign Policy - Repeals specified laws relating to certain interparliamentary groups. (Sec. 602) Amends Federal law to eliminate the three executive branch members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (thus leaving Commission membership congressional only). (Sec. 603) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the definition of "refugee" to provide that a person who has been forced to have an abortion or undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for refusing to do so, or for other resistance to a coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion. States that anyone with a well-founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure, or be subjected to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance, shall be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion. (Sec. 605) Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to extend from March 31, 1995, to March 31, 1996, the deadline for a required Secretary of State report to the Congress on conditions in Hong Kong of interest to the United States. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to such report. (Sec. 608) Requires the Secretary of State to report annually to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Speaker of the House on conditions in Tibet and on the state of relations between the United States and those recognized by Congress as the true representatives of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, his representatives, and the Tibetan Government in exile. States the sense of the Congress that whenever an executive branch report is transmitted to the Congress on a country-by-country basis, such report should include, where applicable, a separate report on Tibet listed alphabetically with its own state heading. (Sec. 609) Special Envoy for Tibet Act of 1995 - Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of such Envoy, including: (1) to promote negotiations between the Dalai Lama and senior members of the Government of China; (2) coordinate U.S. Government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibet; and (3) consult with the Congress on policies relevant to Tibet and the future and welfare of all Tibetan people. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the use of funds for resettlement in the United States, or provide education, medical examinations, training, screening, or otherwise facilitate the admission into the United States of Iraqi nationals seeking refugee status who are in Saudi Arabia or Turkey as of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 611) Prohibits any Chinese product from being imported into the United States unless: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that it is not a product of forced labor; and (2) its importer certifies to the Secretary that such product was not manufactured with the use of forced labor. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. (Sec. 612) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to subject convict-made or forced labor manufactured merchandise imported into the United States to forfeiture under the customs laws. (Sec. 613) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should appoint a special envoy to: (1) offer assistance in facilitating a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Nagorno- Karabakh; and (2) press for the development of an oil pipeline through Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. (Sec. 614) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on Cuba's methods for enforcing the U.S.-Cuba agreement of September 1994 to restrict Cuban emigration to the United States, and the treatment by the Cuban Government of persons who have been returned to Cuba pursuant to the U.S.-Cuba agreement of May 1995. (Sec. 615) Directs the President to outline to the Congress a U.S. plan to identify and respond to the threat of emerging infectious diseases to the health of the U.S. people. (Sec. 616) Requires the Under Secretary of State for International Security to report to the Congress on: (1) firms engaged in the export of dual-use items; and (2) measures to be taken to strengthen U.S. export-control mechanisms with respect to such items. (Sec. 617) Prohibits the United States from transferring certain arms to Indonesia until the Secretary of State reports to specified congressional committees that significant progress has been made on human rights in East Timor and elsewhere in Indonesia. Division B: Consolidation and Reinvention of Foreign Affairs Agencies - Foreign Affairs Reinvention Act of 1995 - Specifies the purposes of this division to include to: (1) consolidate and reinvent U.S. foreign affairs agencies within the Department of State; and (2) assist congressional efforts to balance the Federal budget by 2002. Title XI (sic): Organization of the Department of State and Foreign Service - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities of 1956 to revise the organization of the Department of State and eliminate and create specified official positions. (Sec. 1108) Limits the number of Department of State employees for FY 1996 through 1998. (Sec. 1109) Directs the Secretary of State to develop a worldwide plan for the consolidation of U.S. missions and consular posts abroad. (Sec. 1111) Directs the President to report to the Congress on the advisability and desirability of integrating the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service into the Foreign Service. Title XII: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to abolish the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. (Sec. 1203) Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of specified authorities to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XIII: United States Information Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). (Sec. 1304) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to make conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of specified authorities to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XIV: Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency - Abolishes the Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency (except components expressly established by statute or reorganization plan). (Sec. 1402) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of such agencies' functions to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XV: Proposed Reorganization of the United Nations - Declares the sense of the Congress that the President, acting through the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, propose: (1) consolidation of U.N. technical cooperation activities between U.N. Headquarters and the U.N. office in Geneva, Switzerland, to create a unified agency for technical cooperation for sustainable development with a microenterprise lending capacity merging the functions of specified current U.N. programs and funds; and (2) the consolidation of the U.N. emergency response mechanism by merging other specified functions. (Sec. 1502) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan recommending a strategic reorganization of the United Nations, including consolidation of such programs, funds, and organizations. Title XVI: Plan for Reorganization of United States Export Promotion and Trade Activities - Directs the President to report to specified congressional committees on what steps are being taken to improve access, coordination, and efficiency among trade promotion organizations and U.S. agencies. Title XVII: Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition administrative provisions regarding: (1) the Secretary of State's reorganization authorities; (2) the transfer of personnel; (3) the submission of reorganization plans for the abolished agencies; (4) congressional consideration of such plans; (5) the establishment of, and authorization of appropriations for, the Foreign Affairs Reorganization Transition Fund; (6) voluntary separation incentives; (7) rights of employees of abolished agencies; (8) transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel; and (9) a report to the Congress detailing a final accounting of the finances and operations of the abolished agencies.

Nutrition Assistance Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Stamp Program Title II: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates Subtitle B: Grant Programs Subtitle C: Other Amendments Title III: Reauthorization Nutrition Assistance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period. (Sec. 103) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 104) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 105) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 106) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 108) Revises household income deduction provisions regarding: (1) standard deductions; (2) earned income; (3) dependent care; (4) child support payments; (5) homeless shelter assistance; (6) excess medical expenses; and (7) excess shelter expenses. (Sec. 109) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases. (Sec. 110) Revises the scope of sponsor-attributed income and resources regarding alien program eligibility. (Sec. 111) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 114) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 115) Requires at State option: (1) cooperation with child support agencies in order to maintain program eligibility; and (2) program disqualification for child support arrears. (Sec. 117) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 118) Defines "work program." (Sec. 120) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 122) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 123) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 124) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 125) Revises: (1) food stamp office operating provisions; and (2) expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 126) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 128) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 129) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than the system used in part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 130) Directs program overissuances to be collected by: (1) allotment reduction; (2) unemployment compensation withholding; or (3) Federal pay or Federal income tax refund recovery. (Sec. 131) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program informational activities. (Sec. 133) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 134) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 137) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 138) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) program operations; and (2) Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 140) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Stamp Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth Program provisions. Title II: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates - Amends the National School Lunch Act to terminate the additional lunch payment for schools with high percentages of free or reduced price lunches. (Sec. 202) Revises annual adjustment provisions for: (1) value of food assistance; and (2) lunches, breakfasts, and supplements. (Sec. 204) Revises service institution payment provisions for the summer food service program for children. (Sec. 205) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise annual adjustment provisions for: (1) the special milk program; and (2) the school breakfast program. Subtitle B: Grant Programs - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to: (1) terminate school breakfast startup grants; and (2) reduce annual authorizations of appropriations for nutrition education and training programs. Subtitle C: Other Amendments - Amends the National School Lunch Act to revise provisions regarding day care home reimbursements. Obligates funds for family or group day care homes assistance. Title III: Reauthorization - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for the commodity distribution program. (Sec. 302) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to extend and authorize appropriations for the emergency food assistance program. (Sec. 303) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the soup kitchens program. (Sec. 304) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend authority for reprocessing of agricultural commodities into food products.

United States Health Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service Part A: Initial Organization Part B: Organization of Area Health Boards Part C: General Provisions Regarding Health Boards Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services Part A: Patients' Rights in Health Care Delivery Part B: Eligibility for, Nature of, and Scope of Services Provided by the Service Part C: Health Care Facilities and Delivery of Health Care Services Title III: Health Labor Force Part A: Job Categories and Certification Part B: Education of Health Workers Part C: Employment and Labor-Management Relations Within the Service Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards Part A: Advocacy, Grievance Procedures, and Trusteeships Part B: Occupational Safety and Health Programs Part C: Health and Health Care Delivery Research Part D: Health Planning, Distribution of Drugs and Other Medical Supplies, and Miscellaneous Functions Title V: Financing of the Service Part A: Health Service Taxes Part B: Health Service Trust Fund Part C: Preparation of Plans and Budgets Part D: Allocation and Distribution of Funds Part E: General Provisions Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions United States Health Service Act - Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service - Part A: Initial Organization - Establishes, as an independent entity within the executive branch, the United States Health Service (Service). Vests authority of the Service in the appropriate National Health Board and area health boards. Grants the Service the power of eminent domain. Directs the President to appoint individuals to serve as members of the Interim National Health Board of the Service. Declares that the members of the Interim National Board shall serve until the National Health Board holds its initial meeting in accordance with certain provisions of this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Interim National Board. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Organization of Area Health Boards - Requires the Interim National Board to establish health care delivery regions throughout the United States which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures regarding election and appointment of members and certain officers of: (1) interim national, interim regional, and interim district health boards; and (2) initial and subsequent national, regional, district, and community health boards. Part C: General Provisions Regarding Health Boards - Sets forth the membership and terms of office of health boards. Provides for recall of board members for specified reasons and for filling vacancies on health boards. Sets forth procedures for the establishment by the National Board of guidelines and standards required by or in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires each regional board to provide orientation, education, and technical assistance to district and community boards. Requires the appropriate national board to provide such assistance to regional boards. Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services - Part A: Patients' Rights in Health Care Delivery - Requires the Service to ensure that every user is given the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services without charge and without discrimination. Sets forth a list of other basic health rights. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1973 to entitle certain employees to health leave compensation, subject to specified exceptions which exist in current law as exceptions to minimum wage and maximum hours provisions. Part B: Eligibility for, Nature of, and Scope of Services Provided by the Service - Declares all individuals, while within the United States, to be eligible to receive health care and supplemental services under this Act. Excludes personal comfort or cosmetic services unless they are necessary for health-related reasons. Requires the Service to provide in the United States specified services in or through facilities established by the Service. Prohibits the Service from providing such services in a region, district, or community other than under the auspices of a regional, district, or community board established in accordance with this Act. Requires the Service to provide specified supplemental services in or through health care facilities established by the Service. Provides for reimbursement by the Service of the cost of emergency health care services under certain circumstances. Part C: Health Care Facilities and Delivery of Health Care Services - Requires each community board to establish and maintain such health care facilities as are necessary for efficient and effective delivery of comprehensive primary health care services, specialized health care services, special services, and community-oriented health measures which are provided, as much as possible, through a single comprehensive health center. Requires each district board to establish and maintain in its district a general hospital, such other health care facilities as are necessary, and such health care services of a specialized nature as may be provided most effectively and efficiently at the district level. Requires each regional board to establish and maintain: (1) a regional medical facility for highly specialized health care services; (2) health care and supplemental services for individuals whose needs cannot be met by community or district boards; and (3) such other facilities as are necessary. Requires each area health board to: (1) hire health workers; (2) purchase or lease necessary premises; and (3) seek to minimize fragmentation and duplication in delivery of health care. Requires each regional board to provide for affiliation and coordination within its region and with adjacent regions. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for distribution and coordination of the delivery of health care services and plan and facilitate the transition to the new distribution of facilities and workers. Requires regional boards, if a community or district board fails to provide health services, to provide the services. Requires each health board to establish policies and organizational plans consistent with provisions of this Act. Requires such boards, in establishing, implementing, and modifying such policies and plans, to seek participation of affected workers and users. Provides for a health board, if it determines that it cannot itself effectively manage the operation of all facilities, to establish a health care facility board or boards. Specifies elements to be provided for in the policies and organizational plans established by health boards. Prohibits a health board, on and after three years after the effective date of health services, from permitting its health care facilities to be used for the private delivery of health services. Prohibits individuals employed by a health board from engaging in the private delivery of health services. Requires each health board to ensure that health facilities it operates which provide outpatient services are open during hours which permit all users to make use of such services. Sets forth requirements for facilities providing inpatient services for 30 continuous days or longer. Requires each health board to provide that, at least once each year, the inpatients of facilities providing inpatient services for 30 continuous days or longer shall elect, from among themselves and representatives of certain user associations, a review committee of not less than three members. Provides for recall and proxies with respect to such committees. Requires various health boards to conduct regular inspections of specified facilities. Requires area health boards to provide: (1) contraception information and materials; (2) evaluation and treatment for venereal diseases and diseases of the reproductive organs; (3) information and counseling regarding pregnancy, child bearing, and possible genetically induced anomalies; (4) pregnancy testing; (5) prenatal services; (6) abortion services; and (7) counseling by women for specified services and counseling by men for specified services. Requires all such services to be delivered without coercion or harassment, with confidentiality, and without prior approval of individuals other than the individual receiving the services. Requires that individuals be permitted to be accompanied by a person of their choice during the provision of such services, subject to exception. Sets forth restrictions and requirements for informed consent regarding: (1) treatments or procedures which could affect an individual's reproductive capacity; and (2) mastectomy or other breast cancer treatment. Requires that women giving birth have the right to choose from a complete range of childbirth options. Title III: Health Labor Force - Part A: Job Categories and Certification - Declares that, notwithstanding State laws to the contrary, the Service shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of its employees. Requires each area health board to insure that work is performed by certified health workers. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for classification, certification, and employment of health workers. Requires that such guidelines: (1) permit alternative approaches to healing, when such approaches have not been shown to be injurious to health; (2) have both flexibility and uniformity to meet stated objectives; and (3) require that each health worker employed by a community board work part of the time in a facility operated by a district or regional board and each health worker employed by a district or regional board work part of the time in a health care facility operated by a community board. States that each regional board, for job categories requiring advanced specialty training, shall establish certification standards. Part B: Education of Health Workers - Requires each regional board, in consultation with community and district boards, to establish a health team school (school) to provide initial and continuing basic education in health care delivery and initial and continuing advanced education in health care specialties and health science specialty fields. Requires that the schools be funded exclusively by the Service, prohibits them from charging or accepting tuition or fees, and requires them to provide each student with an allowance for living expenses, educational supplies, and any child care. Requires each regional board to establish and implement for the school: (1) admissions policies with certain required elements; (2) curriculum policies with stated elements; (3) faculty hiring procedures which will create a faculty which approximates the population of the region by race, sex, and language; and (4) a governance plan for the management of its school which gives significant decision making powers to staff and students. Prohibits enrolling any individual unless the individual agrees to perform health care services as an employee of the Service, in a job category for which training is being provided, for a period of time equal to the period of enrollment, but not less than two years, and subject to other terms and conditions. Entitles the Service, if an individual fails to start or fails to complete such service, to recover damages. Mandates that each area board periodically assess the ratio of the health workers employed by the board in each job category to the number of residents in the area. Gives priority in hiring individuals obligated to perform service to health worker shortage areas and, as a second level of priority, to the regional, district, or community board for the region, district, or community in which the program was completed. States that the National Board shall establish a program to match the preferences graduates have for locations with the needs and preferences of various boards. Requires the National Board to make payments of principal and interest on certain loans incurred by individuals for an educational program in health care delivery, health care specialties, or health science fields which is outstanding on the day that individual begins to work for the Service. Establishes a schedule for such payments. Part C: Employment and Labor-Management Relations Within the Service - Requires health boards to employ, classify, and fix the salaries and benefits of all employees of the Service. States that health boards shall give hiring preference to individuals employed as health workers before enactment of this Act. Requires the National Board to ensure that all such individuals desiring employment in the Service find appropriate employment in the Service. Places restrictions on hiring relating to the: (1) ratio of health workers to residents; and (2) existence of a health worker shortage area in the same region. Declares that employees of the Service are covered by specified Federal laws. Requires compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment to be the same on the effective date of health services as for Federal Government employees until changed by the Service. Prohibits changes in fringe benefits which result in a program which is less favorable to employees of the Service than fringe benefits for employees of the Federal Government on the effective date of health services. Declares that the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act shall apply to the Service and its employees, subject to specified exceptions. Declares that provisions of Federal law relating to participation in a strike shall not apply to employees of the Service. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to include the Service in the definition of the term "employer" under that Act. Provides that the remedies provided by stated Federal laws regarding jurisdiction and tort claims shall be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding. Declares that assault or battery arising out of negligence in various health care functions is not an exception under specified Federal law to tort claims and jurisdiction provisions of Federal law. Authorizes the National Board to hold harmless or provide liability insurance for any employee of the Service under certain circumstances. Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards - Part A: Advocacy, Grievance Procedures, and Trusteeships - Requires each area health board to establish a program of health advocacy with specified elements. Requires the National Board to establish a health rights legal services program, for users and health workers, providing specified elements. Requires each appropriate regional board to provide that any user, health worker, user association, or specified health board may commence grievance proceedings before specified health boards with respect to alleged violations of this Act. Provides for review of adverse decisions. Authorizes, in certain circumstances, the entity before which a grievance proceeding is commenced or reviewed to: (1) set aside an election of a community board and require a new election; and (2) if not involving a community board, require that a new election be conducted or a new appointment be made. Requires such entity to transfer such functions as necessary to the appropriate higher health board until a new election is conducted or a new appointment is made. Authorizes a health board which receives functions under such a transfer to appoint a trustee or trustee committee to carry out transferred functions. Part B: Occupational Safety and Health Programs - Requires the National Board to oversee occupational safety and health programs conducted at the regional level and to participate in the establishment and administration of occupational safety and health standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, with the advice and comments of regional occupational safety and health action councils established under this Act. Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to substitute references to the National Health Board for references to the Secretary of Health and Human Services throughout such Act, with one specified exception. Adds references to the National Health Board to existing provisions in such Act regarding promulgation, modification, and revocation of safety and health standards. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for: (1) its participation in the establishment and administration of safety and health standards; (2) the election of community occupational safety and health action councils; (3) the establishment of regional occupational safety and health programs; (4) the establishment and operation of work place health facilities; and (5) the provision of assistance by various health boards to various safety and health councils, and to work place safety and health committees. Requires each community board to provide for the operation of a community occupational safety and health action council (COSHAC). Gives a formula for election of the members of COSHACs. Specifies the duties of each COSHAC. Requires each regional board to establish an occupational health and safety program for its region with specified elements, including staffing and supporting the operation of the regional occupational safety and health action council (ROSHAC). Specifies the responsibilities of each ROSHAC. Requires the employer in each work place to establish and maintain a health facility in or near the work place to meet occupational and emergency health care needs of employees, to be operated either by the community board or by the employer, and the cost, in either case, to be borne by the employer. Grants employees in each work place having 25 or more employees the right to establish work place occupational safety and health committees. Grants the members of such committees rights to engage in certain activities relating to inspections without loss of pay or other job rights. Authorizes employees to monitor conditions and to remove themselves from the site of any hazard without loss of pay or other job rights. Requires employers to minimize hazards and furnish employees with or reimburse employees for needed equipment or clothing. Specifies rights of employees regarding: (1) inspection of medical records maintained by their employers; (2) provision to employees of copies of all reports, studies, and data concerning health and safety in that work place; and (3) the seeking, through collective bargaining, of standards more restrictive than those established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Part C: Health and Health Care Delivery Research - Requires the Service to conduct a program of research concerning health and health care delivery. Transfers the National Institutes of Health from the Department of Health and Human Services to the National Health Board. States that the National Board shall establish five new national institutes: Epidemiology, Evaluative Clinical Research, Health Care Services, Pharmacy and Medical Supply, and Sociology of Health and Health Care. Specifies the duties of each such institute. Part D: Health Planning, Distribution of Drugs and Other Medical Supplies, and Miscellaneous Functions - Requires each area board to collect data on supply and demand regarding health workers and health care delivery. Requires each regional board to coordinate the planning and administration of health care delivery, health worker education, and health research in its region. Requires the National Board to formulate one-year and five-year national plans and budgets. Requires the National Board, after consultation with regional boards, to publish, and regularly update, a National Pharmacy and Medical Supply Formulary. Specifies the contents of the Formulary. Requires each regional board to establish a program for the purchase and distribution of drugs and other medical supplies. Authorizes the National Board to establish and operate drug and medical supply manufacturing facilities in certain circumstances. Title V: Financing of the Service - Part A: Health Service Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new part imposing on individuals and corporations an additional tax of specified percentages of the normal tax and surtax imposed by a specified section of such code. Ends the income tax exclusion from gross income of amounts paid by third parties for medical care. Excludes from gross income employer contributions to accident or health plans to the extent that such contributions do not provide for health care available to such employees under the Health Service Act. Prohibits income tax deductions for: (1) health care expenses as a trade or business expense; and (2) contributions to certain medical and hospital facilities. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to: (1) medical and dental expenses; (2) hospital insurance tax imposed on employment and self-employment income; and (3) receipts for railroad employees. Declares that no contractual or other nonstatutory obligation of any employer to pay or provide for health care for present or former employees and their dependents and survivors shall apply on or after the effective date of health services under this Act to the extent such individuals are eligible to receive such services under this Act. Prohibits Federal, State, or private workers' compensation programs from paying for or providing any health care on or after the effective date of health services under this Act to the extent such care is available under this Act. Part B: Health Service Trust Fund - Creates in the Treasury the Health Service Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Appropriates to the Trust Fund amounts equal to 100 percent of the expected net receipts from specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Appropriates to the Trust Fund a Government contribution equal to 40 percent of the amount appropriated under such 100 percent provision. Transfers to the Trust Fund all assets and liabilities of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Creates the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund. Requires the investment of specified portions of the Trust Fund. Extends the purposes for which obligations of the United States may be issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act, to authorize the issuance at par of public debt obligations for purchase by the Trust Fund. Part C: Preparation of Plans and Budgets - Requires the National Board to annually fix the maximum amount of funds which may be expended from the Trust Fund during the fiscal year. Specifies criteria to be considered in determining such amount's maximum value. Authorizes the National Board to refix such maximum amount in certain circumstances. Authorizes the National Board to exceed such maximum amount as necessary because of epidemic, disaster, or other occurrence which was not and could not have been planned for. Authorizes the National Board to allocate, in addition to such maximum amount, funds borrowed under specified provisions of this Act. Requires each community, district, and regional board to annually submit fiscal year and five-year plans and budgets to the next higher level health board. Part D: Allocation and Distribution of Funds - Requires the National Board to annually transmit to regional boards a national health budget dividing the total funds available into funds for ordinary operating expenses, preventive health measures, capital expenses, research expenses, and special operating expenses. Requires funds for ordinary operating expenses, preventive health measures, and research expenses to be allocated to the regional boards on the basis of population. Requires funds for capital expenses to be allocated according to stated criteria. Declares the budget submitted to the regional boards by the National Board to be adopted upon the approval by a majority of the regional boards. Sets forth requirements, similar to those for the national health budget, for preparation and adoption of regional and district budgets. Defines "special operating expenses" to mean operating expenses associated with: (1) care and treatment for users 65 years of age and older; (2) care and treatment of persons confined to full-time residential institutions, including nursing homes and facilities for the treatment of mental illness; (3) the special health care needs of low-income users; (4) the special health care needs of rural users; (5) special health care needs arising from environmental or occupational health conditions; (6) special health care needs arising from unexpected occurrences, including epidemics and natural disasters; and (7) the conduct of environmental health inspection and monitoring services. Sets forth rules for allocation of special operating expenses. Requires funds allocated under the national health budget to be distributed by the National Board from the Trust Fund. Prohibits health boards from requesting or receiving funds from any other source. Mandates annual financial statements by area health boards. Part E: General Provisions - Authorizes the National Board to borrow money and to issue and sell obligations as necessary for this Act, but only in amounts specified in appropriations Acts. Limits the aggregate amount of such obligations outstanding at any one time. Authorizes the National Board to pledge the assets of the Trust Fund and pledge its revenues and receipts for various purposes related to such obligations. Authorizes the National Board to enter into a variety of covenants as necessary or desirable to enhance the marketability of such obligations. Declares that such obligations: (1) shall be negotiable or nonnegotiable, bearer or registered; (2) shall contain a recital that they are issued under a specified provision of this Act; (3) shall be lawful investments; (4) shall be exempt from State taxes; and (5) shall not, subject to exception, be obligations of the U.S. Government. Requires the National Board to advise the Secretary of the Treasury of the proposed sale of obligations. Authorizes such Secretary to elect to purchase the obligations. Authorizes the National Board, if the Secretary elects not to buy such obligations, to issue and sell them to a party or parties other than the Secretary, upon notice to the Secretary and consultation regarding various terms and conditions. Empowers the National Board to require the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations of the Service. Prohibits any required purchase which would result in a holding by the Secretary in excess of a specified amount. Makes obligations issued by the Service obligations of the U.S. Government under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for the purpose of any purchase of the obligations of the Service, to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act. Extends the purposes of such Act to include any purchases of the obligations of the Service under this part. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals, on the effective date of health services, the Public Health Service Act, except for specified provisions relating to: (1) its short title and definitions; (2) licensing, quarantine, and inspections authority; and (3) safety of public water systems. Delays, until four years after the effective date of health services, repeal of portions of the Public Health Service Act regarding provision of assistance to educational institutions and their students, in areas which have not established health team schools under part A of title III of this Act. Repeals specified provisions of the Social Security Act relating to maternal and child health, Medicare, Medicaid, professional standards review, entitlement to hospital insurance benefits, uniform health reporting systems, limitation on Federal participation for capital expenditures, the program for determining qualification for certain health care personnel, disclosure of ownership and related information, disclosure of certain convictions, and payments to States for health care and supplemental services. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law relating to health insurance for Federal employees, medical benefits and programs relating to veterans, and the civilian health and medical program of the uniformed services. Repeals the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, and a specified provision of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 relating to medical treatment of narcotic addiction. Repeals Federal law relating to hospitals, community hospitals, and other health facilities for Indians. Repeals the District of Columbia Medical Facilities Construction Act of 1968 and the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act of 1970. Repeals specified provisions of the National Housing Act relating to mortgage insurance for nursing homes, hospitals, and group practice facilities. Repeals the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963, the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970, the National Arthritis Act of 1974, and the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act. Repeals specified provisions of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act relating to grant, demonstration, and research programs for lead-based paint poisoning prevention. Repeals the Act of March 2, 1897, relating to tea importation. Repeals specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 relating to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Requires the President to prepare and submit to the Congress legislation to repeal or amend provisions of laws which are inconsistent with this Act, including the transfers of authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under specified provisions of Federal law, to the Service. Sets forth various requirements regarding review and reporting to the President and the Congress concerning how the Service is carrying out the purposes of the various programs authorized to be conducted by provisions repealed by this Act. Transfers to the Health Service Trust Fund amounts appropriated to carry out the purposes of any law repealed by this Act. Provides transition rules regarding contracts entered into or rights or obligations arising before the effective date of such repeals. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 to require that each budget submitted by the President set forth items relating to the Health Service Trust Fund separately from other operations of the Government. Declares that, if any provisions of this Act are declared invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit or deduction for interest paid on educational loans.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for interest paid or incurred on any qualified education loan during the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for which interest payments are required to be made. Limits such credit to $300. Allows such tax credit to parents only if the dependent is a student and a personal exemption is claimed for such dependent student. Reduces interest by the amount bearing the same ratio to the interest as the excess of adjusted gross income over the applicable dollar amount bears to the phaseout range. Establishes applicable dollar amounts and phaseout ranges. Excludes interest paid on education loans from the definition of "personal interest" (thus, allowing a deduction to be taken) unless a credit or deduction with respect to such interest is taken.

