Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 1867 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability Title III: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Subtitle D: General Provisions Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions Title VI: Reform of Public Housing Title VII: Child Care Title VIII: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Title IX: Food Stamp and Related Programs Title X: Miscellaneous Subtitle A: General Provisions Bipartisan Welfare Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress that prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are very important Government interests. (Sec. 103) Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) under, respectively, parts A and F of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a program of block grants to the States for temporary assistance for needy families already with or expecting children (TEA program). Gives such program the stated purpose of increasing the flexibility of States in operating approved statewide programs, with: (1) certain mandatory work and education requirements (as well as penalties against adult family members on TEA who refuse to engage in various specified work activities); and (2) adult- supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents to enable such families to leave the program and become self-sufficient. Includes participation in community service programs and subsidized public sector employment as TEA program work activities. Requires TEA programs to provide certain time-limited cash assistance (and thereafter vouchers) to eligible families entering into an individual responsibility plan with the State (with certain exceptions involving minor children and hardship situations), outlining their obligations in receiving TEA assistance (such as immunizing their children or finishing high school), as well as the specific services the State will provide (such as job preparation and family planning services and, at the State's option, substance abuse treatment services) to enable them to move into private sector employment. Requires State TEA programs also to: (1) establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, over a specified ten-year period; and (2) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Denies TEA for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators and minor children absent from the home for a significant period. Suspends it for ten years for persons who have fraudulently misrepresented residence to obtain assistance in two or more States. Denies additional cash assistance, as a general rule, for additional children born to families already on TEA (except in cases of rape and incest), unless State law specifically exempts the State TEA program from such denial. Reduces or denies TEA for noncooperation in child support. Outlines State TEA plan contents. Provides for the State's choice of treatment of aliens and families moving interstate, and for the exchange of certain plan information about TEA applicants or recipients with law enforcement officers under prescribed conditions. Sets forth requirements for State plan approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), which include certifications that the State will operate a child protection and child support enforcement program under SSA title IV parts B and D (Child-Welfare Services Program and Child Support and Establishment of Paternity Program), respectively. Details TEA program grant administrative provisions: (1) determining the amounts of State grants for family assistance for FY 1996 through 2001; (2) outlining grant uses, including assistance to families in meeting home heating and cooling costs, and a State program under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (3) rewarding States with additional grant amounts for reductions in illegitimate births, as well as for population increases and TEA program work activities; and (4) establishing in the Treasury (and providing deposits for) a Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs for payments to certain eligible participating States. Makes necessary appropriations. Sets up a Federal loan program for certain State TEA programs for anti-fraud and other specified activities. Makes necessary appropriations. Establishes penalties for States and individual families for specified grant and program violations, respectively, through reduced grants and assistance payments. Allows States to terminate assistance payments, but prohibits assistance reduction or termination based on a refusal of an adult to work if the adult is a single custodial parent caring for a child under age six and unable to obtain needed child care for one or more specified reasons. Provides for State appeal of Federal adverse decisions with respect to State plans or imposition of penalties. Outlines specific program data collection and reporting requirements, as well as certain research, evaluation, and study requirements. Makes necessary appropriations. Provides for TEA grants to Indian tribes (with a special rule for Alaskan Native tribes). Makes necessary appropriations. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation to obtain information enabling interested persons to evaluate the impact of this title on a random national sample of State TEA recipients and other appropriate low-income families. Makes necessary appropriations. Provides for the treatment of current and previously granted State AFDC (welfare reform) waiver projects. Retains the HHS Assistant Secretary for Family Support as the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress encouraging each State operating a TEA program to: (1) assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and in single-parent families with older preschool or school-age children to engage in work activities; and (2) require non-custodial, nonsupporting parents under age 18 to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school. (Sec. 104) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, or private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified by this Act, or to provide program beneficiaries with certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement redeemable with such organizations. Prohibits the expenditure of financial assistance under such programs for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand the data collection efforts of the Bureau of the Census to enable it to collect certain data on grandparent caregivers. (Sec. 106) Directs the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress on the status of State automated data processing systems used in administering State programs under SSA title IV part A. (Sec. 107) Requires the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress on outcomes measures for evaluating the success of the States in moving individuals out of the welfare system through employment as an alternative to the minimum participation rates under mandatory TEA work requirements. (Sec. 108) Makes conforming amendments to SSA, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. (Sec. 111) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner) to develop a prototype of a counterfeit-resistant social security card and study and report to the Congress on different methods of improving the social security card application process. (Sec. 112) Requires any organization accepting Federal funds under this Act to disclose that fact in any communication it makes that intends to promote public support or opposition to any Federal, State, or local government policy through any broadcasting station, periodical, or other specified type of general public advertising. Makes any organization failing to make such a disclosure ineligible to receive Federal funds under this Act. (Sec. 113) Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to remove the "demonstration" status of the Job Opportunities for Certain Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program and give it an increased annual authorization for any fiscal year. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics for whom addiction or alcoholism would be a contributing factor material to the disability determination; (2) revise representative payee and treatment requirements; (3) deny SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; (4) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; and (5) outline the process for periodic review with respect to the continuing eligibility of an individual 18 years of age or older to receive certain SSI disability benefits. Provides certain supplemental funding for alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 receiving SSI benefits based on a disability as of the enactment of this Act, and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of this Act. (Sec. 212) Provides that at least once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, which is unlikely to improve, at the option of the Commissioner). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present evidence that the recipient is and has been receiving treatment of the condition which was the basis for the SSI benefits. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI disability benefits for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to eligible individuals and their spouses. (Sec. 214) Provides for a reduction in cash SSI benefits payable to institutionalized individuals whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. (Sec. 215) Reduces by specified basic needs and earned income disregard allocations the amount of parental income attributed to disabled children. Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to report annually to the President and the Congress regarding the SSI program and to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences, or other independent entity, to study the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for similar reports. (Sec. 233) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the: (1) impact of this title on the SSI program; and (2) extra expenses incurred by families of children receiving SSI benefits that are not covered by other Federal, State, or local programs. Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and report to the President and the Congress: (1) a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities, including the programs under SSA titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI; and (2) recommendations for appropriate action. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 302) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 303) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification of State plan services applicants or recipients about all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 312) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 313) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 314) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 315) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 316) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 317) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased individuals (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 323) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 333) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 342) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 344) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 345) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 352) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 353) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 362) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 364) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 365) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of an absent parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 370) Instructs the Secretary of State to deny a passport to any individual certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be in arrears of more than $5,000 for child support payments. Authorizes revocation, restriction or limitation of a previously issued passport in connection with such individuals. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of the HHS Secretary, to declare any foreign country a reciprocating country if it has established, or undertakes to establish, procedures for the establishment and enforcement of child support obligations whose obligees are U.S. citizens. Provides for revocation of such declaration in certain circumstances. Designates the HHS Secretary as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 372) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each noncustodial parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 373) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 374) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to make nondischargeable in bankruptcy any debts owed to a State or municipality for child support. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 377) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate noncustodial parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this title. Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits - Denies Federal public benefits (except certain emergency disaster relief, public health, housing, and child nutrition benefits) to non-qualified aliens. (Sec. 402) Denies SSI and food stamp eligibility to all but certain qualified aliens, who may receive only limited benefits. (Sec. 403) Makes qualified aliens ineligible (with limited exceptions) for Federal means-tested public benefits for the first five years after U.S. entry. Amends SSA and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide for reporting of certain illegal alien information to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs - Makes an alien who is not a qualified alien, a nonimmigrant, or a parolee for less than one year ineligible for State or local benefits (except certain emergency disaster relief, public health, housing, and child nutrition benefits). (Sec. 412) Authorizes States, with certain exceptions, to determine eligibility for State means-tested public benefits for qualified aliens, nonimmigrants, or certain parolees. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Deems the income and resources of any alien over age 18 (who is not pregnant) applying for Medicaid and SSA title XXI benefits to include: (1) the income and resources of any person who executed an affidavit of support on the alien's behalf; and (2) the income and resources of the person's spouse (if any). (Sec. 422) Authorizes States to make similar attributions with respect to State programs (except certain emergency disaster relief, public health, housing, and child nutrition benefits). Subtitle D: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions and requires appropriate regulations by the Attorney General for State use. Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the Housing Act of 1949. Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions - Outlines the mechanism for various specified Federal executive agency workforce reductions, requiring submission to specified congressional committees of determinations about the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions of their respective departments by the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Education, of Labor, of Housing and Urban Development, and of HHS. Requires the Secretaries to make FTE reductions, including reductions-in-force, over the ensuing 14 months. Requires the Comptroller General to analyze and report to such committees on such determinations, with recommendations for further FTE reductions, if appropriate. (Sec. 502) Requires the HHS Secretary to reduce the Federal workforce within HHS: (1) by 75 percent of the FTE positions relating to any direct or indirect discretionary spending program converted into a block grant program by this Act (including 245 FTE positions related to the program converted into TEA block grants); and (2) by 75 percent of a proportionate number of the total FTE departmental management positions (including 60 FTE managerial positions related to the program converted into TEA block grants). (Sec. 503) Encourages the HHS Secretary to reduce personnel in the Washington, D.C., area office (agency headquarters) before reducing field personnel. Title VI: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit increased housing assistance (except instances of limited-time frame benefits) to a family whose benefits under other public assistance programs have been reduced because of noncompliance. (Sec. 602) States that a person whose benefits under a means-tested welfare or public assistance program have been reduced because of fraud shall not, during such reduction period, receive an income-based increase in any other means-tested assistance program. Title VII: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2002. (Sec. 703) Amends part A (TEA) of title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a general child care assistance entitlement program funded by Federal grants to the States. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes program parameters. (Sec. 708) Repeals the program requirement for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises enforcement guidelines to require a State to reimburse the Secretary for funds improperly expended on prohibited or non-authorized purposes. (Sec. 712) Revises the Secretary's congressional reporting requirements to mandate biannual reports to the House Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. (Sec. 713) Authorizes an Indian tribe or tribal organization to use Federal funds for the construction or renovation of child care facilities. (Sec. 715) Repeals the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985 and the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act. Repeals funding authority for certain programs of national significance, involving: (1) child care for children of at-risk students; (2) alternative programs for bilingual and special education students; and (3) rural child care centers for student parents and their children. Repeals funding authority for Native Hawaiian Family-based Education Centers. Title VIII: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to repeal specified authorities and requirements for the school lunch and related programs, including: (1) State educational authority to use resources from the nutrition and education (NET) program; (2) prohibition of State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (3) certain demonstration grants to private nonprofit organizations or educational institutions for elementary school curriculum food and nutrition projects; (4) aspects of summer food service programs, reducing payment rates and daily meals at camps, reducing the National Youth Sports Program, and revising nutritional standards compliance requirements; (5) certain commodity distribution program requirements, including State Advisory Councils; (6) expansion of the child care food program; (7) adult care food aid to adult day care centers and services for persons over 60; (8) certain pilot projects, including one for paperwork reduction; and (9) an information clearinghouse. (Sec. 807) Prohibits, in general, any waiver that will increase Federal costs. (Sec. 810) Provides for grants for State assistance to family or group day care homes. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to study and report to specified congressional committees on the impact of this title on adult food care program participation and family day care licensing. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise the school breakfast program: (1) eliminating Federal assistance for food preparation training and program expansion and start-up costs; (2) repealing certain authorities and requirements relating to State administrative expenses; (3) repealing the prohibition against State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (4) repealing the program of cash grants for nutrition education. (Sec. 830) Revises the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), among other things repealing specified requirements and changing from mandatory to optional: (1) drug abuse education; and (2) provision of WIC information in languages other than English. (Sec. 832) Makes the Nutrition and Education program discretionary rather than mandatory. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Food Stamp Program and Related Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) increase the standard deduction from income resources for eligibility purposes; (2) treat electronic benefit transfer cards and personal identification (PIN) numbers as coupons; (3) count vendor payments for transitional housing as income; (4) increase penalties for specified program violations; (5) revise disqualification penalties and periods, and their applications to entire households, for persons refusing to comply with work requirements; (6) revise general exemptions from employment and training requirements and funding for related programs; and (7) mandate disqualification of individuals for multiple receipt of food stamp benefits, of fleeing felons, and of individuals delinquent in child support payments. (Sec. 915) Authorizes State food stamp disqualification of a household member also disqualified from another means-tested public assistance program for failure to perform an action required for such program under Federal, State, or local law. (Sec. 918) Makes it an eligibility requirement for custodial parents to cooperate with child support agencies. (Sec. 920) Prescribes additional work requirements for able-bodied food stamp recipients. Requires State agencies to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 924) Provides for: (1) optional combined value allotments for expedited households; and (2) allotments to individuals residing in drug or alcohol abuse treatment centers. (Sec. 925) Authorizes reduction in State food stamp benefits of a household for whom benefits are also reduced in another means-tested public assistance program for a similar failure. (Sec. 927) Authorizes regulations to establish specific authorization periods, and specific periods for prohibiting participation of stores based on lack of business integrity. (Sec. 931) Revises requirements for State agency procedures for food stamp office operation. Augments the kinds of information (including retailer information) that may be exchanged among Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the suspension of stores violating program requirements pending administrative and judicial review. (Sec. 939) Mandates regulations for: (1) food stamp program disqualification of retailers disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and (2) the permanent debarment of retailers who intentionally submit falsified applications. Subjects food stamp benefits to civil and criminal forfeiture for benefit violations. (Sec. 948) Authorizes States to operate simplified food stamp programs according to specified requirements. Repeals the authority to conduct specified pilot projects and the Food Bank Demonstration Project. (Sec. 949) Revises State plan requirements for the emergency food assistance program. Title X: Miscellaneous - Provides, among other things, for: (1) the expenditure of Federal funds received by a State under TEA and certain other Federal programs only in accordance with laws and procedures applicable to expenditure of the State's own revenues; (2) elimination of housing assistance with respect to fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; (3) certain options for State consideration of the resources of an ineligible household member when determining the food stamp eligibility and allotment of such individual's household; and (4) an increase in funding for abstinence education under SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services). (Sec. 1003) Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should adopt enterprise zone legislation in the 104th Congress providing for various specified incentives, regulatory reforms, and pilot projects. (Sec. 1004) Expresses the sense of the Senate that States: (1) should diligently continue their efforts to enforce child support payments by the non-custodial parent; and (2) should pursue pilot programs in which the parents of a non-adult, non-custodial parent who refuses to or is unable to pay child support must pay or contribute to the child support owed by the non-custodial parent or otherwise fulfill all financial obligations and meet all conditions imposed on the non-custodial parent, such as participation in a work program or other related activity. (Sec. 1006) Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) implement a certain strategy for preventing out-of-wedlock teenage pregnancies and assuring that at least 25 percent of U.S. communities have teenage pregnancy prevention programs; and (2) report to the Congress on the State programs so implemented to determine their progress. (Sec. 1007) Expresses the sense of the Senate that States and local jurisdictions should aggressively enforce statutory rape laws. (Sec. 1008) Declares that States shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government from sanctioning welfare recipients who test positive for use of controlled substances. (Sec. 1010) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to generally exempt from the required disclosures, protections, responsibilities, and authorized remedies of such Act, and any implementing regulation prescribed by the Federal Reserve Board, any electronic benefit transfer program established under State or local law or administered by a State or local government that distributes needs-tested benefits. (Sec. 1011) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to reduce the authorization of appropriations for social services block grants. (Sec. 1012) Encourages the HHS Secretary to work in coordination with State agencies to ensure the efficient use of Federal transportation funds by recipients of public assistance under this Act.
Law· HRH.R. 3632 (104th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the requirement for annual resident review for mentally ill and mentally retarded nursing facility residents, and instead require a review in case of a significant change in the physical or mental condition of such a resident, as well as an appropriate, prompt notification to the applicable State authority after such change.
Bill· HRH.R. 3633 (104th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit waiver of the prohibition against offering nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs in certain facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3630 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Women's Preventive Health Care Act of 1996 - Requires every policy or contract for health insurance coverage and every group health plan to include coverage for screening pap smears and low-dose screening mammographies. Regulates cost sharing and frequency of coverage and provides for enforcement. Declares that this Act does not preempt State law to the extent State law provides greater protection to women.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 184 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Declares, with regard to AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse, the sense of the Congress concerning women, youth, families, extended family members, and other nonbiological relatives.
Bill· SS. 1859 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
Medicare Restore Trust Act of 1996 - Creates a point of order in the Senate against legislation that diverts savings achieved through Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse enforcement activities for purposes other than improving the solvency of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust (trust fund) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Allows waiver or suspension of such point of order under certain circumstances. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General, before the end of each fiscal year, to take certain joint actions to ensure the financial integrity of the trust fund against any expenditures from any account established to combat health care waste, fraud, and abuse which do not relate to the administration of the Medicare program.
Bill· SS. 1856 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
Medicare Restoration Act of 1996 - Establishes the National Commission on Medicare Reform to: (1) review relevant analyses of the current, short-term, and long-term financial condition of the Medicare trust funds; (2) identify problems that threaten their solvency; (3) analyze potential solutions to such problems that will both assure Medicare's financial integrity and the provision of appropriate benefits under it; (4) make recommendations to restore the solvency of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and to provide for sustainable growth of the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund; and (5) review and analyze such other matters as the Commission deems appropriate. Requires a report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide funding for the Commission.
Bill· SS. 1858 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Fraud and Abuse Control Program Title II: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Title III: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Civil Monetary Penalties Title V: Amendments to Criminal Law Title VI: State Health Care Fraud Control Units Title VII: Medicare-Medicaid Billing Abuse Prevention Medicare Antifraud Act of 1996 - Title I: Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General to establish: (1) an all-payer fraud and abuse control program that provides, among other things, for the reporting and disclosure of certain final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners pursuant to the data collection system established by this Act; and (2) guidelines, including information guidelines, to carry out such program. (Sec. 101) Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account, which shall consist in part of criminal fines recovered in cases involving a Federal health care offense, in order to fund both the all-payer fraud and abuse control program and the Medicare Benefit Integrity System. Makes appropriations for such Account. (Sec. 102) Establishes under Medicare part C (Miscellaneous Provisions) a new Medicare Benefit Integrity System in order to: (1) improve the effectiveness of Medicare benefit quality assurance activities; and (2) enhance the HHS Secretary's capability to carry out Medicare program safeguard functions and related education activities to avoid the improper expenditure of assets in the Medicare trust funds. (Sec. 103) Applies specified Medicare and State health care anti-fraud and abuse provisions of part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to all Federal health programs. (Sec. 104) Directs the HHS Secretary annually to solicit proposals for modifications to existing safe harbors and for additional safe harbors, according to certain criteria, for payment practices. Permits any person, at any time, to request a notice from the HHS Inspector General (IG) which informs the public of practices which the IG considers to be suspect or of particular concern (special fraud alerts), as well as interpretive rulings with regard to the application of certain anti-fraud and abuse provisions under SSA title XI. (Sec. 105) Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Medicare-Medicaid Beneficiary Protection Program, among other things, for educating Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries regarding Medicare and Medicaid program coverage and how to protect themselves against certain fraudulent and abusive practices with respect to the delivery of health care items and services. (Sec. 106) Sets forth measures for the HHS Secretary and the Attorney General to ensure the integrity of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Title II: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII (Medicare) to provide for: (1) the mandatory exclusion from participation in Medicare and State health care programs of individuals with a health care felony fraud or a controlled substance conviction; (2) a minimum period of permissive exclusion for certain individuals and entities subject to such an exclusion from Medicare and State health care programs; (3) the permissive exclusion of individuals with ownership or control interest in sanctioned entities; (4) a minimum period of exclusion for practitioners and individuals failing to meet certain statutory obligations; and (5) intermediate sanctions for Medicare health maintenance organizations. (Sec. 206) Exempts certain program exclusions from an automatic stay imposed under the Federal bankruptcy code. (Sec. 208) Requires reimbursement of the Secretary by Medicare carriers, fiscal intermediaries, and States for their payment of claims by excluded providers after due notice of their exclusion. Title III: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) provide for the establishment of a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners; and (2) maintain a database of the information collected for it. (Sec. 302) Amends the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 to: (1) grant the HHS and other specified Federal IGs access to the National Practitioner Data Bank; and (2) permit the HHS Secretary to recover the full costs of providing Data Bank information, and to disallow the imposition of any information fees for requests by the HHS IG. (Sec. 303) Requires the HHS Secretary to establish a corporate whistleblower program whereby corporate and other legal entities may voluntarily disclose instances of unlawful conduct and seek to resolve liability for such conduct through means specified by the Secretary. Prohibits individual civil actions against proposed defendants which have made voluntary disclosures to the United States and have been accepted into such program. (Sec. 304) Bases home health billing, payment, and cost limit calculation on the geographical location where the service is furnished. (Sec. 305) Modifies the special payment rules under Medicare for durable medical equipment with regard to adjustment for inherent reasonableness. (Sec. 306) Revises Medicare secondary payor provisions with regard to time and filing limitations for a claim, liability of third party administrators, and payment amounts to Medicare. (Sec. 309) Revises the meaning of carriers with respect to contracts for Medicare claims processing to include agencies and organizations. Title IV: Civil Monetary Penalties - Revises requirements for civil money penalties under part A of SSA title XI, among other things, to provide for: (1) payment into the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account of a portion of civil money penalty amounts recovered; and (2) an increase in the civil monetary penalty. Subjects to such a penalty an excluded individual retaining an ownership or controlling interest in a Medicare or State health care program. Permits the HHS Secretary to impose a penalty on any individual (including any organization, but not a beneficiary) who knowingly receives any kickback or bribe in return for making a referral or purchasing equipment in a Medicare or State health care program. Title V: Amendments to Criminal Law - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to: (1) mail fraud to establish penalties for health care fraud; (2) forfeiture of property in certain Federal health care offenses; (3) injunctive relief to prevent such offenses; (4) penalties for false statements, theft, and embezzlement relating to health care matters; (5) penalties for obstruction of criminal investigations of Federal health care offenses, theft, or embezzlement in connection with health care; and (6) laundering of monetary instruments in connection with a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 509) Specifies authorized investigative demand procedures. Title VI: State Health Care Fraud Control Units - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for extension of concurrent authority to investigate and prosecute: (1) fraud in other Federal programs; and (2) patient abuse in non-Medicaid board and care facilities. Title VII: Medicare-Medicaid Billing Abuse Prevention - Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish certain procedures and a uniform application form for individuals or entities seeking to participate in Medicare or Medicaid; (2) establish standards for claim forms and submission; (3) develop specific standards governing claims submission via electronic media in order to control fraud and abuse; and (4) establish a system for issuance of a unique identifier code for each service provider, including code fees. (Sec. 705) Makes certain Medicare debts nondischargeable under the Federal bankruptcy code.