To provide for the continuation of the operations of the California Urban Environmental Research and Education Center.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995

Stipulates that if the California State University, Hayward, matches 20 percent of the funds that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency provides to the California Urban Environmental Research and Education Center, the Administrator shall enter into a series of cooperative agreements with the University to provide continuing support for the Center. Declares the overall objective of the center to be to promote sustainable economic development throughout California by engaging in specified functions, including: (1) developing an ongoing program of applied environmental research, education, and outreach that the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector can use; (2) fostering of public-private partnerships to find solutions to environmental problems of California; (3) bringing together university and college researchers to focus on California's most important environmental problems; (4) supporting activities such as the coordination and funding of research activities for the collection and evaluation of data, the conduct of seminars and educational programs, the conduct of a national conference, and the development of bachelors and masters degree programs to prepare individuals for employment as environmental professionals; and (5) working with other university research centers provided funds by EPA to help establish a National Environmental Outreach Program to assist governments and the private sector in programs to promote environmentally sound economic development. Authorizes the Center to provide undergraduate scholarships for individuals studying in environmental fields, assistantships and fellowships for graduate students to encourage study in fields related to sustainable economic development, and research grants to faculty at universities and colleges. Authorizes appropriations.

Act to End Unfair Preferential Treatment

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995

Act to End Unfair Preferential Federal Treatment - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit any Federal agent or agency, with respect to providing public employment, conducting public contracting, or providing a Federal benefit for education or other activities, from using race, color, gender, ethnicity, or national origin: (1) as a criterion for discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group; or (2) in a manner that has the effect of requiring that employment positions be allocated among individuals or groups. Permits classifications based on gender that are reasonably necessary to the normal provision of public employment, conduct of public contracting, or provision of a Federal benefit.

Civilian Agency Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995

Civilian Agency Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to provide for: (1) executive agency policies and procedures for effective acquisition workforce management throughout an agency; (2) acquisition career development information for interested employees; (3) qualification requirements for various specified purchasing and contracting positions; (4) specific agency budget levels for acquisition education and training; (5) tuition assistance for agency acquisition personnel; (6) intern programs for recruiting highly qualified and talented individuals into the agency; (7) cooperative education programs for earning college credit for work in agency acquisition positions; (8) scholarship programs for qualifying individuals for such positions; and (9) specified additional functions for the Federal Acquisition Institute.

Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995

Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans. Provides that retirement benefits of ministers are not subject to the tax on net earnings from self-employment.

A bill to provide that any payment to a local educational agency by the Department of Defense, that is available to such agency for current expenditures and used for capital expenses, shall not be considered funds available to such agency for purposes of making certain Impact Aid determinations.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1995

Prohibits the Secretary of Education from considering any payment to a local educational agency by the Department of Defense that is available to such agency for current expenditures and used for capital expenses as funds available to such agency, for purposes of making certain FY 1994 impact aid determinations under specified Federal law, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Peggy A. Nagae, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund for a term of three years. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 25 May 1995

Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 Title II: Museum and Library Services Act Title III: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments of 1995 - Title I: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (NFAHA) to revise and reauthorize provisions for the Foundation's Endowments, separating them into a title II for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and a title III for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). (Sec. 101) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the NEA and the NEH. Reserves specified portions of NEA grant programs funding for partnership grants, national significance grants, and direct grants. Reserves specified portions of NEH grant programs funding for partnership grants, national grants, and research and scholarship grants. Bases certain additional appropriations for NEA and NEH on donated amounts. Limits administrative expenditures by NEA and NEH to not more than 12 percent of their total funding amounts. Revises provisions for the NEA. Provides for a program of NEA partnership grants to States and local and regional groups to establish local arts activities, with emphasis on arts education and projects that reach rural and urban underserved communities. Directs the NEA Chairperson to use 70 percent of partnership grant reserved funds and an appropriate portion of additional funds to allot basic State grants to assist States in supporting specified activities (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Authorizes the NEA Chairperson to use the remaining 30 percent of partnership grant reserved funds and an appropriate portion of additional funds to make grants to States, arts agencies, or other local or regional groups to promote access to the arts through support of specified activities for education and for expansion and advancement of the arts (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Provides for a program of NEA national significance grants to groups, including regional groups, of demonstrated and substantial artistic and cultural importance, for projects, productions, and workshops to increase the access of all the people to the best of U.S. arts and culture (with a 25 percent Federal match, or 16.63 percent in the case of groups with certain larger annual budgets, and with certain discretionary increases of such match). Sets forth required and permissible elements for such projects, productions, and workshops. Gives priority to those that increase public access, including by touring, by regional or national dissemination, or by geographic dispersion. Provides for a program of NEA direct grants to groups and individuals that are broadly representative of the U.S. cultural heritage and broadly geographically representative, for projects, productions, and workshops of high artistic excellence and merit (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increases of such match). Gives priority to those that will be disseminated widely after completion. Revises provisions relating to advisory panels. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the Arts. Sets forth limitations on NEA grants. Prohibits subgrants, except by State or regional groups, to any other organization or individual to conduct activities independent of the direct grant recipient. Revises NEA administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Provides for an Award for Distinguished Lifetime Service for the Arts. Continues provision for the National Medal of Arts. Revises provisions for NEH. Provides for NEH partnership grants to support programs of humanities councils at the State and local levels (with a 50 percent Federal match, and certain discretionary increase of such match). Provides for NEH national grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies or entities for specified activities relating to education and the public humanities that have a national audience and significance (with a 50 percent Federal match, or 25 percent in the case of development of new sources of long-term support). Provides for NEH research and scholarship grants to groups, individuals, and State agencies and entities (with a 50 percent Federal match). Provides for review panels. Reduces the number of members of the National Council on the humanities. Revises limitations on NEH grants. Revises NEH administrative provisions and those for reports, sanctions, and payments. Requires recipients of funding to repay certain amounts if they have derived program income from the funded activities exceeding a specified amount. Continues provision for the Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities Award and the Charles Frankel Prize. (Sec. 102) Makes conforming amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978. Title II: Museum and Library Services Act - Museum and Library Services Act - Amends the Museum Services Act to revise and rename it as the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA). (Sec. 201) Establishes within NFAHA an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), consisting of an Office of Museum Services (OMS) and an Office of Library Services (OLS), with a National Museum Services Board in OMS. Provides for an IMLS Director and Deputy Directors for OMS and OLS. Library Services and Technology Act - Provides for Library Services and Technology under MLSA, with an emphasis on library services and technology, access, and literacy programs for underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for grants to States for information access through technology and information empowerment through special services. Directs the Secretary to transfer such funds to the Director to carry out such library services and technology programs. Sets forth basic program requirements for reservations and allotments, payments, 50 percent Federal share, maintenance of effort, and State plans. Sets forth requirements and authorized activities for such library programs of grants to States for: (1) information access through technology; and (2) information empowerment through special services (including special services for children in poverty who are served by libraries). Sets forth administrative provisions for such library grants programs, including State evaluation of assisted activities, State advisory councils, Federal grants for library services for Indian tribes, and a program of national leadership and evaluation activities. Sets forth MLSA provisions for Museum Services. Continues to authorize: (1) grants to museums to increase and improve museum services through specified types of activities; and (2) contracts and cooperative agreements with appropriate entities for projects to strengthen museum services. Continues to limit the Federal share to 50 percent, allowing the Director to use up to 20 percent of funds to make such grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements where the Federal share may be 100 percent. Requires the Director to undertake an assessment of the collaborative possibilities museums can engage in to serve the public more broadly and effectively. Authorizes the Director to make an annual National Award for Museum Service to outstanding museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities. Includes the Director as a member of the National Museum Services Board (which gives policy advice to the Director with respect to grants, contracts, and other matters). Authorizes appropriations to the Director to carry out Museum services activities under MLSA. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act to make such Commission responsible for advising the IMLS Director on general policies with respect to IMLS duties and powers relating to library services. Directs the Commission to meet jointly with the National Museum Services Board at least once a year to advise on general policy with respect to financial assistance for joint projects of OLS and OMS. Replaces the Librarian of Congress with the IMLS Director as a member of such Commission. Increase the number of such members who must be professional librarians or information specialists. Requires that at least one of the other members be knowledgeable about the library and information service and science needs of the elderly. (Sec. 203) Transfers functions from the Institute of Museum Services (IMS) to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). (Sec. 204) Provides that the current IMS Director shall serve as the first IMLS Director. (Sec. 205) Requires the IMLS Director, in appointing OLS employees, to give strong consideration to individuals with experience in administering State-based library programs. (Sec. 206) Repeals the Library Services and Construction Act and title II (Academic Libraries and Information Services) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title III: Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act - Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to transfer authority to enter into indemnity agreements for exhibitions of arts and artifacts from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities to the NEA Chairperson. (Sec. 301) Requires that the exhibition of such items be certified as being in the national interest by the Secretary of State, such Secretary's designee, or the IMLS Director. (Current law requires that the Director of the U.S. Information Agency provide such certification). Includes as eligible items parts of an exhibition that originates either in the United States or outside the United States and that is touring the United States (thus extending coverage to domestic as well as foreign exhibitions). Provides for coordination activities.

Small Business Enhancement Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995

Small Business Enhancement Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to eligible institutions to design and implement programs to assist businesses, especially those in lower income urban communities, to become more productive and able to compete in the global marketplace. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a peer review panel to review grant applications and make recommendations to the Administrator concerning the selection of grant recipients. Limits to $400,000 the assistance provided to any single recipient during any one-year period. Requires the SBA Administrator to achieve equitable geographic distribution in the awarding of such grants. Defines an eligible institution as a nonprofit institution of higher education that is located in an urban area, has an accredited school of business, draws a substantial amount of its enrollment from urban areas, and carries out programs to make postsecondary educational opportunities more accessible to residents of such urban or contiguous areas. Authorizes appropriations for the grant program for FY 1996 through 2000.

Government-Sponsored Enterprise Privatization Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Student Loan Marketing Association Title II: College Construction Loan Insurance Association Title III: General Provisions Relating to Student Assistance Programs Title IV: Repealers and Other Amendments Privatization Act of 1995 - Title I: Student Loan Marketing Association - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title II: College Construction Loan Insurance Association - Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association, and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title III: General Provisions Relating to Student Assistance Programs - Amends HEA to revise the definition of proprietary institution of higher education to require, for purposes of student aid program eligibility, that such an institution have at least 15 percent of its total institutional revenues from all sources, including contract training and revenue, that are not derived from HEA student aid funds, as certified by the institution's independent auditor using generally acceptable accounting practices. Title IV: Repealers and Other Amendments - Repeals: (1) various provisions under HEA, including ones relating to articulation agreements, access and equity to education through telecommunications, academic libraries and information services, national early intervention scholarships, presidential access scholarships, model program community partnerships and counseling grants, database and information line on student financial assistance, technical assistance for teachers and counselors, State student incentive grants, special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork, special child care services for disadvantaged college students, loan forgiveness for teachers and nurses and individuals performing national community service, training in financial aid services, State postsecondary review entity programs, State and local programs for teacher excellence, national teacher academies, Douglas teacher scholarships, the Teacher Corps, class size demonstration grants, middle school teaching demonstration programs, new teaching careers, national mini corps programs, demonstration grants for critical language and area studies, foreign languages and cultures instructional materials development, small State teaching initiatives, faculty development grants, early childhood staff training and professional enhancement, intensive summer language institutes, foreign language periodicals, academic and library facilities, cooperative education programs, women and minority participation in graduate education, Harris fellowships, Javits fellowships, faculty development fellowships, legal training for the disadvantaged, law school clinical programs, special projects in areas of national need, science and engineering access programs, women and minorities science and engineering outreach demonstration programs, Eisenhower leadership programs, and community service programs; (2) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1986 relating to a National Academy of Science study and to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian culture and art development; and (3) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1992 relating to American Indian postsecondary economic development scholarships, American Indian teacher training, a national survey of factors associated with participation, a study of environmental hazards in higher education institutions, a national job bank for teacher recruitment, a national clearinghouse for postsecondary education materials, school-based decisionmakers, sexual offenses education, Olympic scholarships, and advanced placement fee payment programs.

Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995

Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for research on ovarian cancer. Specifies information to be included in information and education programs relating to ovarian cancer.

Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995

Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to consolidate Federal child care programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act. Revises provisions for the lead agency to allow such agency to administer the financial assistance received by the State under the act either directly or through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Requires sufficient time and statewide distribution for the notice of the public hearing on child care services provision under the State plan. Revises provisions for the State application and plan. Eliminates a requirement that providers that are not required to be licensed or regulated under State or local law be required to register with the State before payment is made under the Act. Requires the State to implement mechanisms to ensure that appropriate payment mechanisms exist so that proper payments under this subchapter will be made to providers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop minimum child care standards, appropriately reflective of tribal needs and available resources, applicable to Indian tribes and tribal organization receiving assistance under the Act. Reduces the set-aside from 25 to 15 percent of annual assistance to a State; but applies such set-aside only to child care quality improvement activities and no longer to early childhood development and before- and after-school care services. Adds a limitation on administrative costs. Requires the sliding fee scale to ensure a representative distribution of funding among the working poor and recipients of Federal welfare assistance. Expands eligibility criteria to include families earning up to 100 percent (currently 75 percent) of the State median family income. Revises requirements relating to quality improvement activities to include: (1) under resource and referral programs, consumer education, referrals honoring parental choice, and activities to improve quality and availability of child care; and (2) under other activities, increasing availability of care before- and after-school, for infants, and during nontraditional work hours. Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises requirements for enforcement and for reports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Indian tribe or rganization to use certain assistance to construct or renovate facilities that will be used to carry out child care programs. Provides for reallocation of assistance to other Indian tribes or organizations under certain conditions. Allows use of child care certificates as deposits. Includes among eligible child care providers those who care for an eligible great grandchild or sibling (if in the latter case the provider lives in a separate residence). Eliminates certain registration requirements for providers who are relatives. Requires a State that uses funding for child care services under any Federal program to: (1) ensure that activities carried out using such funds meet the requirements, standards, criteria of, and the regulations promulgated under, the Act; (2) administer such funds to the lead agency and integrate them into the State program under the Act. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government has a responsibility to provide funding and leadership with respect to child care. Repeals: (1) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; and (2) the Child development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal in the form of an implementing bill containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the amendments and repeals made by this Act.

Individual Accountability Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995

Individual Accountability Act of 1995 - Amends title IV part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to replace the AFDC program with a plan that consolidates and funnels funding directly to the States ("block grants"), provided that: (1) adult beneficiaries of the State assistance programs work; and (2) specified State child support and paternity establishment programs are in operation. Limits the amount of the block grants, prohibits the use of funds for medical services, and permits the redirection of a specified percentage of a State's funds for: (1) supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled; (2) medical assistance programs; (3) food assistance; and (4) elementary and secondary education. Establishes specified accounting and reporting requirements, and requires that the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General alone supervise and regulate the administration of the block grants. Requires that State assistance be administered without discrimination on the basis of disability, sex, race, color, or national origin. Makes religious groups eligible to provide assistance to the needy using block grant funds so long as they do not deny assistance benefits on the basis of religion. Prohibits certain State and Federal requirements with respect to such religious organizations.

Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995

Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for: (1) a program of information and education to the public concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders; and (2) the operation of toll-free telephone communications to aid in providing information and education on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat academic health centers like other educational institutions for purposes of the exclusion for employer-provided housing.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude any employer-provided housing from the gross income of employees of academic health centers. Defines an "academic health center" as an organization which: (1) is a tax-exempt charitable organization providing medical care, hospital care, medical education, or medical research; (2) receives payments under the Social Security Act for either direct or indirect costs of graduate medical education; and (3) has as one of its principal functions the providing and teaching of basic and clinical medical science and research with the organization's own faculty.

Work and Gainful Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Transitional Aid Program Title II: Work and Gainful Employment (Wage) Program Title III: Working Parents Child Care Block Grant Title IV: Child Support Responsibility Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Subtitle B: Child Support Enforcement and Assurance Demonstrations Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Provide Services to Certain Noncustodial Parents Subtitle D: Severability Title V: Transitional Medicaid Title VI: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Title VII: Children's Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income Title VIII: Financing and Food Assistance Reform Subtitle A: Treatment of Aliens Subtitle B: Revenue Provision Subtitle C: Food Assistance Provisions Subtitle D: Supplemental Security Income Title IX: Legislative Proposals; Effective Date Work and Gainful Employment Act - Title I: Transitional Aid Program - Amends title IV part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the current AFDC program and replace it with a program of transitional aid to families with needy children to: (1) enhance the well-being of such children; and (2) enable their parents to obtain and retain work and become self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 101) Prescribes requirements for State transitional aid program plans, including requirements that parents or caretaker relatives enter into a Parental Responsibility Agreement (as well as a WAGE Plan if participating in the WAGE program). Makes qualified aliens eligible for such State programs, except temporarily certain newly legalized aliens. Sets forth guidelines for payments to States, including payment stoppage for substantial noncompliance with plan requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit recommendations to the Congress to streamline the system for: (1) monitoring the accuracy of transitional aid payments to families; and (2) transforming the transitional aid program into a system that measures a State's performance in moving aid recipients into permanent employment. Deems the income and resources of a sponsor and spouse to be the unearned income and resources of an alien, unless the alien is a needy child and the sponsor is the child's parent. Authorizes a State to elect to establish a fraud control program operated according to specified guidelines. Declares that an Assistant Secretary for Family Support within HHS shall administer the transitional aid, child support and paternity establishment, and Work and Gainful Employment (WAGE) programs. Title II: Work and Gainful Employment (WAGE) Program - Amends part F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills) (JOBS) of SSA title IV to replace the current JOBS program with a Work and Gainful Employment (WAGE) program. (Sec. 201) Entitles each State operating a WAGE program to a block grant for each fiscal year, including a performance award equal to the sum of the full-time and part-time employment savings of the State, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes participation rate percentages a State must meet each fiscal year between FY 1996 and 2000 in order to avoid a five percent reduction of its base Federal payment. Prescribes requirements for flexible State WAGE programs, including a priority for private sector job creation. Requires the State agency to develop, together with the individual participant, a WAGE plan: (1) setting forth an employment goal; (2) requiring that the participant spend at least 20 hours per week in certain activities, including job search and mandatory acceptance of any bona fide offer of unsubsidized full-time employment; (3) specifying educational obligations; (4) describing State-provided child care services and assistance; and (5) providing, at State option, for conditioning transitional aid on the number of hours spent on job-related activities, and for requiring participants to undergo substance abuse treatment. Applies special requirements to WAGE programs for Indian tribes and Alaska Native organizations. Title III: Working Parents Child Care Block Grant - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for child care and development block grants to States. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to make such grants. Requires set-aside of at least 50 percent of a State's grant funds to carry out child care activities to support low- income working families residing in the State. Sets forth a matching formula for non-Federal contributions to a State's program. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to establish a child care quality enhancement bonus to States demonstrating progress in the implementation of innovative teacher training programs or enhanced child care quality standards and licensing and monitoring procedures. Revises reserve requirements with respect to Territories and possessions and Indian tribes as well as State allotments. Title IV: Child Support Responsibility - Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - Part I: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require States to adopt procedures under which: (1) every child support order established or modified on or after October 1, 1998, is recorded on a central case registry; and (2) child support payments are collected through a centralized collections unit. (Sec. 401) Repeals certain paternity establishment requirements with respect to State plans for child and spousal support. Requires services under a State plan to be made available to nonresidents on the same terms as to residents. (Sec. 402) Revises requirements for the distribution of support payments through the State child support enforcement agency. (Sec. 403) Requires States to provide child support service applicants and recipients with: (1) notice of all proceedings in which support obligations might be established or modified; and (2) access to a fair hearing or other formal complaint procedure. Declares that a State may not provide a noncustodial parent with representation relating to support order establishment or modification unless it makes provision outside the State agency. (Sec. 404) Requires States to establish privacy safeguards against: (1) unauthorized disclosure of information on paternity or support proceedings; and (2) release of information on the whereabouts of one party to another party against whom a protective order has been entered, or where there is reason to believe release may result in physical or emotional harm to the former party. (Sec. 405) Requires State procedures to provide that the State agency will: (1) determine whether an individual is cooperating with efforts to establish paternity and child support; and (2) advise individuals of the grounds for good cause exceptions to the cooperation requirement. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to good cause exceptions to the cooperation requirement under the Medicaid program. Part II: Program Administration and Funding - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe increasing Federal base matching rates over three fiscal years for State child support collection programs. Revises requirements for performance-based incentive payments, with respect to paternity establishment, and for administrative penalties. (Sec. 413) Requires State agencies to establish a process for annual reviews of and reports to the Secretary on the State program. Revises requirements for State reporting procedures. (Sec. 415) Requires a State to operate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system capable of performing specified tasks. Sets forth a special Federal matching rate for the development costs of such automated systems. (Sec. 416) Directs the Secretary, directly or by contract, to study and report to the Congress on the staffing of each State child support enforcement program. (Sec. 417) Makes funds available to the Secretary for information dissemination and technical assistance to States, training of State and Federal staff, and specified related activities, as well as operation of the Federal Parent Locator System (FPLS). Part III: Locate and Case Tracking - Requires the automated system established under this subtitle to perform the functions of a single central registry of child support records. (Sec. 422) Requires a State agency, on and after October 1, 1998, to operate a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 423) Requires each State, by the same deadline, to establish a State Directory of New Hires containing employer-supplied names, addresses, and social security numbers of each newly hired employee, which shall also be transmitted to the National Directory of New Hires (established under this Act). (Sec. 424) Requires States to establish procedures for mandatory withholding of child support payments from an employee's income. (Sec. 425) Requires State procedures that ensure that a State will neither fund nor use any automated interstate network or system for locating individuals for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes unless all Federal and State agencies administering child support programs have access to information in such network or system to the same extent as any other user. (Sec. 426) Revises FPLS requirements to include an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and a National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 427) Requires State procedures requiring the recording of social security numbers on marriage licenses, divorce decrees, birth records, child support and paternity orders and acknowledgements, motor vehicle and professional licenses, and death certificates. Part IV: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires States to adopt in its entirety the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August 1992. (Sec. 432) Specifies rules a court shall apply if one or more child support orders have been issued in the court's State or another State with regard to an obligor and a child. (Sec. 433) Specifies expedited State procedures for establishing paternity and establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support obligations without judicial or other administrative order. (Sec. 434) Prescribes requirements for administrative enforcement in interstate cases. Part V: Paternity Establishment - Requires State procedures: (1) under which the State agency shall pay the costs of genetic testing, subject to recoupment from the putative father if paternity is established; and (2) for a simple civil process for voluntary acknowledgement of paternity. (Sec. 442) Requires States to publicize the availability and encourage the use of procedures for voluntary acknowledgement of paternity and child support through a specified variety of means. Part VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission, which shall, if it decides it is appropriate, develop a national child support guideline or needed improvements on any existing guideline models. (Sec. 452) Requires States to provide for a simplified process for triennial review (upon request by either parent of a child) and adjustment of child support orders. Part VII: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and SSA title IV part D to revise: (1) the order of tax refund distribution with respect to reductions of a refund for overdue child support payments; (2) Internal Revenue Service collection of support payment arrearages; and (3) authority to collect support from Federal employees and military retirees. (Sec. 464) Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a centralized personnel locator service containing the address of each member of the armed forces (including, upon the Secretary of Transportation's request, Coast Guard members). Requires the Secretary of each military department (including the Secretary of Transportation for the Coast Guard) to prescribe regulations to facilitate the granting of leave to armed forces members to attend a paternity or child support establishment hearing. (Sec. 465) Amends SSA title IV part D to require State procedures for placing liens for child support arrearages on motor vehicle titles. (Sec. 466) Requires States to: (1) enact specified uniform laws specifying indicia of fraud which create a prima facie case for the voiding of any income or property transfer where overdue child support is owed; (2) authorize suspension of the driver's, professional and occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing overdue child support; (3) require periodic reporting of child support delinquents to consumer credit bureaus; (4) extend the statute of limitations for collection of child support arrearages; and (5) charge interest or penalties for arrearages. (Sec. 471) Requires the HHS Secretary to transmit any State certification that an individual owes more than $5,000 (or over 24 months' worth) of child support to the Secretary of State, who shall refuse to issue such individual a passport, or may revoke, restrict, or limit a previously issued passport. (Sec. 472) Requires any State to treat international child support cases in the same manner that it treats interstate cases. Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Part VIII: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to enforcement of medical child support orders. Part IX: Access and Visitation Programs - Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for access and visitation programs. Subtitle B: Child Support Enforcement and Assurance Demonstrations - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to three States for demonstrations, lasting from seven to ten years, to determine the effectiveness of programs to provide assured levels of child support to custodial parents of children for whom paternity and support obligations have been established. (Sec. 494) Specifies eligibility requirements for child support assurance payments. Sets the range of benefit levels: (1) $1,500 to $3,000 (indexed annually) for a family with one child; and (2) $3,000 to $4,500 (indexed annually) for a family with four or more children. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Demonstration Projects to Provide Services to Certain Noncustodial Parents - Directs the Secretary to make grants to up to five States to conduct demonstration projects providing services to noncustodial parents unable to meet child support obligations due to unemployment or underemployment. Specifies the services to be provided, including: (1) referrals to job training and education programs; and (2) court monitored job search. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Severability - Sets forth severability provisions. Title V: Transitional Medicaid - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give State Medicaid plans the option to extend for an additional year Medicaid enrollment for former transitional aid program recipients. Title VI: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention - Amends SSA title IV part A to require State plans to prescribe a residency condition for transitional aid to families with needy children for an individual under age 18 who has never been married but is pregnant or has a dependent child in his or her care. Requires such an individual to reside in the home of the individual's parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative. Requires that the transitional aid be provided to such parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative on behalf of the individual and child. (Sec. 601) Requires State assistance to such an individual in locating appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangements in exceptional cases. (Sec. 602) Entitles each State to funds for the establishment and support of second chance houses for custodial parents under age 19 and their children. Describes a second chance house as a supportive and supervised living arrangement in which such parents would be required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition, and other skills to promote their long-term economic independence and the well-being of their children. (Sec. 603) Requires State plans to prescribe specified high school or alternative educational or training requirements for teenage custodial parents. Gives States the option to provide additional incentives and penalties to encourage teenage parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 604) Authorizes State agencies to provide for projects to reduce teenage pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the relative effectiveness of the different approaches for preventing teenage pregnancy used in such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Entitles States and Indian tribes to certain payments to defray the costs of such projects. (Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary, within an existing HHS office, to establish a National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 606) Prohibits Federal housing assistance to individuals under age 18 who bear children out-of-wedlock. Sets forth conditions for obtaining such assistance, including marriage to the child's biological father. (Sec. 607) Declares the sense of the Congress that the President should lead a national campaign against teenage pregnancy according to specified guidelines. Title VII: Children's Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income - Children's SSI Eligibility Reform Act - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to revise SSI benefit eligibility criteria for disabled children. (Sec. 703) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to modify specified regulations with respect to individualized functional assessments and to medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders (especially destructive behavior requiring protective intervention). (Sec. 704) Prescribes administrative penalties for coaching children to feign impairments in order to obtain benefits. Revises representative payee requirements, including documentation of expenditures. Provides for downwardly graduated benefits for certain additional eligible children. Requires continuing disability reviews at least: (1) every year for a disability for which medical improvement is expected; (2) every three years for a disability for which medical improvement is possible; and (3) every seven years for a disability for which medical improvement is not expected. Requires a disability review: (1) after 12 months for a low birth weight baby receiving SSI disability benefits; and (2) for all disabled children turning 18. Authorizes the Commissioner, at a representative payee's request, to pay any lump sum payment for a child's benefit into a dedicated savings account exclusively for the child's education, job training, or other special needs and therapy. Directs the Commissioner to establish a system of information and referral for treatment and services available to eligible children receiving SSI benefits. Title VIII: Financing and Food Assistance Reform - Subtitle A: Treatment of Aliens - Amends SSA title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) to make a uniform definition of qualified alien for all social security assistance programs. (Sec. 802) Extends, with specified exceptions, through the date (if any) an alien becomes a U.S. citizen the deeming period during which the sponsor's income and resources are attributed to the alien for purposes of eligibility for the transitional aid, SSI, and food stamp programs. (Sec. 803) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow the admission, at the Attorney General's discretion, of an otherwise excludable alien if: (1) the alien has received a sponsor-signed guarantee of financial responsibility that meets certain criteria; and (2) it is reasonable to expect that the sponsor has the financial capacity to meet the guarantee's obligations. Extends the requirement for affidavits of support to specified family-related and diversity immigrants. Subtitle B: Revenue Provision - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require social security numbers on a claim for the earned income tax credit (thus denying such credit to individuals not authorized to be employed in the United States). Subtitle C: Food Assistance Provisions - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow recovery of any coupon overissuance from Federal tax refunds. (Sec. 822) Reduces the basic food stamp benefit level by revising the annual adjustment to the cost of the thrifty food plan from 103 percent to 100 percent of such cost for FY 1996 and thereafter. (Sec. 824) Requires disqualification for benefits, with specified exceptions, of an individual who has received an allotment for six consecutive months during which the individual has not been employed at least an average of 20 hours per week, unless such individual is employed at least 20 hours per week or is participating in a workfare program, or an approved employment and training program. Provides for development of a WAGE plan for such a participant. (Sec. 825) Extends current claims retention rates, with respect to administrative cost-sharing and quality control, from FY 1995 through FY 2002. (Sec. 826) Prohibits for FY 1996 and 1997 the annual adjustment of the standard deduction from household income for purposes of food stamp eligibility. (Sec. 827) Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations for nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico. (Sec. 828) Repeals the special rule qualifying as an individual household certain disabled persons over age 60 who live with others but do not purchase and prepare food separately. (Sec. 829) Reduces from 21 to 18 the maximum age of children whose income is excluded from computation of household income. (Sec. 830) Includes State energy assistance as well as vendor payments for transitional housing in the computation of household income. (Sec. 832) Makes ineligible for food stamp benefits for ten years certain individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence to obtain benefits. (Sec. 833) Authorizes a State plan to deny food stamp benefits to certain individuals during any period they have child support payments overdue. (Sec. 834) Requires the annual adjustment to a household allotment to the nearest $10 instead of (as currently) the nearest $5. (Sec. 835) Prohibits increase of a household allotment to the extent that its income has been decreased as the result of a penalty for failure to comply with the work requirements of other programs. (Sec. 836) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize FY 1996 appropriations for discretionary grants to States for nutrition education and training programs. (Sec. 837) Amends the National School Lunch Act to revise requirements governing reimbursement of organizations sponsoring family or group child or adult day care homes for the cost of obtaining and preparing food and prescribed labor costs, especially with respect to low- or moderate-income homes. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide census data to each State agency administering a child and adult care food program, and each such agency in turn to provide such data to family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Requires certain allotments of appropriations to provide grants to States for grants to family and group day care home sponsoring organizations, including funds to assist low- and moderate-income family or group day care homes, to become licensed, registered, or overcome other barriers to the program. Subtitle D: Supplemental Security Income - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to mandate periodic eligibility review of certain recipients of SSI disability benefits. (Sec. 842) Disqualifies from receipt of SSI disability benefits individuals for whom alcohol or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the disability determination. Title IX: Legislative Proposals; Effective Date - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal for technical and conforming amendments in Federal law required by this Act. (Sec. 902) Specifies the effective date of this Act.