Law· HRH.R. 3610 (104th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, environmental restoration, defense (including a transfer of funds), overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid programs, former Soviet Union threat reduction, and quality of life enhancements, defense (medical programs and the repair and maintenance of real property)(including a transfer of funds). Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for procurement by the armed forces and reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Business Operations Fund; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (3) payment to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Fund. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8009) Authorizes appropriated procurement funds to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Javelin missiles, the Army Tactical Missile System, and specified machine guns, rifles, and automatic weapons. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1997 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8020) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8033) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8036) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY 1997. (Sec. 8041) Authorizes the payment of voluntary separation incentive payments to military personnel. (Sec. 8051) Prohibits the use of funds for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification. (Sec. 8054) Earmarks appropriated defense procurement funds for for the procurement of computer hardware and ancillary equipment under the High Performance Computing Modernization Program. (Sec. 8057) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) for the design, development, acquisition, or operation of more than 47 Titan IV expendable launch vehicles; (3) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements during FY 1997, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program; (4) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea unless specifically appropriated; and (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996, level. (Sec. 8076) Reduces by $500 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from reduced carryover of activities funded through the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees on all costs incurred by DOD during the preceding quarter in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) resolutions. (Sec. 8079) Prohibits the use of FY 1996 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. Prohibits any contribution to the UN for the cost of a UN peacekeeping activity or for the payment of any U.S. arrearage. (Sec. 8082) Reduces Air Force Operation and Maintenance funds to reflect a reduction in the passthrough to the Air Force business areas of the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 8089) Reduces by $350 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from improved management of spare and repair parts inventories of DOD. (Sec. 8092) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the deep-strike tradeoff study announced by the President to study tradeoffs between bombers, aircraft, and missiles capable of striking targets in an enemy's rear area; and (2) establish an ad hoc review committee to aid in such study. (Sec. 8093) Directs the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to carry out a joint study assessing future tactical aircraft requirements across service jurisdictions.
Bill· HRH.R. 3612 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work-Based Assistance Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance Subtitle B: Make Work Pay Subtitle C: Work First Subtitle D: Pregnancy and Family Stability Title II: Child Support Enforcement Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title III: Food Assistance Subtitle A: Food Stamps Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Title IV: Treatment of Aliens Title V: Supplemental Security Income Reforms Title VI: Social Services Block Grants Work First and Personal Responsibility Act of 1996 - Title I: Work-Based Assistance - Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs under parts A and F, respectively, of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with the newly created Federal Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) and Work First (WF) welfare programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 101) Outlines TEA and WF program components, providing for Federal payments to States with approved TEA and WF plans for establishing flexible statewide work-based assistance programs in the State for the following purposes. Provides under TEA for furnishing certain time-limited, conditional benefits based on work to certain eligible families with needy children (or, at the State's option, any expectant family) entering into a personal responsibility agreement with the State setting forth their particular obligations (such as cooperating with the State in the establishment of the paternity of any child born out-of-wedlock for whom assistance is claimed) in order to receive assistance and services under the TEA plan for caring for their children and securing, preferably, a full-time unsubsidized paid job in the private sector, or public sector or volunteer work if necessary, through the WF program. Grants exemptions from such time-limited benefit provision in certain hardship situations. Provides for certain sanctions for refusing to look for work, accept a bona fide offer of employment, or otherwise comply with the personal responsibility agreement. Provides under WF, among other things, for connecting appropriate TEA recipients with the private sector labor market and providing them with the education, training, and other services necessary for them to obtain private sector employment. Gives States the option of: (1) denying TEA to families having additional children while on TEA; and (2) requiring family members to undergo appropriate substance abuse treatment in order to receive TEA. Denies TEA for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators and for ten years for persons found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain assistance in two or more States. Provides for the exchange of certain TEA program information with law enforcement agencies under specified conditions. Lists certain requirements for State TEA plans concerning other programs, including that the State plan require that the State have in effect: (1) a plan approved under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) together with a child support program in substantial compliance with such plan; as well as (2) plans under SSA title IV parts B (Child-Welfare Services) and E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) operating in substantial compliance with the requirements of such parts. Requires State TEA plans to: (1) describe the State efforts to promote family preservation and stability; and (2) require the State to have in effect a plan under its Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 program. Sets forth rules for the provision of services to Native Americans and refugees. Outlines program audit, quality assurance, data collection, and reporting requirements, as well as certain study requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research on alternative approaches to operating welfare programs and related issues, such as strategies for moving welfare recipients into the workforce quickly, reducing teen pregnancies and out-of-wedlock births, and providing adequate child care. Authorizes the Secretary to implement and evaluate a variety of innovative demonstrations related to child support and other children's issues with respect to TEA clients under State plans. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation as necessary to obtain such information as will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this title and other appropriate low-income families. Provides funding for such study. Makes the HHS Assistant Secretary for Family Support the official responsible for administering these new programs. (Sec. 103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide for the collection of overpayments under the TEA program from Federal tax refunds. (Sec. 104) Amends SSA title XI to revise the limitations on Federal payments under SSA title IV part A and other specified SSA programs to the Virgin Islands and Guam, and provide for their annual adjustment for inflation according to the consumer price index. Subtitle B: Make Work Pay - Amends SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and IV part A (TEA), as well as IRC and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to make various specified changes with regard to certain program aspects, providing, among other changes, for: (1) a permanent extension of authority for transitional Medicaid benefits for former TEA recipients; and (2) notice of availability of the earned income tax credit to applicants and former recipients of TEA and Medicaid. (Sec. 113) Amends IRC to require participating residents to receive advanced earned income payments from a responsible State agency pursuant to a State Advance Payment Program in lieu of receiving earned income advance amounts from an employer. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to designate up to four State Advance Payment Demonstrations. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Work First - Amends SSA title IV to replace the current JOBS program under part F with a new WF program under which each State that operates a TEA program shall establish a WF program for getting TEA recipients off cash assistance through the use of private placement companies, microenterprise initiatives, and other specified means including subsidized jobs. Allows participating States to establish one of two types of WF programs, with one type similar to the GAIN (welfare reform) Program operated by Riverside County, California, and the other type similar to the JOBS Plus (welfare reform) Program operated by the State of Oregon. Adds a new part G (Workfare Program) (WP) under SSA title IV under which States establishing a WF program shall establish either a workfare program (with separate community service and subsidized job components) or a job placement voucher program under SSA title IV new part H (Job Placement Voucher Program) (JPVP) in order for TEA recipients eventually to secure full-time unsubsidized employment in the private sector. Requires States to provide program participants with the necessary case management services to ensure integrated benefits and services provided under such programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) States should target individuals who have not attained 25 years of age for participation in WF programs; and (2) the Congress intends for State activities under the JOBS Plus Program to emphasize the use of the funds that would otherwise be used to provide individuals with TEA to subsidize their wages in temporary jobs. (Sec. 124) Provides for certain increases in WF, WP, and JPVP funding amounts under specified circumstances. Subtitle D: Pregnancy and Family Stability - Amends SSA title IV part A with respect to teenage pregnancy and promoting family stability to require generally certain adult supervised living arrangements for any individual under age 18 who has never married and who has a needy child in his or her care (or is pregnant and is eligible for TEA) in order for such individual to receive such assistance (where possible, from his or her parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative on such individual's behalf). Requires completion of high school or other educational training for certain teenage parents required to participate in WF. Gives States the option to provide additional specified incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 132) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to direct the HHS Secretary to establish a National Clearinghouse on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs for the collection and provision of programmatic information and technical assistance that relates to adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 134) Allows States to use available Federal funds for the establishment, operation, and support of second chance group homes for custodial parents under age 18 (or age 19, at the option of the State) and their children. Requires that the HHS Secretary, after appropriate consultations, submit recommendations to the Congress with regard to which Federal surplus properties may be used for the establishment of such second chance homes. Title II: Child Support Enforcement - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive TEA. (Sec. 202) Revises payment distribution guidelines for families receiving TEA and other assistance through State agencies. (Sec. 203) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 212) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 213) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires established under this title. (Sec. 214) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 215) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 216) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 217) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 223) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 233) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 242) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 244) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 245) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 252) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 253) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 262) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 264) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 265) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non-custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 270) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 271) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 272) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each absent parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 273) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 274) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 277) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Title III: Food Assistance - Subtitle A: Food Stamps - Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to repeal the current exclusion and include in an eligible household children under age 22 who are themselves parents living with their children or married and living with their spouses. (Sec. 312) Revises the formula for annual adjustment of the cost of the diet in the thrifty food plan. (Sec. 313) Lowers from 21 to 18 the age of a child whose income is excluded from calculation of household income. (Sec. 314) Replaces the current exclusion from household income of governmental energy assistance payments (thus including them in such income) with exclusion of a one-time payment or allowance for weatherization or emergency repair or replacement of an unsafe or inoperative furnace or other heating or cooling device. (Sec. 315) Revises the standard deduction from household income, applying it to all households, but in different specified amounts for the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Sec. 316) Allows a State agency to make a standard utility allowance mandatory for all households with qualifying utility costs if it develops certain cost standards which will not result in increased program costs. (Sec. 317) Revises the indexation of the vehicle asset limitation. (Sec. 318) Terminates the exclusion from household income (thus including) third-party vendor payments for transitional housing. (Sec. 319) Revises eligibility disqualification penalties for noncompliance with work requirements. (Sec. 320) Authorizes States to require cooperation with child support enforcement agencies as a criterion for food stamp eligibility. (Sec. 321) Mandates a ten-year ineligibility for any individual found to have made a fraudulent statement or representation as to identity or place of residence in order to receive multiple food stamp benefits simultaneously. (Sec. 322) Specifies additional work requirements for able-bodied food stamp recipients. (Sec. 323) Authorizes State food stamp disqualification of a household member also disqualified from another means-tested public assistance program for failure to perform an action required for such program under Federal, State, or local law. (Sec. 324) Repeals annual minimum benefit adjustments and, with respect to the prorating of benefits for the first month after a period of nonparticipation following the end of a previous certification, the limitation to such periods of more than one month. (Sec. 326) Prohibits an increased food stamp allotment for any period for which a household's benefits are reduced under a Federal, State, or local law relating to a welfare or public assistance program because of a penalty or for failure to perform an action required under the law or program. (Sec. 327) Declares that State agencies, in determining household eligibility, shall not be required to use certain income and eligibility or immigration status verification systems established under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 328) Revises requirements for the collection of overissuances of food stamp coupons. (Sec. 329) Authorizes a State to elect to carry out (statewide or in a political subdivision) a Simplified Food Stamp Program, meeting specified requirements, for families receiving assistance under a State TEA program. (Sec. 330) Reauthorizes appropriations for the food stamp program through FY 2002. (Sec. 341) Treats electronic benefit transfer cards and personal identification (PIN) numbers as coupons. (Sec. 344) Increases penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 345) Allows State agencies the option, with respect to the caretaker exemption from work requirements, to lower the age of the dependent involved from six years to one year if adequate child care is not available. (Sec. 346) Revises requirements for employment and training programs. (Sec. 347) Disqualifies fleeing felons and probation or parole violators from food stamp program participation. (Sec. 348) Requires State agencies to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 349) Requires State agencies to make certain information available, upon request, to Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers with respect to fleeing felons or probation or parole violators. (Sec. 350) Increases from five days to seven the deadline for delivery of coupons after the date of household application. Repeals five-day delivery mandates with respect to homeless households and specified others. (Sec. 361) Sets a 12-month maximum certification period, unless all adult household members are elderly or disabled, in which case it shall be 24 months. Requires State agency contact with each certified household at least once every 12 months. (Sec. 362) Allows a State agency to combine allotments for expedited service households. (Sec. 363) Revises: (1) the provision of allotments for households residing in drug or alcoholic treatment centers; and (2) requirements for the operation of food stamp offices. (Sec. 365) Repeals the requirement for State employee training. (Sec. 366) Permits household oral withdrawals of fair hearing requests. (Sec. 371) Revises requirements for approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to: (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish specific authorization periods for coupon or electronic benefit redemption; and (2) permit regulations to require such stores and concerns to authorize the Secretary to verify all relevant tax filings and obtain corroborating documentation from other sources. (Sec. 373) Establishes a minimum six-month waiting period before disqualified stores and food concerns may reapply for program participation. (Sec. 374) Requires HHS regulations providing for disqualification of retailers who: (1) intentionally submit falsified applications; or (2) are disqualified under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). (Sec. 376) Makes the permanent disqualification of a store or concern effective as of receipt of the notice of disqualification. Shields the Secretary from liability for the value of any sales lost during the disqualification period should the disqualification be reversed through administrative or judicial review. (Sec. 377) Provides for civil and criminal forfeitures for violations of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. (Sec. 378) Amends the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the sharing of information provided by stores and concerns with State law enforcement and investigative officers and employees as well as with State WIC agencies. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition - Amends the National School Lunch Act to set forth separate formulae for the reimbursement rates for two specified tiers of family or group day care homes. Provides for grants to States for such homes and State and Federal data sharing with their sponsoring organizations. (Sec. 392) Revises requirements for annual adjustment of reimbursement rates. (Sec. 393) Repeals the mandate and authority for grants for start-up and expansions costs. (Sec. 394) Authorizes appropriations under the National School Lunch Act for FY 1997 through 2002. (Sec. 395) Reduces from 12 percent to eight percent the minimum amount of food assistance that shall be in the form of commodity assistance, including cash in lieu of commodities and procurement administrative costs. Title IV: Treatment of Aliens - Amends the Social Security Act, as amended by this Act, to restrict TEA, supplemental security income (SSI), and Medicaid eligibility to U.S. citizens or nationals and legal immigrants (qualified aliens). (Sec. 402) Deems the income of a sponsor to be available to a qualified alien, with specified exceptions, until naturalization. (Sec. 403) Continues the liability of a qualified alien and sponsor for overissuances of TEA, SSI, and food stamp assistance beyond naturalization. (Sec. 404) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant the Attorney General discretionary authority to admit an excludable alien who has received a guarantee of financial responsibility (affidavit of support) from a sponsor according to specified requirements. Title V: Supplemental Security Income Reforms - Revises the disabled child eligibility rules under the SSA title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to require marked and severe functional limitations in an eligible individual. (Sec. 501) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to discontinue the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is eligible for SSI benefits based on a disability as of the date of the enactment of this Act, and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of this title. (Sec. 502) Requires the Commissioner to review, at least once every three years, the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained 18 years of age and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, which is unlikely to improve, at the Commissioner's option). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present evidence demonstrating that the recipient has been receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, of the condition which was the basis for providing SSI benefits. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to dedicated savings accounts for specified purposes with respect to a child or an individual for whom such an account was established prior to his or her attainment of age 18. (Sec. 504) Amends the SSI program to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) deny SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; (3) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; (6) provide for exchange of certain SSI information with law enforcement agencies under specified conditions; (7) set forth rules governing the installment payment of large past-due SSI benefits; and (8) provide for a reduction in cash SSI benefits payable to institutionalized individuals whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. Provides certain supplemental funding to specified State and Tribal programs funded under the Public Health Service Act for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. (Sec. 507) Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for an allowance under the discretionary spending limits for increased expenditures for continuing disability reviews and disability eligibility redeterminations, and for administrative expenses to implement the changes to the SSI program by this Act. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for similar adjustments with respect to such reviews and eligibility redeterminations. (Sec. 508) Provides for installment payment of large past-due SSI benefits. (Sec. 509) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Title VI: Social Services Block Grants - Amends SSA title XX to provide for a reduction in funding under such title for block grants to States for social services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3604 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Water Systems Subtitle A: Promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Subtitle B: State Primary Enforcement Responsibility for Public Water Systems Subtitle C: Notification and Enforcement Subtitle D: Exemptions and Variances Subtitle E: Lead Plumbing and Pipes Subtitle F: Capacity Development Title II: Amendments to Part C Title III: General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water Act Title IV: Miscellaneous Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Subtitle A: Promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) to: (1) repeal a provision requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to set new standards for 25 additional contaminants every three years; (2) require the Administrator to publish a list of contaminants that are not subject to proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulations, that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems (systems), and that may require regulation; and (3) direct the Administrator, every five years, to determine whether to regulate not fewer than five contaminants on the list based on findings that such contaminants are known or are likely to occur in systems with a frequency and at a level of public health concern and that their regulation presents a meaningful opportunity for public health risk reduction. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) contaminant selection priorities; (3) promulgation of maximum contaminant level (MCL) goals and NPDW regulations; and (3) publication of health advisories. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to promulgate an information collection rule to obtain information that will facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, including microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 103) Authorizes a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to establish alternatives to filtration requirements in effect for systems having uninhabited, undeveloped watersheds in consolidated ownership, and having control over access to, and activities in, those watersheds under specified circumstances. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator, at the time an NPDW regulation is proposed, to publish a determination of whether the MCL benefits justify the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water, or by interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes used to comply with other NPDW regulations. (Sec. 105) Modifies the Act to require the Administrator to promulgate NPDW regulations requiring disinfection as a treatment technique for all systems at any time in the period beginning three years after enactment of this Act until the date on which the Administrator promulgates a Stage II rulemaking for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts. (Sec. 106) Makes NPDW regulations effective three years after promulgation, with exceptions. (Sec. 107) Directs the Administrator to: (1) use the best available science in regulatory decisionmaking; (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable; and (3) prepare a health risk reduction and cost analysis for new regulations. (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator to: (1) withdraw any existing proposed radon regulation and, within three years, propose and promulgate an NPDW regulation for radon under this Act's standard- setting procedures, taking into account the costs and benefits of control programs for radon from other sources; (2) promulgate an NPDW regulation for arsenic by January 1, 2000; (3) jointly conduct a study with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP Director) to establish a reliable dose-response relationship for potential adverse human health effects from sulfate exposure in drinking water. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant without making a determination as to whether the benefits justify the costs and without performing a health risk reduction and cost analysis to address an urgent public health threat. (Sec. 110) Directs the Administrator: (1) to promulgate a regulation to govern the recycling of filter backwash water within the treatment process of a system; and (2) when issuing new regulations, to identify affordable treatment technologies for small public water systems serving populations of 3,300 to 10,000, populations of 500 to 3,300, and populations of 25 to 500. Subtitle B: State Primary Enforcement Responsibility for Public Water Systems - Modifies the Act to grant a State primary enforcement responsibility for systems during any period for which the Administrator determines that such State, not later than two years after NPDW regulations are promulgated, has adopted drinking water regulations which are no less stringent than the NPDW regulations, with two-year extensions permitted under specified circumstances. Specifies that a State with primary enforcement authority with respect to each existing NPDW regulation shall be considered to have primary enforcement authority over each new or revised NPDW regulation during a specified period. Subtitle C: Notification and Enforcement - Modifies the Act to require each system owner or operator to give notice to its customers of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Authorizes States to establish alternative notification requirements. Requires each community water system to issue an annual "consumer confidence report" to its customers. (Sec. 132) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to require the Administrator to notify an appropriate local elected official prior to taking action to force a system to comply with Act requirements or commencing a civil suit. Requires notice and opportunity for a public hearing in cases where civil penalties are sought. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) system owner or operator submission of a plan for consolidation, or transfer of ownership, of the system (which, if approved, limits enforcement actions); (2) State authority for administrative penalties; and (3) judicial review. Subtitle D: Exemptions and Variances - Specifies that for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, the maximum exemption period from any requirement regarding an MCL, any treatment technique requirement, or both, shall be four years if the State is exercising primary enforcement responsibility and determines that: (1) the system cannot meet the MCL or install Best Available Affordable Technology (BAAT) due to compelling economic circumstances and could not comply with the MCL through the use of alternate water supplies; (2) granting the exemption will provide a drinking water supply that protects public health given the duration of the exemption; and (3) the State has examined the system's technical, financial, and managerial capabilities to operate in, and maintain, compliance with the Act, has determined if management or restructuring changes that will result in compliance or improve the quality of the drinking water can reasonably be made, and, if so, requires such changes and a schedule therefor as a condition of the exemption. Sets forth similar conditions under which a State having primary enforcement responsibility shall grant a system serving 3,300 persons or fewer a variance allowing the use of BAAT where: (1) no best technology or other means is listed under the Act for the applicable category of systems; and (2) the Administrator has identified BAAT for that contaminant pursuant to certain procedures. Subtitle E: Lead Plumbing and Pipes - Modifies the Act to expand lead ban provisions to prohibit: (1) the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux, in the installation or repair of any system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption that is not lead free; (2) the sale (or other introduction into commerce), two years after enactment, of pipes and pipe or plumbing fittings or fixtures that are not lead free, except for pipes that are used in manufacturing or industrial processing; and (3) persons in the business of selling plumbing supplies, except manufacturers, from selling solder or flux that is not lead free (and requires any person selling solder or flux to label the product to indicate that it is illegal to use such solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption). Provides that if voluntary standards for lead leaching from new plumbing fittings and fixtures are not established within one year, the Administrator, within two years, must issue regulations setting a performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels for fixtures intended to dispense water for human consumption (and, alternatively, if regulations are required but not issued within five years, bans the use of such plumbing or fixtures that contain more than four percent lead). Subtitle F: Capacity Development - Requires each State to obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1999, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations. Requires each State to: (1) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of such systems that have a history of significant noncompliance and the reasons for noncompliance; and (2) develop and implement a strategy to assist systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Establishes reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to support the States in developing capacity development strategies. Title II: Amendments to Part C - Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish guidance for States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to carry out a source water assessment program within the State's boundaries; and (2) conduct a project to demonstrate the most effective and protective means of assessing and protecting source waters serving large metropolitan areas and located on Federal lands. Requires the State to make the results available to the public. Sets guidelines for approval and disapproval of State programs. (Sec. 202) Requires each Federal department or agency that owns or operates any facility in a wellhead protection area, that is engaged in any activity at such facility resulting in the contamination of water supplies, or that owns or operates any system to comply with all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements respecting the protection of such areas and systems. Waives U.S. immunity regarding any such requirement. Authorizes: (1) the Administrator to issue an order assessing a penalty against a Federal agency found to have violated such a requirement; and (2) any interested person to obtain review of a penalty order so issued. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on State use of funds collected from the Federal Government; and (2) citizen enforcement. Title III: General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water Act - Directs: (1) the Administrator to promulgate regulations specifying minimum standards for certification (and recertification) of the operators of community and nontransient noncommunity systems; and (2) any State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to adopt and implement such requirements within two years, with an exception where the State has an operator certification program in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable NPDW regulations, which may include preliminary engineering evaluations. Authorizes appropriations. Bars the use of any portion of a State revolving fund (SRF) for lobbying expenses. Directs that three percent of the total amount appropriated be used for technical assistance to systems owned or operated by Indian tribes. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for the public water system supervision (PWSS) program. Permits the Administrator to: (1) use a State's PWSS funds if the Administrator assumes primary enforcement responsibility for a State program; and (2) reserve a portion of SRFs from such a State if the PWSS grant appropriation is insufficient to fully administer a program in such State. (Sec. 304) Revises monitoring and information gathering requirements of the Act, including: (1) granting the Administrator authority to obtain information on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a person subject to an NPDW regulation has acted or is acting in compliance with such requirements; and (2) requiring every person subject to an NPDW regulation to provide such information as the Administrator may reasonably require to assist in establishing regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review the monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants identified by the Administrator and promulgate any necessary modifications; and (2) promulgate regulations establishing criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants. Grants States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems specified interim and permanent monitoring relief authority. Requires the Administrator to review new analytical methods to screen for regulated contaminants. Authorizes the Administrator to approve such methods as are more accurate or cost-effective than established methods for use in compliance monitoring. (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator to assemble and maintain a national drinking water occurrence data base, using information on the occurrence of both regulated and unregulated contaminants in systems and reliable information from public and private sources. (Sec. 306) Specifies that pending State, as well as Federal, court actions to require compliance with the Act may serve as a bar to civil law suits. (Sec. 307) Modifies the Act regarding whistle blower protection, including: (1) extending the time frame for an employee to file a discrimination complaint; (2) permitting the Secretary to determine that a violation has occurred only if the complainant has demonstrated that the involvement in an enforcement action was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action; and (3) prohibiting relief from being ordered if the employer demonstrates that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such behavior. (Sec. 308) Creates a State Revolving Fund program to provide financial assistance to facilitate compliance with NPDW standards and for projects to further the health protection objectives of the Act. Directs the Administrator to enter into agreements to make capitalization grants to eligible States, contingent upon their establishment of a drinking water treatment revolving loan fund. Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation of funds to States, permissible uses of funds, intended use plans, fund management, assistance for disadvantaged communities, State contributions, administration, a needs survey, allocations for Indian tribes and other areas, and set-asides. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to reserve $10 million for health effects studies on drinking water contaminants, giving priority to studies of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, arsenic, and of subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects. (Sec. 309) Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for water conservation plans for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, serving between 3,300 and 10,000 persons, and serving more than 10,000 persons. Authorizes a State to require a system seeking a loan or grant from an SRF to submit a water conservation plan consistent with such guidelines. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Modifies the definition of: (1) "primary drinking water regulation" to authorize the Administrator, at any time after promulgating a regulation, to issue guidance allowing the use of other equally effective methods to comply with the monitoring requirements of the regulation; and (2) "public water system" to mean a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to New York State for demonstration projects implemented as part of the New York City watershed protection program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a program to identify and regulate substances that may have effects on humans similar to those produced by naturally occurring estrogen or other endocrine effects. Provides authority for the testing of other substances which may be found in sources of drinking water, including where the Administrator determines that a substantial population may be exposed to the substance. Directs the Administrator to order registrants, manufacturers, or importers to conduct tests under the program and submit their results. Provides for suspension of the sale or distribution of a substance by a registrant who fails to comply with a test order concerning that substance. Makes any other person subject to a test order who fails to comply liable for penalties and sanctions as provided in the Toxic Substances Control Act. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 405) Requires the Administrator to report every two years to the Congress on the implementation of this Act for States and Indian tribes where the Administrator has revoked primary enforcement responsibility. (Sec. 406) Specifies that water supplies from a system regulated under this Act shall not be used in connection with operation of geothermal heat pumps. (Sec. 407) Increases the penalty for violating an emergency order issued under Act provisions involving imminent and substantial endangerment to health. (Sec. 408) Requires the CDCP Director and the Administrator to jointly establish: (1) pilot waterborne disease occurrence studies for at least five major U.S. communities or systems, including a report on the findings and a national estimate of such occurrence; and (2) a national health care provider training and public education campaign. (Sec. 409) Directs the Administrator to conduct a continuing program of studies to identify groups within the general population that are at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects from exposure to contaminants in drinking water. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 410) Modifies the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish standard of quality regulations for bottled water for each contaminant for which an NPDW regulation is issued by the Administrator, unless the Secretary determines that such regulation is not necessary because the contaminant is contained in water in systems but not in water used for bottled drinking water; (2) either promulgate a standard of quality regulation for such contaminants or make a determination that such regulation is unnecessary; and (3) establish a level for the contaminant in bottled water which is no less stringent than the MCL provided in the NPDW regulations for the same contaminant or requirements which are no less protective of public health than those applicable to water provided by systems using the treatment technique required by the NPDW regulation. Specifies that if the Secretary does not promulgate standard of quality regulations within specified time frames, the NPDW regulation for such contaminant shall be considered as the regulation applicable to bottled water.
Bill· HRH.R. 3600 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996
Harold Hughes Commission on Alcoholism Act - Establishes the Harold Hughes Commission on Alcoholism to study: (1) existing Federal agencies and programs related to alcoholism; (2) public education, both directly by governmental agencies and by governmental agencies working with private sector groups; (3) physician instruction; (4) unmet research needs; and (5) treatment effectiveness and cost- effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 449 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Food and Drug Administration should issue a definitive statement on the relationship (or lack thereof) between silicone gel breast implants and connective tissue disease, classic auto-immune symptoms, and other serious diseases; and (2) the Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute should develop recommendations for breast care for women with breast implants.
Bill· SS. 1841 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work-Based Assistance Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance Subtitle B: Make Work Pay Subtitle C: Work First Subtitle D: Pregnancy and Family Stability Title II: Child Support Enforcement Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title III: Food Assistance Subtitle A: Food Stamps Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Title IV: Treatment of Aliens Title V: Supplemental Security Income Reforms Title VI: Social Services Block Grants Work First and Personal Responsibility Act of 1996 - Title I: Work-Based Assistance - Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs under parts A and F, respectively, of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with the newly created Federal Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) and Work First (WF) welfare programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 101) Outlines TEA and WF program components, providing for Federal payments to States with approved TEA and WF plans for establishing flexible statewide work-based assistance programs in the State for the following purposes. Provides under TEA for furnishing certain time-limited, conditional benefits based on work to certain eligible families with needy children (or, at the State's option, any expectant family) entering into a personal responsibility agreement with the State setting forth their particular obligations (such as cooperating with the State in the establishment of the paternity of any child born out-of-wedlock for whom assistance is claimed) in order to receive assistance and services under the TEA plan for caring for their children and securing, preferably, a full-time unsubsidized paid job in the private sector, or public sector or volunteer work if necessary, through the WF program. Grants exemptions from such time-limited benefit provision in certain hardship situations. Provides for certain sanctions for refusing to look for work, accept a bona fide offer of employment, or otherwise comply with the personal responsibility agreement. Provides under WF, among other things, for connecting appropriate TEA recipients with the private sector labor market and providing them with the education, training, and other services necessary for them to obtain private sector employment. Gives States the option of: (1) denying TEA to families having additional children while on TEA; and (2) requiring family members to undergo appropriate substance abuse treatment in order to receive TEA. Denies TEA for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators and for ten years for persons found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain assistance in two or more States. Provides for the exchange of certain TEA program information with law enforcement agencies under specified conditions. Lists certain requirements for State TEA plans concerning other programs, including that the State plan require that the State have in effect: (1) a plan approved under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) together with a child support program in substantial compliance with such plan; as well as (2) plans under SSA title IV parts B (Child-Welfare Services) and E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) operating in substantial compliance with the requirements of such parts. Requires State TEA plans to: (1) describe the State efforts to promote family preservation and stability; and (2) require the State to have in effect a plan under its Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 program. Sets forth rules for the provision of services to Native Americans and refugees. Outlines program audit, quality assurance, data collection, and reporting requirements, as well as certain study requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research on alternative approaches to operating welfare programs and related issues, such as strategies for moving welfare recipients into the workforce quickly, reducing teen pregnancies and out-of-wedlock births, and providing adequate child care. Authorizes the Secretary to implement and evaluate a variety of innovative demonstrations related to child support and other children's issues with respect to TEA clients under State plans. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation as necessary to obtain such information as will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under this title and other appropriate low-income families. Provides funding for such study. Makes the HHS Assistant Secretary for Family Support the official responsible for administering these new programs (Sec. 103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide for the collection of overpayments under the TEA program from Federal tax refunds. (Sec. 104) Amends SSA title XI to revise the limitations on Federal payments under SSA title IV part A and other specified SSA programs to the Virgin Islands and Guam, and provide for their annual adjustment for inflation according to the consumer price index. Subtitle B: Make Work Pay - Amends SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and IV part A (TEA), as well as IRC and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to make various specified changes with regard to certain program aspects, providing, among other changes, for: (1) a permanent extension of authority for transitional Medicaid benefits for former TEA recipients; and (2) notice of availability of the earned income tax credit to applicants and former recipients of TEA and Medicaid. (Sec. 113) Amends IRC to require participating residents to receive advanced earned income payments from a responsible State agency pursuant to a State Advance Payment Program in lieu of receiving earned income advance amounts from an employer. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to designate up to four State Advance Payment Demonstrations. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Work First - Amends SSA title IV to replace the current JOBS program under part F with a new WF program under which each State that operates a TEA program shall establish a WF program for getting TEA recipients off cash assistance through the use of private placement companies, microenterprise initiatives, and other specified means including subsidized jobs. Allows participating States to establish one of two types of WF programs, with one type similar to the GAIN (welfare reform) Program operated by Riverside County, California, and the other type similar to the JOBS Plus (welfare reform) Program operated by the State of Oregon. Adds a new part G (Workfare Program) (WP) under SSA title IV under which States establishing a WF program shall establish either a workfare program (with separate community service and subsidized job components) or a job placement voucher program under SSA title IV new part H (Job Placement Voucher Program) (JPVP) in order for TEA recipients eventually to secure full-time unsubsidized employment in the private sector. Requires States to provide program participants with the necessary case management services to ensure integrated benefits and services provided under such programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) States should target individuals who have not attained 25 years of age for participation in WF programs; and (2) the Congress intends for State activities under the JOBS Plus Program to emphasize the use of the funds that would otherwise be used to provide individuals with TEA to subsidize their wages in temporary jobs. (Sec. 124) Provides for certain increases in WF, WP, and JPVP funding amounts under specified circumstances. Subtitle D: Pregnancy and Family Stability - Amends SSA title IV part A with respect to teenage pregnancy and promoting family stability to require generally certain adult supervised living arrangements for any individual under age 18 who has never married and who has a needy child in his or her care (or is pregnant and is eligible for TEA) in order for such individual to receive such assistance (where possible, from his or her parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative on such individual's behalf). Requires completion of high school or other educational training for certain teenage parents required to participate in WF. Gives States the option to provide additional specified incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 132) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to direct the HHS Secretary to establish a National Clearinghouse on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs for the collection and provision of programmatic information and technical assistance that relates to adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 134) Allows States to use available Federal funds for the establishment, operation, and support of second chance group homes for custodial parents under age 18 (or age 19, at the option of the State) and their children. Requires that the HHS Secretary, after appropriate consultations, submit recommendations to the Congress with regard to which Federal surplus properties may be used for the establishment of such second chance homes. Title II: Child Support Enforcement - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive TEA. (Sec. 202) Revises payment distribution guidelines for families receiving TEA and other assistance through State agencies. (Sec. 203) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 212) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 213) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires established under this title. (Sec. 214) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 215) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 216) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 217) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 223) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 233) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 242) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 244) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 245) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 252) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 253) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 262) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 264) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 265) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non-custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 270) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 271) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 272) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each absent parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 273) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 274) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 277) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Title III: Food Assistance - Subtitle A: Food Stamps - Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to repeal the current exclusion and include in an eligible household children under age 22 who are themselves parents living with their children or married and living with their spouses. (Sec. 312) Revises the formula for annual adjustment of the cost of the diet in the thrifty food plan. (Sec. 313) Lowers from 21 to 18 the age of a child whose income is excluded from calculation of household income. (Sec. 314) Replaces the current exclusion from household income of governmental energy assistance payments (thus including them in such income) with exclusion of a one-time payment or allowance for weatherization or emergency repair or replacement of an unsafe or inoperative furnace or other heating or cooling device. (Sec. 315) Revises the standard deduction from household income, applying it to all households, but in different specified amounts for the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Sec. 316) Allows a State agency to make a standard utility allowance mandatory for all households with qualifying utility costs if it develops certain cost standards which will not result in increased program costs. (Sec. 317) Revises the indexation of the vehicle asset limitation. (Sec. 318) Terminates the exclusion from household income (thus including) third-party vendor payments for transitional housing. (Sec. 319) Revises eligibility disqualification penalties for noncompliance with work requirements. (Sec. 320) Authorizes States to require cooperation with child support enforcement agencies as a criterion for food stamp eligibility. (Sec. 321) Mandates a ten-year ineligibility for any individual found to have made a fraudulent statement or representation as to identity or place of residence in order to receive multiple food stamp benefits simultaneously. (Sec. 322) Specifies additional work requirements for able-bodied food stamp recipients. (Sec. 323) Authorizes State food stamp disqualification of a household member also disqualified from another means-tested public assistance program for failure to perform an action required for such program under Federal, State, or local law. (Sec. 324) Repeals annual minimum benefit adjustments and, with respect to the prorating of benefits for the first month after a period of nonparticipation following the end of a previous certification, the limitation to such periods of more than one month. (Sec. 326) Prohibits an increased food stamp allotment for any period for which a household's benefits are reduced under a Federal, State, or local law relating to a welfare or public assistance program because of a penalty or for failure to perform an action required under the law or program. (Sec. 327) Declares that State agencies, in determining household eligibility, shall not be required to use certain income and eligibility or immigration status verification systems established under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 328) Revises requirements for the collection of overissuances of food stamp coupons. (Sec. 329) Authorizes a State to elect to carry out (statewide or in a political subdivision) a Simplified Food Stamp Program, meeting specified requirements, for families receiving assistance under a State TEA program. (Sec. 330) Reauthorizes appropriations for the food stamp program through FY 2002. (Sec. 341) Treats electronic benefit transfer cards and personal identification (PIN) numbers as coupons. (Sec. 344) Increases penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 345) Allows State agencies the option, with respect to the caretaker exemption from work requirements, to lower the age of the dependent involved from six years to one year if adequate child care is not available. (Sec. 346) Revises requirements for employment and training programs. (Sec. 347) Disqualifies fleeing felons and probation or parole violators from food stamp program participation. (Sec. 348) Requires State agencies to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 349) Requires State agencies to make certain information available, upon request, to Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers with respect to fleeing felons or probation or parole violators. (Sec. 350) Increases from five days to seven the deadline for delivery of coupons after the date of household application. Repeals five-day delivery mandates with respect to homeless households and specified others. (Sec. 361) Sets a 12-month maximum certification period, unless all adult household members are elderly or disabled, in which case it shall be 24 months. Requires State agency contact with each certified household at least once every 12 months. (Sec. 362) Allows a State agency to combine allotments for expedited service households. (Sec. 363) Revises: (1) the provision of allotments for households residing in drug or alcoholic treatment centers; and (2) requirements for the operation of food stamp offices. (Sec. 365) Repeals the requirement for State employee training. (Sec. 366) Permits household oral withdrawals of fair hearing requests. (Sec. 371) Revises requirements for approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to: (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish specific authorization periods for coupon or electronic benefit redemption; and (2) permit regulations to require such stores and concerns to authorize the Secretary to verify all relevant tax filings and obtain corroborating documentation from other sources. (Sec. 373) Establishes a minimum six-month waiting period before disqualified stores and food concerns may reapply for program participation. (Sec. 374) Requires HHS regulations providing for disqualification of retailers who: (1) intentionally submit falsified applications; or (2) are disqualified under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). (Sec. 376) Makes the permanent disqualification of a store or concern effective as of receipt of the notice of disqualification. Shields the Secretary from liability for the value of any sales lost during the disqualification period should the disqualification be reversed through administrative or judicial review. (Sec. 377) Provides for civil and criminal forfeitures for violations of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. (Sec. 378) Amends the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the sharing of information provided by stores and concerns with State law enforcement and investigative officers and employees as well as with State WIC agencies. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition - Amends the National School Lunch Act to set forth separate formulae for the reimbursement rates for two specified tiers of family or group day care homes. Provides for grants to States for such homes and State and Federal data sharing with their sponsoring organizations. (Sec. 392) Revises requirements for annual adjustment of reimbursement rates. (Sec. 393) Repeals the mandate and authority for grants for start-up and expansions costs. (Sec. 394) Authorizes appropriations under the National School Lunch Act for FY 1997 through 2002. (Sec. 395) Reduces from 12 percent to eight percent the minimum amount of food assistance that shall be in the form of commodity assistance, including cash in lieu of commodities and procurement administrative costs. Title IV: Treatment of Aliens - Amends the Social Security Act, as amended by this Act, to restrict TEA, supplemental security income (SSI), and Medicaid eligibility to U.S. citizens or nationals and legal immigrants (qualified aliens). (Sec. 402) Deems the income of a sponsor to be available to a qualified alien, with specified exceptions, until naturalization. (Sec. 403) Continues the liability of a qualified alien and sponsor for overissuances of TEA, SSI, and food stamp assistance beyond naturalization. (Sec. 404) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant the Attorney General discretionary authority to admit an excludable alien who has received a guarantee of financial responsibility (affidavit of support) from a sponsor according to specified requirements. Title V: Supplemental Security Income Reforms - Revises the disabled child eligibility rules under the SSA title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to require marked and severe functional limitations in an eligible individual. (Sec. 501) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to discontinue the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is eligible for SSI benefits based on a disability as of the date of the enactment of this Act, and whose eligibility for such benefits may terminate by reason of this title. (Sec. 502) Requires the Commissioner to review, at least once every three years, the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained 18 years of age and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which may improve (or, which is unlikely to improve, at the Commissioner's option). Requires a parent or guardian of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present evidence demonstrating that the recipient has been receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, of the condition which was the basis for providing SSI benefits. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Outlines specific requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to dedicated savings accounts for specified purposes with respect to a child or an individual for whom such an account was established prior to his or her attainment of age 18. (Sec. 504) Amends the SSI program to: (1) deny SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics; (2) deny SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States; (3) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; (6) provide for exchange of certain SSI information with law enforcement agencies under specified conditions; (7) set forth rules governing the installment payment of large past-due SSI benefits; and (8) provide for a reduction in cash SSI benefits payable to institutionalized individuals whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. Provides certain supplemental funding to specified State and Tribal programs funded under the Public Health Service Act for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. (Sec. 507) Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for an allowance under the discretionary spending limits for increased expenditures for continuing disability reviews and disability eligibility redeterminations, and for administrative expenses to implement the changes to the SSI program by this Act. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for similar adjustments with respect to such reviews and eligibility redeterminations. (Sec. 508) Provides for installment payment of large past-due SSI benefits. (Sec. 509) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Title VI: Social Services Block Grants - Amends SSA title XX to provide for a reduction in funding under such title for block grants to States for social services.