Real Welfare Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Welfare Spending Cap and Block Grants Subtitle A: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending Subtitle B: Welfare Block Grant Program Title II: Work Program-Related Requirements on States in Expending Certain Block Grant Funds Subtitle A: Workfare and Dependency Reduction Program Subtitle B: Work Requirement for Food Stamp Equivalent Households Subtitle C: Evaluation of Training Programs Title III: Promoting Families Subtitle A: Eligibility for Certain Welfare Block Grant Funds Subtitle B: Additional Earned Income Tax Credit for Married Individuals Subtitle C: Expansion of Abstinence Education Title IV: Recommendations Title V: Child Support Enforcement Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Severability and Effective Date Real Welfare Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Welfare Spending Cap and Block Grants - Subtitle A: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending - Places a cap on the growth of Federal spending on certain welfare programs, including the welfare block grant program established below and the head start program, starting in FY 1996, with the resulting savings used for deficit reduction. Subtitle B: Welfare Block Grant Program - Replaces various specified current welfare programs, including the cash aid component of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, child welfare and nutrition programs, the food stamp and supplemental security income programs, and housing, energy, and job training programs, with a single program of block grants to the States to provide: (1) aid to low-income households in the State, with food assistance provided, at the strong encouragement of the Congress, through food commodities directly purchased by the State, while providing for the Medicaid-eligibility of low-income individuals; (2) appropriate services and activities to discourage out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and (3) care for the children of such pregnancies. Sets forth special rules and reporting requirements regarding the use of program funds, including a prohibition on their use for abortion to plan families and aid to noncitizen and fugitive felons and probation or parole violators. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Work Program-Related Requirements on States in Expending Certain Block Grant Funds - Subtitle A: Workfare and Dependency Reduction Program - Requires that if a State uses grant funds received above to provide direct cash or food assistance to certain populations of AFDC families and dependent children, it must establish and operate a program to reduce welfare dependence and ensure that welfare recipients participate, according to specified guidelines and participation requirements, in State community work service or wage subsidy programs, nonsubsidized private sector employment, or supervised job search activities and, at the State's option, in educational or job skills training as well, with single- adult families with young children generally not required to participate in such program except under certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 215) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide for a special rule with respect to certain employers under the wage subsidy program relating to employee earned income eligibility certificates. (Sec. 216) Provides for penalties for parents who fail to participate in State community work service programs. (Sec. 217) Eliminates work requirements above for groups which no longer receive benefits. Subtitle B: Work Requirement for Food Stamp Equivalent Households - Provides that if a State uses grant funds received above to provide direct food assistance to a population of food stamp equivalent households, the State shall require members of such a population to perform successfully at least 32 hours of work per month on behalf of a State or political subdivision through a program it establishes prior to the furnishing of direct food assistance for such month. Establishes certain exemptions from such requirement, such as in the case of a parent residing with a dependent child under age 18 or in the case of a member who is under age 18 or is mentally or physically unfit. (Sec. 222) Provides for similar elimination of work requirements for specified groups under this subtitle no longer receiving food benefits. Subtitle C: Evaluation of Training Programs - Requires States using grant funds to assist low-income households to conduct ongoing evaluations of job training programs to determine whether such programs raise the hourly wage rates of individuals receiving training through such programs. Title III: Promoting Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress with regard to the importance of marriage in society and the negative consequences of out-of-wedlock births, making the reduction of such births an important government interest. Subtitle A: Eligibility for Certain Welfare Block Grant Funds - Denies certain welfare assistance to certain young unwed parents and their children, including assistance to additional children of recipients. (Sec. 313) Ties a family's receipt of assistance to the establishment of paternity for each of their children born on or after January 1, 1995, with certain exceptions. Subtitle B: Additional Earned Income Tax Credit for Married Individuals - Amends the IRC to establish additional earned income tax credit for married individuals. Subtitle C: Expansion of Abstinence Education - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States and public and private entities for promoting sexual abstinence. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Recommendations - Recommends that a State providing direct cash assistance from welfare block grant funds to: (1) custodial parents under age 19 without a high school education who belong to an AFDC equivalent family must require them to participate in an educational activity and, at the State's option, may require them to participate in training or work activities in lieu of such educational activities under certain conditions; (2) an AFDC equivalent family without any children under age five with sufficient liquid assets to meet its basic needs for a one-month period beginning when it applies for such assistance must not provide it with such assistance until any member aged 18 has conducted appropriate job search activities for such period; (3) an AFDC equivalent family not described above without any children under age five must require a member aged 18 to conduct similar activities during the first one month period in which it receives aid; and (4) an AFDC equivalent family must reduce by a certain amount monthly assistance payments to any family in a subsidized housing unit in the State. (Sec. 403) Recommends that a State providing direct cash assistance from welfare block grant funds to an AFDC equivalent family, in determining eligibility for such assistance, consider as income of the applicant family, any rent or housing subsidy provided by the State, to the extent that the value of such subsidy is equivalent to the amount for housing included in the maximum amount payable to a family of the same composition with no other income. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Establishes a national system for reporting information on employee child support obligations through modified W-4 form reporting. (Sec. 502) Provides for: (1) child support order registries maintained by designated State agencies of each child support order being enforced in the State; (2) accessibility of State locate information to other States and private parties; (3) expansion of the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS); (4) an Interstate Locate Network linking FPLS and all State databases relating to child support enforcement for State use in handling locate requests; (5) Federal regulations governing the sharing of locate information among States, within States, and between the States and FPLS; and (6) State systems for collecting child support through employer withholding of employee income owed for child support pursuant to a uniform withholding order for distribution to the individual or State to whom the withheld income is to be paid. (Sec. 506) Makes various specified changes with regard to paternity establishment, including allowing simple civil consent procedures for voluntary acknowledgement of parentage by unmarried parents. (Sec. 507) Prohibits the imposition of any fee for child support collection or paternity establishment services provided with respect to an individual denied low-income housing aid as a result of this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires Federal contractors to pay prevailing wages). (Sec. 601) Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), upon enactment of this title, to make downward adjustments in discretionary spending limits under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) for FY 1996 through 2000 by the amount of discretionary savings attributable to each such fiscal year resulting from enactment. Reduces allocations in effect under CBA for FY 1996 for House and Senate appropriations committees by the amount of discretionary savings in outlays and budget authority determined above. Provides for appropriations committee suballocations for such fiscal year to reflect the lower allocations provided by this paragraph. (Sec. 602) Makes fugitive felons and probation and parole violators ineligible for Medicaid benefits and provides for the exchange of Medicaid locate information with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers. (Sec. 603) Restricts judicial and administrative review of this Act and any laws or regulations enacted or promulgated thereunder as a result of challenges by certain legal services providers. (Sec. 604) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to: (1) tie its definition of "poverty line" to OMB's official poverty line revised annually under the Community Services Block Grant Act that is applicable to a particular family; (2) authorize State agencies electing to provide supplemental foods to women, infants, and children (WIC) program participants in the form of commodities rather than vouchers to use any resulting savings for certain low-income assistance; and (3) require the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that the amount of WIC funds allocated to a State agency is not reduced because it makes such an election. Title VII: Severability and Effective Date - Sets forth severability provisions and the effective date of this Act.

Educational Opportunity Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995

Educational Opportunity Demonstration Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish an educational opportunity demonstration program to provide waivers for the establishment of educational opportunity schools, in order to: (1) allow experimentation with same gender classes for low-income, educationally disadvantaged students; (2) determine whether such classes make a difference in the educational achievement and opportunities of such individuals; and (3) involve parents in the educational options and choices of their children. Directs the Secretary to waive for up to five years (but only to the extent the Secretary determines necessary to ensure the development and operation of same gender classes) any statutory or regulatory requirement of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, specified provisions of the Education Amendments of 1974 and of the Revised Statutes, and any other law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, for up to ten local educational agencies that have applications approved and for any educational opportunity school established by such an agency. Requires each local educational agency receiving such a waiver to establish an educational opportunity advisory board. Sets forth requirements for applications and selection of waiver grantees. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on such waivers, comparing the educational and behavioral achievement of those students choosing same gender classes and those students choosing the coeducational option at such schools. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the availability, under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, of remedies to overcome the effects of past discrimination on the basis of sex.

Family Support Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strengthening the JOBS Program Title II: Aid to Families with Dependent Children Subtitle A: Requirements for Teenage Parents Subtitle B: State Flexibility Title III: Child Support Enforcement Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment Title IV: Supplemental Security Income Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Family Support Act of 1995 - Title I: Strengthening the JOBS Program - Amends part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase from 20 percent in 1995 to 50 percent in 2001 the required State rate for participation in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) Program. (Sec. 102) Requires a State agency to establish procedures to: (1) encourage the placement of participants in jobs as quickly as possible, including using performance measures that reward staff performance; and (2) assist participants in retaining employment after they are hired. Authorizes a State agency to establish a job placement voucher program meeting specified requirements. Requires a State to: (1) make a list of approved job placement organizations available to an eligible AFDC applicant or recipient; and (2) give the participant a voucher to present to the job placement organization, which may redeem it after successfully placing the participant in employment for a six- month period (or longer, as the State determines). Repeals the requirement for States to provide educational activities to individuals age 20 or older. Allows States to: (1) establish their own requirements for when and how long an AFDC recipient or applicant must participate in job search; and (2) provide JOBS services to non-custodial parents who are unemployed and unable to meet their child support obligations. (Sec. 103) Increases funding for the JOBS program. Revises the formula for the Federal matching rate, for both the JOBS program and for child care, to make it, for FY 1997 and thereafter, 70 percent or the State's Federal Medicaid matching rate plus ten percentage points, whichever is higher. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for evaluating the JOBS program. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Subtitle A: Requirements for Teenage Parents - Amends part A (AFDC) of SSA title IV to require State agencies to assign to each custodial parent under age 20 a case manager responsible for assisting the teen parent in obtaining services and monitoring their compliance with all program requirements. (Sec. 202) Requires State agencies to require participating (as well as certain program-exempt) custodial parents under age 20 who have not completed high school (or its equivalent) to: (1) attend school; (2) participate in a program combining classroom and job training; or (3) work toward attainment of a high school education (or its equivalent). Requires State agencies to require such parents who have successfully completed high school (or its equivalent) to participate in a State-approved JOBS activity. Grants States the option to conduct a program of monetary incentives and penalties to encourage custodial parents (and pregnant women) under age 20 to complete their high school (or equivalent) education, and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 203) Requires States to require, with specified exceptions, an individual under age 18 who has a dependent child (or is pregnant) to live with a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative, or reside in a foster home, maternity home, or other adult-supervised supportive living arrangement, with AFDC payments made to the individual's parent or other adult on the individual's behalf. Subtitle B: State Flexibility - Establishes an Interagency Welfare Review Board as the central organization for coordinating the review of State applications for waivers that involve more than one Federal department or agency. Requires the Board to provide assistance and technical advice to States applying for such waivers. (Sec. 221) Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove a waiver application within 90 days after its receipt. Grants a presumption for approval for any waiver request similar in substance and scale to one previously approved. (Sec. 222) Authorizes any State, without receiving a waiver, to establish program changes in: (1) income and resource requirements; (2) requirements relating to disregard of income; (3) standards for defining unemployment other than those defined by the Secretary; and (4) rules that prescribe the number of quarters of work that a principal earner must have to qualify for unemployment compensation. (Sec. 223) Authorizes States to apply for waivers of JOBS program rules in order to conduct JOBS demonstration projects. Title III: Child Support Enforcement - Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to state that mothers shall not be considered to cooperate with paternity establishment efforts unless they furnish the State agency with the name of the putative father (or fathers) and specified additional information. Requires the State child support enforcement agency to make a cooperation determination within ten days after the mother's referral. Prohibits denial of AFDC and Medicaid benefits for lack of cooperation until the formal determination is made. (Retains the current good cause exception to the cooperation requirement.) (Sec. 302) Requires States to record every child support order established or modified in the State on or after October 1, 1998, in the central case registry established under this Act. (Sec. 303) Revises requirements for the distribution of collected child support to former as well as to current AFDC recipients before reimbursement of State and Federal government agencies. Specifies alternative distribution priorities at State option. (Sec. 304) Provides for notification of service applicants and recipients of all support obligation proceedings, as well as specified privacy safeguards. (Sec. 311) Increases from 66 percent to 75 percent, as of FY 1999, the Federal matching rate for State and local child support and paternity establishment costs. Revises performance-based incentive adjustments to the matching rate, as well as payment reduction penalties for failure to meet specified paternity establishment and child support enforcement goals. (Sec. 313) Revises requirements for State and Federal reviews and audits of part D programs. (Sec. 315) Requires States to have in operation a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system capable of performing required part D tasks. Establishes a special Federal matching rate for development costs of such systems. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary periodically to study, directly or by contract, the staffing of each State child support enforcement program. (Sec. 317) Sets forth a formula for certain funds made available to the Secretary for specified assistance to State programs. (Sec. 321) Requires any State automated system for locate and case tracking to perform the functions of a single central registry containing records with standardized data elements. (Sec. 322) Requires State agencies to operate a single, centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of child support payments. (Sec. 323) Requires States to have procedures under which all child support orders issued or modified before October 1, 1996, which are not otherwise subject to income withholding, shall become subject to withholding from wages without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. (Sec. 324) Requires States to have procedures ensuring that they will neither provide funding for nor use for any purpose any automated interstate network or system to locate individuals for law enforcement or motor vehicle purposes unless all Federal and State agencies administering child support enforcement programs have access to information in the network or system to the same extent as any other user. (Sec. 325) Provides for expanded authority to locate individuals and assets through the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS). Directs the Secretary to establish within the FPLS: (1) a Data Bank of Child Support Orders, containing abstracts of support orders and other information on each case in each State central case registry; and (2) a Directory of New Hires, with information supplied by employers and by State agencies administering State unemployment compensation laws. Sets forth requirements for such Data Bank and Directory, including penalties for noncomplying employers. (Sec. 326) Requires States to have procedures requiring the recording of social security numbers: (1) of both parties on marriage licenses, birth records, and child support and paternity orders; and (2) on all applications for motor vehicle licenses and professional licenses. (Sec. 331) Requires States to adopt in its entirety by January 1, 1997, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in August 1992. (Sec. 332) Revises requirements with respect to the full faith and credit given State child support orders by sister States. (Sec. 333) Requires States to have procedures giving the State agency authority, without the necessity of obtaining an order from any other judicial or administrative tribunal, to take specified actions to establish or enforce paternity establishment or child support orders. (Sec. 341) Revises requirements for paternity establishment procedures, especially voluntary establishment. Grants anyone who has acknowledged paternity 60 days to rescind such acknowledgement. Allows a court challenge of a signed acknowledgement of paternity after 60 days only on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. Permits a minor who has signed such an acknowledgement outside the presence of a parent or court-appointed guardian ad litem to rescind it beyond the 60-day limit, but no later than the earlier of: (1) the age of majority; or (2) the date of the first judicial or administrative proceeding brought to establish a support obligation, visitation rights, or custody rights of the child in question at which the minor putative father is represented by a parent, guardian ad litem, or attorney. Requires State procedures under which: (1) no judicial or administrative proceedings are required or permitted to ratify an unchallenged acknowledgement of paternity; (2) parties to a paternity action are not entitled to a jury trial; and (3) a temporary child support order shall be issued, upon a party's motion, pending an administrative or judicial determination of parentage, where there is clear and convincing evidence of paternity (on the basis of genetic tests or other evidence). (Sec. 342) Requires States to publicize the availability and encourage the use of procedures for voluntary paternity establishment and child support through a variety of means, including: (1) distribution of written materials at health care facilities and other locations such as schools; (2) pre-natal programs to educate expectant couples on individual and joint rights and responsibilities with respect to paternity; and (3) reasonable follow-up efforts after a new-born child has been discharged from a hospital if paternity or child support have not been established. Sets a Federal matching payment to each State of 90 percent of the costs of outreach programs designed to encourage voluntary acknowledgement of paternity. (Sec. 351) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission, which shall determine whether it is appropriate to develop a national child support guideline and, if so, develop one. (Sec. 352) Requires States to: (1) review both AFDC and non-AFDC child support orders every three years at the request of either parent; and (2) adjust an order (without a requirement for any other change in circumstances) if the amount of child support under the order differs from the amount that would be awarded based on State guidelines. Mandates such a review and adjustment, at either parent's request, at any time there is a substantial change in the circumstances of either such parent. Requires child support orders to require parents to provide each other with annual statements of financial condition. (Sec. 361) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the priorities for child support offset of tax refunds to give first priority to satisfaction of any past-due support which has not been assigned to the State, and only secondarily to satisfaction of past-due support that has been so assigned. Provides that up to $10,000 of any lump-sum child support payment withheld from a tax refund for a family receiving AFDC may be placed in a Qualified Asset Account. Limits the use of funds in such an account to: (1) education and training programs; (2) improvements in an individual's employability (including purchase of an automobile); (3) the purchase of a home; or (4) a change of family residence. Excludes such funds from any accounting for purposes of AFDC benefit eligibility. (Sec. 362) Prohibits the assessment of any additional fee for adjustments to a child support arrearage previously certified to the Secretary of the Treasury for collection through the Internal Revenue Service. (Sec. 363) Revises child support enforcement requirements with respect to Federal employees and members of the armed forces to subject them to the same withholding procedures that apply to non-Federal employees. (Sec. 364) Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a centralized personnel locator service including the address of each member of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction (as well as the addresses of members of the Coast Guard, upon request of the Secretary of Transportation). Revises treatment of military personnel with respect to child support enforcement interaction with the States. (Sec. 365) Requires States to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1984, or another law, specifying indicia of fraud which create a prima facie case that a debtor transferred income or property to avoid payment to a child support creditor, which the Secretary finds affords comparable rights to such creditors. Requires a State to: (1) void any transfer by a child support debtor with respect to which such a prima facie case is established; or (2) obtain a settlement in the best interests of the child support creditor. (Sec. 366) Requires States to have procedures for withholding, suspending, or restricting the use of driver's licenses, professional and occupational licenses, and recreational licenses of individuals owing overdue child support or failing, after receiving appropriate notice, to comply with subpoenas or warrants relating to paternity or child support proceedings. (Sec. 367) Requires States to have procedures (subject to specified safeguards) for periodically reporting to consumer reporting agencies the name of any absent parent who is delinquent in the payment of child support, plus the amount overdue. (Sec. 368) Requires States to have procedures under which the statute of limitations on any arrearages of child support extends at least until the child owed such support reached age 30. (Sec. 369) Requires States to have procedures for charging and collecting interest and penalties on child support arrearages. (Sec. 370) Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Secretary of State for denial, revocation, or limitation of passports any State agency certification that an individual owes arrearages of child support exceeding $5,000 or in an amount exceeding 24 months' worth of child support. Requires the Secretary of State, upon receipt of such a certification, to refuse to issue a passport to such an individual; and permits the Secretary to revoke, restrict, or limit a previously issued passport. (Sec. 381) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to revise the definition of medical child support order to include such orders issued by an administrative adjudicator and having the force and effect of law under applicable State law. (Sec. 391) Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for programs to support and facilitate absent parents' access and visitation to their children. Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth the effective dates of this title, with provision for specified grace periods for State law changes and State constitutional amendments. Title IV: Supplemental Security Income - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to issue regulations for determining the disability in individuals under age 18 (disabled children), for supplemental security income (SSI) benefit eligibility purposes, in order to ensure that such eligibility is limited to those individuals whose impairments are so severe as to cause at least: (1) a marked limitation in at least two domains of functioning or development; or (2) an extreme limitation in at least one such domain. (Sec. 401) Defines "domain" as a broad but, to the maximum extent practicable, discrete area of function or development that can be identified in infancy and traced through an individual's maturation. States that under no circumstance may the Commissioner specify a domain of maladaptive behavior or consider the limitations caused by such behavior in more than one domain. Requires the Commissioner, within two years after promulgating such regulations, to redetermine the SSI eligibility of each individual receiving such benefits on the basis of disability found before the effective date of such regulations. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XVI (SSI) to direct the Commissioner to establish a directory of services for disabled children that are available within the area served by each Social Security Administration office. (Sec. 403) Requires the Commissioner to use standardized tests measuring childhood development or functioning, or equivalent criteria, when determining whether an individual under age 18 is disabled. (Sec. 404) Sets forth a graduated schedule of benefits for several blind or disabled children living in the same (non-group or non-foster home) household. Preserves Medicaid eligibility for all such children. (Sec. 405) Requires the representative payee of a disabled child to file a treatment plan for the child, developed by the child's physician or other medical provider, within three months after the child's SSI eligibility determination. Authorizes the Commissioner to appoint an alternative representative payee, giving preference to the State agency administering the SSI plan, if the original representative payee fails to file a treatment plan. Requires State agencies administering the SSI plan to furnish the Commissioner, upon request, with any information necessary to verify information provided by a representative payee. Requires the Commissioner to reimburse a State agency for the costs of providing such information. Requires the SSA Inspector General to report to specified congressional committees on the implementation of the treatment plan requirements. (Sec. 406) Requires each representative payee of a disabled child to: (1) establish an account in a financial institution on behalf of the child; and (2) deposit into it the initial retroactive payment if the amount of such payment equals or exceeds six times the maximum Federal benefit rate. Allows the deposit of smaller retroactive payments. Limits the use of account funds to education or job skills training or other specified expenses for the disabled child. Requires the Commissioner to establish a system of monitoring payee use of such funds. (Sec. 407) Requires the Commissioner to conduct specified periodic continuing disability reviews for disabled children receiving SSI payments. (Sec. 408) Makes the State agency administering the Maternal and Child Health block grant responsible for developing a care coordination plan for each disabled child. Directs the Secretary, the Commissioner, and the Secretary of Education to take necessary steps to assure that specified State agencies: (1) assist in developing such plan; (2) participate in the planning and delivery of services required by the plan; and (3) provide the Secretary for each fiscal year with information on the services provided. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the tax responsibilities of expatriation. (Sec. 501) Treats all property held immediately before expatriation by a U.S. citizen relinquishing citizenship as sold at such time for its fair market value. (Excludes from such property: (1) any U.S. real property interest other than stock of a U.S. real property holding corporation; and (2) any interest (not exceeding $500,000) in a qualified retirement plan, foreign or domestic.) Subjects to income taxation any accrued asset gains (in excess of $600,000) as of such date. Waives such treatment for any individual electing to continue to be taxed as a U.S. citizen. Applies such tax treatment also to certain long-term non-citizen U.S. residents upon losing such resident status. (Sec. 502) Declares that, if a non-resident alien individual becomes a U.S. resident or citizen, gain or loss on the disposition of any property held on the date the individual becomes a resident or citizen shall be determined by substituting, as of the applicable date, the fair market value of such property for its cost basis. (States that any deduction for depreciation, depletion, or amortization shall be determined without regard to application of this section.) (Sec. 503) Denies the earned income tax credit to: (1) individuals not authorized to be employed in the United States; and (2) individuals with substantial capital gain net income. Limits such credit to individuals (including spouses and qualifying children) with social security numbers as tax identification numbers. Treats taxpayer errors in social security numbers as mathematical or clerical errors (which can be dealt with under certain simplified procedures instead of normal tax deficiency procedures). (Sec. 505) Revises the treatment of certain stock redemptions as distributions in part or full payment in exchange for the stock. Repeals the current corporate shareholder option to reduce the basis in the remaining stock by the untaxed (deducted) portion of an extraordinary dividend. Treats any non pro rata redemption (or partial liquidation), with specified exceptions, as a sale of the redeemed stock, even if such distribution would otherwise be treated as a dividend entitled to a dividends received deduction. (Sec. 506) Applies uniform alien eligibility criteria to AFDC, SSI, and Medicaid benefits. (Sec. 507) Repeals the termination date of the five-year deeming requirement under which newly legalized resident aliens are deemed for five years to have the income and assets of their sponsors (thus disqualifying them for SSI benefits for such period of time). Extends the deeming period for AFDC eligibility from three to five years. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to extend the deeming period from three to five years for food stamp benefit eligibility. Exempts from the deeming period (and temporary disqualification for benefits) any alien whose sponsor receives SSI, AFDC, or food stamp benefits. Authorizes the Secretary (and, for food stamps, the Secretary of Agriculture) to alter or suspend application of deeming and disqualification requirements where their application would be inequitable under the circumstances. Authorizes a State or local government to make an alien ineligible for any need-based assistance program it furnishes for any month during which such alien is ineligible for AFDC, SSI, or food stamp benefits.

Science and Mathematics Early Start Grant Program Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995

Science and Mathematics Early Start Grant Program Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award Science and Mathematics Early Start Grants to organizations to support model programs that provide instruction to Head Start personnel regarding the introduction of science and mathematics activities to children enrolled in Head Start programs. Sets forth award priorities. Requires grant recipients to report program results to the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education for dissemination. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to each of the ten regional Head Start agencies to improve teaching and learning through professional development activities in science and mathematics at the regional and local agency levels. Sets forth provisions for: (1) regional and within-region allocations of funds; (2) local plans and applications for improving mathematics and science teaching and learning; (3) local allocation of funds; and (4) permissible activities. Authorizes appropriations.

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for peace on earth; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental protection. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to the Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.

Low-Income School Choice Demonstration Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1995

Low-Income School Choice Demonstration Act of 1995 - Establishes a low-income school choice demonstration program to determine the effects on students and schools of providing financial assistance to enable low-income parents to select the public or private schools their children will attend. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to carry out between ten and 20 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the cost of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Sets forth requirements for use of grant funds, authorized projects, award priorities, and applications. (Sec. 8) Requires the amount of an eligible child's education certificate to be determined by the eligible entity, in an amount that provides the recipient with the maximum degree of choice in selecting the choice school the eligible child will attend. Requires an eligible entity to consider certain cost factors in determining such amount. Allows an eligible entity to provide an education certificate to the parent of an eligible child who chooses to attend a school that does not charge tuition or fees in order to pay: (1) the additional reasonable costs of transportation directly attributable to the child's participation in the demonstration project; or (2) the cost of complying with certain special services requirements. Provides for adjustments in certificate amount. Limits the maximum amount of an eligible child's education certificate to the per pupil expenditure for elementary or secondary education (as appropriate) by the local educational agency for the public school to which the child would normally be assigned for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made. Declares that an education certificate, and funds provided under it, shall not be treated as income of the parents for purposes of Federal tax laws or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. (Sec. 9) Requires that eligible child participants in such a demonstration project receive whatever special services to which they would otherwise be entitled under certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Allows any local educational agency participating in such a demonstration project to count eligible children who otherwise would attend the agency's schools in order to receive funds under any program administered by the Secretary. Allows use of information under the National School Lunch Act to determine a child's eligibility to participate in a demonstration project under this Act and, if needed, to rank families by income. (Sec. 10) Requires each eligible entity receiving a grant under this Act to provide timely notice of the demonstration project to parents of eligible children residing in the area to be served. (Sec. 11) Directs the Comptroller General to contract with an evaluating agency for an annual evaluation of the demonstration program, according to specified criteria.

Food Quality Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.

To increase the monthly rate for amounts payable for veterans education under the Montgomery GI Bill.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995

Increases for the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1995, the monthly basic educational assistance allowance payable under the Montgomery GI Bill to certain former active-duty military personnel and members of the Selected Reserve.

National Education Technology Funding Corporation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995

National Education Technology Funding Corporation Act of 1995 - Recognizes the National Education Technology Funding Corporation as a nonprofit corporation independent of the Federal Government and operating under the laws of the District of Columbia. Authorizes Federal departments and agencies to provide assistance to such Corporation to carry out specified corporate purposes. Requires audits of the Corporation by independent certified public accountants and by the Comptroller General, and authorizes such audits by the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce.

Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act Amendment Title II: Effective Date; Transition Title III: Repeals of Other Acts Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act Amendment - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to revise and rename it the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. Provides for a performance partnership with States and localities for provision of adult education and family literacy services. Consolidates the following current programs under a single funding mechanism of State grants for adult education and family literacy: (1) Library Literacy Program; (2) Workplace Literacy Partnerships; (3) Literacy Training for Homeless Adults; (4) Literacy Program for Prisoners; (5) Even Start; (6) State grants for adult education; (7) Gateway grants for adult education in public housing; (8) State literacy resource centers; (9) Literacy for Institutionalized Adults; (10) an education coordination program serving adults with basic education needs under the Job Training Partnership Act; (11) the National Institute for Literacy; and (12) aid for research, evaluation, and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for State grants for adult education and family literacy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to reserve limited amounts for: (1) awards for national excellence; (2) national leadership activities and the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) Even Start family literacy programs for migratory families and Indian families. Establishes a new title I, Adult Education and Family Literacy, with provisions for: (1) program authority and priorities; (2) State grants for adult education and family literacy; (3) Even Start literacy programs and grants; (4) State administration requirements; (5) State plans; (6) applications from eligible applicants; (6) State-established performance goals and indicators and technical assistance for their establishment; (7) evaluation, improvement, and accountability; (8) allotments to States and reallotment; and (9) a study of statistics on the number of immigrants and limited English proficient individuals in each State, and a report on the feasibility and advisability of including such populations in the State allotment formula. Establishes a new title II, National Leadership, with provisions for: (1) national leadership activities; (2) awards for national excellence; and (3) the National Institute for Literacy. Revises the Institute's current duties, including establishment of a national electronic database and cooperation with the National Education Goals Panel. Sets forth provisions for the Institute's Advisory Board, adult education and literacy career fellowships, and biennial reports to the Congress and the Interagency Group (the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services). Establishes a new title III, General Provisions, with provisions for State requests for and Federal granting of waivers of statutory or regulatory provisions under specified education and job training laws. Title II: Effective Date; Transition - Sets forth effective date and transition provisions. Title III: Repeals of Other Acts - Repeals: (1) provisions for the Even Start program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (2) the National Literacy Act; and (3) provisions for grants to States for workplace and community transition training for incarcerated youth offenders under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Children's SSI Eligibility Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995

Children's SSI Eligibility Reform Act - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to revise SSI benefit eligibility criteria for disabled children, with revisions also provided for under Federal regulations on child psychological evaluations and individualized functional assessments, as well as under additional specified SSI provisions, including those for combatting fraud and paying benefits through representative payees, in order to help achieve the stated purposes of this Act that SSI benefits provide basic necessities for appropriate cost-effective care, cover additional child-related costs, and enhance development opportunities, among other things, by: (1) providing for graduated benefits for certain additional eligible children; (2) requiring disability reviews for disabled children turning 18; (3) allowing for dedicated savings accounts for child education, job training, or other special needs; and (4) mandating a social security system providing information and referral services for eligible children.

Workforce Development Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title II: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: State Funding Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Responsibilities Subtitle C: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs Subtitle D: National Programs Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidiation Grant Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Federal Programs Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: Funding Subtitle B: Grants to States Subtitle C: National Programs Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments Consolidated and Reformed Education, Employment, and Retraining Systems Act (CAREERS Act) - Consolidates and revises workforce development and literacy programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure - Provides for the establishment of an infrastructure within the States of a system on which to build a comprehensive system of workforce development and literacy. Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to receive a grant under specified workforce development and literacy programs (WDL) (participant State) to: (1) establish a collaborative process regarding its State system; (2) develop a consolidated State workforce development and literacy plan to be submitted to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor; and (3) otherwise comply with this Act's requirements, including designating a State administrative agent for each grant requiring such an agent under this Act. (Lists the WDL programs as under: (1) the title II Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant; (2) the title III Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant; (3) the title IV Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant; and (4) subtitle A of title V, revising title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.) (Sec. 106) Requires any participant State to ensure establishment of a Local Workforce Development Board in each local workforce development area that it designates. Requires each local board to develop a biennial local strategic plan to be approved by local government officials. (Sec. 108) Requires participant States to ensure that each local board establish or designate a one-stop career center system in its area. Requires establishment of State criteria for such purpose, to be consistent with specified minimum requirements for such center systems. (Sec. 109) Provides for certification of education, training, and vocational rehabilitation service providers as eligible to receive funds under this title, through receipt of vouchers or otherwise, if they are eligible to participate in student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are determined to be eligible under State-established eligibility procedures, and if they provide certain performance-based information. Exempts providers of on-the-job training from such eligibility requirements. Directs the Workforce Development Board to collect such performance-based information from on-the-job training providers as the Governor may require, and to disseminate such information to the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 110) Requires each State to use a portion of the funds it receives under this Act to design a unified management information system that meets specified requirements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to coordinate its provisions with those of this Act. Requires that at least 25 percent of authorized appropriations under such Act be used for the new labor market information program. Eliminates a Federal Advisory Council under such Act. (Sec. 132) Establishes a labor market information program under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to oversee development, maintenance, and continued improvement of a nationwide system of labor market information. Requires such system to be planned, administered, overseen, and evaluated by a cooperative governance structure involving the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare an annual plan, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to be the operational mechanism for achieving a cooperative Federal-State governance structure for labor market information. Title: I: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: State Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified portion of funds under this Act for national programs under subtitle D; and (2) make allotments to States under this Act based on a formula derived from funding allotments under specified provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the Job Training Partnership Act. (Sec. 211) Requires Governors to: (1) make at least 90 percent of such State allotments available to local providers, and to use not more than eight percent for State programs and activities and two percent for administration; and (2) allocate 40 percent of the funds for local providers to eligible institutions for school youth programs, and 40 percent to local workforce development boards for at-risk youth programs, with the remainder to go to either or both of such types of programs. Sets minimum grant amounts for local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and local development boards. Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Requirements - Sets forth title II requirements for State plans to be submitted to the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 222) Requires State programs and activities to include an assessment of programs conducted with title II assistance, including development of: (1) program performance standards and measures; and (2) program improvement and accountability. Lists additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 223) Authorizes States to make performance incentive awards to one or more eligible institutions or local providers that have exceeded performance goals or implemented exemplary workforce development systems at the local level. (Sec. 224) Requires each State receiving title II funds to develop and implement a statewide system of core standards and performance goals and measures, including specified characteristics. Subtitle III: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs - Requires local workforce development boards and eligible institutions to form partnerships and submit comprehensive workforce development plans for in-school and at-risk youth, in order to receive subgrants under this subtitle. (Sec. 232) Directs States to distribute funds for: (1) in-school youth programs to eligible institutions; and (2) at-risk youth programs to local workforce development boards. Chapter 1: In-School Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for eligible institutions' uses of funds for in-school programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. Chapter 2: At-Risk Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for local workforce development boards' uses of funds for at-risk youth programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 246) Requires that the local workforce development board not operate such programs, but contract with eligible providers of (or providers using methodologies with) demonstrated effectiveness in serving the workforce preparation needs of at-risk youth. Subtitle D: National Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Education directly or indirectly to carry out research, development, dissemination, demonstration programs, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities with regard to services under this title, including support for occupational and career information systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to disseminate information resulting from research and development activities under this title. (Sec. 252) Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to conduct an annual assessment of services and activities under this title, through competitive awards for independent studies and analyses. (Sec. 253) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of applied research, development, and dissemination. Provides that the center in existence on the date of enactment of this Act shall continue to receive assistance in accordance with its current award. Requires such centers to prepare annual summaries of key research findings, for submission to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor and specified congressional committees. Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a grant for employment, job training, and related assistance for adults to each State that submits a state workforce development and literacy plan under title I. Sets forth requirements for: (1) allotments to States, based on certain allotments under the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) within- State allocation, with reserved funds for statewide activities, and with mandatory and discretionary activities; (3) additional State plan requirements; (4) required use of funds for provision of core services through one-stop career centers, and permissible uses of funds for specified types of intensive services, education and training services, and additional supportive services and needs-related payments; (4) statewide systems of core standards and performance goals and measures. Subtitle B: Federal Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to use such certain funds to make national discretionary: (1) grants for dislocated workers to specified eligible entities to address major economic dislocations resulting from plant closures, base closures, or mass layoffs; and (2) incentive grants to States as performance incentive awards for having achieved exceptional performance through implementing statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide disaster relief employment assistance to Governors of States with areas that have suffered an emergency or major disaster as defined under specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to use such funds also to carry out specified research, demonstration, capacity-building, technical assistance, and evaluation activities. Authorizes special grants to eligible entities to carry out activities most appropriately administered at the national level. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide grants to States for up to 50 percent of the costs of providing loans to eligible entities for skills upgrading of non- managerial employees. Requires the State to establish: (1) a reserve fund for such loan guarantees with such assistance; and (2) criteria for such loan guarantees. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for specified entities to provide employment, training, and education for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Natives. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to vocational education activities, including support for the United Tribes Technical College and Crowpoint Institute of Technology. Allows recipient entities to consolidate such assistance with that for related programs under the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with specified eligible entities to provide certain types of employment, training, and education assistance for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to education activities. Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve specified amounts annually for: (1) national competitive incentive grants; (2) the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) national leadership and evaluation activities. Provides for an initial allotment, and additional allotments to States according to formulas based on State population and number of qualifying adults. Defines qualifying adult as one who is between ages 16 and 61, beyond age of compulsory school attendance, without a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school. Subtitle B: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary to make an annual grant allotment to a State if it has satisfied requirements under title I and this title and enters an agreement about use of grant funds. (Sec. 422) Requires States to use grant funds to distribute competitive grants to local service providers and provide assistance to the State library administrative agency for specified purposes. Requires local service providers to use their grants from the State to establish or operate one or more programs providing instruction or services within described categories of: (1) adult basic education; (2) adult secondary education; (3) English literacy instruction; and (4) family literacy services. (Sec. 423) Sets forth additional grant requirements, including goals, progress indicators, and performance measures in specified categories. Subtitle C: National Programs - Directs the Secretary of Education to designate up to ten States as meeting the preliminary criterion for receipt of an incentive grant, based on the quality of plans submitted by States for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the State desires such grant. (Sec. 431) Requires such plans to describe a methodology, along with goals and performance measures, by which the State educational agency will collaborate with other state agencies to provide services to raise the education level and improve the employment skills of these target populations: (1) parents who are educationally disadvantaged adults and who have a child less than eight years old; (2) families on public assistance; and (3) adults with more than one barrier to self-sufficiency, such as being unemployed or educationally disadvantaged. Requires the Secretary to make such grants for a fiscal year to those eligible States that are successfully implementing the plan and achieving the plan goals, under an allotment formula based on State population and success in achieving plan goals. (Sec. 432) Establishes a National Institute for Literacy, to be administered according to an interagency agreement of the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services (the Interagency Group), with daily operations to be carried out by an appointed Institute Director. Establishes an Advisory Board to make recommendations on planning Institute goals and on implementing programs to achieve such goals. Sets forth Institute duties, authorized activities, and biennial reporting requirements. Authorizes the Institute to award literacy leadership fellowships, as well as paid and unpaid internships. (Sec. 433) Authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a program of national leadership and evaluation activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, directly or through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant - Chapter 1: Transition Period - Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), to administer the amendment made by chapter 2 in a specified manner during a transition period. Chapter 2: Revision of Title I of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to revise title I, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the RSA, to make RA formula grants to States that submit workforce development and literacy plans that meet requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires States to reserve not more than ten percent of such a grant for carrying out specified responsibilities of State administrative agents, and at least 90 percent for carrying out certain responsibilities of local workforce development boards and one-stop career centers with respect to workforce development areas. (Sec. 105) Sets forth requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; and (3) allotment amounts. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Eliminates RA provisions: (1) (under title III, Training and Demonstration Projects) for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs, construction of the Commissioner's authority and appropriation of excess funds, migratory workers program grants, special recreational programs grants, and supported employment programs and grants; and (2) (under title VI, Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) for community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities, supported employment services for individuals with disabilities, business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and (after a two-year period) projects with industry. Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association - Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments - Repeals: (1) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (2) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (3) the Adult Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991, except certain provisions; (5) the Library Services and Construction Act; (6) the library media resources program under the Technology for Education Act of 1994; (7) the Job Training Partnership Act, except provisions for the Job Corps and its authorization of appropriations; (8) provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act relating to State literacy initiatives for adult education for the homeless and to job training for the homeless (except homeless veterans' reintegration projects); (9) various provisions under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (including ones relating to articulation agreements, access and equity to education through telecommunications, academic libraries and information services, national early intervention scholarships, presidential access scholarships, model program community partnerships and counseling grants, database and information line on student financial assistance, technical assistance for teachers and counselors, State student incentive grants, special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork, special child care services for disadvantaged college students, loan forgiveness for teachers and nurses and individuals performing national community service, training in financial aid services, State postsecondary review entity programs, State and local programs for teacher excellence, national teacher academies, Douglas teacher scholarships, the Teacher Corps, class size demonstration grants, middle school teaching demonstration programs, new teaching careers, national mini corps programs, demonstration grants for critical language and area studies, foreign languages and cultures instructional materials development, small State teaching initiatives, faculty development grants, early childhood staff training and professional enhancement, intensive summer language institutes, foreign language periodicals, academic and library facilities, cooperative education programs, women and minority participation in graduate education, Harris fellowships, Javits fellowships, faculty development fellowships, legal training for the disadvantaged, law school clinical programs, special projects in areas of national need, science and engineering access programs, women and minorities science and engineering outreach demonstration programs, Eisenhower leadership programs, and community service programs); (10) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1986 relating to a National Academy of Science study and to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian culture and art development; (11) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1992 relating to American Indian postsecondary economic development scholarships, American Indian teacher training, a national survey of factors associated with participation, a study of environmental hazards in higher education institutions, a national job bank for teacher recruitment, a national clearinghouse for postsecondary education materials, school-based decisionmakers, sexual offenses education, Olympic scholarships, and advanced placement fee payment programs.

Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act Amendment Title II: Effective Date; Transition Title III: Repeals of Other Acts Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Amendment to the Adult Education Act Amendment - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to revise and rename it the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. Provides for a performance partnership with States and localities for provision of adult education and family literacy services. Consolidates the following current programs under a single funding mechanism of State grants for adult education and family literacy: (1) Library Literacy Program; (2) Workplace Literacy Partnerships; (3) Literacy Training for Homeless Adults; (4) Literacy Program for Prisoners; (5) Even Start; (6) State grants for adult education; (7) Gateway grants for adult education in public housing; (8) State literacy resource centers; (9) Literacy for Institutionalized Adults; (10) an education coordination program serving adults with basic education needs under the Job Training Partnership Act; (11) the National Institute for Literacy; and (12) aid for research, evaluation, and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for State grants for adult education and family literacy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to reserve limited amounts for: (1) awards for national excellence; (2) national leadership activities and the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) Even Start family literacy programs for migratory families and Indian families. Establishes a new title I, Adult Education and Family Literacy, with provisions for: (1) program authority and priorities; (2) State grants for adult education and family literacy; (3) Even Start literacy programs and grants; (4) State administration requirements; (5) State plans; (6) applications from eligible applicants; (6) State- established performance goals and indicators and technical assistance for their establishment; (7) evaluation, improvement, and accountability; (8) allotments to States and reallotment; and (9) a study of statistics on the number of immigrants and limited English proficient individuals in each State, and a report on the feasibility and advisability of including such populations in the State allotment formula. Establishes a new title II, National Leadership, with provisions for: (1) national leadership activities; (2) awards for national excellence; and (3) the National Institute for Literacy. Revises the Institute's current duties, including establishment of a national electronic database and cooperation with the National Education Goals Panel. Sets forth provisions for the Institute's Advisory Board, adult education and literacy career fellowships, and biennial reports to the Congress and the Interagency Group (the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services). Establishes a new title III, General Provisions, with provisions for State requests for and Federal granting of waivers of statutory or regulatory provisions under specified education and job training laws. Title II: Effective Date; Transition - Sets forth effective date and transition provisions. Title III: Repeals of Other Acts - Repeals: (1) provisions for the Even Start program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (2) the National Literacy Act; and (3) provisions for grants to States for workplace and community transition training for incarcerated youth offenders under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Job Creation and Infrastructure Restoration Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Commerce Grants Title II: Public Works and Job Restoration Subtitle A: Jobs 2000 Subtitle B: Employment in Support of Community Renewal Subtitle C: Employment Activities; Repair and Renovation of Educational Facilities Title III: General Provisions Job Creation and Infrastructure Restoration Act of 1995 - Title I: Department of Commerce Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to any State or local government for construction, renovation, repair, restoration, or other improvement of local public works projects, including those for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under other titles or Acts. Limits the Federal share to not more than 90 percent of project cost. Prohibits any new grants after the expiration of any three-month period during which the national unemployment rate remains below five percent for each such month, or after September 30, 1999, whichever occurs first. (Sec. 103) Provides for allocation of funds and for preferences. Gives priority to State or local governments with unemployment rates higher than the national average. Requires State and local prioritization of applications. Allows localization of unemployment determinations. (Sec. 105) Sets forth general limitations, including Buy American and minority participation requirements and applicability of laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Requires public authorities, as part of the process of competitive bidding for contract awards under this Act, to: (1) seek to obtain Project Agreements with Building Trades Councils, including the establishment of Project Committees; and (2) assign to each project an enforcement official to enforce standards under this Act and Project Committee orders. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations and deems them to be emergency spending. Title II: Public Works and Job Restoration - Subtitle A: Jobs 2000 - Jobs 2000 Act of 1995 - Provides for jobs for the unemployed and underemployed, especially youth, through payments for labor and related costs for: (1) construction, repair, or rehabilitation of community and educational facilities; (2) reclamation and conservation of public lands; and (3) creation, repair, rehabilitation, and restoration of public safety, public transportation, health, social services, and recreation facilities and other activities necessary to the public welfare. (Sec. 203) Sets forth participant eligibility and certification requirements, duration and extent of subsidized employment, participation priorities, special considerations for welfare recipients and veterans, and equal employment opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. (Sec. 204) Requires that at least 75 percent of funds made available to any recipient under subtitles B and C be used for wages and related employment benefits for work which the recipient certifies has been performed in authorized activities. Sets forth other limitations on use of funds, except training costs in specified circumstances. Subtitle B: Employment in Support of Community Renewal - Part A: Community Improvement Projects - Requires participants to be employed in community improvement projects in various specified activities under the categories of: (1) repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of public facilities; (2) conservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or improvement of public lands; and (3) public safety, health, social service, and other activities necessary to public welfare. (Sec. 210) Provides for joint programs, public lands projects limitations, eligibility and qualification of administrative entities, allotment of funds, requirements for receipt of funds, reports, and project design priorities and coordination. Requires, in the case of projects or activities that involve construction, reconstruction, repair, or renovation of physical structures, that: (1) each project for which a grant is made under this title be performed by contract on the basis of competitive bidding, unless the Secretary finds that an alternative method is in the public interest under circumstances related to the project; and (2) public authorities awarding such contracts seek Project Agreements with Building Trades Councils, including establishing Project Committees, and assign project enforcement officers. Part B: Community Improvement and Renewal Activities for Youth Trainees - Authorizes use of funds for wages and benefits for eligible youth for part-time employment up to 32 hours per week in authorized youth trainee activities at a work site of a public or private nonprofit or for-profit employer, in a manner which requires and is consistent with enrollment in high school, an equivalency program, or a program of basic skills, skills training, or employability development for at least eight hours per week. (Sec. 221) Provides for joint programs, youth eligibility requirements, exemption from unemployment duration requirements, priority for the economically disadvantaged, and equitable service for school dropouts. Part C: State Job Programs - Reserves five percent of State allotments for: (1) authorized State-administered programs and activities; (2) special assistance for areas with sudden or severe economic dislocations; (3) State-directed emergency aid to cope with natural disasters; and (4) special assistance to seasonal farmworkers and small farmers in areas with severe economic disruption. (Sec. 231) Sets forth requirements for program and activity selection and design. Subtitle C: Employment Activities; Repair and Renovation of Educational Facilities - Part A: Elementary and Secondary School Facility Improvement - Requires making funds under this part available to any eligible local education agency in an eligible jurisdiction to provide employment to eligible participants in repair, renovation, restoration, or rehabilitation of public school facilities. (Sec. 241) Provides for use of quick-start projects, permitted uses of funds, tribal school projects, allotment of funds, and receipt requirements. Part B: Higher Education Facility Improvement Projects - Requires funds under this part to be made available to higher education institutions in eligible jurisdictions to provide employment to eligible participants in work on repair, restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of academic facilities. (Sec. 251) Provides for use of quick-start projects, permitted uses of funds, selection of projects, allotment of funds, and receipt requirements. Part C: Special Definitions for Subtitle C - Sets forth special definitions for subtitle C. Part D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth general requirements, including wage rates, labor standards, fiscal controls and sanctions, and judicial review procedures.

Leo K. Goto, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund for a term of two years. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 8 May 1995

Economic Opportunity and Family Responsibility Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work-Related Reforms Title II: Reforms of AFDC and Treatment of Teenage Parents Subtitle A: AFDC Reforms Subtitle B: Teenage Parents Title III: Strengthening Parental Responsibility and Family Stability Subtitle A: Federal Responsibilities Subtitle B: Paternity Establishment Subtitle C: Enforcement Subtitle D: State Responsibilities Subtitle E: Demonstrations, Grants, and Miscellaneous Subtitle F: Tax Reforms Title IV: Child Care Reforms Title V: Equity Investment Subtitle A: Equity Investment Development Zones Subtitle B: Equity Investment in Qualified Companies Subtitle C: Assistance to Qualified Companies Receiving Equity Investments Title VI: Effective Date Economic Opportunity and Family Responsibility Act of 1995 - Title I: Work-Related Reforms - Amends parts A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) and F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program) (JOBS) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase JOBS funding as well as matching and participation rates; (2) revise JOBS participation requirements, among other changes establishing a minimum period under AFDC for participating in JOBS, and including certain child-related volunteer work and higher education and vocational training costs as JOBS activities; (3) allow State JOBS programs to use limited JOBS funding for conducting training and employment opportunity programs for noncustodial parents; (4) require State AFDC plans to provide for one-stop centers at which low-income individuals can obtain information on and help in applying for various specified types of public assistance, including housing and transportation assistance, unemployment insurance, and health and child care; and (5) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish guidelines for staffing State agencies operating or overseeing such public assistance. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an eligible entity to conduct a demonstration project to provide certain AFDC recipients with a private sector job and employment-related support services. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Reforms of AFDC and Treatment of Teenage Parents - Subtitle A: AFDC Reforms - Amends SSA title IV part A to: (1) increase the earned income disregard; (2) give States the option of allowing families on AFDC to disregard as a resource up to $10,000 in a qualified asset account for education, training, employability, home buying, or change of residence purposes; and (3) repeal certain provisions creating a disincentive to marry, such as those requiring the parent who is the principal wage earner to have a recent work history, and those allowing States to limit the participation of families in AFDC to only six months in any 12-month period. Subtitle B: Teenage Parents - Modifies AFDC and JOBS provisions with regard to minor teenage parents, among other changes: (1) requiring them to live with their parents or in an adult-supervised living arrangement in order to receive AFDC, except under circumstances similar to those under current law, including those added by this Act which prohibit application of such requirement when it would prevent the individual's continued participation in an approved substance abuse treatment program; and (2) requiring State JOBS programs to impose certain educational and job-related activity requirements with respect to such parents who have not completed high school. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the use of qualified asset accounts established pursuant to this Act. Title III: Strengthening Parental Responsibility and Family Stability - Subtitle A: Federal Responsibilities - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to make various specified changes, chief among them changes with respect to: (1) expansion of Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) functions and systems; (2) establishment of a Federal child support order registry composed of all child support orders in State registries established below for comparison with information from W-4 forms provided by employers on the child support obligations of employees for forwarding to the appropriate State under a national system established by the Secretary of Treasury for reporting employees and child support information; and (3) incentive and other payments to the States, including incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate, an increased base matching rate, and increased Federal financial participation for States with unified child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 308) Requires the Secretary to promulgate new criteria and standards which emphasize program outcomes for: (1) auditing State child support programs; and (2) establishing a system for reporting relevant audit data. (Sec. 309) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to develop a national child support guideline to recommend to the President and the Congress for consideration. (Sec. 310) Directs the Secretary to establish the Child Support Audit Advisory Committee to assist the Secretary in developing revised audit criteria and standards for use above. Subtitle B: Paternity Establishment - Provides for the following, among other things, in order to further paternity establishment: (1) State procedures for a simple civil process for voluntary acknowledgement of paternity that include a hospital-based program for making such acknowledgements and require the State agency responsible for birth records to offer voluntary paternity establishment services; (2) outreach programs at hospitals and other facilities to encourage voluntary paternity acknowledgement; (3) expedited State procedures for ordering genetic tests as part of the State's civil procedures for establishment of paternity; and (4) reduced State payments as penalties for failing to establish paternity promptly. Subtitle C: Enforcement - Provides for the following, among other things, in order to further enforcement efforts under child support programs: (1) State procedures for obtaining access to financial records maintained by financial institutions in the State, and for requiring State courts and administrative agencies with final authority over support or parentage orders to require each party subject to such order to file with it certain identifying information on where the party can be reached at home and at work; (2) additional benefits subject to garnishment; (3) State hold on occupational, professional, and business licenses based on a warrant or delinquency related to child support; (4) Federal holds based on support delinquency; (5) State denial of driver's licenses and vehicle registrations to noncustodial parents failing to appear in child support cases; (6) liens by the State on personal property for child support arrearages; (7) reporting of the total amount of monthly support obligations to credit bureaus; (8) denial of passports to noncustodial parents subject to State arrest warrants in cases of nonpayment of child support; (9) extension of the age through which a State could pursue back child support; and (10) expanded use of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect delinquent child support using tax collection authority. (Sec. 323) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow access to credit reports for an appropriate State agency for use in establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support award. Subtitle D: State Responsibilities - Provides for the following, among other things, in order to facilitate enforcement efforts under child support programs: (1) State procedures for establishment of automated central child support order registries for use in the national system above; (2) State transmission of wage withholding orders for overdue child support to the employer of the individual owing the support in order for the employer to withhold the appropriate amount from the employee's wages for forwarding to the State registry for support and health insurance premium payments due; (3) State child support enforcement agency access to various data bases with information regarding absent parents; (4) uniform terms in support orders; (5) State laws adopting the officially approved version of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; and (6) outreach to persons eligible for State child support services. (Sec. 347) Provides for cost-of-living adjustment of child support awards as well as for new procedures for adjusting certain child support orders and preventing conflicts of interest. (Sec. 350) Requires the Secretary to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program for a report to the Congress, reducing payments to a State failing to meet performance standards and recommended staffing levels. (Sec. 351) Provides for State and Federal training for State child and spousal support enforcement personnel. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 352) Revises requirements for the distribution of proceeds. (Sec. 353) Gives States the authority to waive temporarily the right to collect child support obligations of teen noncustodial parents who are participating in a State educational or employment preparation program. Requires State guidelines for child support awards to provide that if the State agency determines that a noncustodial parent who has not attained 20 years of age owes but is unable to pay child support, then the State may, in lieu of enforcing the right to such support for such period as it considers appropriate, allow the parent to choose to comply with an educational or job training program. Subtitle E: Demonstrations, Grants, and Miscellaneous - Directs the Secretary to make grants to a limited number of States to conduct demonstration projects for the purpose of: (1) establishing or improving a system of assured minimum child support payments in order to encourage States to provide a guaranteed minimum level of child support for every eligible child not receiving such support; (2) establishing a simple process for the modification of child support orders based on changed family circumstances; and (3) providing services to noncustodial parents unable to meet child support obligations due to unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 364) Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for programs to support and facilitate absent parents' access to and visitation of their children. (Sec. 365) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make a technical correction to its definition of medical support order. Subtitle F: Tax Reforms - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the quarterly lump sum advance payment of the earned income tax credit. Directs the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to expand the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program to include assistance to certain low-income families, with outreach targeted to families on AFDC, food stamps, and child care assistance through SSA title IV part G. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Child Care Reforms - Amends SSA title IV to add a new part G (Child Care for Needy Families Block Grant) for the purpose of encouraging and enabling each State to develop, establish, or expand, and to operate a program to provide child care services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of extending Medicaid enrollment for an additional year for former AFDC recipients making the transition from welfare to work. Title V: Equity Investment - Equity Investment Development Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Equity Investment Development Zones - Requires the appropriate Secretaries (the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the case of any area nominated for designation located in an urban area and the Secretary of Agriculture in the case of any area nominated that is in a rural area) to designate ten areas as equity investment development zones in accordance with the designation process and eligibility criteria outlined in this title. Subtitle B: Equity Investments in Qualified Companies - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to: (1) establish a single rate of interest applicable to all reserves, making any necessary adjustments on a quarterly basis; and (2) on March 1 of each year, calculate the imputed earnings on all reserves during the preceding calendar year, based on the rate of interest established above, and any adjustments to such rate effected prior to March 1, and then, with certain exceptions, issue a certificate to each insured depository institution to make an equity investment in one or more qualified companies, transfer to the Community Equity Investment Corporation established below, or sell to a third party. Requires the face value of such certificate to equal the imputed earnings on the reserves maintained by that insured depository institution during the applicable calendar year. Establishes procedures for reimbursement relating to direct investment. Provides for the transferability of certificates, with certain exceptions. States that each certificate shall expire two years after the certificate is issued. (Sec. 531) Establishes the Community Equity Investment Corporation as a for-profit corporation incorporated in Delaware. (Sec. 533) Prohibits the common stock of the Corporation from being transferable before expiration of the five-year period beginning with the Corporation's incorporation. Provides that during the five-year period beginning on the expiration of the five year period above, the common stock of the Corporation shall be transferable only among insured depository institutions that own common stock in the Corporation on or before the expiration of such five-year period. (Sec. 534) Establishes procedures for the dissolution of the Corporation. Subtitle C: Assistance to Qualified Companies Receiving Equity Investments - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a wage supplementation program. Describes such program, allowing it to operate at the option of a State which would use the funds available to pay the benefits to families on AFDC or food stamps to instead pay participating employers as an incentive for such families to work in lieu of receiving such benefits. Title VI: Effective Date - Specifies effective dates of this Act and the amendments made by it.

Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Consolidation of Foreign Affairs Agencies Title I: General Provisions Title II: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title III: United States Information Agency Title IV: Agency for International Development Title V: Transition Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations Title XX: General Provisions Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities Title XXII: Department of State Authorities and Activities Title XXIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel, The Foreign Service Title XXIV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title XXV: International Organizations and Commissions Title XXVI: Foreign Policy Provisions Title XXVII: Congressional Statements Division C: Foreign Assistance Authorizations Title XXXI: Defense and Security Assistance Title XXXII: Economic Assistance Title XXXIII: Regional Provisions Title XXXIV: Special Authorities and Other Provisions Title XXXV: Effective Date American Overseas Interests Act of 1995 - Division A: Consolidation of Foreign Affairs Agencies - Title I: General Provisions - Foreign Affairs Agencies Consolidation Act of 1995 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes regarding the reorganization of U.S. foreign affairs agencies. Title II: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Transfers functions of the Director of such Agency to the Secretary of State. Directs the President to submit a reorganization plan with respect to the transfer of such functions to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 222) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish in the Department of State: (1) an Under Secretary for International Security and Arms Control; (2) a Coordinator for Arms Control and Disarmament; and (3) Assistant Secretaries for Arms Control and Disarmament and for Nonproliferation and Export Controls, respectively. (Sec. 242) Repeals sections of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act relating to the establishment of the Agency and appointment of officials. Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of authorities to the Department of State. Title III: United States Information Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) and transfers the functions of the Director of the Agency to the Secretary. Directs the President to submit a reorganization plan with respect to the transfer of such functions to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 322) Establishes in the Department of State: (1) an Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy; and (2) Assistant Secretaries for Academic Programs and Cultural Exchanges and for Information, Policy, and Programs, respectively. (Sec. 341) Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of such functions to the Department of State. Title IV: Agency for International Development - Abolishes the Agency for International Development (AID) and the International Development Cooperation Agency. Transfers such agencies' functions to the Secretary. Directs the President to submit a reorganization plan with respect to the transfer of such functions to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 422) Establishes an Under Secretary for Development, Trade Promotion, and Economic Affairs to head an International Development Foundation. Requires all functions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to be carried out through the Foundation. (Sec. 442) Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of functions to the Department of State. Title V: Transition - Sets forth transition administrative provisions regarding: (1) the Secretary's reorganization authorities; (2) the transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel; (3) specified incidental transfers of personnel, liabilities, records, and funds; (4) effects of terminations and transfers of functions on personnel; and (5) voluntary separation incentives. (Sec. 510) Requires the President to submit a final accounting of the finances and operations of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, USIA, and AID to the appropriate congressional committees. Division B: Foreign Relations Authorizations - Title XX: General Provisions - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997 - Sets forth definitions. Title XXI: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1996 and 1997 for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) contributions to international organizations and international peacekeeping activities; (3) international conferences and contingencies; (4) purposes of offsetting adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (5) international commissions; (6) migration and refugee assistance; (7) the Asia Foundation; (8) international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs; and (9) purposes of carrying out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Earmarks funds for specified organizations and activities. (Sec. 2102) Makes funds available to the International Atomic Energy Agency only if the Secretary reports to the appropriate congressional committees that Israel is not being denied its right to participate in the Agency. Bars the use of international organization funds for programs for Libya, Iran, or Communist countries listed under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Withholds certain amounts of funds from the United Nations Development Program unless the President certifies that the Program has terminated activities in and for Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar). Prohibits international peacekeeping funds from being made available for contributions to the United Nations Protection Force unless the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the continued presence of such Force within its territory; (2) the Force is carrying out its mandate under specified Security Council resolutions; (3) the Force is providing support to the efforts of the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal to investigate and prosecute war crimes and support to diplomatic, military, and relief personnel; and (4) the Force has investigated and taken appropriate action against any personnel suspected of participating in illegal or improper activities. Makes the authorization of appropriations for international conferences and contingencies effective only after the Secretary makes a certification regarding the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and accreditation of certain nongovernmental organizations. (Sec. 2104) Bars the use of migration and refugee assistance funds for salaries and administrative expenses of the Bureau of Migration and Refugee Assistance. Prohibits the use of such assistance for the repatriation of any person to Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia unless the President makes a specified certification regarding the status of such persons as refugees and whether they have been offered resettlement outside their countries of nationality. Title XXII: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Adds to the list of actions for which rewards are available the furnishing of information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual aiding or abetting in acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property or in certain narcotics-related offenses. Authorizes appropriations, with limitations. (Sec. 2205) Directs the Secretary to develop a worldwide plan for the consolidation, on a regional or area wide basis, of U.S. missions and consular posts abroad. (Sec. 2231) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to limit the amount of fees collected from processing machine readable visas that may be deposited as an offsetting collection to any Department of State appropriation. Removes provisions which prohibit fees from being charged to citizens of countries that are signatories to the North American Free Trade Agreement. (Sec. 2232) Requires visa applicants who are determined to have a criminal history record, have been present in the United States, and are more than 16 years of age to provide a fingerprint record for submission with the application. Directs the Department of State to submit such record to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for analysis to determine whether the applicant has been convicted of a felony under State or Federal law. (Sec. 2233) Sets aside a percentage of the fees collected in FY 1996 and 1997 for expedited passport processing for enhancing passport services, investigating passport fraud, and deterring entry into the United States by terrorists and other criminals. (Sec. 2252) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months on the methods employed by the Cuban Government to enforce the United States--Cuba Immigration Agreement of September 1994 to restrict the emigration of Cuban people to the United States. (Sec. 2253) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 1997 a provision which authorizes admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (independent states), Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution due to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes FY 1997 the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status. Title XXIII: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; The Foreign Service - Establishes a Coordinator for Counterterrorism within the office of the Secretary. (Sec. 2302) Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet. (Sec. 2303) Establishes a Coordinator for Human Rights and Refugees within the office of the Secretary. Repeals provisions that provide for an Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Establishes the Bureau of Refugee and Migration Assistance within the Department of State. (Sec. 2304) Repeals provisions of law which provide for: (1) an Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs; (2) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Burden sharing; and (3) a Bureau and Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. (Sec. 2305) Establishes an Assistant Secretary for Human Resources within the Department of State. (Sec. 2351) Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel in the Department of State, USIA, and AID during FY 1996 and 1997. Provides for a waiver of such limitations as necessary to carry out foreign affairs functions. (Sec. 2352) Repeals provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 that provide for performance pay for Senior Foreign Service personnel. Title XXIV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to eliminate the permanent authorization for the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange between North and South. (Sec. 2403) Requires the USIA Director to establish educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and Hong Kong and Tibet, respectively. (Sec. 2405) Provides for scholarships to Tibetan and Burmese students and professionals who are outside their countries. (Sec. 2406) Authorizes the USIA Director to make available, upon request, computer readable multilingual text and recorded speech in various languages to the Linguistic Data Consortium of the University of Pennsylvania. (Sec. 2431) Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to increase the number of members on the Broadcasting Board of Governors. (Sec. 2432) Requires the USIA Director to submit a plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia to the Congress. (Sec. 2433) Requires the USIA Director to make grants for broadcasting to China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam for purposes of providing broadcasting on an interim basis before Radio Free Asia becomes fully operational. Title XXV: International Organizations and Commissions - Authorizes the Secretary to make improvements to the Rio Grande Canalization Project. (Sec. 2521) Permits the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decision making procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. (Sec. 2523) Prohibits U.S. contributions to any affiliated organization of the United Nations or to the United Nations if they grant full membership as a state to a group that does not have internationally recognized attributes of statehood. (Sec. 2524) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the management of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Title XXVI: Foreign Policy Provisions - Provides that certain provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act concerning defense articles and services and the determination of Taiwan's defense needs supersede any provision of the Joint Communique of the United States and China of August 17, 1982. (Sec. 2602) Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional officials on conditions in Tibet and on the state of relations between the United States and those recognized by the Congress as the true representatives of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, his representatives, and the Tibetan government in exile. Expresses the sense of the Congress that whenever an executive branch report is transmitted to the Congress on a country-by-country basis there should be included a separate report on Tibet. (Sec. 2603) Bosnia Genocide Justice Act - Urges the President to take specified steps to assist efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law committed in the former Yugoslavia since 1991. (Sec. 2642) Sets forth minimum conditions relating to nuclear nonproliferation that the President should uphold in negotiations with North Korea. (Sec. 2643) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) South Korea should play the central role in the project to provide light water reactors to North Korea; and (2) the President should not take steps toward upgrading diplomatic relations with North Korea beyond opening liaison offices or relaxing trade and investment barriers without action by North Korea to engage in a dialogue with South Korea, implementation of the North-South Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and progress toward U.S. policy objectives regarding North Korea and the Korean Peninsula. (Sec. 2645) Makes the provision of assistance to North Korea or the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization contingent on the same terms that govern such assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 2651) Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to encouraging the United Nations Security Council to take certain steps against Burma. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence in Burma. Title XXVII: Congressional Statements - Declares that the Secretary, in allocating resources for international organizations, should pay particular attention to funding levels of the Inter- American organizations. (Sec. 2702) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should refuse to recognize the incorporation of any territory of Bosnia-Herzegovina into the territory of a neighboring state or the creation of a new state within Bosnia's borders resulting from the use of force, coercion, or other means inconsistent with international law. (Sec. 2703) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to calling upon the Chinese Government to dismantle the Laogai (system of forced labor camps). (Sec. 2704) Expresses the sense of the Congress that none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated to normalize diplomatic relations with Vietnam until Vietnam: (1) releases all of its political and religious prisoners; (2) accounts for American prisoners-of-war and missing in action from the Vietnam War; (3) holds democratic elections; and (4) institutes policies which protect human rights. (Sec. 2705) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take specified actions with respect to: (1) promoting human and worker rights in China; and (2) requesting the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture to encourage the development and protection of treatment centers. Division C: Foreign Assistance Authorizations - Foreign Aid Reduction Act of 1995 - Title XXXI: Defense and Security Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for the foreign military financing program under the Arms Export Control Act for FY 1996 and 1997. Earmarks amounts of assistance for Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. (Sec. 3121) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the aggregate value of defense articles and services that may be drawn down under emergency circumstances. Revises authorities with respect to drawdowns for non-military assistance purposes. (Sec. 3122) Limits the value of additions to stockpiles in foreign countries in FY 1996 and 1997. Makes amounts available for such stockpiles in South Korea and Thailand. (Sec. 3123) Revises conditions on the transfer of excess defense articles and repeals specified provisions of existing law regarding such transfers. (Sec. 3141) Authorizes appropriations for international military education and training for FY 1996 and 1997. Permits such assistance to Indonesia only for specified military education and training for civilian personnel. (Sec. 3143) Authorizes the attendance without charge of foreign military and civilian defense personnel at test flight pilot schools in the United States pursuant to agreements providing for the exchange of students between U.S. and comparable foreign pilot schools. (Sec. 3151) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for antiterrorism assistance. (Sec. 3152) Repeals provisions that require certain congressional notifications and reports regarding antiterrorism assistance. (Sec. 3162) Authorizes the President to accept contributions from foreign governments to carry out international narcotics control activities. Repeals specified reporting and certification requirements with respect to international narcotics control currently applicable to years after FY 1995 and applies FY 1995 reporting and certification requirements to such years. (Sec. 3164) Permits international narcotics-related assistance to be provided notwithstanding any law (with specified exceptions) that restricts assistance to foreign countries if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees in advance. (Sec. 3171) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for a nonproliferation and disarmament fund established under the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992. (Sec. 3181) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to revise congressional review procedures with respect to specified arms transfers. (Sec. 3182) Provides that presidential consent shall not be required for the transfer by a foreign country or international organization of defense articles sold by the United States if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 3184) Repeals specified reporting requirements with respect to price and availability estimates relating to proposed sales, and acquisitions, of defense articles or services. (Sec. 3188) Designates Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand as major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies. (Sec. 3189) Raises the threshold on amounts of defense articles and services that trigger certification requirements prior to transfer. (Sec. 3191) Prohibits funds from being available to facilitate the sale of M-833 antitank shells or shells containing a depleted uranium penetrating component to any country other than a NATO member country, a major non-NATO ally, or Taiwan. Subjects such prohibition to a national security interest waiver. Title XXXII: Economic Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for economic support fund (ESF) assistance. Earmarks amounts for Israel, Egypt, the International Fund for Ireland, and law enforcement assistance. (Sec. 3211) Authorizes the President to provide funds and support to private sector enterprise funds for countries eligible to receive development assistance on the same basis as such funds and support are provided to Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. Makes development and ESF assistance available for such funds. (Sec. 3212) Authorizes the President to provide funds and support to Enterprise Funds that are or have been established for purposes of promoting private sector development of countries in the Trans-Caucasus region. (Sec. 3213) Replaces provisions regarding the Private Sector Revolving Fund with provisions authorizing credit and training to micro- and small enterprises. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for such purposes. (Sec. 3214) Authorizes grant assistance to microenterprises in developing countries. (Sec. 3221) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for specified development assistance, including: (1) the Development Fund for Africa; (2) assistance for the independent states; (3) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (4) the Inter-American Foundation; and (5) the African Development Foundation. (Sec. 3222) Prohibits development assistance for voluntary population planning from being made available for organizations that support or participate in coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations. (Sec. 3223) Makes ineligible for assistance (except humanitarian assistance or assistance for democratic political reform) any independent state that directs any action in violation of territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other independent state. Prohibits assistance for purposes of enhancing the military capability of any independent state, with exceptions. Bars assistance to the Government of Russia if such government: (1) is not making progress in implementing comprehensive economic reforms based on market principles; and (2) applies or transfers assistance to any entity for purposes of expropriating or seizing ownership or control of assets, investments, or ventures. Provides for a permanent waiver of certain provisions of law with respect to assistance to the independent states (currently, such waiver is only applicable with respect to FY 1993 assistance). (Sec. 3224) Requires the President to report to the Congress every three years on the impact and effectiveness of development assistance on a country-by-country basis. (Sec. 3231) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for operating expenses of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance and for such agency's office of inspector general. (Sec. 3241) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the provision of agricultural commodities under title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Prohibits funding for providing such commodities under title III of such Act. (Sec. 3251) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for administrative expenses to carry out worldwide shelter guaranteed loan programs. (Sec. 3261) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 to carry out the Peace Corps Act. Earmarks a maximum amount for Peace Corps activities in the independent states. (Sec. 3263) Prohibits the use of Peace Corps funds for abortions. (Sec. 3271) Authorizes the President to provide international reconstruction assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for international disaster assistance. (Sec. 3281) Prohibits funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from being available to private and voluntary organizations which: (1) fail to provide documents to meet auditing requirements of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance; or (2) are not registered with such agency. (Sec. 3284) Withholds from obligation an amount equivalent to 110 percent of the total unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines owed to the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and New York by the government of a foreign country in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such fines are fully paid. Title XXXIII: Regional Provisions - Prohibits foreign assistance to any foreign government that has provided economic assistance to or engaged in nonmarket-based trade with the Government of Cuba. Waives such prohibition under specified conditions. (Sec. 3302) Permits development or ESF assistance for FY 1996 and 1997 to be made available to Nicaragua only if the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that specified conditions regarding investigations of weapons caches and certain murders, prosecution of those involved in international terrorist or kidnapping rings, expropriation of U.S. property, civilian control over the military and police, and reforms in the judicial system have been met. (Sec. 3303) Makes Panama eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of Panama. (Sec. 3305) Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to free passage through, and claims to territory in, the South China Sea. (Sec. 3306) Prohibits ESF, international military education and training, foreign military financing, and development assistance to the Government of Zaire for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XXXIV: Special Authorities and Other Provisions - Increases the amount authorized to be transferred between specified accounts under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the President, in order to provide for unanticipated contingencies in programs for which funds are provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to use funds made available to carry out any provision of such Act for purposes of providing assistance authorized by other provisions. Repeals current provisions regarding contingencies and raises the ceiling on the amount provided for such authority. (Sec. 3403) Revises special authority provisions to authorize the President to provide assistance and loans under foreign assistance laws and the Arms Export Control Act, notwithstanding laws restricting such assistance, if to do so is vital to national interests. Retains specified annual ceilings with respect to such waivers and raises country limits. (Sec. 3404) Authorizes the President, for purposes of making an equitable settlement of termination claims under extraordinary contractual relief standards, to adopt as a contract or other obligation of the U.S. Government and assume any liabilities under, any contract with a U.S. or third-country contractor to carry out any program of foreign assistance that was subsequently terminated. (Sec. 3412) Prohibits funds made available to carry out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act from being provided to any foreign government engaged in intelligence activities harmful to U.S. national security. (Sec. 3413) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the U.S. Government as a result of loans or guarantees issued under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or credits or guarantees extended under the Arms Export Control Act. Makes eligible for such debt reduction countries with a heavy debt burden that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and countries that meet other specified conditions concerning military expenditures, terrorism, narcotics control, and human rights. Permits such authority only to implement multilateral debt relief ad referendum agreements (the Paris Club Agreed Minutes) and only to the extent that appropriations for the modifications are made in advance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 3414) Authorizes the President, subject to certain conditions, to sell to an eligible purchaser concessional loans made before January 1, 1995, to the government of an eligible country or reduce or cancel such loans on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser for purposes of facilitating debt-for-equity, -development, or -nature swaps or debt buybacks by eligible countries to support specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 3415) Prohibits the use of funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for developing an export processing zone or designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of workers' rights. Exempts assistance for microenterprises, small-scale enterprises, or small-holder agriculture in the informal sector of the foreign country from such prohibition. (Sec. 3416) Prohibits assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country whose government supports international terrorism. Waives such prohibition if such assistance is important to national security interests. (Sec. 3421) Repeals specified foreign assistance laws. Title XXXV: Effective Date - Makes the effective date of this Act the later of the enactment date or October 1, 1995.