Bill· HRH.R. 3587 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the President to establish the President's Clinical Research Panel, as part of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to evaluate the status of the U.S. clinical research environment. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Advisory Committee to the Director (of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)) on Clinical Research to report to the Director and to the Panel and to implement recommendations as the Committee determines necessary to remedy NIH clinical research deficiencies. Terminates the Committee five years after enactment of this Act. Requires the OSTP to review the compositions, functions, and outcomes of study section activities at all Federal agencies as such activities relate to clinical research proposals for investigator-initiated support. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to undertake activities to: (1) support and expand NIH's clinical research involvement; (2) support and expand available resources; and (3) establish certain peer review mechanisms. Mandates grants for: (1) the establishment of general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) clinical research career enhancement awards; and (3) innovative medical science awards to support individual clinical research projects. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the maximum aggregate number of contracts that may be made under existing provisions relating to: (1) undergraduate scholarships regarding professions needed by NIH; and (2) loan repayments regarding clinical researchers (currently, clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds). Authorizes appropriations for the loan repayment program. Requires a health plan to cover the participation of individuals in investigational therapy in specified circumstances.
Bill· HRH.R. 3583 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Cancer Institute, to the extent practicable, to increase the involvement of people who are accountable to, represent, and report back to organizations that represent those affected by breast cancer in decision making at the Institute regarding breast cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 3590 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Victims of Domestic Abuse Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits insurers and group health plans from engaging, directly or indirectly, in specified discriminatory acts or practices on the basis that the applicant or insured, or any person employed by the applicant or insured or with whom the applicant or insured has a relationship or association, or a beneficiary or plan participant, is, has been, or may be the subject of domestic abuse. Sets forth limitations upon the use or transfer of information among insurers or group health plans with respect to such subjects. Requires the insurer or group health plan to furnish a written explanation of any adverse action taken on a claim or medical condition that the insurer has reason to know is abuse-related. Prescribes parameters within which a life insurer may decline to issue a life insurance policy on the life of an individual if the applicant or prospective policy owner is or would be the designated beneficiary, and if such applicant or prospective policy owner: (1) lacks an insurable interest in the insured; or (2) is known in police or court records to have committed an act of domestic abuse in relation to the individual. Prohibits subrogation of claims resulting from domestic abuse without the informed consent of the subject of domestic abuse. Mandates that: (1) an insurer develop protocols specifying how employees, agents, and brokers will pursue an insurance action that may affect the safety of a subject of domestic abuse involved with that action; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services promulgate standards for insurers to implement this Act if the National Association of Insurance Commissioners fails to adopt a Model Act that establishes standards to implement this Act. Prescribes guidelines for State and Federal enforcement of this Act, including a civil money penalty for violations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3582 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 - Prohibits a health plan from denying, limiting, imposing additional conditions on, or discriminating against an enrollee on the basis of the enrollee's participation in an approved clinical study.
Bill· HRH.R. 3591 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to reduce to zero the monthly premium charges for certain individuals enrolled under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) who do not receive State or other specified (third-party) assistance towards payment of the premium.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 257 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
Designates June 15, 1996, as National Race for the Cure Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 3555 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1996
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) for transportation of portable ultrasound equipment used in furnishing diagnostic tests in the same manner as payment is made under such program for transportation of portable x-ray equipment used in furnishing diagnostic x-ray tests. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare coverage of ultrasound tests performed in a patient's home.
Bill· HRH.R. 3561 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1996
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Expansion Act of 1996 - Repeals a provision of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 which terminates the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the sharing of health care. Entitles the United States to recover or collect from a private health care plan charges for care or services furnished by a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility to a primary beneficiary of such plan to the extent that the beneficiary would be eligible under the plan to receive payment if the care or services had not been furnished by a U.S. department or agency. Repeals a statement of congressional purpose regarding the sharing of health care resources of the Department with certain other entities. Authorizes the Secretary to share all health care resources (currently, only specialized medical resources) with medical schools, health-care facilities and research centers (current law), as well as with any health-care provider or plan, insurer, or other entity or individual. Repeals a provision requiring reciprocal reimbursement of the cost of such shared resources, instead providing for payment to the Department under procedures which allow appropriate flexibility to negotiate a payment which is in the best interest of the Government. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an arrangement that authorizes the furnishing of services to non-veterans only if the Secretary determines that such an arrangement: (1) will not result in the denial of or delay in the provision of care to any veteran at that facility; and (2) is necessary to maintain an acceptable level and quality of service to veterans and will result in the improvement of services to eligible veterans at that facility. Excludes from limitations on the number of full-time equivalent positions permitted in the Department those positions held by persons involved in providing health care resources under sharing arrangements.
Bill· SS. 1823 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility Title III: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Subtitle D: General Provisions Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions Title VI: Reform of Public Housing Title VII: Child Protection Block Grant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant Title VIII: Child Care Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs Title XI: Miscellaneous Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 - Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress that prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are important Government interests. (Sec. 103) Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) under parts A and F of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a single, combined program of block grants to the States for operating statewide temporary assistance (TEA) programs with certain mandatory work, education, and job preparation requirements for needy families either already with or expecting a child, which are designed to assist such families in becoming self-sufficient. Limits such families generally to no more than five years of TEA cash assistance, with certain exceptions for minor children, battered family members, and hardship situations. Denies TEA assistance in cases where an individual family member is a fugitive felon or a probation or parole violator and in certain other specified situations as well. Requires, in addition, certain adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents. Provides for the exchange of TEA program information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. Establishes penalties for States and individual families for specified grant and program violations, respectively, through reduced grants and assistance payments, allowing States to terminate such payments to certain adult family members without small children needing child care who refuse to: (1) engage in work, educational, or job preparation activities (required program activities); or (2) cooperate with the State in establishing paternity or obtaining child support unless the member qualifies for a good cause exception. Provides for a separate reduction in State family assistance grant payments for States failing to comply with Federal requirements under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) pertaining to paternity establishment and child support enforcement. Sets forth the mechanism for State appeal of Federal adverse decisions with respect to State plans or imposition of penalties, providing for advance notification of any program violation and the opportunity for a State to correct it before any such penalty is imposed. Limits the amount of any penalty reduction in the State's quarterly family assistance grant payment. Expresses the sense of the Congress that State TEA programs should: (1) assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and in single-parent families with older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in required program activities; and (2) require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents under age 18 to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school. Specifies State TEA plan contents, including provisions for numeric goals for reducing illegitimacy in the State over a specified ten year period beginning in 1996, and certain certifications by the State that it will operate child support enforcement and protection programs, in order for it to be eligible (according to certain other criteria as well) to receive Federal grants for its TEA programs (family assistance grants). Allows the States to decide in their TEA plans: (1) whether or not they intend on providing TEA assistance to aliens; and (2) how to treat families moving interstate. Provides for: (1) the allowable uses of quarterly family assistance grants, family planning services, and assistance to low income households in meeting home heating and cooling costs; (2) additional grants to States as rewards for reductions in illegitimate births and for high performance under the TEA program, as well as supplemental grants to certain States for population increases; and (3) a Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs (Contingency Fund) in the Treasury for payments to certain eligible States. Makes appropriations for such grants and the Contingency Fund. Sets up a Federal loan program for State TEA programs for anti-fraud and other specified activities, making necessary appropriations. Outlines specific program data collection and reporting requirements, as well as certain research, evaluation, and study requirements. Provides for direct funding, by way of three-year tribal family assistance grants, to Indian tribes (with a special rule for Indian tribes in Alaska) with approved tribal family assistance plans. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation to obtain information that will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs. Provides for the treatment of existing State AFDC (welfare reform) waivers in effect on the date of enactment of this Act and those granted subsequently. Retains the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Family Support as the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D programs. (Sec. 104) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified under titles I, II, and VI of this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of financial assistance provided under such programs for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand census data collection efforts to enable the Bureau of the Census to collect statistically significant data on grandparent caregivers. (Sec. 106) Requires an HHS report to the Congress on State automated data processing systems used in administering SSA title IV part A programs to determine what would be required to establish a system for tracking public program participants and checking case records to determine if such participants are participating in public programs of two or more States. (Sec. 107) Details requirements for a similar report, and study, on alternative outcomes measures for evaluating the success of the States in moving individuals off welfare through employment. (Sec. 108) Makes conforming amendments to SSA, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. (Sec. 111) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner) to: (1) develop a prototype counterfeit-resistant social security card; and (2) study and issue a report to the Congress with regard to improving the social security card application process. (Sec. 112) Requires any organization accepting Federal funds under this Act to disclose that fact in any communication it makes that in any way intends to promote public support or opposition to any Federal, State, or local government policy through any broadcasting station, periodical, or other specified type of general public advertising. Makes any organization failing to make such a disclosure ineligible to receive Federal funds under this Act. (Sec. 113) Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to remove the "demonstration" status of the Job Opportunities for Certain Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program and give it an increased annual authorization for any fiscal year. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to deny SSI for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States. Denies SSI for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. Provides for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. (Sec. 203) Revises the treatment afforded prisoners with regard to SSI and OASDI (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) benefits under SSA title II to: (1) deny SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained them while in prison; (2) eliminate the OASDI requirement that confinement stem from a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; and (3) authorize the Commissioner to contract with any interested State or local institutions used to confine prisoners for monthly reports back of certain identifying information in order to enforce SSI and OASDI benefit limitations, and pay such institution a specified fee with regard to each SSI- or OASDI-eligible inmate identified who becomes ineligible for such benefit as a result of such reporting. Requires the Commissioner to study and report to the Congress on other specified potential improvements in the collection of information respecting public inmates. (Sec. 204) Makes certain changes respecting the effective date of applications for SSI benefits. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Modifies medical improvement review standards, specifically dividing their applicability to, and creating separate criteria for, individuals aged 18 or older, and individuals under age 18, respectively. (Sec. 211) Provides that once an eligible child meets the definition of disability, the amount of the individual's cash benefit will be based on whether or not the child meets criteria for needing personal assistance enabling the child to stay at home with his or her family. (Sec. 212) Provides that at least once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which is likely to improve (or, at the Commissioner's option, is unlikely to improve). Requires a representative payee of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, for the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that if the representative payee refuses to comply without good cause with such requirement, the Commissioner shall, if in the individual's best interest, promptly terminate payment of benefits to the representative payee, and provide for payment of benefits to an alternative representative payee of the individual or, if the interest of the individual would be served thereby, to the individual. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one-year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Specifies requirements governing continuing disability reviews for low-birth-weight babies. (Sec. 213) Revises provisions regarding the disposal of resources for less than fair market value by certain individuals and appropriate notification of Medicaid. Provides for the treatment of assets held in trust by individuals who have not attained age 18 and any earnings resulting from such trust. Requires representative payees of eligible individuals below age 18 to establish financial institution accounts on their behalf into which SSI payments shall be paid. Allows representative payees to use funds in the account to pay for certain allowable expenses. Directs the Commissioner to establish a system for accountability monitoring whereby a representative payee shall report on activities respecting funds in the account. (Sec. 214) Reduces cash SSI payments to institutionalized children whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. (Sec. 215) Provides for installment payment of large amounts of past-due SSI benefits, and the recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner to prepare an annual report for the President and the Congress on the SSI program, and make appropriate arrangements for a study of the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for any needed changes. (Sec. 233) Outlines the requirements for a study and report by the General Accounting Office on the impact of this title on the SSI program and on the extra expenses incurred by families of children receiving benefits under such program that are not covered by other Federal, State, or local programs. Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and carry out a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities in order to develop appropriate recommendations for any needed legislation or administrative action. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility - Provides that, for purposes of determining an aged individual under SSI, the age used shall be the retirement age used under the OASDI program. Title III: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 302) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 303) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 312) Requires State plans to include centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 313) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 314) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 315) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 316) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and HHS to jointly develop cost-effective methods of accessing information in the various State directories of new hires and the National Directory of New Hires (established under this Act), taking into account impact and cost to the States, and the need to ensure authorized use of wage record information. (Sec. 317) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 323) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 333) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 342) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec 344) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 345) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 352) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 353) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 362) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 364) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 365) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non-custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 370) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 372) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each non-custodial parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 373) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 374) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 377) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate non-custodial parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits - Prohibits (with exceptions) specified Federal benefits to nonqualified aliens. Limits (with exceptions) qualified alien access to other specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service with information on illegal aliens. Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs - Sets forth similar prohibitions and limitations on alien access to State and local public benefits. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's (and spouse's) income and resources to the alien sponsoree in determining eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits. (Sec. 422) Authorizes States to make similar attributions. (Sec. 423) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. (Sec. 424) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require sponsor cosignature of alien student loans. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations for verification of Federal public benefits eligibility. (Sec. 435) Makes the determination of an alien's qualifying quarters under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act dependant upon whether or not a parent or spouse received Federal means-tested assistance during such quarters. Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Related to Assisted Housing - Makes conforming amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a taxpayer to provide his or her social security number in order to qualify for the individual earned income credit. Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions - Outlines the mechanism for various specified Federal executive agency workforce reductions, requiring submission to specified congressional committees of certain determinations about the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions of their respective departments by the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Education, of Labor, of Housing and Urban Development, and of HHS. Requires the Secretaries to make FTE reductions, including reductions-in-force, resulting from such determinations over the ensuing 14 months. Requires the Comptroller General to analyze and report to such committees on such determinations, with recommendations for further FTE reductions, if appropriate. (Sec. 502) Requires the HHS Secretary to reduce the Federal workforce within HHS: (1) by 75 percent of the FTE positions relating to any direct spending program, or any program funded through discretionary spending, that has been converted into a block grant program by this Act; and (2) by 75 percent of a proportionate number of the total FTE departmental management positions. Requires reduction of FTE positions in HHS: (1) by 245 FTE positions related to the program converted by this Act into TEA block grants; and (2) by 60 FTE managerial positions. (Sec. 503) Encourages the HHS Secretary to reduce personnel in the Washington, D.C., area office (agency headquarters) before reducing field personnel. Title VI: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit (with an exception) increased housing assistance under such Act due to reduced family income resulting from noncompliance reductions in welfare or other public assistance benefits. (Sec. 602) Prohibits an increase in federally appropriated means-tested welfare or public assistance due to reduced income resulting from fraud-caused reductions under another means-tested welfare or public assistance program. Title VII: Child Protection Block Grant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Independent Living Programs - Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs - Replaces title IV-B (Child Welfare Services) with a block grant program to the States to implement: (1) child protection programs regarding child abuse and neglect; and (2) child protection. (Sec. 701) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) shall: (1) establish a national data collection and analysis program to coordinate existing State child abuse and neglect reports; and (2) implement a data collection system regarding adoption and foster care. Appropriates funds for child welfare studies and for assessment of State courts improvement of foster care and adoption proceedings. (Sec. 711) Makes conforming amendments to title IV-E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Delineates requirements for State eligibility for Federal payments for foster care maintenance and adoption assistance. Sets forth guidelines for payments and allotments to the States for adoption assistance, foster care, and independent living programs (designed to assist children who have attained age 16 to make the transition from foster care to independent living). (Sec. 731) Instructs the Secretary to submit a legislative proposal to certain congressional committees providing for technical and conforming amendments in the law, pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 732) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should: (1) allocate sufficient funds for adoption and medical assistance to encourage child adoption; (2) offer incentives to make adoption of special needs children more affordable for middle-class families; (3) provide a child that must be removed from its biological parents with a single foster care placement and single coordinated case team, including conclusion of adoption within one year of such child's foster care placement; and (4) participate in programs to enable maximum visibility of waiting children to potential parents. Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant - Renames the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as the Child and Family Services Block Grant Act of 1996. Changes the purposes of the Act to emphasize assistance to each State in improving child protective service systems. Delineates criteria governing State eligibility for Federal block grants for: (1) child and family services; and (2) research, demonstrations, training, and technical assistance. (Sec. 751) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national child abuse and neglect data collection and analysis program, and a national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse; and (2) provide technical and training assistance to the States for child abuse and neglect programs and for adoption opportunities. Mandates peer review for such grants. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a national random sample study of children at risk of child abuse or neglect. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2002, including grants for demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in developing programs related to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases. Requires any State requesting such assistance to establish a multidisciplinary task force on children's justice to study administrative, civil, and criminal judicial handling of such cases, and make recommendations which the State must adopt (or equivalent alternatives). Title VIII: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments of 1996 - Revises and extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (the Act, for purposes of this title). Sets forth goals for State child care assistance. (Sec. 803) Amends Part A of title IV (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to entitle each State to payments for providing child care assistance. (Sec. 804) Authorizes the State lead agency to administer the financial assistance it receives through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. (Sec. 805) Revises State application and plan requirements with respect to consumer education information, State licensing compliance, meeting the needs of AFDC or TEA recipients (especially those attempting through work activities to leave the assistance program) and those at risk of becoming dependent on assistance, and assistance for certain low-income working families. (Sec. 807) Reduces from 20 percent to three percent the minimum amount of certain funds available for State activities to improve the quality of child care, limited to: (1) comprehensive consumer education to parents and the public; (2) activities increasing parental choice; and (3) activities designed to improve child care quality and availability. (Sec. 808) Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. (Sec. 813) Reduces the allotment reserved for Indian tribes or tribal organizations from three percent to one percent. Prescribes guidelines for the use of such allotment for facility repair and construction. (Sec. 815) Repeals: (1) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985; (2) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; (3) specified programs under title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and (4) the Native Hawaiian Family-based Education Centers program under the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to repeal specified authorities and requirements for the school lunch and related programs, including: (1) State educational authority to use resources from the nutrition and education (NET) program; (2) prohibition of State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (3) certain demonstration grants to private nonprofit organizations or educational institutions for elementary school curriculum food and nutrition projects; (4) aspects of summer food service programs, reducing payment rates and daily meals at camps, reducing the National Youth Sports Program, and revising nutritional standards compliance requirements; (5) certain commodity distribution program requirements, including State Advisory Councils; (6) expansion of the child care food program; (7) adult care food aid to adult day care centers and services for persons over 60; (8) certain pilot projects, including one for paperwork reduction; and (9) an information clearinghouse. (Sec. 901) Includes in the definition of child any individual with one or more mental or physical disabilities, regardless of age, who attends a specified type of institution, or any nonresidential public or nonprofit private school of high school grade or under, in order to participate in a school program for such individuals. (Sec. 902) Revises nutritional requirements. (Sec. 905) Prohibits, in general, any waiver that will increase Federal costs. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise the school breakfast program: (1) eliminating Federal assistance for food preparation training and program expansion and start-up costs; (2) repealing certain authorities and requirements relating to State administrative expenses (SAE); (3) repealing the prohibition against State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (4) repealing the program of cash grants for nutrition education. (Sec. 929) Revises the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), among other things repealing specified requirements and changing from mandatory to optional: (1) drug abuse education; and (2) provision of WIC information in languages other than English. (Sec. 931) Makes the Nutrition and Education program discretionary rather than mandatory. Authorizes appropriations. Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution - Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for households whose adult members are elderly or disabled. (Sec. 1012) Expands the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 1013) Treats children who are themselves parents living with their children and married children living with their spouses as part of an existing household rather than as a separate household. (Sec. 1014) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 1015) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 1016) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 1018) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 1020) 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. 1021) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases and establishes the maximum excludable auto value at $4600. (Sec. 1022) Includes as household income third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless. (Sec. 1023) Increases penalties for certain program violations. (Sec. 1024) Disqualifies permanently an individual convicted of specified coupon violations. (Sec. 1025) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 1028) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 1029) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 1030) Disqualifies a fleeing felon from program participation. (Sec. 1031) 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. 1033) Defines "work program." Makes nonexempt persons ineligible for program benefits if during the preceding 12-month period they received food stamps for four months or more without working at least 20 hours per week, or participating in a workfare program. Sets forth exempted persons and situations. (Sec. 1034) Directs States to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 1035) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 1037) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 1038) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 1039) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 1040) Provides that no food store or wholesale food concern be approved for program participation without a prior visit by a Department of Agriculture employee, or whenever possible, a designated State or local official. (Sec. 1041) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish authorization periods for retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to redeem food stamps or benefits through an electronic benefit transfer system. (Sec. 1042) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information that may be requested. (Sec. 1043) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 1044) Revises: (1) food stamp office operating provisions; and (2) expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 1045) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the exchange of information with law enforcement or Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel. (Sec. 1048) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 1049) Permits States to use income, and immigration 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. 1050) Provides for disqualification of a store: (1) that knowingly submits a falsified application; and (2) that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 1052) 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. 1053) Authorizes suspension of a store pending administrative and judicial review. (States that the Secretary shall not be liable for lost sales during such period.) (Sec. 1054) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 1055) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program recruitment activities. (Sec. 1057) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1061) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1062) Authorizes appropriations for program operations. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Stamp Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1064) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program in lieu of the food stamp program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to combine the emergency food assistance program with the soup kitchen-food bank program. Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to purchase commodities for such combined programs. (Sec. 1072) Amends the Charitable Assistance and Food Bank Act of 1987 to repeal the food bank demonstration project. (Sec. 1073) Makes conforming amendments to the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988. Title XI: Miscellaneous - Requires any funds received by a State under the TEA program, the optional State food assistance block grant program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or the child care block grant program under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to be expended only in accordance with the laws and procedures applicable to expenditures of the State's own revenues, including appropriation by the State legislature, consistent with the terms and conditions required under such provisions of law. (Sec. 1102) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to eliminate housing assistance with respect to fugitive felons and probation and parole violators, and provide for the exchange of certain housing information with law enforcement agencies upon request for specified official purposes. (Sec. 1103) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should adopt enterprise zone legislation in the 104th Congress, and that such legislation provide various specified incentives and provisions, such as Federal tax incentives that expand access to capital, increase the formation and expansion of small businesses, and promote commercial revitalization. (Sec. 1104) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) States should diligently continue their efforts to enforce child support payments by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, regardless of the employment status or location of the non-custodial parent; and (2) States are encouraged to pursue pilot programs in which the parents of a non-adult, non-custodial parent who refuses to or is unable to pay child support must pay or contribute to the child support owed by the non-custodial parent or otherwise fulfill all financial obligations and meet all conditions imposed on the non-custodial parent, such as participation in a work program or other related activity. (Sec. 1105) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to modify the eligibility disqualifications for aliens to give State agencies the option of considering either all income and financial resources of the individual rendered ineligible to participate in the food stamp program, or such income, less a pro rata share, and the financial resources of the ineligible individual, to determine the eligibility and the value of the allotment of the household of which such individual is a member. (Sec. 1106) Directs the HHS Secretary to establish and implement a certain strategy for: (1) preventing out-of-wedlock teenage pregnancies; and (2) assuring that at least 25 percent of the communities in the United States have teenage pregnancy prevention programs in place. (Sec. 1107) Expresses the sense of the Senate that States and local jurisdictions should aggressively enforce statutory rape laws. (Sec. 1108) Provides that States shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government from sanctioning welfare recipients who test positive for the use of controlled substances. (Sec. 1109) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to provide for an increase in funding under such title and authorize the provision of abstinence education, along with a separate funding set-aside for it. (Sec. 1110) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to make certain amendments in order to encourage electronic benefit transfer systems for the distribution of needs-tested benefits by a government agency. (Sec. 1111) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for a reduction in block grants to States for social services.