To amend the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council (the Council). Terminates funding for the Council. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the General Education Provisions Act.

Foreign Aid Reduction Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division C: Foreign Assistance Authorizations Title XXXI (sic): Defense and Security Assistance Chapter 1: Military and Related Assistance Chapter 2: International Military Education and Training Chapter 3: Antiterrorism Assistance Chapter 4: Narcotics Control Assistance Chapter 5: Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund Chapter 6: Other Provisions Title XXXII: Economic Assistance Chapter 1: Economic Support Assistance Chapter 2: Assistance for Private Sector Programs and Activities Chapter 3: Development Assistance Chapter 4: Public Law 480 Chapter 5: Housing Guarantee Program Chapter 6: Peace Corps Chapter 7: International Disaster Assistance Chapter 8: Other Provisions Title XXXIII: Regional Provisions Title XXXIV: Special Authorities and Other Provisions Chapter 1: Special Authorities Chapter 2: Other Provisions Chapter 3: Repeals Title XXXV: Effective Date Division C: Foreign Assistance Authorizations - Foreign Aid Reduction Act of 1995 - Title XXXI (sic): Defense and Security Assistance - Chapter 1: Military and Related Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for the foreign military financing program under the Arms Export Control Act for FY 1996 and 1997. Earmarks amounts of assistance for Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. (Sec. 3121) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the aggregate value of defense articles and services that may be drawn down under emergency circumstances. Revises authorities with respect to drawdowns for non-military assistance purposes. (Sec. 3122) Limits the value of additions to stockpiles in foreign countries in FY 1996 and 1997. Makes amounts available for such stockpiles in South Korea and Thailand. (Sec. 3123) Revises conditions on the transfer of excess defense articles and repeals specified provisions of existing law regarding such transfers. Chapter 2: International Military Education and Training - Authorizes appropriations for international military education and training for FY 1996 and 1997. Permits such assistance to Indonesia only for specified military education and training for civilian personnel. (Sec. 3143) Authorizes the attendance without charge of foreign military and civilian defense personnel at test flight pilot schools in the United States pursuant to agreements providing for the exchange of students between U.S. and comparable foreign pilot schools. Chapter 3: Antiterrorism Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for antiterrorism assistance. (Sec. 3152) Repeals provisions that require certain congressional notifications and reports regarding antiterrorism assistance. Chapter 4: Narcotics Control Assistance - Authorizes the President to accept contributions from foreign governments to carry out international narcotics control activities. Repeals specified reporting and certification requirements with respect to international narcotics control currently applicable to years after FY 1995 and applies FY 1995 reporting and certification requirements to such years. (Sec. 3164) Permits international narcotics-related assistance to be provided notwithstanding any law (with specified exceptions) that restricts assistance to foreign countries if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees in advance. Chapter 5: Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for a nonproliferation and disarmament fund established under the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992. Chapter 6: Other Provisions - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to revise congressional review procedures with respect to specified arms transfers. (Sec. 3182) Provides that presidential consent shall not be required for the transfer by a foreign country or international organization of defense articles sold by the United States if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 3184) Repeals specified reporting requirements with respect to price and availability estimates relating to proposed sales, and acquisitions, of defense articles or services. (Sec. 3188) Designates Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand as major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies. (Sec. 3189) Raises the threshold on amounts of defense articles and services that trigger certification requirements prior to transfer. (Sec. 3191) Prohibits funds from being available to facilitate the sale of M-833 antitank shells or shells containing a depleted uranium penetrating component to any country other than a NATO member country, a major non-NATO ally, or Taiwan. Subjects such prohibition to a national security interest waiver. Title XXXII: Economic Assistance - Chapter 1: Economic Support Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for economic support fund (ESF) assistance. Earmarks amounts for Israel, Egypt, the International Fund for Ireland, and law enforcement assistance. Chapter 2: Assistance for Private Sector Programs and Activities - Authorizes the President to provide funds and support to private sector enterprise funds for countries eligible to receive development assistance on the same basis as such funds and support are provided to Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. Makes development and ESF assistance available for such funds. (Sec. 3212) Authorizes the President to provide funds and support to Enterprise Funds that are or have been established for purposes of promoting private sector development of countries in the Trans- Caucasus region. (Sec. 3213) Replaces provisions regarding the Private Sector Revolving Fund with provisions authorizing credit and training to micro- and small enterprises. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for such purposes. (Sec. 3214) Authorizes grant assistance to microenterprises in developing countries. Chapter 3: Development Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for specified development assistance, including: (1) the Development Fund for Africa; (2) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union (independent states); (3) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (4) the Inter-American Foundation; and (5) the African Development Foundation. (Sec. 3222) Prohibits development assistance for voluntary population planning from being made available for organizations that support or participate in coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations. (Sec. 3223) Makes ineligible for assistance (except humanitarian assistance or assistance for democratic political reform) any independent state that directs any action in violation of territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other independent state. Prohibits assistance for purposes of enhancing the military capability of any independent state, with exceptions. Bars assistance to the Government of Russia if such government: (1) is not making progress in implementing comprehensive economic reforms based on market principles; and (2) applies or transfers assistance to any entity for purposes of expropriating or seizing ownership or control of assets, investments, or ventures. Provides for a permanent waiver of certain provisions of law with respect to assistance to the independent states. (Currently, such waiver is only applicable with respect to FY 1993 assistance.) (Sec. 3224) Requires the President to report to the Congress every three years on the impact and effectiveness of development assistance on a country-by-country basis. (Sec. 3231) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for operating expenses of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance and for such agency's office of inspector general. Chapter 4: Public Law 480 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the provision of agricultural commodities under title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Prohibits funding for providing such commodities under title III of such Act. Chapter 5: Housing Guarantee Program - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for administrative expenses to carry out worldwide shelter guaranteed loan programs. Chapter 6: Peace Corps - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 to carry out the Peace Corps Act. Earmarks a maximum amount for Peace Corps activities in the independent states. (Sec. 3263) Prohibits the use of Peace Corps funds for abortions. Chapter 7: International Disaster Assistance - Authorizes the President to provide international reconstruction assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for international disaster assistance. Chapter 8: Other Provisions - Prohibits funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from being available to private and voluntary organizations which: (1) fail to provide documents to meet auditing requirements of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance; or (2) are not registered with such agency. (Sec. 3284) Withholds from obligation an amount equivalent to 110 percent of the total unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines owed to the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and New York by the government of a foreign country in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such fines are fully paid. Title XXXIII: Regional Provisions - Prohibits foreign assistance to any foreign government that has provided economic assistance to or engaged in nonmarket-based trade with the Government of Cuba. Waives such prohibition under specified conditions. (Sec. 3302) Permits development or ESF assistance for FY 1996 and 1997 to be made available to Nicaragua only if the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that specified conditions regarding investigations of weapons caches and certain murders, prosecution of those involved in international terrorist or kidnapping rings, expropriation of U.S. property, civilian control over the military and police, and reforms in the judicial system have been met. (Sec. 3303) Makes Panama eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of Panama. (Sec. 3305) Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to free passage through, and claims to territory in, the South China Sea. (Sec. 3306) Prohibits ESF, international military education and training, foreign military financing, and development assistance to the Government of Zaire for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XXXIV: Special Authorities and Other Provisions - Chapter 1: Special Authorities - Increases the amount authorized to be transferred between specified accounts under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the President, in order to provide for unanticipated contingencies in programs for which funds are provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to use funds made available to carry out any provision of such Act for purposes of providing assistance authorized by other provisions. Repeals current provisions regarding contingencies and raises the ceiling on the amount provided for such authority. (Sec. 3403) Revises special authority provisions to authorize the President to provide assistance and loans under foreign assistance laws and the Arms Export Control Act, notwithstanding laws restricting such assistance, if to do so is vital to national interests. Retains specified annual ceilings with respect to such waivers and raises country limits. (Sec. 3404) Authorizes the President, for purposes of making an equitable settlement of termination claims under extraordinary contractual relief standards, to adopt as a contract or other obligation of the U.S. Government and assume any liabilities arising thereunder, any contract with a U.S. or third-country contractor to carry out any program of foreign assistance that was subsequently terminated. Chapter 2: Other Provisions - Prohibits funds made available to carry out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act from being provided to any foreign government engaged in intelligence activities harmful to U.S. national security. (Sec. 3413) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the U.S. Government as a result of loans or guarantees issued under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or credits or guarantees extended under the Arms Export Control Act. Makes eligible for such debt reduction countries with a heavy debt burden that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and countries that meet other specified conditions concerning military expenditures, terrorism, narcotics control, and human rights. Permits such authority only to implement multilateral debt relief ad referendum agreements (the Paris Club Agreed Minutes) and only to the extent that appropriations for the modifications are made in advance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 3414) Authorizes the President, subject to certain conditions, to sell to an eligible purchaser concessional loans made before January 1, 1995, to the government of an eligible country or reduce or cancel such loans on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser for purposes of facilitating debt-for-equity, -development, or -nature swaps or debt buybacks by eligible countries to support specified activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 3415) Prohibits the use of funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for developing an export processing zone or designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of workers' rights. Exempts assistance for microenterprises, small-scale enterprises, or small-holder agriculture in the informal sector of the foreign country from such prohibition. (Sec. 3416) Prohibits assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country whose government supports international terrorism. Waives such prohibition if such assistance is important to national security interests. Chapter 3: Repeals - Repeals specified foreign assistance laws. Title XXXV: Effective Date - Makes the effective date of this Act the later of the enactment date or October 1, 1995.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice Subtitle D: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Insurance, and Survivor Benefits Subtitle E: Separation Pay Subtitle F: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Subtitle A: Health Care Management Subtitle B: Other Matters Title VIII: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: Secretarial Matters Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IX: General Provisions Subtitle A: Other Matters National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for: (1) defense- wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the chemical demilitarization program; and (4) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 108) Repeals the current requirement for a separate budget request for the procurement of reserve equipment. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DOD) for operation and maintenance. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY 1996 and 1997 for working capital and revolving funds. (Sec. 303) Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which provides certain limitations on the use of funds in the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the use of the National Defense Sealift Fund for expenses of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Amends a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to require additional certifications from the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to specified congressional committees before proceeding beyond the low-rate initial production stage of a theater missile defense interceptor program. (Sec. 322) Directs the Secretary to carry out a Department of Defense Laboratory Revitalization Program under which the Secretary may carry out minor military construction projects in order to improve DOD laboratories. Increases the maximum costs of minor construction projects for purposes of the Program. Directs the Secretary to designate the DOD laboratories to be covered by the Program. Requires a report. Prohibits the Secretary from carrying out any program after September 30, 2000. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides for the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1996 and 1997. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1996 and 1997 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads - Sets forth the authorized FY 1996 and 1997 military training student loads, allowing for certain adjustments consistent with authorized end strengths. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Provides, with respect to members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, that an individual's period of desertion, unexcused absence, confinement, or inability to perform duties, as well as the time required to make up any such absence, may not be counted for purposes of the individual's length of service. (Sec. 502) Changes certain general officer billet titles within the Marine Corps resulting from a headquarters reorganization. (Sec. 503) Revises the retirement date for warrant officers and certain active-duty officers chosen for selective early retirement. Requires an annual authorization of personnel strength levels for such members whose retirement has been deferred. (Sec. 504) Increases the authorized end strengths for active-duty commissioned Air Force majors, lieutenant colonels, and colonels. Terminates such increase at the end of FY 1997. Provides similar increases, with the same termination date, for commissioned Navy lieutenant commanders, commanders, and captains. (Sec. 506) Revises the definitions of "promotion zone" and "officers below the promotion zone." Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Repeals a Federal provision requiring each member of the National Guard called into or leaving Federal service to be examined for physical fitness. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to prescribe the duration of field training or a practice cruise (currently, either must be no less than six weeks) required for admission to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) advanced course. (Sec. 514) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to require the Secretary of the Army to have an objective of increasing the percentage of qualified prior active-duty personnel in the Selected Reserve (currently, the Army National Guard). (Sec. 515) Requires technicians employed by the Army or Air National Guard to wear the military uniform appropriate for the member's grade and component while performing technician functions. Considers such duty as active duty, thereby permitting a clothing allowance. (Sec. 516) Provides an exception to the prohibition against the involuntary separation from service of military personnel within two years from retirement in the case of reserve personnel performing active duty service for less than 180 days. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to make subject to its provisions persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field in a time of armed conflict. (Sec. 553) Allows an investigative officer to investigate the subject matter of any uncharged offense against an accused during an investigation, as long as the accused is present, is informed of the nature of such investigation, and is permitted representation, presentation of evidence, and cross-examination. (Sec. 554) Eliminates the $500, six-month fine and imprisonment limits for persons convicted of refusing to testify before a court-martial. Revises provisions concerning the effective date of sentencings as they relate to the forfeiture of military pay and allowances. (Sec. 557) Allows deferment of a sentence of confinement upon application by the accused if the sentence has not been ordered to be carried out. Terminates the deferment at such time as the sentence is ordered to be executed. Provides for deferment of sentence in other circumstances. (Sec. 559) Allows a proceeding in revision (a proceeding revising a trial record) to be ordered to correct an erroneously announced sentence. (Sec. 560) Allows the post-trial review of courts-martial in the Office of the Judge Advocate General, unless the accused has waived or withdrawn the right to appeal under the UCMJ. (Sec. 561) Authorizes the United States to appeal an order or ruling which directs the disclosure of classified information, imposes sanctions for nondisclosure of such information, or refuses to issue a protective order seeking to prevent the disclosure of such information. (Sec. 562) Includes flight from arrest as a punishable action under the UCMJ. (Sec. 563) Removes a gender reference with respect to the UCMJ offense of carnal knowledge with a person under 16 years of age. Requires the accused, in such a prosecution, to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the other person was at least 12 years of age and the accused reasonably believed such person to be at least 16. (Sec. 564) Requires newly enlisted personnel to be instructed in the UCMJ upon entrance into active or reserve duty. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Reduces from three to two years the minimum time in grade required for a chief warrant officer to be considered for promotion. Allows warrant officers below the promotion zone for the grade of chief warrant officer, W-3, to be considered for such a promotion. (Sec. 572) Allows the Secretary of the Army to retire a Director of Admissions of the U.S. Military Academy after 30 years of commissioned officer service. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1996 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 2.4 percent, effective on January 1, 1996, the rates of basic pay and the basic allowance for subsistence. Increases by 3.4 percent the basic allowance for quarters, effective on the same date. (Sec. 602) Provides an evacuation allowance to civilian personnel and their dependents officially authorized to evacuate their duty stations. (Currently, such allowance is only paid to military personnel and their dependents who are ordered to evacuate.) (Sec. 603) Provides continuous entitlement to career sea pay for crewmembers of ships designated as a tender-class ship. (Sec. 604) Increases to $200 the monthly subsistence allowance payable to members of the Senior ROTC. (Sec. 605) Provides a dislocation allowance for those directed to move as a result of a base realignment or closure. (Sec. 606) Authorizes, as of July 1, 1996, the payment of a basic allowance for quarters for enlisted personnel in the pay grade of E-6. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Reduces from nine to eight of the first 12 years of aviation service the period during which an officer must perform operational flying duties in order to receive aviation career incentive pay. (Sec. 612) Extends specified expiring authorities for certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. Makes permanent: (1) the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) the authority for the temporary promotion of certain Navy lieutenants; and (3) the authority for the DOD specialized treatment facility program. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide contract quarters as lodging in kind when transient government quarters are unavailable for reserve personnel performing annual training duty or inactive-duty training. (Sec. 622) Deletes a provision limiting to surface transportation the means of shipping a motor vehicle for a member assigned to a permanent change of duty station. (Sec. 623) Includes students who graduate from or cease to be enrolled in a foreign institution of higher education within a provision authorizing the Secretary concerned to return to the United States formerly dependent children of military personnel who attain a nondependent age while overseas. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Insurance, and Survivor Benefits - Makes ineligible for retired pay those persons convicted under the UCMJ whose sentences include death, dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, or dismissal from service. (Sec. 632) Makes first payable for March 1996 the FY 1996 cost-of- living adjustment for military retirees. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the provision of medical and dental care and the recovery, care, and disposition of remains in the case of reserve members on duty other than active duty for more than 30 days for members requiring such care while remaining overnight at or in the vicinity of a site outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence and at which the member has performed inactive duty training between successive periods of such training. Entitles such individuals to basic pay while performing such service, or, if not entitled to such pay due to other eligibility requirements, to compensation as a member of the National Guard performing inactive-duty training. Subtitle E: Separation Pay - Provides certain transitional compensation for the dependents of any military member separated from the armed forces due to dependent abuse. (Currently, such compensation is only provided to the dependents of members separated from active duty.) Subtitle F: Other Matters - Authorizes a person designated by the Secretary of the Navy to procure or sell articles and items of clothing and serviceable supplies to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, with specified conditions. Authorizes such Secretary to sell ships' stores supplies to such civilian officers and Federal employees as considered appropriate at military installations: (1) outside the United States; or (2) inside the United States when the Secretary determines that it is impracticable for such officers and employees to obtain such items from commercial enterprises without impairing the efficient operation of military activities. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Health Care Management - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to increase the health care professional payment limitation requirements under the CHAMPUS physician payment reform program, tying such limits to similar limits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations covering such payment amounts, providing for exceptions for adequate health care access and adding transitional requirements. (Sec. 702) Amends specified prior national defense authorization Acts to repeal certain limitations on reductions in military medical personnel. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Terminates the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, directing the Secretary to phase out such University beginning in FY 1996 and ending at the close of FY 1999. Prohibits any new class of University students after FY 1995, and prohibits awarding degrees after FY 1999. (Sec. 712) Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting DOD funds from being used to perform abortions unless the life of the mother is in danger. Title VIII: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Secretarial Matters - Authorizes a 12th Assistant Secretary of Defense. (Sec. 802) Redesignates the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical Programs. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Repeals the Federal prohibition against contracting out for the firefighting and security guard functions at military facilities. (Sec. 812) Increases to: (1) $1.7 million the unspecified minor construction threshold; and (2) $350,000 the operation and maintenance threshold. (Sec. 813) Changes from February 15 to March 1 annually a required report from the Secretary concerning National Guard and reserve component equipment. Title IX: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Other Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to make permanent the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities Program (currently expires at the end of FY 1995). Revises the Program purpose. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to trade certain military historical items for conservation and preservation services and for educational programs, supplies and newly upgraded or renovated conservation equipment, facilities, and systems within existing structures. (Sec. 903) Amends the DOD Education Loan Repayment Program to authorize the Secretary to repay any loan made under part D of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program) on behalf of the following: (1) enlisted members serving on active duty in certain military specialties; (2) enlisted members of the Selected Reserve with certain critical specialties; and (3) Selected Reserve health professions officers serving under wartime critical medical skill shortages.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Base Closure and Realignment and Environment Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Other Matters Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title XXI: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to construct, acquire, and improve family housing units at or near military installations for the purpose of encouraging private investments, in a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units and to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years after 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in the preceding titles of this Act on October 1, 1998, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1999, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain FY 1992 and 1993 military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases from 300 to 450 the number of units of family housing authorized to be leased in foreign countries for U.S. military family housing purposes. (Sec. 2803) Extends permanently the authority of the Secretary to increase the maximum square footage of military family housing units acquired for military personnel of certain pay grades when determined to be cost effective. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary of any military department (currently, only the Navy) to enter into limited partnerships with private developers for the construction of military family housing at or near a military installation. Renames the Navy Housing Investment Account (used for partnership purposes) as the Defense Housing Investment Account. Terminates the Navy Housing Investment Board created to oversee such partnerships. Directs each Secretary of a military department to establish a Housing Investment Board to: (1) advise such Secretary as to financially sound limited partnerships; and (2) administer allocations from the Account. Extends through FY 2000 the authority to enter into such partnerships. (Sec. 2805) Provides that certain cost increase limits with respect to military family housing construction projects do not apply to the settlement of a contractor claim. Subtitle B: Base Closure and Realignment and Environment - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to allow funds in the Defense Environmental Restoration Account to be used in FY 1996 for environmental restoration activities for military installations approved for closure or realignment in 1995 under such Act. (Sec. 2808) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act as well as the above Act to authorize the Secretary to enter into agreements (currently, only contracts) with local governments for the provision of certain services (police, fire, airfield operations) at military installations to be closed under such Acts when determined to be in the best interests of DOD. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) Burlington County, New Jersey, all rights and interest to the Fort Dix Resource Recovery Facility; (2) Augusta, Georgia, all rights and interest to several parcels of land containing water and wastewater treatment plants at Fort Gordon, Georgia; and (3) the Southern California Edison Company all rights and interest to the electrical distribution system at Fort Irwin, California. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to sell to a public or private utility company electricity generated from energy production facilities (currently, only from alternate energy or cogeneration production facilities) that are under the jurisdiction of such Secretary. (Sec. 2815) Requires water conservation savings and water costs of DOD to be included within a required DOD energy performance goal for FY 1991 through 2000. (Sec. 2816) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey all rights and interest to the primate research laboratory at Holloman Air Force Base, as well as ownership of certain chimpanzees used in connection with such research, to the Coulston Foundation or another nonprofit entity determined appropriate by the Secretary. Requires the grantee to utilize the laboratory for scientific or medical research and provide adequate care for the chimpanzees. (Sec. 2817) Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees with respect to the acquisition of leasehold interests in land for use in special operations activities. (Sec. 2818) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out school facilities activities, including the construction of elementary and secondary schools on military installations, under provisions of Federal law allowing the provision of education by the Federal Government when local educational agencies are unable to provide adequate educational facilities.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Reserve Component Subtitle C: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters Subtitle C: Amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice Subtitle D: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Income Tax Matters Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle D: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle E: Retired Pay, Insurance, and Survivor Benefits Subtitle F: Separation Pay Title VII: Civilian Employees Subtitle A: Civilian Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle C: Separation Provisions Title VIII: Health Care Provisions Subtitle A: Health Care Management Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: Secretarial Matters Subtitle B: Professional Military Education Subtitle C: Other Matters Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle C: Other Matters Title XI: Matters Relating to Allies, Other Nations, and International Organizations Title XII: Acquisition Reform National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for: (1) defense- wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the chemical demilitarization program; and (4) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 108) Repeals the current requirement for a separate budget request for the procurement of reserve equipment. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DOD) for operation and maintenance. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY 1996 and 1997 for working capital and revolving funds. (Sec. 303) Establishes in the Treasury the Civilian Marksmanship Program Fund, to be available for all expenses of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. (Sec. 304) Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which provides certain limitations on the use of funds in the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the use of the National Defense Sealift Fund for expenses of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Subtitle B: Reserve Component - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act of 1995 to allow a DOD reimbursement official to use funds to provide pay and allowances to reserves engaged in activities in support of cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Excludes such reserves from inclusion in any active duty end strength limitations for members on active duty. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the use of DOD funds for National Guard participation in joint Army and Air Force exercises concerning civil emergency and disaster response preparedness. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Amends Federal transportation provisions to authorize the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to transfer from any DOD funds necessary sums to reimburse the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for loss or damage to civil aircraft, death or injury to personnel, and related losses or damages which have been insured at the Secretary's request due to civilian participation in DOD emergency contingency operations. Requires the Secretary to use such funds to promptly reimburse the Aviation Insurance Fund of the FAA within 30 days (for hull damage) or 180 days (for all other valid claims) after presentment of claim by a civilian carrier. Requires the Secretary and the FAA Administrator to notify the Congress within 30 days of any losses, death, injuries, or damages at a cost in excess of $1 million. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to empower the Secretary with identical authority to reimburse the Secretary of Transportation for such losses insured by the Marine Insurance Fund. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to report periodically to the Congress on claims paid in excess of $1 million. (Sec. 332) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to require additional certifications from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees before proceeding beyond the low-rate initial production stage of a theater missile defense interceptor program. (Sec. 333) Authorizes the Secretary to assign overseas personnel under the defense dependents' education program to schools established under such program in the United States, and vice versa. (Sec. 334) Authorizes the use of funds appropriated to the Central Imagery Office for the design, development, and deployment of the Accelerated Architecture Acquisition Initiative program imagery systems of the military departments and related activities. (Sec. 335) Directs the Secretary to carry out a Department of Defense Laboratory Revitalization Program under which the Secretary may carry out minor military construction projects in order to improve DOD laboratories. Increases the maximum costs of minor construction projects for purposes of the Program. Directs the Secretary to designate the DOD laboratories to be covered by the Program. Requires a report. Prohibits the Secretary from carrying out any program after September 30, 2000. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides for the authorized end strengths for active- duty forces as of the end of FY 1996 and 1997. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1996 and 1997 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads - Sets forth the authorized FY 1996 and 1997 military training student loads, allowing for certain adjustments consistent with authorized end strengths. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Provides, with respect to members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, that an individual's period of desertion, unexcused absence, confinement, or inability to perform duties, as well as the time required to make up any such absence, may not be counted for purposes of determining the individual's length of service. (Sec. 502) Redesignates certain general officer billet titles within the Marine Corps resulting from a headquarters reorganization. (Sec. 503) Revises the retirement date for warrant officers and certain active-duty officers chosen for selective early retirement. Requires an annual authorization of personnel strength levels for such members whose retirement has been deferred. (Sec. 504) Increases the authorized end strengths for active-duty commissioned Air Force majors, lieutenant colonels, and colonels. Terminates such increase at the end of FY 1997. Provides similar increases, with the same termination date, for commissioned Navy lieutenant commanders, commanders, and captains. (Sec. 506) Revises certain definitions under Federal provisions relating to the promotion of general or flag officers. Subtitle B: Reserve Component Matters - Repeals a Federal provision requiring each member of the National Guard called into or leaving Federal service to be examined for physical fitness. (Sec. 512) Authorizes a Federal employee military leave as a member of the reserve to perform public safety duty. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to prescribe the duration of field training or a practice cruise (currently, either must be no less than six weeks) required for admission to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) advanced course. (Sec. 515) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to require the Secretary of the Army to have an objective of increasing the percentage of qualified prior active-duty personnel in the Selected Reserve (currently, in the Army National Guard). (Sec. 516) Requires technicians employed by the Army or Air National Guard to wear the military uniform appropriate for the member's grade and component while performing technician functions. Considers such duty as active duty, thereby permitting a clothing allowance. (Sec. 517) Provides an exception to the prohibition against the involuntary separation from service of military personnel within two years from retirement in the case of reserve personnel performing active duty service for less than 180 days. (Sec. 518) Authorizes the Secretary to provide certain involuntarily separated military reserve technicians with placement consideration through the DOD Priority Placement Program. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to make subject to its provisions those persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field in a time of armed conflict. (Sec. 553) Allows an investigative officer to investigate the subject matter of any uncharged offense against an accused during an investigation, as long as the accused is present, is informed of the nature of the investigation, and is permitted representation, presentation of evidence, and cross-examination. (Sec. 554) Eliminates the $500, six-month fine and imprisonment limits for persons convicted of refusing to testify before a court- martial. Revises provisions concerning the effective date of sentencings as they relate to the forfeiture of military pay and allowances. (Sec. 557) Allows deferment of a sentence of confinement upon application by the accused if the sentence has not been ordered to be carried out. Terminates the deferment at such time as the sentence is ordered to be executed. Allows the accused to submit to the convening authority written matters for consideration with respect to the findings and sentence. (Sec. 559) Allows a proceeding in revision (a proceeding to revise a trial record) to be ordered to correct an erroneously announced sentence. (Sec. 560) Allows the post-trial review of courts-martial in the Office of the Judge Advocate General, unless the accused has waived or withdrawn the right to appeal under the UCMJ. (Sec. 561) Authorizes the United States to appeal an order or ruling which directs the disclosure of classified information, imposes sanctions for nondisclosure of such information, or refuses to issue a protective order seeking to prevent such disclosure. (Sec. 562) Includes flight from arrest as a punishable action under the UCMJ. (Sec. 563) Removes a gender reference with respect to the UCMJ offense of carnal knowledge with a person under 16 years of age. Requires the accused in such a prosecution to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the other person was at least 12 years of age and that the accused reasonably believed the person to be at least 16. (Sec. 564) Requires newly enlisted personnel to be instructed in the UCMJ upon entrance into active or reserve duty. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept at his discretion the reenlistment of members of the armed forces with ten or more years of service. Requires such reenlistment period to be unspecified on a career basis. (Sec. 572) Reduces from three to two years the minimum time in grade required for a chief warrant officer to be considered for promotion. Allows warrant officers below the promotion zone for the grade of chief warrant officer, W-3, to be considered for such a promotion. (Sec. 573) Allows the Secretary of the Army to retire a Director of Admissions of the U.S. Military Academy after 30 years of commissioned officer service. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1996 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 2.4 percent, effective on January 1, 1996, the rates of basic pay and the basic allowance for subsistence. Increases by 3.4 percent the basic allowance for quarters, effective on the same date. (Sec. 602) Provides an evacuation allowance to civilian personnel and their dependents officially authorized to evacuate their duty stations. (Currently, such allowance is only paid to military personnel and their dependents who are ordered to evacuate.) (Sec. 603) Provides continuous entitlement to career sea pay for crew members on ships designated as a tender-class ship. (Sec. 604) Increases to $200 monthly the subsistence allowance payable to members of the Senior ROTC. (Sec. 605) Provides a dislocation allowance for those directed to move as a result of a base realignment or closure. (Sec. 607) Authorizes, as of July 1, 1996, the payment of a basic allowance for quarters for enlisted personnel in the pay grade of E-6. Subtitle B: Income Tax Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit, after December 31, 1994, the exclusion of combat pay from withholding taxes only to the extent that such pay is excluded from gross income. Subtitle C: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Reduces from nine to eight of the first 12 years of aviation service the period during which an officer must perform operational flying duties in order to receive aviation career incentive pay. (Sec. 622) Extends specified expiring authorities for certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. Makes permanent: (1) the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) the authority for the temporary promotion of certain Navy lieutenants; and (3) the authority for the DOD specialized treatment facility program. Subtitle D: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide contract quarters as lodging in kind when transient government quarters are unavailable for reserve personnel performing annual training duty or inactive-duty training. (Sec. 632) Deletes a provision limiting to surface transportation the means of shipping a motor vehicle for a member assigned to a permanent change of duty station. (Sec. 633) Includes students who graduate from or cease to be enrolled in a foreign institution of higher education within a provision authorizing the Secretary concerned to return to the United States formerly dependent children of military personnel who attain a nondependent age while overseas. Subtitle E: Retired Pay, Insurance, and Survivor Benefits - Makes ineligible for retired pay those persons convicted under the UCMJ whose sentences include death, dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, or dismissal from service. (Sec. 642) Makes first payable for March 1996 the FY 1996 cost-of- living adjustment for military retirees. (Sec. 643) Increases from $100,000 to $200,000 the amount of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance provided automatically to members assigned to active duty or the Ready or Retired Reserve. (Sec. 644) Authorizes the provision of medical and dental care, and the recovery, care, and disposition of remains, in the case of reserve members on duty other than active duty for more than 30 days, for members requiring such care while remaining overnight at or in the vicinity of a site outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence and at which site the member has performed inactive duty training between successive periods of such training. Entitles such individuals to basic pay while performing such service, or, if not entitled to such pay due to other eligibility requirements, to compensation as a member of the National Guard performing inactive- duty training. Subtitle F: Separation Pay - Provides certain transitional compensation for the dependents of any military member separated from the armed forces due to dependent abuse. (Currently, such compensation is only provided to dependents of members separated from active duty.) (Sec. 661) Authorizes the branch, office, or officer designated by the Secretary of the Navy to procure or sell to members of the Navy and Marine Corps specified articles and items of clothing and equipment, under such restrictions as such Secretary may prescribe. Directs such designate to sell to members of other military departments subsistence supplies and serviceable supplies at prices charged to members of the Navy and Marine Corps. Allows an honorably discharged member from any service branch who is receiving care and medical treatment from the Public Health Service or the Department of Veterans Affairs to buy subsistence supplies at prices charged to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Allows honorably discharged individuals to buy exterior articles of uniform at such prices. Authorizes such Secretary to provide for the procurement and sale of items and articles designated by him to such U.S. civilian officers and employees as he considers proper at military installations: (1) outside the United States; and (2) inside the United States when it is impracticable for such officers and employees to obtain such articles and items from commercial enterprises without impairing the efficient operation of military activities. Requires such sales to be made only to those residing within the installation. Title VII: Civilian Employees - Subtitle A: Civilian Personnel Policy - Provides the legal public holiday days for those Federal employees whose basic workweek is other than Monday through Friday. (Sec. 702) Terminates the 120-day limit on administrative details within executive or military departments. (Sec. 703) Repeals a Federal provision requiring each Federal agency to submit to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) a report concerning part-time career employment activities undertaken by such agency. Subtitle B: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting DOD funds from being used to pay lodging expenses of a civilian DOD employee on official business when adequate government quarters are available. (Sec. 712) Includes within the definition of Federal employees the employees of various nonappropriated fund instrumentalities of the service branches. Subtitle C: Separation Provisions - Includes under Federal provisions authorizing continued health insurance coverage for a specified period after military discharge or separation those individuals: (1) voluntarily separating from the armed forces due to a reduction in force; and (2) whose positions are considered surplus due to the closure or realignment of a military installation. (Sec. 722) Entitles any eligible Federal employee to receive severance pay in a lump-sum amount. Requires refunding the pro rata share of a lump-sum payment if an individual is reemployed by the Government or the District of Columbia. Terminates such entitlement at the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 723) Directs OPM to prescribe regulations which permit, until September 30, 1996, DOD employees who are not scheduled for separation due to a reduction-in-force (RIF) to volunteer for RIF separation in place of employees who are so scheduled. Title VIII: Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Health Care Management - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to increase the health care professional payment limitation requirements under the CHAMPUS physician payment reform program, tying such limits to similar limits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations covering such payment amounts, providing for exceptions in the case of adequate health care access. Provides transitional requirements. (Sec. 802) Amends specified prior national defense authorization Acts to repeal certain limitations on reductions in military medical personnel. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Requires a military medical advance directive (a directive to require or refuse life-support systems or to appoint a person to make such decisions) to be: (1) exempt from any State requirements of form, substance, formality, or recording; and (2) given the same legal effect as a State advanced medical directive. (Sec. 812) Terminates the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, directing the Secretary to phase out such University beginning in FY 1996 and ending at the close of FY 1999. Prohibits any new class of University students after FY 1995, and prohibits awarding degrees after FY 1999. (Sec. 813) Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting DOD funds from being used to perform abortions unless the life of the mother is in danger. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Secretarial Matters - Authorizes a 12th Assistant Secretary of Defense. (Sec. 902) Redesignates the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical Programs. Subtitle B: Professional Military Education - Includes within the National Defense University the Institute for National Strategic Studies (which replaces the Institute for National Strategic Study) and the Information Resources Management College. (Sec. 912) Includes the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies within a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary to employ as many civilian professors, instructors, and lecturers at specified institutions as considered necessary. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Amends various prior national defense authorization Acts and Federal armed forces provisions to reduce or eliminate specified congressional reporting, notification, or certification requirements. (Sec. 922) Repeals the Federal prohibition against contracting out for the fire fighting and security guard functions at military installations. (Sec. 923) Increases to: (1) $1.7 million the unspecified minor construction threshold; and (2) $350,000 the operation and maintenance threshold. (Sec. 924) Changes from February 15 to March 1 annually a required report from the Secretary concerning National Guard and reserve component equipment. (Sec. 925) Revises the annual date for the joint OMB-CBO report on the scoring of national defense budget outlays. (Sec. 926) Repeals a required annual report from the Secretary on payments made to defense contractors for the costs of environmental response actions. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Requires the head of the Coast Guard, when such service is not operating as a service within the Navy, to designate disbursing officials within the Coast Guard for the disbursing of public funds. Allows the Secretary to designate deputy disbursing officials within DOD. (Currently, the Secretary of each military department may designate such an official within that department.) Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation, when operating the Coast Guard, to: (1) designate military personnel under their jurisdiction to certify vouchers; and (2) relieve certifying officials from certain liability concerning the certification of the use of public funds under their jurisdiction. Allows for the crediting of a deficiency in an account under the jurisdiction of such officials, in appropriate circumstances. (Sec. 1002) Provides an exception to certain military personnel due process requirements in the case of routine adjustments of military pay attributable to clerical or administrative error or processing delays. (Sec. 1003) Authorizes the Secretary, under specified limitations, to incur necessary obligations to preserve the military readiness in excess of contract authority and amounts available in DOD appropriations. Requires proposals to incur such additional obligations to be accompanied by offsetting rescission proposals, unless emergency conditions exist. Outlines procedures for charging such excess costs to certain DOD accounts which have been funded as subdivisions within an appropriation. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to allow, under certain limitations, an obligation and an adjustment to an obligation to be charged to any current DOD appropriation account that is available for the same purpose as a closed or expired DOD account when the expired or closed account was or may have been in violation of the Anti Deficiency Act (an Act which provides express time limitations on the expenditure and obligation of Federal appropriations or funds). (Sec. 1004) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to waive certain settlement and payment limitations for claims by military personnel under that Secretary's jurisdiction when such claims arose from an emergency evacuation or from extraordinary circumstances warranting such waiver. Applies such waiver to claims arising on or after June 1, 1991. Subtitle B: Counter-Drug Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, in lieu of providing drug interdiction and counter-drug activities funds to a State, to allocate funds for the pay and related expenses of personnel of the National Guard of such State who perform counter- drug duty pursuant to a plan submitted to the Secretary by the governor of such State. Limits to 4,000 the total number of National Guard personnel who may perform such duty for more than 180 days, with an authorized 20 percent increase when necessary in the national interest. Outlines plan requirements. Requires the Secretary to examine the plan's adequacy in consultation with the Director of National Drug Policy. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct outreach programs to reduce the demand for illegal drugs among youths. Provides funding from drug interdiction and counter-drug funding. Subtitle C: Other Matters - Increases from 90 days to one year the authorized period for the transportation of a Federal employee or official between his or her residence and place of employment in situations presenting a clear and present danger to such individual. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretaries of the military departments to delegate their authority to choose those positions under their jurisdiction for which such transportation will be permitted. (Sec. 1022) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to: (1) remove the FY 1993-1995 limit for the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities Program; (2) state that the Program shall no longer be considered a pilot program; and (3) authorize the use of government vehicles pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 in conducting the Program. Authorizes the use of such government vehicles under such Act for the training and administration of the National Guard. (Sec. 1024) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to trade certain military historical items in exchange for conservation and preservation services and for educational programs, supplies and newly upgraded or renovated conservation equipment, facilities, and systems within existing structures. (Sec. 1025) Amends the DOD Education Loan Repayment Program to authorize the Secretary to repay any loan made under part D of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program) on behalf of the following: (1) enlisted members serving on active duty in certain military specialties; (2) enlisted members of the Selected Reserve with certain critical specialties; and (3) Selected Reserve health professions officers serving under wartime critical medical skill shortages. Title XI: Matters Relating to Allies, Other Nations, and International Organizations - Revises certain accounting procedures with respect to defense burden sharing contributions accepted from the Republic of Korea. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the Secretary to accept such contributions from Japan and the Republic of Korea in dollars or in the currency of the host nation. Allows such contributions to be used for the relocation of U.S. military personnel in or to such countries. Requires annual reports from the Secretary specifying the amount of contributions accepted and expended. (Sec. 1103) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to assign members of the armed forces to any foreign country to promote rationalization, standardization, interoperability, and other defense cooperation measures. (Currently, such promotion is permitted only among members of NATO and with the armed forces of Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.) (Sec. 1104) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the Secretaries concerned to use amounts reimbursed to the United States by foreign countries for leased items which have been lost or destroyed to either replace such items or to fund upgrades or modifications of similar systems of the military departments. (Sec. 1105) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the President, under specified conditions, to acquire from an eligible foreign country or international organization a defense article previously transferred to such country under provisions of such Act, or to undertake an exchange of a defense article in return for a repaired or new article. (Sec. 1106) Limits to any operation which is expected to exceed $10 million in cost or last longer than three months the applicability of a requirement for notification from the President to the Congress when providing disaster assistance outside the United States. (Sec. 1107) Requires an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning the provision of worldwide humanitarian assistance by the United States to be submitted at the same time as the President's annual budget submission. Specifies additional information required to be included in such reports. (Sec. 1108) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to authorize during FY 1996 the use of DOD humanitarian assistance funds for activities supporting the clearing of landmines for humanitarian purposes. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the President to provide personnel, supplies, services, and equipment in support of international peacekeeping and peace enforcement activities and to make contributions to pay the U.S. assessed share for such operations conducted by the United Nations when U.S. combat forces participate. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) appropriate reimbursement to the United States for the costs of such support, subject to specified conditions; (2) the appropriate crediting of reimbursements received; (3) the establishment of the International Peacekeeping and Peace Enforcement Activities Account for appropriate purposes; (4) an annual reporting requirement from the President to the Congress concerning such activities and expenditures; (5) an authorization of appropriations for the payment of assessments for UN operations; and (6) a prohibition on the payment of such UN assessed amounts for such activities when U.S. combat forces do not participate. (Sec. 1110) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to: (1) continue through FY 1996 the authority of the Secretary to provide assistance to support international nonproliferation activities; (2) change from the On-Site Inspection Agency to DOD the responsibility for certain on-site inspections in support of such activities; (3) add to authorized nonproliferation activities; and (4) continue through FY 1996 certain quarterly reporting requirements with respect to such activities. Title XII: Acquisition Reform - Exempts from Federal provisions requiring the cancellation of appropriated funds if not used by the end of the fifth fiscal year following their appropriation any funding appropriated for: (1) satellite on-orbit incentive fees, to remain until the fee is earned; and (2) government shipbuilding appropriations available for budgeted work that must be performed in the final stage of ship construction, to remain until its purpose is satisfied. (Sec. 1202) Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require certain public notice of a proposed Federal contract expected to exceed $10,000 but not to exceed $25,000. (Sec. 1203) Repeals a Federal provision: (1) requiring letters of offer for the sale of defense articles and services from DOD stocks to include appropriate charges for a proportionate amount of any nonrecurring costs of research, development, and production of major defense equipment; and (2) authorizing the waiver of such charges by the President in certain circumstances. (Sec. 1204) Makes Federal provisions disallowing the receipt by a contracting official of any gratuities from the contractor inapplicable to contracts falling within the simplified acquisition threshold. (Sec. 1205) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to require the heads of Federal agencies to make management decisions on all Office of Inspector General audits within six months (currently, no time limit) after their issuance. (Sec. 1206) Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting funds appropriated to DOD from being used to transfer to a foreign country a technical data package for a defense item being manufactured or developed in an arsenal, or to assist a country in producing such an item. (Sec. 1207) Makes permanent (currently only permitted during a national emergency) the power of the President to make, amend, or modify contracts to facilitate the national defense. (Sec. 1208) Includes a U.S. territory as a permissible entity to which the Secretary of the Navy may transfer a captured vessel or a vessel stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. (Sec. 1209) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1990 and 1991 to: (1) require a broad range of the services and supplies acquired by DOD to be included in a test program for negotiating comprehensive subcontracting plans; (2) revise provisions concerning DOD contractors eligible under the test program; and (3) repeal a provision limiting the FY 1994 participants in the program. (Sec. 1210) Removes the requirement of activation of the full Civil Reserve Air Fleet before the Secretary may contract with private aircraft owners for the incorporation of defense features on such aircraft. (Sec. 1211) Prohibits any court or board from exercising jurisdiction over any claim for the adjustment of a shipbuilding contract that was not submitted to the contracting officer within 18 months after the occurrence of the event giving rise to the claim. (Sec. 1212) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire or transfer such vessels and equipment for operation by private salvage companies as the Secretary considers necessary. Authorizes such Secretary to settle and receive payment for any U.S. claim for salvage services rendered by the Navy. (Sec. 1213) Authorizes the Secretary or the secretaries of the military departments to have supplies needed for DOD or a military department made in factories, depots, or arsenals owned by the United States. Authorizes any such Secretary to disestablish any U.S. arsenal considered unnecessary. (Sec. 1214) Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the use of any appropriated funds for documenting the economic or employment impact of DOD acquisition programs for which research, development, testing, and evaluation have not been completed. (Sec. 1216) Repeals a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary of a military department to delegate certain contract authority. (Sec. 1217) Exempts from certain monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and oversight requirements the defense acquisition pilot programs specified under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 and such future programs as may be authorized by the Congress pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. (Sec. 1218) Requires major defense system and munitions programs testing to begin at the component, subsystem, and subassembly level and to culminate with tests of the complete system configured for combat. Revises, generally, language and terms for such programs. (Sec. 1219) Requires any position papers or assessments made with respect to technological issues in defense research to be made part of the record when making acquisition program (currently, milestone O, I, and II) decisions. (Sec. 1220) Repeals a Federal provision which authorizes the head of an agency to waive certain restrictions on undefinitized contractual actions when necessary to support a contingency operation. Excludes from such restrictions contingency operations, peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations, disaster relief operations, and humanitarian assistance. (Sec. 1221) Provides an exception with respect to the requirement of independent cost estimates for major defense acquisition programs when the decision authority for that program has been delegated to an official of a military department, defense agency, or other DOD component. (Sec. 1222) Revises Federal provisions requiring unit cost reports for defense acquisition programs to: (1) remove the definition of "procurement program" for purposes of such reports; and (2) require such a report in certain cases where the current program acquisition unit cost has increased by at least five percent over the 15 percent increase in such cost for the program as shown in its baseline estimate. (Sec. 1223) Repeals Federal provisions requiring certain quality control in the procurement of critical aircraft and ship spare parts. (Sec. 1224) Authorizes funds appropriated to a military department to be used to procure rights to use designs and processes. (Currently, funds are authorized only for technical data and computer software.) (Sec. 1225) Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from certain required post-education duty assignments graduates of the Senior Acquisition Course at the Armed Forces Industrial College if they are assigned upon such graduation to critical acquisition positions. Repeals a Federal provision requiring individuals assigned to critical acquisition positions to so serve for a minimum of three years. (Sec. 1227) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) requiring certain limitations on the performance of depot-level maintenance of material; and (2) prohibiting the contracting-out of DOD depot-level maintenance or repair workload activities previously performed by DOD depot-level activities.