Bill· SS. 1801 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Aviation Authorization Title II: Airport Revenue Protection Title III: Air Traffic Management System Performance Improvement Title IV: Pilot Records Title V: Abolition of Board of Review and Related Authority Title VI: Federal Aviation Administration Funding Omnibus aviation Act of 1996 - Title I: Federal Aviation Authorization - Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize appropriations for FY 1997 for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Administrator of FAA to transfer budget authority derived from trust funds among appropriations authorized for FAA operations, air navigation facilities, and research and development, if the aggregate estimated outlays in such accounts in the fiscal year in which the transfers are made will not be increased as a result of such transfer. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for FY 1997 for: (1) air navigation facilities; (2) research and development; and (3) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs (with a decrease in FY 1996 appropriations for such programs as a result of a FY 1995 rescission of a specified amount). (Sec. 121) Directs the Administrator of FAA to prescribe regulations to carry out a pavement maintenance pilot project to preserve and extend the useful life of airport runways and taxiways. (Sec. 122) Extends the program: (1) through FY 1997 for converting military airports to civil use; and (2) indefinitely for constructing parking lots, fuel farms, and utilities. (Sec. 123) Extends the State block grant pilot program through FY 1997. (Sec. 124) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to State or local government non-airport sponsors for preparation of land use compatibility plans or implementation of land use compatibility projects. (Sec. 131) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY 1997 the airport and airway program. (Sec. 144) Directs the Secretary, among other things, to promote the provision of commercial space transportation services. (Sec. 145) Revises Federal law regarding commercial space transportation to require a license for a person to operate a reentry site or to reenter a reentry vehicle. (Sec. 148) Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit, suspend, or end the operation of a reentry site, or the reentry of a reentry vehicle, if it is detrimental to the public health and safety, the safety of property, or national security or foreign policy interest of the United States. (Sec. 149) Provides for: (1) the preemption of scheduled reentries; and (2) administrative hearings and judicial review of the Secretary's decision to prohibit, suspend, or end the operation of a reentry site, or the reentry of a reentry vehicle. (Sec. 151) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to facilitate and encourage the acquisition of Government reentry services by the private sector and State governments. (Sec. 161) Extends aviation insurance and reinsurance programs through FY 2002. (Sec. 171) Authorizes the Administrator, in carrying out various aviation programs, to purchase housing units outside the contiguous United States. (Sec. 172) Authorizes the Administrator to require employment investigations, including criminal history record checks in cases where there is an employment gap, for individuals responsible for screening passengers and property at airports. (Sec. 173) Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations prohibiting the disclosure of voluntarily provided information which could promote aviation safety or security. Title II: Airport Revenue Protection - Airport Revenue Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal aviation law to prohibit, with specified exceptions, the expenditure for non-airport purposes of local aviation fuel taxes or revenues generated by an airport that is the subject of Federal assistance or that operates pursuant to an airport operating certificate. (Sec. 205) Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring a recipient of an airport project grant or any other Federal airport financial assistance to include in its annual audit a review of airport-related funding activities. Requires the Secretary to review any audit identifying an illegal diversion of airport revenues. Requires the Secretary, after notifying the airport and its sponsor, to assess an administrative penalty equal to the amount of the illegal diversion, or withhold a similar amount from apportioned or grant funds that would otherwise be made available to the sponsor. (Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to establish a process under which a private citizen (other than a Department of Transportation employee) may petition the Secretary or the Administrator for review of an allegation of illegal diversion of airport revenues. Prohibits the Secretary or the Administrator from disclosing the identity of a petitioner (whistleblower). (Sec. 209) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform to this Act. Title III: Air Traffic Management System Performance Improvement - Air Traffic Management System Performance Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to delineate the powers and duties of the Administrator and the Secretary with respect to the FAA. (Sec. 306) Authorizes the Administrator to issue, rescind, and revise regulations as necessary to carry out the FAA functions. Prohibits the Administrator, without the Secretary's prior approval, from issuing a proposed or final regulation that is significant or is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $50 million or more in any year. Requires the Administrator to review any unusually burdensome regulations, which would result in the annual expenditure by State, local,and tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $25 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any year. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Administrator to utilize personnel of other Federal agencies. (Sec. 309) Requires the Administrator, after the first fiscal year in which the FAA is funded entirely by user fees, to prepare a budget for the FAA for each fiscal year. (Sec. 312) Directs the Administrator to establish a select panel to review and report to the Congress on a limited innovative program to fund specific facilities and equipment projects, and to provide limited additional funding alternatives for airport capacity development. (Sec. 314) Directs the Administrator to establish the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council which shall: (1) provide advice and counsel to the Administrator on issues which affect or are affected by the Administrator's operations; and (2) function as an oversight resource for management, policy, spending, and regulatory matters. (Sec. 315) Requires the Administrator, in order to protect the public health and welfare from aircraft engine emissions, to prescribe air pollutant emission standards for aircraft engines. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary to study and report to a specified congressional committee on rural air fares. (Sec. 321) Directs the Administrator to develop, and submit to the Congress, innovative: (1) acquisition management systems to procure goods and services; and (2) personnel system for the management, compensation, and advancement of FAA employees. (Sec. 322) Requires the Administrator to terminate air traffic control modernization programs funded under the Facilities and Equipment account, and to consider the termination of substantial acquisitions, that fail to meet specified established project criteria. (Sec. 333) Directs the Administrator to establish, and submit to the Congress, a performance-based fee system for various FAA services, including air traffic control services. (Sec. 336) Raises spending cap limitations under the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for domestic air navigation facilities and international joint air navigation services. (Sec. 337) Requires the multiyear appropriation (for not less than three years) of funds for Trust Fund activities. (Sec. 338) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress must make every effort to expend unobligated balances under the Trust Fund for the aviation industry. Rural Air Service Survival Act - Authorizes the availability of a specified amount of user fees collected under this Act for each fiscal year to carry out the essential air service program. Authorizes the Secretary to require an eligible public agency that controls a commercial service airport to provide for basic essential (small community) air service matching funds of up to ten percent for any payments it receives under this Act. Transfers the essential air service program from the Secretary to the FAA Administrator. Title IV: Pilot Records - Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends Federal aviation law to require air carriers to request and receive a pilot applicant's record for the previous five years with respect to: (1) current airman certificate, including any summaries of legal enforcement actions; (2) employment; and (3) motor vehicle driving record. (Sec. 402) Prohibits any Federal or State court action for defamation or invasion of privacy against any carrier or person with respect to the furnishing or use of such records according to the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Administrator to appoint a task force to conduct a study directed toward the development of standards and criteria for: (1) preemployment screening of pilots; and (2) pilot training facilities. Title V: Abolition of Board of Review and Related Authority - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to abolish the Board of Review of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. (Sec. 502) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Airports Authority should: (1) not provide free preferential reserved parking areas to Members of Congress, Government officials, or diplomats at Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport; and (2) provide the public equal access to such parking areas. (Sec. 505) Increases from 11 to 13 the number of persons on the board of directors of the Airports Authority. Increases the number of board members whom the President must appoint with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires eight votes (currently, seven) to approve bond issues and the annual budget. Staggers the terms of presidential appointees to the board of directors. (Sec. 506) Requires the board of directors, including any members appointed under this Act, to continue to meet and act until necessary conforming changes in State law are made in order that the reconstituted board functions without interruption. Title VI: Federal Aviation Administration Funding - Expresses the sense of the Senate that there should be an immediate enactment of an interim measure to provide short-term funding for the FAA until the new funding system established under this Act is implemented.
Bill· SS. 1799 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Research Subtitle A: Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 Subtitle B: HHS Women Scientists Employment Opportunity Act Subtitle C: Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 Subtitle D: Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act Subtitle E: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 Subtitle F: Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 Subtitle G: Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 Subtitle H: HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 Subtitle I: Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 Subtitle J: Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 Subtitle K: Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 Subtitle L: Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act Subtitle M: Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 Subtitle N: Breast Cancer Screening Title II: Services Subtitle A: Women's Health Office Act of 1996 Subtitle B: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 Subtitle C: Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 Subtitle D: Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 Subtitle E: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act Subtitle F: Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act Subtitle G: Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle H: Fairness to Minority Women Health Act Subtitle I: Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act Subtitle J: Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 Subtitle K: Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle L: Women's Right to Know Act of 1996 Subtitle M: International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act Subtitle N: Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 Subtitle O: Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act Subtitle P: Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act Subtitle Q: Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act Subtitle R: Postreproductive Health Care Act Subtitle S: Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle T: Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 Subtitle U: Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 Subtitle V: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 Subtitle W: Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 Subtitle X: Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Subtitle Y: Obstetrician-Gynecologists as Primary Care Providers Women's Health Equity Act of 1996 - Title I: Research - Subtitle A: Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for breast cancer research. Subtitle B: HHS Women Scientists Employment Opportunity Act - HHS Women Scientist Employment Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish policies for the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to the employment of women scientists; and (2) monitor compliance and take appropriate action if policies have been violated. Mandates implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on the Status of NIH (National Institutes of Health) Intramural Women Scientists. Provides for a study and report on pay equity. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 - Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 - Mandates a program to conduct biomedical and behavioral research (directly or through grants) on cases of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with regard to cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 - Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 - Requires specified institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 - Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to lupus. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 - Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 - Authorizes appropriations for research on ovarian cancer. Subtitle H: HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 - HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 - Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that, in conducting cervical cancer research, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases should collaborate in sponsoring basic and clinical research on human papilloma virus diagnosis and prevention as a risk of cervical cancer and, as applicable, develop screening techniques. Subtitle I: Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 - Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 - Establishes, in the National Institutes of Health, the Office for Rare Disease Research. Subtitle J: Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 - Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 - Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a review of all Federal programs that assess or mitigate the risks to women's health from environmental exposures. Provides for a study and report to the Congress. Subtitle K: Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 - Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 - Mandates a report to the Congress: (1) summarizing the body of scientific knowledge on environmental effects on women's health; and (2) specifying an agenda for the conduct and support of research. Subtitle L: Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Requires the National Cancer Institute, to the extent practicable, to increase the involvement of people who are accountable to, represent, and report back to organizations that represent those affected by breast cancer in decision making at the Institute regarding breast cancer. Subtitle M: Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 - Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 - Requires that $44 million of the first $191 million appropriated to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism be obligated for research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. Authorizes appropriations (in addition to the existing authorization of appropriations for the Institute) for such research regarding women. Subtitle N: Accurate Mammography Guidelines Act of 1996 - Accurate Mammography Guidelines Act of 1996 - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding mammography screening studies and guidelines. Title II: Services - Subtitle A: Women's Health Office Act of 1996 - Women's Health Office Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Office of (or on) Women's Health and a related coordinating committee in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Resources and Services Administration, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Amends the PHSA to establish a related advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 - Prohibits insurance providers from: (1) denying or canceling health insurance coverage or varying the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage on the basis of genetic information or on the basis that the individual or family involved has requested or received genetic services; (2) requesting or requiring insured individuals or applicants to disclose genetic information; or (3) disclosing genetic information without prior written authorization. Subtitle C: Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 - Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 - Prohibits a health plan from denying, limiting, imposing additional conditions on, or discriminating against an enrollee on the basis of the enrollee's participation in an approved clinical study. Subtitle D: Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 - Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 - States that the standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders require that such plans provide for coverage of services essential to the effective treatment of such disorders in a specified manner. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a noncompliance tax of up to 25 percent. Subtitle E: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits insurers and health carriers from denying, terminating, or limiting coverage on the basis that the applicant or insured is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse involving household or family members, current or former spouses, or individuals in or formerly in a sexually intimate relationship. Requires an insurer that takes any adverse action relating to any plan or policy of an abuse subject (whether applicant or insured) to advise such individual of the specific reasons for the action. Subtitle F: Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act - Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title prohibiting health insurers from discriminating against an individual or group because the individual or a family member is the subject of abuse. Mandates development of model standards. Provides for application the amendments made by this subtitle to specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Subtitle G: Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits insurers from denying or cancelling insurance coverage for individuals solely on the basis that the individual is or has been the subject of an act of domestic violence. Subtitle H: Fairness to Minority Women Health Act - Fairness to Minority Women Health Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exempt aliens and their children from provisions attributing to the alien the income and resources of the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse if the alien is battered by, or the subject of extreme cruelty by, the person who executed the affidavit of support or similar agreement regarding the alien. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments to States for obstetrical or gynecological services unless the hospital, clinic, or provider has available at least one individual who is able to communicate in the predominant language used by residents of the area. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow grants (under existing provisions) for family planning projects only if the service providers under the grant have at least one such individual. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to prohibit making funds available under the Act unless providers of shelter or related assistance have at least one such individual. Subtitle I: Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act - Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act - Mandates grants for the establishment or support of adolescent health demonstration projects. Prohibits using grant funds to perform or pay for abortions. Subtitle J: Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 - Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for a program of information and education to the public concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle K: Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 - Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to authorize appropriations for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited, provided specific requirements are met. Subtitle L: Women's Right To Know Act of 1996 - Women's Right To Know Act of 1996 - Amends title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit a governmental authority, in or through any program or activity that provides health care services or information, from limiting the right of any person to provide or to receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Subtitle M: International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act - International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth population assistance authorities and requirements. Authorizes appropriations for voluntary population planning under existing provisions. Makes development assistance available on a priority basis for countries which have agreed to address specific education, literacy, and health issues. Authorizes the President to establish a grant program, to be known as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, to improve the access of girls and women to reproductive health care services. Authorizes appropriations for the Child Survival Fund, the Safe Motherhood Initiative, and for research on, and treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Subtitle N: Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 - Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly circumcising, excising, or infibulating any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of another person who has not attained age 18, subject to medical exceptions. Subtitle O: Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants, with regard to women (and their partners) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), for preventive health services, referrals, follow-ups, outreach, and training on the effective provision of such services. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to provide HIV prevention education to women. Sets forth requirements regarding the composition of Planning Councils. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to provide: (1) substance abuse treatment to women; (2) counseling to women who engage in substance abuse on the prevention of infection with, and the transmission of, the etiologic agent for AIDS; and (3) such counseling to women who are the partners of individuals who abuse substances. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants under existing provisions to provide early intervention services for women and related technical assistance. Subtitle P: Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act - Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the State agency responsible for nutrition education and drug abuse education to establish a smoking cessation demonstration program for pregnant participants. Subtitle Q: Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects; and (2) the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Subtitle R: Postreproductive Health Care Act - Postreproductive Health Care Act - Mandates grants for: (1) prevention and outpatient treatment of, and counseling for, health conditions unique to, more serious, or more prevalent for women of menopausal age or older, or for which the medical risk or types of medical intervention are different; and (2) related education and training of health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle S: Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 - Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage for respite care services, defined as companion or homemaker services, personal assistance, community day services, or temporary residential care furnished on a short-term, intermittent, or emergency basis. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to deductions for medical care to include qualified long-term care services as medical care. Subtitle T: Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 - Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements regarding the coverage of mammograms. Subtitle U: Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 - Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 - Provides for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements. Subtitle V: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 - Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations, in addition to other authorizations of appropriations, for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse on osteoporosis and related bone disorders. Subtitle W: Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 - Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law relating to veterans' benefits to include women's health services in the definition of "medical services." Sets forth requirements concerning studies and reports. Subtitle X: Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection - Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 - Requires health plans and employee health benefit plans that provide maternity (including childbirth) benefits to ensure that coverage is provided for: (1) specified minimum periods after delivery; and (2) certain post-delivery care. Subtitle Y: Obstetrician-Gynecologists as Primary Care Providers - Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal health care laws; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in that definition.