Welfare to Self-Sufficiency Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Family Investment Program and Other Welfare Reform Title II: Increasing Work and Self-Sufficiency Subtitle A: Work Incentives Subtitle B: Incentives to Save Subtitle C: Microenterprise Development and Other Projects to Create Jobs Title III: Improving State Flexibility Title IV: Combating Teenage Pregnancy Title V: Improving Child Support Collection Subtitle A: Improvements in the Collection of Child Support Subtitle B: Improvements in Paternity Establishment Title VI: Savings Provisions Title VII: Effective Date Welfare to Self-Sufficiency Act of 1995 - States that it is U.S. policy that all programs, projects, and activities assisted below be carried out so that: (1) welfare recipients accept responsibility for their families from their first welfare office visit by signing an agreement to achieve self-sufficiency; (2) failure to sign such agreement will reduce and eventually eliminate cash benefits; (3) welfare programs are for temporary assistance to needy families with children and must provide the support and skills needed for full-time private sector employment; (4) States must have more flexibility to design programs for responding effectively to recipient needs; (5) actions must be taken to combat illegitimate teen births; and (6) children have a right to receive parental financial support from which parents shall not escape. Title I: Family Investment Program And Other Welfare Reform - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State AFDC plans in States without a waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for a program in which the State agency negotiates an agreement with AFDC recipients outlining the steps non-exempt individuals must take. Includes among such steps participation in education or job training programs, or in substance abuse treatment or parenting programs, in order to obtain self-sufficiency within a certain period of time. Requires supplemental services, such as transportation and child care, when necessary for achieving such goal, as well as support and case management when adapting such agreement for changing family circumstances. Requires the State agency to offer such recipients enrollment in a limited benefit plan under which benefits are suspended after six months, and in which families failing to comply with the agreement are automatically enrolled. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretaries of HHS, of Labor, and of Education to ensure appropriate coordination in planning, developing, and operating family investment programs above and other specified programs, including the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) under SSA title IV part F in order to improve departmental services and reduce program overlap and administrative costs. (Sec. 105) Revises JOBS and JOBS-related provisions, among other changes removing restrictions on JOBS participation of pregnant AFDC recipients, in addition to changes involving job searches, work assignments, and grievance procedures. Title II: Increasing Work and Self-Sufficiency - Subtitle A: Work Incentives - Makes numerous miscellaneous amendments to SSA title IV part A, providing States with various specified options for moving AFDC recipients towards self-sufficiency, including options for: (1) increasing income disregards for work expenses, earned income, and automobiles; (2) disregarding certain earned income of new employees and dependent children; and (3) further extending transitional child care benefits. (Sec. 205) Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 (FSA) to permanently extend its transitional child care program. Subtitle B: Incentives to Save - Creates State incentive-to-save options, including options for increasing asset limits and disregarding certain income and resources designated for education, training, and employability, as well as interest income. Subtitle C: Microenterprise Development and Other Projects to Create Jobs - Creates further State options, including options for disregarding income and resources related to microenterprise initiatives. (Sec. 222) Provides for inclusion of microenterprise training and activities in JOBS. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretary to establish demonstration projects for developing a wage supplementation program under which certain AFDC-eligible individuals would receive monthly incentive payments from the State out of funds available for AFDC and food stamp benefits in lieu of receiving such benefits directly. (Sec. 224) Amends FSA with respect to its demonstration projects for expanding job opportunities for low-income individuals, making such projects permanent at increased funding. Title III: Improving State Flexibility - Amends SSA title IV part A to make various specified changes, among other things, in provisions containing certain requirements for unemployed parents, including elimination of the principal earner requirement, as well as modification of other specified requirements, and in other provisions providing for the equivalent treatment of stepparent and parent income and permanent extension of the AFDC-UP program. (Sec. 303) Modifies payment formulae for the JOBS program and child care, increasing the JOBS program's authorization, among other changes. (Sec. 304) Provides for optional State: (1) assessment, monitoring, and evaluation under the AFDC program in order to increase the percentage of families moving from welfare to self-sufficiency; and (2) modification of individual family AFDC payment amounts in order to ensure that the children of families on AFDC receive proper immunizations and well-child care. Title IV: Combating Teenage Pregnancy - Amends SSA title IV part A to: (1) provide for additional adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried minor parents with dependent children in order for them to receive AFDC; and (2) give States the option, in cases involving custodial parents below age 20 who have not completed high school and are required to participate in JOBS, to require them to participate in an educational activity. (Sec. 403) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize additional funding for family planning grants for combating teenage pregnancy. Title V: Improving Child Support Collection - Subtitle A: Improvements in the Collection of Child Support - Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of a system under which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would collect child support via wage withholding and estimated tax payments and disperse it as appropriate. Requires the entire amount of child support owed to be paid to the IRS by the end of the applicable tax year along with the individual's tax return. Subjects delinquent individuals to generally the same penalties applicable to back taxes. (Sec. 503) Gives States the following options in order to discourage overdue child support: (1) periodically making available for publication the identity of certain individuals owing overdue child support; (2) enacting laws authorizing suspension of driver's, professional, and other specified licenses of such individuals; and (3) requiring community service participation by such individuals. (Sec. 506) Provides for optional State laws concerning modification of child support orders. Subtitle B: Improvements in Paternity Establishment - Creates various specified State options regarding paternity establishment, including options for a simple civil process for voluntarily acknowledging paternity, as well as optional State plan requirements for voluntary paternity establishment outreach. (Sec. 513) Establishes: (1) penalty reductions in Federal matching payments to States under AFDC for certain children for whom paternity has not been established; and (2) incentive payments to families to encourage paternity establishment, including requirements for related demonstrations. Title VI: Savings Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for consolidating Federal assistance in the form of a single Federal administrative payment to each State for administrating its Medicaid, AFDC, and food stamp programs, with discretion to allocate such amount in any manner between such programs. (Sec. 602) Extends, with certain exceptions, the deeming of income and resources under AFDC, SSI, Medicaid (SSA titles XVI and XIX, respectively), and food stamp programs with respect to aliens through the respective dates they become citizens. (Sec. 603) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) provide requirements for a sponsor's affidavit of support; and (2) extend requirements for affidavits of support to family-related and diversity immigrants. (Sec. 604) Sets limitations on expenditures for emergency assistance under AFDC and makes other specified changes with regard to such assistance. Title VII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division B (sic): Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Base Closure and Realignment and Environment Subtitle C: Land Conveyance Subtitle D: Other Matters Division B (sic): Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title XXI: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to construct, acquire, and improve family housing units at or near military installations for the purpose of encouraging private investments, in a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units and to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years after 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in the preceding titles of this Act on October 1, 1998, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1999, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain FY 1992 and 1993 military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to sell military family housing which has deteriorated beyond economical repair, along with the land on which such housing is located. Requires notification to the appropriate congressional committees and a waiting period of 21 days after such notice. Requires sale proceeds to be deposited into military family housing accounts and used for their purposes. (Sec. 2802) Increases from 300 to 450 the number of units of family housing authorized to be leased in foreign countries for U.S. military family housing purposes. (Sec. 2803) Extends permanently the authority of the Secretary to increase the maximum square footage of military family housing units acquired for military personnel of certain pay grades when determined to be cost effective. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary of any military department (currently, only the Navy) to enter into limited partnerships with private developers for the construction of military family housing at or near a military installation. Renames the Navy Housing Investment Account (used for partnership purposes) as the Defense Housing Investment Account. Terminates the Navy Housing Investment Board created to oversee such partnerships. Extends through FY 2000 the authority to enter into such partnerships. (Sec. 2805) Provides that certain cost increase limits with respect to military family housing construction projects do not apply to the settlement of a contractor claim. Subtitle B: Base Closure and Realignment and Environment - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to allow funds in the Defense Environmental Restoration Account to be used in FY 1996 for environmental restoration activities for military installations approved for closure or realignment in 1995 under such Act. (Sec. 2808) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act as well as the above Act to authorize the Secretary to enter into agreements (currently, only contracts) with local governments for the provision of certain services (police, fire, airfield operations) at military installations to be closed under such Acts when determined to be in the best interests of DOD. (Sec. 2809) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1990 (CERCLA) to: (1) provide that certain environmental cleanup responsibilities of the United States with respect to Federal facilities transferred under such Act shall not apply to leases; and (2) authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or the governor of the affected State to defer such responsibilities upon determination that the property is suitable for transfer or upon assurance that releases caused by the United States will be otherwise addressed. Subtitle C: Land Conveyance - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) Burlington County, New Jersey, all rights and interest to the Fort Dix Resource Recovery Facility; (2) Augusta, Georgia, all rights and interest to several parcels of land containing water and wastewater treatment plants at Fort Gordon, Georgia; and (3) the Southern California Edison Company all rights and interest to the electrical distribution system at Fort Irwin, California. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to sell to a public or private utility company electricity generated from energy production facilities (currently, only from alternate energy or cogeneration production facilities) that are under the jurisdiction of such Secretary. (Sec. 2815) Requires water conservation savings and water costs of DOD to be included within a required DOD energy performance goal for FY 1991 through 2000. (Sec. 2816) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey all rights and interest to the primate research laboratory at Holloman Air Force Base, as well as ownership of certain chimpanzees used in connection with such research, to the Coulston Foundation or another nonprofit entity determined appropriate by the Secretary. Requires the grantee to utilize the laboratory for scientific or medical research and provide adequate care for the chimpanzees. (Sec. 2817) Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees with respect to the acquisition of leasehold interests in land for use in special operations activities. (Sec. 2818) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out school facilities activities, including the construction of elementary and secondary schools on military installations, under provisions of Federal law allowing the provision of education by the Federal Government when local educational agencies are unable to provide adequate educational facilities.

A bill to provide for the conservation, management, and administration of certain parks, forests, and other areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Anaktuvuk Pass Land Exchange and Wilderness Redesignation Title II: Alaska Peninsula Subsurface Consolidation Title III: Amendments to Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Title IV: Butte County Land Conveyance Title V: Chacoan Outliers Protection Title VI: Colonial National Historical Park Title VII: Acquisition of Franklin D. Roosevelt Family Lands Title VIII: Establishment of the Great Falls Historic District Title IX: Women's Rights National Historical Park Title X: Sterling Forest Protection Title I: Anaktuvuk Pass Land Exchange and Wilderness Redesignation - Anaktuvuk Pass Land Exchange and Wilderness Redesignation Act of 1995 - Ratifies and confirms the agreement between the United States, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, the Nunamiut Corporation, and the city of Anaktuvuk Pass executed on December 17, 1992. Requires the lands acquired by the United States pursuant to such Agreement to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as part of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to provide for the addition and the rescission of lands within the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness. Provides for the addition of lands within the Noatak National Preserve and Noatak Wilderness. Title II: Alaska Peninsula Subsurface Consolidation - Alaska Peninsula Subsurface Consolidation Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to determine the value of rights granted to Koniag, Incorporated, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to receive title to the oil and gas rights and other interests in the subsurface estate of specified public lands in Alaska (selection rights) which Koniag possesses within the boundaries of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, and Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. Specifies that the value of such rights shall be equal to the fair market value of: (1) the oil and gas interests in the lands that are the subject of the selection rights; and (2) in the case of the lands for which Koniag is to receive the entire subsurface estate, the subsurface estate of the lands that are the subject of such rights. Directs the Secretary and Koniag to meet to select a qualified appraiser to conduct an appraisal of the selection rights in conformity with the standards of the Appraisal Foundation of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, utilizing a risk adjusted discounted cash flow methodology. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) submission of the appraisal report; (2) determination of the value of the selection rights; and (3) an alternative determination of value if Koniag disagrees with the value determined by the Secretary. Directs: (1) the Secretary to enter into negotiations for an agreement to exchange Federal lands in Alaska for the Koniag selection rights; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury, regarding any such rights for which an exchange has not been completed by October 1, 2004, to establish within the Treasury the Koniag Account and, upon relinquishment of such remaining rights to the United States, to credit the Account in the amount of the appraised value of such rights. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make amounts in the Account available to Koniag for bidding on and purchasing property sold at public sale. Title III: Amendments to Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to authorize the Cook Inlet Regional Corporation (Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated) to purchase its shareholder-held common stock. Title IV: Butte County Land Conveyance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey without consideration certain lands in Butte County, California, in the Plumas National Forest to eligible persons who make their claims within two years of enactment of this title. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make the necessary surveys and property line markings; and (2) submit a copy of each deed to the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Chacoan Outliers Protection - Chacoan Outliers Protection Act of 1995 - Designates eight new outlying areas as Chaco Culture Archaeological Protection Sites associated with Chacoan Anasazi Indian culture in the San Juan Basin and surrounding areas of New Mexico and Colorado. Expands the boundaries and removes or reduces the acreage of certain existing Sites. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) use a combination of land acquisition authority and cooperative agreements to protect archeological resources at such sites as remain in private ownership; and (2) assist the Navajo Nation in the protection and management of such Sites as are located on lands of the Navajos through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Title VI: Colonial National Historical Park - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer that portion of the existing sewage disposal system within the Colonial National Historical Park to York County, Virginia, without reimbursement, together with such rights-of-way determined to be necessary to maintain and operate such system. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with York County to pay a specified maximum amount of the repair and rehabilitation costs for the system. Requires the cooperative agreement to: (1) reduce or eliminate the amounts charged to the National Park Service for its sewage disposal; and (2) minimize the impact of the system on the Park and its resources. Prohibits such system from being enlarged or substantially altered without Park Service concurrence. Permits the Secretary to acquire specified lands for inclusion in the Park. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Acquisition of Franklin D. Roosevelt Family Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands and interests in specified properties located at Hyde Park, New York, identified as lands critical for protection as depicted on the map entitled "Roosevelt Family Estate" and dated September 1994, to be added to and administered as part of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Historic Site or the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, as appropriate. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Establishment of the Great Falls Historic District - Great Falls Preservation and Redevelopment Act - Establishes the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New Jersey, local governments, and private nonprofit entities under which the Secretary agrees to pay up to 50 percent of the costs of: (1) preparation of a plan for the development of historic, architectural, natural, cultural, and interpretive resources within the District; and (2) implementation of projects approved under the plan. Permits the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the owners of property within the District that the Secretary determines are of historical or cultural significance under which the Secretary may: (1) pay up to 50 percent of the costs of restoring and improving the properties; (2) provide technical assistance with respect to the preservation and interpretation of the properties; and (3) mark and provide interpretation of the properties. Lists additional conditions for such agreements. Requires the Secretary, in making funds available for such purposes, to give consideration to projects that provide a greater leverage of Federal funds. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Women's Rights National Historical Park - Removes portions of, and adds specified lands to, the Women's Rights National Historical Park in New York. Authorizes additional appropriations for land acquisition and development. Title X: Sterling Forest Protection - Sterling Forest Protection Act of 1995 - Establishes the Sterling Forest Reserve, New York, upon certification by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to the Secretary of the Interior that the Commission has acquired sufficient lands or interests therein to constitute a manageable unit. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Reserve boundaries; (2) the transfer of funds to the Commission for land acquisition; and (3) conditions of funding (including provision for specified conservation easements and that funds may be transferred to the Commission only to the extent that they are matched from funds contributed by non-Federal sources). Directs the Commission to: (1) manage the lands acquired within the Reserve in a manner consistent with the Commission's authorities and the protection of significant watershed, wildlife, and recreational resources within the New York-New Jersey highlands region; and (2) prepare a general management plan for the Reserve, to be submitted to the Secretary for approval. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount that may be transferred to the Commission for the acquisition of lands and interests in land within the Reserve.

Environmental Finance Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

Environmental Finance Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) an Environmental Financial Advisory Board to provide expert advice on issues affecting the costs and financing of environmental activities at the Federal, State, and local levels; and (2) Environmental Finance Centers in institutions of higher education in each of the regions of the EPA. Authorizes the Centers to: (1) provide training of State and local officials; (2) publish materials relating to financing of environmental infrastructure; (3) conduct conferences and advisory panels on specific environmental finance issues; (4) establish information services; (5) generate case studies and reports; (6) develop surveys of financial issues and needs of State and local governments; (7) identify financial programs and alternative financing mechanisms for training purposes; (8) hold public meetings; and (9) collaborate and exchange information. Permits the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education to carry out the Center program. Authorizes appropriations.

Domestic Violence Identification and Referral Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

Domestic Violence Identification and Referral Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to give preference, in making grants or contracts under provisions relating to health professions education and provisions relating to nurse education, to certain health professions entities that train students in the identification, examination, treatment, and referral of victims of domestic violence.

Propane Education and Research Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.

Fair Pay Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

Fair Pay Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. Directs courts, in any action brought under this section for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Requires employers subject to such prohibition to preserve records which document and support the method, system, calculations, and other bases used by the employer in establishing, adjusting, and determining the wages paid to their employees, for periods of time prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and make reports to the EEOC. Directs the EEOC to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement the provisions of this Act; (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act; and (3) include a separate evaluation and appraisal regarding the implementation of this Act in its annual report to the Congress.

Veterans Health Improvements Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Women Veterans Health Improvements Title II: Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances Title III: Readjustment Services Title IV: Services for Mentally Ill Veterans Title V: Construction Planning Title VI: General Health Administration Subtitle A: Health Care Administration Subtitle B: Personnel Administration Subtitle C: Health Care Resource Agreements Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Veterans Health Improvements Act of 1995 - Title I: Women Veterans Health Improvements - Women Veterans Health Improvements Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that each health care facility under the direct jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs is able to provide in a timely and appropriate manner all authorized health care services to women veterans. Requires the provision of women's health services by direct Department care (rather than by contract or other agreement) when cost effective. Includes women's health services within the medical services authorized to be provided through the Department. Extends through 1998 a reporting requirement under the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 concerning the Department's provision of women's health care services and research and adds to the information required in such report. (Sec. 104) Prohibits mammograms from being performed at a Department facility unless such facility is accredited for such purpose by a private nonprofit organization designated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to prescribe mammogram quality assurance and control standards and to perform periodic inspection of Department mammogram equipment and facilities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that mammograms performed for the Department on a contractual basis with a non-Department facility or provider conform to the quality standards for such procedures as prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Public Health Service Act. Provides for: (1) a deadline for prescribing the standards; (2) transition provisions; and (3) a standards implementation report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 105) Amends the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 to require each coordinator of women's services to serve in such position on a full-time basis. Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) sufficient Department funding is provided to allow such coordinators to fully carry out their responsibilities at such facilities; and (2) each coordinator has direct access to the Chief of Staff at their respective facility. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a survey to identify deficiencies relating to women patient privacy in Department medical centers; (2) correct any such deficiencies; and (3) report to the Congress annually through 1997. Title II: Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances - Extends eligibility for hospital, nursing home, or outpatient medical care through the Department to: (1) a herbicide-exposed veteran if the National Academy of Sciences has, in a report issued under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, made specified determinations regarding an association between exposure to a herbicide agent and the occurrence of the veteran's disease; (2) a radiation-exposed veteran if the Secretary, based on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards, determines that there is credible evidence of a positive association between exposure to ionizing radiation and the veteran's disease; and (3) a veteran who the Secretary finds may have been exposed to a toxic substance or environmental hazard during service in the Persian Gulf War, for any disability that becomes manifest before October 1, 1996. Provides time limits to the provision of such services. Title III: Readjustment Services - Authorizes the Secretary to furnish counseling in a vet center to assist any veteran who served in combat during World War II or the Korean conflict in overcoming the effects of such combat experience. Requires a report. (Sec. 302) Establishes in the Department the Advisory Committee on Veterans Readjustment Counseling to perform advisory services with respect to veterans' readjustment, taking into special account Vietnam era veterans. Requires reports. Title IV: Services for Mentally Ill Veterans - Authorizes the Secretary to establish at any Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility a nonprofit corporation to: (1) arrange for therapeutic work for patients of such facility or other Department facilities; and (2) provide a funding mechanism to achieve such purposes. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) the establishment of a board of directors for each corporation; (2) the deposit of excess corporation funds; (3) annual reports by the corporation and the Secretary; (4) a prohibition against the establishment of such corporations after FY 1999; and (5) required recognition of such corporation within four years as a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Service rules. (Sec. 402) Extends through FY 1998 (currently 1995) the Department compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing demonstration program. (Sec. 403) Directs the Secretary to establish in the VHA a Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans to carry out a continual assessment of the Department's ability to meet the treatment and rehabilitation needs of severely, chronically mentally ill veterans and to provide appropriate advice and recommendations after such assessment. Requires annual reports. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary to establish and operate centers for mental illness research, education, and clinical activities (centers). Directs the Secretary to ensure that designated centers are located in diverse geographic areas. Limits to five the total number of centers authorized for designation. Requires the prior appropriation of funds for such purpose. Requires interested facilities to submit written proposals containing specified requirements, including an arrangement by the facility with an accredited medical school, school of psychology, or medical training facility for appropriate research, education, and clinical activities. Requires the official within the VHA responsible for mental health and behavioral sciences matters (official) to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted to the Secretary. Requires the Under Secretary for Health to ensure that: (1) at least three centers designated under this section emphasize research into means of improving the quality of care for veterans suffering from mental illness through the development of community-based alternatives to institutional treatment; and (2) information produced through such centers that may be useful for other VHA activities is appropriately disseminated. Requires the official to supervise the operation of the centers and provide for ongoing center evaluations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for the centers for FY 1997 through 2000. Authorizes the Under Secretary to allocate other Department funds for such purpose. Requires annual reports. Requires at least one center to be so designated by January 1, 1997. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Secretary to provide to homeless, chronically mentally ill veterans currently eligible for hospital and nursing home care additional care and treatment and rehabilitative services in halfway houses, therapeutic communities, psychiatric residential treatment centers, and other community-based treatment facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to also provide such care and services to: (1) veterans being furnished hospital or nursing home care by the Secretary for a chronic mental illness disability; and (2) veterans with service-connected chronic mental illness disabilities. Requires approval by the Secretary of the quality and effectiveness of a program providing such services through non-Department facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide in-kind and other forms of assistance to non-Department facilities providing such care, treatment, and services. Title V: Construction Planning - Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to promote the efficient delivery of health care services and to reduce unnecessary duplication of health care resources. Requires an implementation report. (Sec. 502) Adds additional information to be required in a prospectus sent from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning proposed medical facilities to be constructed, leased, or acquired by the Department for the provision of Department medical care and services. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report showing the current Department priorities for proposed major medical construction projects. (Sec. 504) Prohibits the appropriation or obligation of funds for the design of major medical facility projects (projects in excess of $5 million) unless such funds have been specifically authorized by law. Title VI: General Health Administration - Subtitle A: Health Care Administration - Includes within authorized Department medical services overnight lodging in Department facilities when necessary for the provision of services on an outpatient basis. (Sec. 602) Extends through FY 1997 the pilot program for noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care. Extends similarly certain reporting dates with respect to such program. (Sec. 603) Extends through December 31, 1997, the authority of the Secretary to provide treatment and rehabilitation to veterans for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities. (Sec. 604) Increases the amounts required to be paid by the Secretary to a State per diem for each veteran receiving domiciliary, nursing home, hospital, or adult day health care. (Sec. 605) Includes the provision of adult day health care within authorized purposes for Department assistance to States for the construction of medical facilities for the care of veterans. Subtitle B: Personnel Administration - Places an additional limitation on authorized Department reductions in the number of full-time equivalent positions in the Department before the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 612) Extends permanently (currently expired as of December 31, 1994) the authority of the Secretary to waive certain reductions in retirement pay for Department registered nurses. (Sec. 613) Authorizes the Secretary to employ in the VHA certain persons in health care positions as the Secretary considers necessary. (Sec. 614) Extends to individuals appointed as employees in the VHA certain Federal provisions (whistleblower laws) providing protection against certain prohibited personnel practices. (Sec. 615) Extends through December 31, 1998, the Department's health professional scholarship program (offering educational scholarships to certain health care students in return for post-graduate service in the VHA). Subtitle C: Health Care Resource Agreements - Repeals a provision of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 which terminates at the end of FY 1995 the authority of the Department to expand the availability of health-sharing arrangements between the Department and the Department of Defense. (Sec. 622) Authorizes the director of a Department health care facility located in a State that has established a State health care reform plan to contract with any entity or individual to procure or furnish any health care resource for veterans. Authorizes such director to contract for the procurement of such resources for non-veterans only under specified conditions. Terminates the authority to enter into such contracts at the end of FY 2000. (Sec. 623) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with medical schools, health-care facilities, and research centers for the shared use of health care resources for the treatment of veterans. (Currently, the Secretary is authorized to enter into such agreements with such entities for the shared use of specialized medical resources.) Changes the payment method under such agreements from reciprocal reimbursement to one which provides appropriate flexibility to negotiate payment which is in the best interest of the Government. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such agreements for the furnishing of health care services to non-veterans only in certain limited circumstances. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous - Designates various current veterans' committees and boards as veterans' research advisory committees. Prohibits the Secretary from terminating any such committee unless the Secretary: (1) finds that such committee is no longer needed; and (2) notifies specified congressional committees of such intention at least 120 days prior to such termination. (Sec. 633) Changes from December 1 to April 1 of each fiscal year a reporting date concerning Department admission policies with respect to veterans' hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care. (Sec. 634) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the operation of child care centers at Department facilities when practicable and in the best interests of the Department. Requires priority to be given, in the provision of such services, to employees of: (1) the Department; (2) other Federal departments and agencies; and (3) schools affiliated with the Department and Department research corporations. Allows the Secretary, after such priorities, to provide such services to members of the public when necessary to assure the financial success of the center. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable charges for all child care services provided, with conditions. (Sec. 635) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for the provision of utilities (including steam and chilled water) to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Requires available appropriations. (Sec. 636) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a long-term lease or similar agreement with The Caring Place at Loyola, Inc., a nonprofit organization, to allow such organization to establish on the grounds of the Edward Hines, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois, a facility to provide temporary accommodations for family members of severely ill children who are being treated at the Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center and other hospitals.

Insurance Tax Fairness and Small Insurance Company Economic Growth Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

Insurance Tax Fairness and Small Insurance Company Economic Growth Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining the limitation on the deduction of policyholder dividends by mutual life insurance companies. Exempts small life insurance companies from the required capitalization of certain policy acquisition expenses. Expresses the sense of the Congress that revenues resulting from this Act shall be dedicated to the funding of: (1) deficit reduction; (2) tax incentives for the economic growth of small life insurance companies; and (3) programs benefiting the nutrition, early education, housing, and family support of the Nation's children.