Bill· SS. 1806 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to consider a dietary supplement a drug if its labeling claims or implies that the supplement produces euphoria, heightened awareness, or similar mental or psychological effects.
Bill· SS. 1795 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Reforming Non-Medical Welfare Programs Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility Title III: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Subtitle D: General Provisions Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions Title VI: Reform of Public Housing Title VII: Child Protection Block Brant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant Title VIII: Child Care Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs Title XI: Miscellaneous Division B: Restructuring Medicaid Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 - Division A: Reforming Non-Medical Welfare Programs - Title I: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress that prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are important Government interests. (Sec. 103) Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a single program of block grants to the States for operating statewide temporary assistance (TEA) programs with certain mandatory work, education, and job preparation requirements for needy families either already with or expecting a child, which are designed to assist such families in becoming self-sufficient. Limits such families generally to no more than five years of TEA cash assistance, with certain exceptions for minor children, battered family members, and hardship situations. Denies TEA assistance in cases where an individual family member is a fugitive felon or a probation or parole violator and in certain other specified situations as well. Requires, in addition, certain adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents. Provides for the exchange of TEA program information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. Establishes penalties for States and individual families for specified grant and program violations, respectively, through reduced grants and assistance payments, allowing States to terminate such payments to certain adult family members without small children needing child care who refuse to: (1) engage in work, educational, or job preparation activities (required program activities); or (2) cooperate with the State in establishing paternity or obtaining child support, unless the member qualifies for a good cause exception. Provides for a separate reduction in State family assistance grant payments for States failing to comply with Federal requirements under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) pertaining to paternity establishment and child support enforcement. Sets forth the mechanism for State appeal of Federal adverse decisions with respect to State plans or imposition of penalties, providing for advance notification of any program violation and the opportunity for a State to correct it before any such penalty is imposed. Limits the amount of any penalty reduction in the State's quarterly family assistance grant payment. Expresses the sense of the Congress that State TEA programs should: (1) assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and in single-parent families with older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in required program activities; and (2) require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents under age 18 to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school. Specifies State TEA plan contents, including provisions for numeric goals for reducing illegitimacy in the State over a specified ten year period beginning in 1996, and certain certifications by the State that it will operate child support enforcement and protection programs, in order for it to be eligible (according to certain other criteria as well) to receive Federal grants for its TEA programs (family assistance grants). Allows the States to decide in their TEA plans: (1) whether or not they intend on providing TEA assistance to aliens; and (2) how to treat families moving interstate. Provides for: (1) the allowable uses of quarterly family assistance grants, family planning services and assistance to low income households in meeting home heating and cooling costs; (2) additional grants to States as rewards for reductions in illegitimate births and for high performance under the TEA program, as well as supplemental grants to certain States for population increases; and (3) a Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs (Contingency Fund) in the Treasury for payments to certain eligible States. Makes appropriations for such grants and the Contingency Fund. Sets up a Federal loan program for State TEA programs for anti-fraud and other specified activities, making necessary appropriations. Outlines specific program data collection and reporting requirements, as well as certain research, evaluation, and study requirements. Provides for direct funding, by way of three-year tribal family assistance grants, to Indian tribes (with a special rule for Indian tribes in Alaska) with approved tribal family assistance plans. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation to obtain information that will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs. Provides for the treatment of existing State AFDC waivers in effect on the date of enactment of this Act and those granted subsequently. Retains the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Family Support as the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D programs. (Sec. 104) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified under titles I, II, and VI of this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of financial assistance provided under such programs for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand census data collection efforts to enable the Bureau of the Census to collect statistically significant data on grandparent caregivers. (Sec. 106) Requires an HHS report to the Congress on State automated data processing systems used in administering SSA title IV part A programs to determine what would be required to establish a system for tracking public program participants and checking case records to determine if such participants are participating in public programs of two or more States. (Sec. 107) Details requirements for a similar report, and study, on alternative outcomes measures for evaluating the success of the States in moving individuals off welfare through employment. (Sec. 108) Makes conforming amendments to SSA, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. (Sec. 111) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner) to: (1) develop a prototype counterfeit-resistant social security card; and (2) study and issue a report to the Congress with regard to improving the social security card application process. (Sec. 112) Requires any organization accepting Federal funds under this Act to disclose that fact in any communication it makes that in any way intends to promote public support or opposition to any Federal, State, or local government policy through any broadcasting station, periodical, or other specified type of general public advertising. Makes any organization failing to make such a disclosure ineligible to receive Federal funds under this Act. (Sec. 113) Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to remove the "demonstration" status of the Job Opportunities for Certain Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program and give it an increased annual authorization for any fiscal year. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI to deny SSI for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States. Denies SSI for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. Provides for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. (Sec. 203) Revises the treatment afforded prisoners with regard to SSI and OASDI (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) benefits under SSA title II to: (1) deny SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained SSI benefits while in prison; (2) eliminate the OASDI requirement that confinement stem from a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; and (3) authorize the Commissioner to contract with any interested State or local institutions used to confine prisoners for monthly reports back of certain identifying information in order to enforce SSI and OASDI benefit limitations, and pay such institution a specified fee with regard to each SSI- or OASDI-eligible inmate identified who becomes ineligible for such benefit as a result of such reporting. Requires the Commissioner to study and report to the Congress on other specified potential improvements in the collection of information respecting public inmates. (Sec. 204) Makes certain changes respecting the effective date of applications for SSI benefits. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Modifies medical improvement review standards, specifically dividing their applicability to, and creating separate criteria for, individuals aged 18 or older, and individuals under age 18, respectively. (Sec. 211) Provides that once an eligible child meets the definition of disability, the amount of the individual's cash benefit will be based on whether or not the child meets criteria for needing personal assistance enabling the child to stay at home with his or her family. (Sec. 212) Provides that at least once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which is likely to improve (or, at the Commissioner's option, is unlikely to improve). Requires a representative payee of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, for the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that if the representative payee refuses to comply without good cause with such requirement, the Commissioner shall, if in the individual's best interest, promptly terminate payment of benefits to the representative payee, and provide for payment of benefits to an alternative representative payee of the individual or, if the interest of the individual would be served thereby, to the individual. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one-year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Specifies requirements governing continuing disability reviews for low-birth-weight babies. (Sec. 213) Revises provisions regarding the disposal of resources for less than fair market value by certain individuals and appropriate notification of Medicaid. Provides for the treatment of assets held in trust by individuals who have not attained age 18 and any earnings resulting from such trust. Requires representative payees of eligible individuals below age 18 to establish financial institution accounts on their behalf into which SSI payments shall be paid. Allows representative payees to use funds in the account to pay for certain allowable expenses. Directs the Commissioner to establish a system for accountability monitoring whereby a representative payee shall report on activities respecting funds in the account. (Sec. 214) Reduces cash SSI payments to institutionalized children whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. (Sec. 215) Provides for installment payment of large amounts of past-due SSI benefits, and the recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner to prepare an annual report for the President and the Congress on the SSI program, and make appropriate arrangements for a study of the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for any needed changes. (Sec. 233) Outlines the requirements for a study and report by the General Accounting Office on the impact of this title on the SSI program and on the extra expenses incurred by families of children receiving benefits under such program that are not covered by other Federal, State, or local programs. Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and carry out a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities in order to develop appropriate recommendations for any needed legislation or administrative action. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility - Provides that, for purposes of determining an aged individual under SSI, the age used shall be the retirement age used under the OASDI program. Title III: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 302) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 303) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 312) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 313) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 314) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 315) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 316) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and HHS to jointly develop cost-effective methods of accessing information in the various State directories of new hires and the National Directory of New Hires (established under this Act), taking into account impact and cost to the States, and the need to insure authorized use of wage record information. (Sec. 317) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 323) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 333) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 342) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec 344) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 345) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 352) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 353) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 362) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 364) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 365) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non-custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 370) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 372) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each non-custodial parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 373) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 374) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 377) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate non-custodial parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits - Prohibits (with exceptions) specified Federal benefits to nonqualified aliens. Limits (with exceptions) qualified alien access to other specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service with information on illegal aliens. Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs - Sets forth similar prohibitions and limitations on alien access to State and local public benefits. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's (and spouse) income and resources to the alien sponsoree in determining eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits. (Sec. 422) Authorizes States to make similar attributions. (Sec. 423) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. (Sec. 424) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require sponsor cosignature of alien student loans. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations for verification of Federal public benefits eligibility. (Sec. 435) Makes the determination of an alien's qualifying quarters under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act dependant upon whether or not a parent or spouse received Federal means-tested assistance during such quarters. Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Related to Assisted Housing - Makes conforming amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require a taxpayer to provide his or her social security number in order to qualify for the individual earned income credit. Title V: Reductions In Federal Government Positions - Outlines the mechanism for various specified Federal executive agency workforce reductions, requiring submission to specified congressional committees of certain determinations about the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions of their respective departments by the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Education, of Labor, of Housing and Urban Development, and of HHS. Requires the Secretaries to make FTE reductions, including reductions-in-force, resulting from such determinations over the ensuing 14 months. Requires the Comptroller General to analyze and report to such committees on such determinations, with recommendations for further FTE reductions, if appropriate. (Sec. 502) Requires the HHS Secretary to reduce the Federal workforce within HHS: (1) by 75 percent of the FTE positions relating to any direct spending program, or any program funded through discretionary spending, that has been converted into a block grant program by this Act; and (2) by 75 percent of a proportionate number of the total FTE departmental management positions. Requires reduction of FTE positions in HHS: (1) by 245 FTE positions related to the program converted by this Act into TEA block grants; and (2) by 60 FTE managerial positions. (Sec. 503) Encourages the HHS Secretary to reduce personnel in the Washington, D.C., area office (agency headquarters) before reducing field personnel. Title VI: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit (with an exception) increased housing assistance under such Act due to reduced family income resulting from noncompliance reductions in welfare or other public assistance benefits. (Sec. 602) Prohibits an increase in federally appropriated means-tested welfare or public assistance due to reduced income resulting from fraud-caused reductions under another means-tested welfare or public assistance program. Title VII: Child Protection Block Grant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Independent Living Programs - Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs - Replaces title IV-B (Child Welfare Services) with a block grant program to the States to implement: (1) child protection programs regarding child abuse and neglect; and (2) child protection. (Sec. 701) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) shall: (1) establish a national data collection and analysis program to coordinate existing State child abuse and neglect reports; and (2) implement a data collection system regarding adoption and foster care. Appropriates funds for child welfare studies and for assessment of State courts improvement of foster care and adoption proceedings. (Sec. 711) Makes conforming amendments to Title IV-E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Delineates requirements for State eligibility for Federal payments for foster care maintenance and adoption assistance. Sets forth guidelines for payments and allotments to the States for adoption assistance, foster care, and independent living programs (designed to assist children who have attained age 16 to make the transition from foster care to independent living). (Sec. 731) Instructs the Secretary to submit a legislative proposal to certain congressional committees providing for technical and conforming amendments in the law, pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 732) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should: (1) allocate sufficient funds for adoption and medical assistance to encourage child adoption; (2) offer incentives to make adoption of special needs children more affordable for middle-class families; (3) provide a child that must be removed from its biological parents with a single foster care placement and single coordinated case team, including conclusion of adoption within one year of such child's foster care placement; and (4) participate in programs to enable maximum visibility of waiting children to potential parents. Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant - Renames the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as the Child and Family Services Block Grant Act of 1996. Changes the purposes of the Act to emphasize assistance to each State in improving child protective service systems. Delineates criteria governing State eligibility for Federal block grants for: (1) child and family services; and (2) research, demonstrations, training, and technical assistance. (Sec. 751) Abolishes the current Federal program, including the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, community-based family resource programs, temporary child care for children with disabilities, crisis nursery demonstration programs, certain preventive services for children of homeless families or families at risk of homelessness, and requirements for criminal background checks for child care providers. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national child abuse and neglect data collection and analysis program (in addition to the current national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse); (2) provide technical and training assistance to the States for child abuse and neglect programs and for adoption opportunities. Mandates peer review for such grants. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a national random sample study of children at risk of child abuse or neglect. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2002, including grants for demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in developing programs related to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases. Requires any State requesting such assistance to establish a multidisciplinary task force on children's justice to study administrative, civil, and criminal judicial handling of such cases, and make recommendations which the State must adopt (or equivalent alternatives). Title VIII: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments of 1996 - Revises and extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (the Act, for purposes of this title). Sets forth goals for State child care assistance. (Sec. 803) Amends Part A of title IV (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to entitle each State to payments for providing child care assistance. (Sec. 804) Authorizes the State lead agency to administer the financial assistance it receives through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. (Sec. 805) Revises State application and plan requirements with respect to consumer education information, State licensing compliance, meeting the needs of AFDC or TEA recipients (especially those attempting through work activities to leave the assistance program) and those at risk of becoming dependent on assistance, and assistance for certain low-income working families. (Sec. 807) Reduces from 20 percent to three percent the minimum amount of certain funds available for State activities to improve the quality of child care, limited to: (1) comprehensive consumer education to parents and the public; (2) activities increasing parental choice; and (3) activities designed to improve child care quality and availability. (Sec. 808) Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. (Sec. 813) Reduces the allotment reserved for Indian tribes or tribal organizations from three percent to one percent. Prescribes guidelines for the use of such allotment for facility repair and construction. (Sec. 815) Repeals: (1) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985; (2) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; (3) specified programs under title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and (4) the Native Hawaiian Family-based Education Centers program under the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to repeal specified authorities and requirements for the school lunch and related programs, including: (1) State educational authority to use resources from the nutrition and education (NET) program; (2) prohibition of State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (3) certain demonstration grants to private nonprofit organizations or educational institutions for elementary school curriculum food and nutrition projects; (4) aspects of summer food service programs, reducing payment rates and daily meals at camps, reducing the National Youth Sports Program, and revising nutritional standards compliance requirements; (5) certain commodity distribution program requirements, including State Advisory Councils; (6) expansion of the child care food program; (7) adult care food aid to adult day care centers and services for persons over 60; (8) certain pilot projects, including one for paperwork reduction; and (9) an information clearinghouse. (Sec. 901) Includes in the definition of child any individual with one or more mental or physical disabilities, regardless of age, who attends a specified type of institution, or any nonresidential public or nonprofit private school of high school grade or under, in order to participate in a school program for such individuals. (Sec. 902) Revises nutritional requirements. (Sec. 905) Prohibits, in general, any waiver that will increase Federal costs. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise the school breakfast program: (1) eliminating Federal assistance for food preparation training and program expansion and start-up costs; (2) repealing certain authorities and requirements relating to State administrative expenses (SAE); (3) repealing the prohibition against State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (4) repealing the program of cash grants for nutrition education. Revises the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), among other things repealing specified requirements and changing from mandatory to optional: (1) drug abuse education; and (2) provision of WIC information in languages other than English. (Sec. 931) Makes revisions to the nutrition education and training program. Authorizes appropriations. Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution - Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for households whose adult members are elderly or disabled. (Sec. 1012) Expands the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 1013) Treats children who are themselves parents living with their children and married children living with their spouses as part of an existing household rather than as a separate household. (Sec. 1014) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 1015) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 1016) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 1018) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 1020) 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. 1021) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases and establishes the maximum excludable auto value at $4600. (Sec. 1022) Includes as household income third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless. (Sec. 1023) Increases penalties for certain program violations. (Sec. 1024) Disqualifies permanently an individual convicted of specified coupon violations. (Sec. 1025) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 1028) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 1029) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 1030) Disqualifies a fleeing felon from program participation. (Sec. 1031) 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. 1033) Defines "work program." Makes nonexempt persons ineligible for program benefits if during the preceding 12-month period they received food stamps for four months or more without working at least 20 hours per week, or participating in a workfare program. Sets forth exempted persons and situations. (Sec. 1034) Directs States to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 1035) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 1037) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 1038) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 1039) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 1040) Provides that no food store or wholesale food concern be approved for program participation without a prior visit by a Department of Agriculture employee, or whenever possible, a designated State or local official. (Sec. 1041) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish authorization periods for retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to redeem food stamps or benefits through an electronic benefit transfer system. (Sec. 1042) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information that may be requested. (Sec. 1043) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 1044) Revises: (1) food stamp office operating provisions; and (2) expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 1045) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the exchange of information with law enforcement or Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel. (Sec. 1048) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 1049) Permits States to use income, and immigration 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. 1050) Provides for disqualification of a store: (1) that knowingly submits a falsified application; and (2) that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 1052) 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. 1053) Authorizes suspension of a store pending administrative and judicial review. (States that the Secretary shall not be liable for lost sales during such period.) (Sec. 1054) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 1055) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program recruitment activities. (Sec. 1057) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1061) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1062) Authorizes appropriations for program operations. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Stamp Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1064) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program in lieu of the food stamp program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to combine the emergency food assistance program with the soup kitchen-food bank program. Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to purchase commodities for such combined programs. (Sec. 1072) Amends the Charitable Assistance and Food Bank Act of 1987 to repeal the food bank demonstration project. (Sec. 1073) Makes conforming amendments to the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988. Title XI: Miscellaneous - Requires any funds received by a State under the TEA program, the optional State food assistance block grant program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or the child care block grant program under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to be expended only in accordance with the laws and procedures applicable to expenditures of the State's own revenues, including appropriation by the State legislature, consistent with the terms and conditions required under such provisions of law. (Sec. 1102) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to eliminate housing assistance with respect to fugitive felons and probation and parole violators, and provide for the exchange of certain housing information with law enforcement agencies upon request for specified official purposes. (Sec. 1103) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should adopt enterprise zone legislation in the 104th Congress, and that such legislation provide various specified incentives and provisions, such as Federal tax incentives that expand access to capital, increase the formation and expansion of small businesses, and promote commercial revitalization. (Sec. 1104) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) States should diligently continue their efforts to enforce child support payments by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, regardless of the employment status or location of the non-custodial parent; and (2) States are encouraged to pursue pilot programs in which the parents of a non-adult, non-custodial parent who refuses to or is unable to pay child support must pay or contribute to the child support owed by the non-custodial parent or otherwise fulfill all financial obligations and meet all conditions imposed on the non-custodial parent, such as participation in a work program or other related activity. (Sec. 1105) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to modify the eligibility disqualifications for aliens to give State agencies the option of considering either all income and financial resources of the individual rendered ineligible to participate in the food stamp program, or such income, less a pro rata share, and the financial resources of the ineligible individual, to determine the eligibility and the value of the allotment of the household of which such individual is a member. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement a certain strategy for: (1) preventing out-of-wedlock teenage pregnancies; and (2) assuring that at least 25 percent of the communities in the United States have teenage pregnancy prevention programs in place. (Sec. 1107) Expresses the sense of the Senate that States and local jurisdictions should aggressively enforce statutory rape laws. (Sec. 1108) Provides that States shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government from sanctioning welfare recipients who test positive for the use of controlled substances. (Sec. 1109) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to provide for an increase in funding under such title and authorize the provision of abstinence education, along with a separate funding set-aside for it. (Sec. 1110) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to make certain amendments in order to encourage electronic benefit transfer systems for the distribution of needs-tested benefits by a government agency. (Sec. 1111) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for a reduction in block grants to States for social services. Division B: Restructuring Medicaid - Medicaid Restructuring Act of 1996 - Amends SSA to add a new title XV (Program of Medical Assistance for Low-Income Individuals and Families), the stated purpose of which is to provide funds to States to enable them to provide medical assistance to low-income individuals and families in a more effective, efficient, and responsive manner. (Sec. 2003) Outlines program components, including key provisions for: (1) certain guaranteed benefits for select individuals, including certain poor pregnant women, disabled and poor elderly individuals, and children receiving foster care or adoption assistance; (2) guaranteed coverage of Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for certain Medicare beneficiaries; (3) only nominal cost-sharing for children and pregnant women with regard to primary and preventive care services; (4) prevention of spousal and family impoverishment with regard to long-term care; (5) State flexibility in benefits, provider payments, geographical coverage area, and selection of providers; (6) coverage of abortions only for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or when a woman suffers from a physical disorder, illness, or injury that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed; (7) denial of payment under the State Medicaid plan for any item or service furnished for euthanasia purposes; (8) limitation on payments for Medicaid services to nonlawful aliens, generally allowing treatment only in emergency situations; (9) periodic, independent evaluations and audits under the program; (10) a separate fraud prevention program, as well as, under certain conditions, State fraud control units; (11) an information reporting system with regard to actions taken by State licensing authorities against health care practitioners and providers; (12) quality assurance requirements for nursing facilities, as well as requirements relating to residents' rights; and (13) an optional master drug rebate agreement program for covered outpatient drugs of a manufacturer. (Sec. 2004) Terminates the current Medicaid program as of October 1, 1997. Sets a limitation on Medicaid payments in FY 1997. (Sec. 2005) Directs the HHS Secretary to waive such requirements of SSA titles XV and XVIII as may be necessary for States to conduct certain demonstration projects to use funds to develop and implement innovative programs for individuals dually eligible for benefits under both titles, including such individuals who are chronically ill.
Bill· HRH.R. 3509 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 - Mandates a report to the Congress: (1) summarizing the body of scientific knowledge on environmental effects on women's health; and (2) specifying an agenda for the conduct and support of research.
Bill· HRH.R. 3504 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Breast Cancer Detection Act - Mandates approval of the marketing of devices to aid in the self-examination of breasts without the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requirement that such devices be prescription-only or otherwise restricted in their availability to women.
Bill· HRH.R. 3507 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Reforming Non-Medical Welfare Programs Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Title II: Supplemental Security Income Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility Title III: Child Support Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders Subtitle H: Medical Support Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents Subtitle J: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Subtitle D: General Provisions Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees Title V: Reductions in Federal Government Positions Title VI: Reform of Public Housing Title VII: Child Protection Block Grant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant Title VIII: Child Care Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs Title XI: Miscellaneous Division B: Restructuring Medicaid Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 - Division A: Reforming Non-Medical Welfare Programs - Title I: Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - Expresses the sense of the Congress that prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are important Government interests. (Sec. 103) Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with a single program of block grants to the States for operating statewide temporary assistance (TEA) programs with certain mandatory work, education, and job preparation requirements for needy families either already with or expecting a child, which are designed to assist such families in becoming self-sufficient. Limits such families generally to no more than five years of TEA cash assistance, with certain exceptions for minor children, battered family members, and hardship situations. Denies TEA assistance in cases where an individual family member is a fugitive felon or a probation or parole violator and in certain other specified situations as well. Requires, in addition, certain adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents. Provides for the exchange of TEA program information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. Establishes penalties for States and individual families for specified grant and program violations, respectively, through reduced grants and assistance payments, allowing States to terminate such payments to certain adult family members without small children needing child care who refuse to: (1) engage in work, educational, or job preparation activities (required program activities); or (2) cooperate with the State in establishing paternity or obtaining child support, unless the member qualifies for a good cause exception. Provides for a separate reduction in State family assistance grant payments for States failing to comply with Federal requirements under SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) pertaining to paternity establishment and child support enforcement. Sets forth the mechanism for State appeal of Federal adverse decisions with respect to State plans or imposition of penalties, providing for advance notification of any program violation and the opportunity for a State to correct it before any such penalty is imposed. Limits the amount of any penalty reduction in the State's quarterly family assistance grant payment. Expresses the sense of the Congress that State TEA programs should: (1) assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and in single-parent families with older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in required program activities; and (2) require noncustodial, nonsupporting parents under age 18 to fulfill community work obligations and attend appropriate parenting or money management classes after school. Specifies State TEA plan contents, including provisions for numeric goals for reducing illegitimacy in the State over a specified ten year period beginning in 1996, and certain certifications by the State that it will operate child support enforcement and protection programs, in order for it to be eligible (according to certain other criteria as well) to receive Federal grants for its TEA programs (family assistance grants). Allows the States to decide in their TEA plans: (1) whether or not they intend on providing TEA assistance to aliens; and (2) how to treat families moving interstate. Provides for: (1) the allowable uses of quarterly family assistance grants, family planning services and assistance to low income households in meeting home heating and cooling costs; (2) additional grants to States as rewards for reductions in illegitimate births and for high performance under the TEA program, as well as supplemental grants to certain States for population increases; and (3) a Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs (Contingency Fund) in the Treasury for payments to certain eligible States. Makes appropriations for such grants and the Contingency Fund. Sets up a Federal loan program for State TEA programs for anti-fraud and other specified activities, making necessary appropriations. Outlines specific program data collection and reporting requirements, as well as certain research, evaluation, and study requirements. Provides for direct funding, by way of three-year tribal family assistance grants, to Indian tribes (with a special rule for Indian tribes in Alaska) with approved tribal family assistance plans. Directs the Bureau of the Census to expand the Survey of Income and Program Participation to obtain information that will enable interested persons to evaluate the impact of the changes made by this title on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs. Provides for the treatment of existing State AFDC waivers in effect on the date of enactment of this Act and those granted subsequently. Retains the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Family Supports as the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D programs. (Sec. 104) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified under titles I, II, and VI of this Act. Prohibits the expenditure of financial assistance provided under such programs for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to expand census data collection efforts to enable the Bureau of the Census to collect statistically significant data on grandparent caregivers. (Sec. 106) Requires an HHS report to the Congress on State automated data processing systems used in administering SSA title IV part A programs to determine what would be required to establish a system for tracking public program participants and checking case records to determine if such participants are participating in public programs of two or more States. (Sec. 107) Details requirements for a similar report, and study, on alternative outcomes measures for evaluating the success of the States in moving individuals off welfare through employment. (Sec. 108) Makes conforming amendments to SSA, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. (Sec. 111) Directs the Commissioner of Social Security (Commissioner) to: (1) develop a prototype counterfeit-resistant social security card; and (2) study and issue a report to the Congress with regard to improving the social security card application process. (Sec. 112) Requires any organization accepting Federal funds under this Act to disclose that fact in any communication it makes that in any way intends to promote public support or opposition to any Federal, State, or local government policy through any broadcasting station, periodical, or other specified type of general public advertising. Makes any organization failing to make such a disclosure ineligible to receive Federal funds under this Act. (Sec. 113) Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to remove the "demonstration" status of the Job Opportunities for Certain Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program and give it an increased annual authorization for any fiscal year. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI to deny SSI for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States. Denies SSI for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. Provides for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. (Sec. 203) Revises the treatment afforded prisoners with regard to SSI and OASDI (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) benefits under SSA title II to: (1) deny SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained SSI benefits while in prison; (2) eliminate the OASDI requirement that confinement stem from a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; and (3) authorize the Commissioner to contract with any interested State or local institutions used to confine prisoners for monthly reports back of certain identifying information in order to enforce SSI and OASDI benefit limitations, and pay such institution a specified fee with regard to each SSI- or OASDI-eligible inmate identified who becomes ineligible for such benefit as a result of such reporting. Requires the Commissioner to study and report to the Congress on other specified potential improvements in the collection of information respecting public inmates. (Sec. 204) Makes certain changes respecting the effective date of applications for SSI benefits. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the rules with respect to childhood eligibility, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders, and discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Modifies medical improvement review standards, specifically dividing their applicability to, and creating separate criteria for, individuals aged 18 or older, and individuals under age 18, respectively. (Sec. 211) Provides that once an eligible child meets the definition of disability, the amount of the individual's cash benefit will be based on whether or not the child meets criteria for needing personal assistance enabling the child to stay at home with his or her family. (Sec. 212) Provides that at least once every three years the Commissioner shall review the continued SSI eligibility of each individual who has not attained age 18 and is eligible for such benefits by reason of an impairment (or combination of impairments) which is likely to improve (or, at the Commissioner's option, is unlikely to improve). Requires a representative payee of a recipient whose case is so reviewed to present, at the time of review, evidence demonstrating that the recipient is, and has been, receiving treatment, to the extent considered medically necessary and available, for the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. Provides that if the representative payee refuses to comply without good cause with such requirement, the Commissioner shall, if in the individual's best interest, promptly terminate payment of benefits to the representative payee, and provide for payment of benefits to an alternative representative payee of the individual or, if the interest of the individual would be served thereby, to the individual. Provides that if an individual is eligible for SSI benefits by reason of disability for the month preceding the month in which the individual attains age 18, the Commissioner shall redetermine such eligibility: (1) during the one-year period beginning on the individual's 18th birthday; and (2) by applying the criteria used in determining the initial eligibility for applicants who have attained age 18. Specifies requirements governing continuing disability reviews for low-birth-weight babies. (Sec. 213) Revises provisions regarding the disposal of resources for less than fair market value by certain individuals and appropriate notification of Medicaid. Provides for the treatment of assets held in trust by individuals who have not attained age 18 and any earnings resulting from such trust. Requires representative payees of eligible individuals below age 18 to establish financial institution accounts on their behalf into which SSI payments shall be paid. Allows representative payees to use funds in the account to pay for certain allowable expenses. Directs the Commissioner to establish a system for accountability monitoring whereby a representative payee shall report on activities respecting funds in the account. (Sec. 214) Reduces cash SSI payments to institutionalized children whose medical costs are covered by private insurance. (Sec. 215) Provides for installment payment of large amounts of past-due SSI benefits, and the recovery of SSI overpayments from social security benefits. Subtitle C: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Subtitle D: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program - Requires the Commissioner to prepare an annual report for the President and the Congress on the SSI program, and make appropriate arrangements for a study of the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI for any needed changes. (Sec. 233) Outlines the requirements for a study and report by the General Accounting Office on the impact of this title on the SSI program and on the extra expenses incurred by families of children receiving benefits under such program that are not covered by other Federal, State, or local programs. Subtitle E: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to develop and carry out a comprehensive study of all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities in order to develop appropriate recommendations for any needed legislation or administrative action. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Retirement Age Eligibility - Provides that, for purposes of determining an aged individual under SSI, the age used shall be the retirement age used under the OASDI program. Title III: Child Support - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 302) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 303) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 312) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 313) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 314) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 315) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 316) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and HHS to jointly develop cost-effective methods of accessing information in the various State directories of new hires and the National Directory of New Hires (established under this Act), taking into account impact and cost to the States, and the need to ensure authorized use of wage record information. (Sec. 317) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the social security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 323) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 333) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 342) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec 344) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 345) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 352) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 353) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 362) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 364) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 365) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non-custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 370) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 372) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each non-custodial parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 373) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 374) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 377) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate non-custodial parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Title IV: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits - Prohibits (with exceptions) specified Federal benefits to nonqualified aliens. Limits (with exceptions) qualified alien access to other specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service with information on illegal aliens. Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs - Sets forth similar prohibitions and limitations on alien access to State and local public benefits. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's (and spouse) income and resources to the alien sponsoree in determining eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits. (Sec. 422) Authorizes States to make similar attributions. (Sec. 423) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. (Sec. 424) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require sponsor cosignature of alien student loans. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations for verification of Federal public benefits eligibility. (Sec. 435) Makes the determination of an alien's qualifying quarters under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act dependant upon whether or not a parent or spouse received Federal means-tested assistance during such quarters. Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments Related to Assisted Housing - Makes conforming amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. Subtitle F: Earned Income Credit Denied to Unauthorized Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a taxpayer to provide his or her social security number in order to qualify for the individual earned income credit. Title V: Reductions In Federal Government Positions - Outlines the mechanism for various specified Federal executive agency workforce reductions, requiring submission to specified congressional committees of certain determinations about the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions of their respective departments by the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Education, of Labor, of Housing and Urban Development, and of HHS. Requires the Secretaries to make FTE reductions, including reductions-in-force, resulting from such determinations over the ensuing 14 months. Requires the Comptroller General to analyze and report to such committees on such determinations, with recommendations for further FTE reductions, if appropriate. (Sec. 502) Requires the HHS Secretary to reduce the Federal workforce within HHS: (1) by 75 percent of the FTE positions relating to any direct spending program, or any program funded through discretionary spending, that has been converted into a block grant program by this Act; and (2) 75 percent of a proportionate number of the total FTE departmental management positions. Requires reduction of FTE positions in HHS by: (1) 245 FTE positions related to the program converted by this Act into TEA block grants; and (2) 60 FTE managerial positions. (Sec. 503) Encourages the HHS Secretary to reduce personnel in the Washington, D.C., area office (agency headquarters) before reducing field personnel. Title VI: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit (with an exception) increased housing assistance under such Act due to reduced family income resulting from noncompliance reductions in welfare or other public assistance benefits. (Sec. 602) Prohibits an increase in federally appropriated means-tested welfare or public assistance due to reduced income resulting from fraud-caused reductions under another means-tested welfare or public assistance program. Title VII: Child Protection Block Grant Programs and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Independent Living Programs - Subtitle A: Child Protection Block Grant Program and Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living Programs - Replaces title IV-B (Child Welfare Services) with a block grant program to the States to implement: (1) child protection programs regarding child abuse and neglect; and (2) child protection. (Sec. 701) Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) shall: (1) establish a national data collection and analysis program to coordinate existing State child abuse and neglect reports; and (2) implement a data collection system regarding adoption and foster care. Appropriates funds for child welfare studies and for assessment of State courts improvement of foster care and adoption proceedings. (Sec. 711) Makes conforming amendments to title IV-E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Delineates requirements for State eligibility for Federal payments for foster care maintenance and adoption assistance. Sets forth guidelines for payments and allotments to the States for adoption assistance, foster care, and independent living programs (designed to assist children who have attained age 16 to make the transition from foster care to independent living). (Sec. 731) Instructs the Secretary to submit a legislative proposal to certain congressional committees providing for technical and conforming amendments in the law, pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 732) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should: (1) allocate sufficient funds for adoption and medical assistance to encourage child adoption; (2) offer incentives to make adoption of special needs children more affordable for middle-class families; (3) provide a child that must be removed from its biological parents with a single foster care placement and single coordinated case team, including conclusion of adoption within one year of such child's foster care placement; and (4) participate in programs to enable maximum visibility of waiting children to potential parents. Subtitle B: Child and Family Services Block Grant - Renames the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as the Child and Family Services Block Grant Act of 1996. Changes the purposes of the Act to emphasize assistance to each State in improving child protective service systems. Delineates criteria governing State eligibility for Federal block grants for: (1) child and family services; and (2) research, demonstrations, training, and technical assistance. (Sec. 751) Abolishes the current Federal program, including the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, community-based family resource programs, temporary child care for children with disabilities, crisis nursery demonstration programs, certain preventive services for children of homeless families or families at risk of homelessness, and requirements for criminal background checks for child care providers. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national child abuse and neglect data collection and analysis program (in addition to the current national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse); (2) provide technical and training assistance to the States for child abuse and neglect programs and for adoption opportunities. Mandates peer review for such grants. Instructs the Secretary to conduct a national random sample study of children at risk of child abuse or neglect. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2002, including grants for demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in developing programs related to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases. Requires any State requesting such assistance to establish a multidisciplinary task force on children's justice to study administrative, civil, and criminal judicial handling of such cases, and make recommendations which the State must adopt (or equivalent alternatives). Title VIII: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments of 1996 - Revises and extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (the Act, for purposes of this title). Sets forth goals for State child care assistance. (Sec. 803) Amends part A (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to entitle each State to payments for providing child care assistance. (Sec. 804) Authorizes the State lead agency to administer the financial assistance it receives through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. (Sec. 805) Revises State application and plan requirements with respect to consumer education information, State licensing compliance, meeting the needs of AFDC or TEA recipients (especially those attempting through work activities to leave the assistance program) and those at risk of becoming dependent on assistance, and assistance for certain low-income working families. (Sec. 807) Reduces from 20 percent to three percent the minimum amount of certain funds available for State activities to improve the quality of child care, limited to: (1) comprehensive consumer education to parents and the public; (2) activities increasing parental choice; and (3) activities designed to improve child care quality and availability. (Sec. 808) Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. (Sec. 813) Reduces the allotment reserved for Indian tribes or tribal organizations from three percent to one percent. Prescribes guidelines for the use of such allotment for facility repair and construction. (Sec. 815) Repeals: (1) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985; (2) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; (3) specified programs under title X (Programs of National Significance) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and (4) the Native Hawaiian Family-based Education Centers program under the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Title IX: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: National School Lunch Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to repeal specified authorities and requirements for the school lunch and related programs, including: (1) State educational authority to use resources from the nutrition and education (NET) program; (2) prohibition of State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (3) certain demonstration grants to private nonprofit organizations or educational institutions for elementary school curriculum food and nutrition projects; (4) aspects of summer food service programs, reducing payment rates and daily meals at camps, reducing the National Youth Sports Program, and revising nutritional standards compliance requirements; (5) certain commodity distribution program requirements, including State Advisory Councils; (6) expansion of the child care food program; (7) adult care food aid to adult day care centers and services for persons over 60; (8) certain pilot projects, including one for paperwork reduction; and (9) an information clearinghouse. (Sec. 901) Includes in the definition of child any individual with one or more mental or physical disabilities, regardless of age, who attends a specified type of institution, or any nonresidential public or nonprofit private school of high school grade or under, in order to participate in a school program for such individuals. (Sec. 902) Revises nutritional requirements. (Sec. 905) Prohibits, in general, any waiver that will increase Federal costs. Subtitle B: Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise the school breakfast program: (1) eliminating Federal assistance for food preparation training and program expansion and start-up costs; (2) repealing certain authorities and requirements relating to State administrative expenses (SAE); (3) repealing the prohibition against State imposition of teaching personnel and curriculum requirements at any school; (4) repealing the program of cash grants for nutrition education. Revises the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), among other things repealing specified requirements and changing from mandatory to optional: (1) drug abuse education; and (2) provision of WIC information in languages other than English. (Sec. 931) Makes revisions to the nutrition education and training program. Authorizes appropriations. Title X: Food Stamps and Commodity Distribution - Food Stamp Reform and Commodity Distribution Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for households whose adult members are elderly or disabled. (Sec. 1012) Expands the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 1013) Treats children who are themselves parents living with their children and married children living with their spouses as part of an existing household rather than as a separate household. (Sec. 1014) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 1015) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 1016) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 1018) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 1020) 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. 1021) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases and establishes the maximum excludable auto value at $4600. (Sec. 1022) Includes as household income third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless. (Sec. 1023) Increases penalties for certain program violations. (Sec. 1024) Disqualifies permanently an individual convicted of specified coupon violations. (Sec. 1025) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 1028) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 1029) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 1030) Disqualifies a fleeing felon from program participation. (Sec. 1031) 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. 1033) Defines "work program." Makes nonexempt persons ineligible for program benefits if during the preceding 12-month period they received food stamps for four months or more without working at least 20 hours per week, or participating in a workfare program. Sets forth exempted persons and situations. (Sec. 1034) Directs States to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 1035) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 1037) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 1038) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 1039) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 1040) Provides that no food store or wholesale food concern be approved for program participation without a prior visit by a Department of Agriculture employee, or whenever possible, a designated State or local official. (Sec. 1041) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish authorization periods for retail food stores and wholesale food concerns to redeem food stamps or benefits through an electronic benefit transfer system. (Sec. 1042) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information that may be requested. (Sec. 1043) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 1044) Revises: (1) food stamp office operating provisions; and (2) expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 1045) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 1046) Provides for the exchange of information with law enforcement or Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel. (Sec. 1048) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 1049) Permits States to use income, and immigration 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. 1050) Provides for disqualification of a store: (1) that knowingly submits a falsified application; and (2) that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 1052) 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. 1053) Authorizes suspension of a store pending administrative and judicial review. (States that the Secretary shall not be liable for lost sales during such period.) (Sec. 1054) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 1055) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program recruitment activities. (Sec. 1057) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1058) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1061) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1062) Authorizes appropriations for program operations. (Sec. 1063) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Stamp Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 1064) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program in lieu of the food stamp program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to combine the emergency food assistance program with the soup kitchen-food bank program. Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to purchase commodities for such combined programs. (Sec. 1072) Amends the Charitable Assistance and Food Bank Act of 1987 to repeal the food bank demonstration project. (Sec. 1073) Makes conforming amendments to the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988. Title XI: Miscellaneous - Requires any funds received by a State under the TEA program, the optional State food assistance block grant program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, or the child care block grant program under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to be expended only in accordance with the laws and procedures applicable to expenditures of the State's own revenues, including appropriation by the State legislature, consistent with the terms and conditions required under such provisions of law. (Sec. 1102) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to eliminate housing assistance with respect to fugitive felons and probation and parole violators, and provide for the exchange of certain housing information with law enforcement agencies upon request for specified official purposes. (Sec. 1103) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should adopt enterprise zone legislation in the 104th Congress, and that such legislation provide various specified incentives and provisions, such as Federal tax incentives that expand access to capital, increase the formation and expansion of small businesses, and promote commercial revitalization. (Sec. 1104) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) States should diligently continue their efforts to enforce child support payments by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, regardless of the employment status or location of the non-custodial parent; and (2) States are encouraged to pursue pilot programs in which the parents of a non-adult, non-custodial parent who refuses to or is unable to pay child support must pay or contribute to the child support owed by the non-custodial parent or otherwise fulfill all financial obligations and meet all conditions imposed on the non-custodial parent, such as participation in a work program or other related activity. (Sec. 1105) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to modify the eligibility disqualifications for aliens to give State agencies the option of considering either all income and financial resources of the individual rendered ineligible to participate in the food stamp program, or such income, less a pro rata share, and the financial resources of the ineligible individual, to determine the eligibility and the value of the allotment of the household of which such individual is a member. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement a certain strategy for: (1) preventing out-of-wedlock teenage pregnancies; and (2) assuring that at least 25 percent of the communities in the United States have teenage pregnancy prevention programs in place. (Sec. 1107) Expresses the sense of the Senate that States and local jurisdictions should aggressively enforce statutory rape laws. (Sec. 1108) Provides that States shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government from sanctioning welfare recipients who test positive for the use of controlled substances. (Sec. 1109) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to provide for an increase in funding under such title and authorize the provision of abstinence education, along with a separate funding set-aside for it. (Sec. 1110) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to make certain amendments in order to encourage electronic benefit transfer systems for the distribution of needs-tested benefits by a government agency. (Sec. 1111) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for a reduction in block grants to States for social services. Division B: Restructuring Medicaid - Medicaid Restructuring Act of 1996 - Amends SSA to add a new title XV (Program of Medical Assistance for Low-Income Individuals and Families), the stated purpose of which is to provide funds to States to enable them to provide medical assistance to low-income individuals and families in a more effective, efficient, and responsive manner. (Sec. 2003) Outlines program components, including key provisions for: (1) certain guaranteed benefits for select individuals, including certain poor pregnant women, disabled and poor elderly individuals, and children receiving foster care or adoption assistance; (2) guaranteed coverage of Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for certain Medicare beneficiaries; (3) only nominal cost-sharing for children and pregnant women with regard to primary and preventive care services; (4) prevention of spousal and family impoverishment with regard to long-term care; (5) State flexibility in benefits, provider payments, geographical coverage area, and selection of providers; (6) coverage of abortions only for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or when a woman suffers from a physical disorder, illness, or injury that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed; (7) denial of payment under the State Medicaid plan for any item or service furnished for euthanasia purposes; (8) limitation on payments for Medicaid services to nonlawful aliens, generally allowing treatment only in emergency situations; (9) periodic, independent evaluations and audits under the program; (10) a separate fraud prevention program, as well as, under certain conditions, State fraud control units; (11) an information reporting system with regard to actions taken by State licensing authorities against health care practitioners and providers; (12) quality assurance requirements for nursing facilities, as well as requirements relating to residents' rights; and (13) an optional master drug rebate agreement program for covered outpatient drugs of a manufacturer. (Sec. 2004) Terminates the current Medicaid program as of October 1, 1997. Sets a limitation on Medicaid payments in FY 1997. (Sec. 2005) Directs the HHS Secretary to waive such requirements of SSA titles XV and XVIII as may be necessary for States to conduct certain demonstration projects to use funds to develop and implement innovative programs for individuals dually eligible for benefits under both titles, including such individuals who are chronically ill.
Bill· HRH.R. 3514 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Parkinson's Research, Assistance, and Education Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs regarding Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Establishes the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Parkinson's Disease. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Authorizes establishment of the National Parkinson's Disease Data System to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data. Establishes: (1) the National Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse; (2) a grant program to support scientists who have distinguished themselves in Parkinson's research; and (3) a national education program to foster a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits using amounts made available under this Act for Parkinson's research or therapy that uses human fetal tissue, cells, or organs obtained in connection with an induced abortion, but allows such use in connection with a spontaneous abortion or an ectopic pregnancy.
Bill· SS. 1786 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1996
Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services to conduct and report to the Congress on a demonstration project providing for Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) reimbursement for health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to Medicare-eligible veterans.
Bill· SS. 1777 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1997 for operating expenses, plant projects, and capital equipment necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; and (4) nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized, whichever is the lesser; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress, unless the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) transmits to the appropriate congressional committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits (requiring congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits) for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Provides fund transfer authority (requiring congressional notification of any such transfer). (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated costs exceed $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs that exceed such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. (Sec. 3127) Makes funds for management and support activities and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Requires the Secretary to make a final decision during FY 1997 on the technologies to be utilized, and the accelerated schedule to be adopted, for tritium production in order to meet the requirements of a certain Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Memorandum. Requires a report to the Congress. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for such activities. (Sec. 3132) Directs the Secretary to carry out activities to modernize and consolidate the tritium recycling facilities at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. Provides funding. (Sec. 3133) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to add a specified purpose and capability to the general requirements for the DOE nuclear weapons stockpile program. Requires a plan and report with respect to such program. Provides funding. (Sec. 3134) Prohibits FY 1997 DOE funds from being used for certain research and development or technology transfer purposes unless such activities support the DOE national security mission. Requires an annual report. (Sec. 3135) Directs the Secretary to accelerate the schedule for the isolation of high-level nuclear waste in glass canisters at the Defense Waste Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site if the Secretary determines that such acceleration will achieve cost savings and the removal and isolation of such waste from the long-term storage tanks there. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the processing of high-level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel rods. Requires the updating of an implementation plan concerning such waste under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 3137) Earmarks funds for conducting the fellowship program for the development of skills critical to the ongoing mission of the DOE nuclear weapons complex as required under prior law. Requires 21 days' advance notification to the Congress before funds may be obligated or expended for such program. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to annually prepare, and submit to the defense and appropriations committees, a five-year budget for DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3152) Sets forth specified requirements for DOE weapons activities budgets for fiscal years after 1997. (Sec. 3153) Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 which requires a report from the President to the defense and appropriations committees on issues associated with purchasing tritium from foreign suppliers. (Sec. 3154) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress a plan for the near-term processing of spent nuclear fuel rods in two facilities of the Savannah River Site. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a multiyear plan for the cleanup of nuclear waste at the Site. (Sec. 3155) Requires reports concerning: (1) nuclear test readiness postures; and (2) critical difficulties encountered at nuclear weapons laboratories and production plants. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through December 31, 1997, a requirement concerning notification to the Congress and a subsequent waiting period before undertaking a proposed defense cooperation agreement. (Sec. 3158) Redesignates the Defense Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program as the Defense Nuclear Waste Management Program. Redesignates the Assistant Secretary in charge of such Program as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Defense Nuclear Waste Management. Redesignates a related Account. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on such redesignations. (Sec. 3159) Establishes the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise to develop and report to the Congress a plan for recruiting and retaining within the DOE nuclear weapons complex the appropriate scientific, engineering, and technical personnel necessary to permit DOE to maintain a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile without engaging in underground testing. Terminates the Commission 30 days after its report. Provides Commission funding. (Sec. 3160) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President: (1) should consult closely with the Congress concerning U.S. policy and practices for ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile; and (2) if he determines that a safety or reliability problem cannot be corrected within the stockpile stewardship program, to notify the Congress of such problem, together with a plan for corrective action. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
Bill· SS. 1763 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Department of Energy National Security Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1997 for operating expenses, plant projects, and capital equipment necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; and (4) nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized, whichever is the lesser; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress, unless the Secretary of Energy transmits to the appropriate congressional committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits (requiring congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits) for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Provides fund transfer authority (requiring congressional notification of any such transfer). (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated costs exceed $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs that exceed such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support activities and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Requires the Secretary to make a final decision during FY 1997 on the technologies to be utilized, and the accelerated schedule to be adopted, for tritium production in order to meet the requirements of a certain Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Memorandum. Requires a report to the Congress. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for such activities. (Sec. 3132) Directs the Secretary to carry out activities to modernize and consolidate the tritium recycling facilities at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. Provides funding. (Sec. 3133) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to add a specified purpose and capability to the general requirements for the stockpile program. Requires a plan and report with respect to such program. Provides funding. (Sec. 3134) Prohibits FY 1997 DOE funds from being used for certain research and development or technology transfer purposes unless such activities support the DOE national security mission. Requires an annual report. (Sec. 3135) Directs the Secretary to accelerate the schedule for the isolation of high-level nuclear waste in glass canisters at the Defense Waste Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site if the Secretary determines that such acceleration will achieve cost savings and the removal and isolation of such waste from the long-term storage tanks there. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the processing of high-level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel rods. Requires the updating of an implementation plan concerning such waste under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 3137) Earmarks funds for conducting the fellowship program for the development of skills critical to the ongoing mission of the DOE nuclear weapons complex as required under prior law. Requires 21 days' advance notification to the Congress before funds may be obligated or expended for such program. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to annually prepare, and submit to the defense and appropriations committees, a five-year budget for DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3152) Sets forth specified requirements for DOE weapons activities budgets for fiscal years after 1997. (Sec. 3153) Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 which requires a report from the President to the defense and appropriations committees on issues associated with purchasing tritium from foreign suppliers. (Sec. 3154) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress a plan for the near-term processing of spent nuclear fuel rods in two facilities of the Savannah River Site. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a multiyear plan for the cleanup of nuclear waste at the Site. (Sec. 3155) Requires reports concerning: (1) nuclear test readiness postures; and (2) critical difficulties encountered at nuclear weapons laboratories and production plants. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through December 31, 1997, a requirement concerning notification to the Congress and a subsequent waiting period before undertaking a proposed defense cooperation agreement. (Sec. 3158) Redesignates the Defense Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program as the Defense Nuclear Waste Management Program. Redesignates the Assistant Secretary in charge of such Program as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Defense Nuclear Waste Management. Redesignates a related Account. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on such redesignations. (Sec. 3159) Establishes the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise to develop and report to the Congress a plan for recruiting and retaining within the DOE nuclear weapons complex the appropriate scientific, engineering, and technical personnel necessary to permit DOE to maintain a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile without engaging in underground testing. Terminates the Commission 30 days after its report. Provides Commission funding. (Sec. 3160) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President: (1) should consult closely with the Congress concerning U.S. policy and practices for ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile; and (2) if he determines that a safety or reliability problem cannot be corrected within the stockpile stewardship program, to notify the Congress of such problem, together with a plan for corrective action. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
Bill· SS. 1762 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Subtitle D: Other Matters Subtitle E: National Oceanographic Partnership Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle D: Environmental Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Officer Education Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Subtitle E: Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service Subtitle F: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Subtitle G: Armed Forces Retirement Home 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, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: General Matters Subtitle B: National Imagery and Mapping Agency Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Matters Relating to Foreign Countries Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements Subtitle F: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Subtitle A: Personnel Management, Pay, and Allowances Subtitle B: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Title XII: Federal Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; and (5) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 109) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the Defense Nuclear Agency. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for the Javelin missile system. (Sec. 112) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to replace the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics, and Environment) with the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research, Development and Acquisition) on State chemical demilitarization citizens' advisory commissions. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Requires certain certifications by the Secretary of the Navy before funds may be obligated for the EA-6B aircraft reactive jammer program. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, with a cost limitation, to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for up to 106 Penguin missiles. (Sec. 123) Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for one remaining Seawolf attack submarine and a New Attack submarine, under specified contract and construction requirements and limitations. (Sec. 124) Makes funds available for construction of a third Arleigh Burke class destroyer under authority provided in a prior defense authorization Act, with funding limitations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct 12 such destroyers in accordance with specified contracting and construction requirements during FY 1998 through 2001 (allowing three destroyers to be constructed in each fiscal year). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to enter into one or more multiyear procurement contracts for the C-17 aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds so authorized for: (1) basic research and exploratory development; and (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds, with limitations, for the space launch modernization program. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to include the kinetic energy tactical antisatellite program of the Department of Defense (DOD) as an element of the space control architecture being developed by the DOD Space Architect. Provides funding limitations with respect to such program. (Sec. 213) Makes funds available for the Space-Based Infrared System program for specified purposes. Provides for the conditional transfer of management oversight of the program. (Sec. 214) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal a provision earmarking funds for advanced submarine technology activities. (Sec. 215) Earmarks funds, with limitations, for the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. (Sec. 216) Prohibits any DOD official from contracting for the procurement of a higher number of Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicles than necessary to complete procurement of a total of three of such vehicles until flight testing has been completed. (Sec. 217) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress comparing the Predator and Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle programs. (Sec. 218) Requires a program review and report to the congressional defense and appropriations committees with respect to the F-22 aircraft. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on event-based decision making for such program for that fiscal year. (Sec. 220) Earmarks funds for joint service RDT&E of nonlethal weapons and technologies, with specified elements and limitations. (Sec. 221) Earmarks funds for the Counterproliferation Support Program, further earmarking some of such funds for a tactical antisatellite technologies program. Provides authority to transfer additional funds for such programs, with limitations. (Sec. 222) Allows funds authorized to DOD for FY 1997 to be obligated to procure work from a federally funded research and development center or a university-affiliated research center only if the Secretary names such center in a report to the defense committees and only in an amount not in excess of the proposed funding level for such center. Provides funding limits, authorizing the Secretary to waive such limits after notification to the defense committees. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense - Provides that, unless a missile defense system, upgrade, or component is ABM-qualifying flight tested, it has not been tested in an ABM mode and therefore is not subject to any application, limitation, or obligation under the ABM Treaty. (Sec. 232) Prohibits FY 1997 DOD funds from being used to implement any agreement or understanding, with respect to the ABM Treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union, concerning limitations on the performance, operations, or deployment of U.S. theater missile defense systems. (Sec. 233) Prohibits the United States during FY 1997 from being bound by any international agreement that would convert the ABM Treaty to a multilateral treaty. (Sec. 234) Earmarks funds for specified upper tier theater missile defense systems, with a certification limitation. (Sec. 235) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to eliminate the requirement that certain items be included in an annual report concerning the ballistic missile defense program. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes alternative testing in lieu of live-fire survivability testing for the F-22 and V-22 aircraft. Provides funding for such programs. Subtitle E: National Oceanographic Partnership - National Oceanographic Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to establish the National Oceanographic Partnership Program to promote national security, advance economic development, protect the quality of life, and strengthen science education and communication through increased knowledge of the ocean. Establishes a National Ocean Research Council to report annually to the Congress on activities and achievements under the Program. Directs the Council to establish an Ocean Research Partnership Coordinating Group and an Ocean Research Advisory Panel to perform appropriate responsibilities as assigned by the Council. Directs the Council to select the Partnership projects eligible for support under the Program. Provides funding. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 to DOD for working capital and revolving funds. Earmarks funds so authorized for the Defense Nuclear Agency. (Sec. 304) Authorizes up to $150 million to be transferred from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund for DOD O&M for FY 1997, to be evenly divided between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. (Sec. 305) Earmarks funds for: (1) the Civil Air Patrol; (2) search and rescue costs; and (3) the SR-71 contingency reconnaissance force. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Authorizes funds from the National Defense Sealift Fund to be used for the purchase and conversion, or construction, of up to three ships to enhance Marine Corps prepositioning ship squadrons. Eliminates the requirement that vessels constructed using Fund amounts be built in the United States. Allows up to ten (currently, five) vessels to be purchased from foreign shipyards. (Sec. 313) Earmarks funds for the procurement of nonlethal weapons capabilities. (Sec. 314) States that no funds are authorized by this Act to be appropriated to DOD for the Coast Guard within budget subfunction 054. Subtitle C: Depot-Level Activities - Directs the Secretary to maintain within DOD currently-required logistics activities and capabilities. Requires core-logistics functions to be performed in Government-owned and operated facilities of DOD by DOD personnel using DOD equipment. (Sec. 322) Increases from 40 to 50 the percentage of all DOD depot-level maintenance and repair workloads that may be contracted out for performance by non-Federal personnel. Maintains such level at 40 percent until submission to the defense committees of a strategic plan for the performance of such maintenance and repair (such plan being required later under this Subtitle). Revises a current reporting requirement with respect to such workloads. Defines "depot- level maintenance and repair workload" for purposes of such contracting limitations. (Sec. 325) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees a strategic plan for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair for DOD for fiscal years 1998 through 2007. Requires the Comptroller General to review such strategic plan and report review results to such committees. (Sec. 326) Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the defense committees describing the competitive procedures used for contracting for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair workload activities. (Sec. 327) Directs the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit annually to the Secretary a report on the privatization of the performance of the various DOD depot-level maintenance workloads. Requires the Secretary to report in turn to the Congress on such matters. (Sec. 328) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 1997 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. (Sec. 329) Limits the expenditure of funds for F-18 aircraft depot maintenance until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on aviation depot maintenance. (Sec. 330) Prohibits the Secretary, until taking specified action and reporting to the Congress, from contracting for the performance by a private source of any of the depot maintenance currently performed at the Sacramento or San Antonio Air Logistics Centers. Subtitle D: Environmental Provisions - Establishes in DOD a separate Environmental Restoration Account for each of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. (Currently, there is only a Defense Environmental Restoration Account, which continues.) Requires sums appropriated for environmental restoration in each military department to be deposited into such accounts. (Sec. 342) Requires the top 20 defense contractors (currently, 100) in terms of dollar volume to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on payments made to defense contractors for the costs of environmental response actions. (Sec. 343) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to repeal certain redundant notification and certification requirements regarding remedial investigations and feasibility studies at certain installations to be closed under the base closure laws. (Sec. 344) Authorizes the Secretary to pay to the Hazardous Substance Superfund stipulated civil penalties assessed against various military facilities and installations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). (Sec. 345) Amends CERCLA to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to withhold the listing of a Federal facility on a national environmental cleanup priorities list if the head of such facility has arranged with the Administrator to respond appropriately to a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance. Authorizes the Administrator or the governor of a State to transfer contaminated Federal property before the completion of required remedial actions under CERCLA if the Administrator or governor determines that the property is suitable for transfer and there are assurances that all remaining remedial actions will be taken after such transfer. (Sec. 348) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow military vessels to dispose in the ocean certain non-plastic, non-floating garbage if the Secretary of the Navy determines that such ship cannot fully comply with the non-dumping requirements of such Act due to technological infeasibility or impairment of the ship's operations or operational capability. Requires each ship which the Navy plans to decommission between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, to comply to the greatest extent practicable with the ocean dumping limitations of the Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it should be an objective of the Navy to fully comply with such dumping requirements and to develop ships that are environmentally sound. (Sec. 349) Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretaries of the military departments to enter into cooperative agreements with States, local governments, and appropriate public and private entities to provide for the preservation, management, maintenance, and rehabilitation of cultural resources on military installations. (Sec. 350) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report that assesses the effects of the proposed withdrawal of public lands at El Centro Naval Air Facility, California, on the operational and training requirements of DOD at that facility. (Sec. 351) Amends the Act commonly known as the Sikes Act to allow hunting and fishing fees collected at closed military installations to be available for expenditure at any other military reservation for the protection, conservation, and management of fish and wildlife located there. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the contracting out for fire fighting and security guard functions at a private facility at which a Federal activity is located pursuant to a lease of such facility to the Federal Government. (Sec. 362) Authorizes DOD recruitment funds to be expended for small meals and refreshments provided to specified individuals during personnel recruiting functions. (Sec. 363) Prohibits the Secretary from using other-than- competitive procedures for the procurement of brand-name commercial items for resale in commissary stores unless such item is regularly sold outside such stores under the same brand name. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Superintendent of the Naval Academy to administer a nonappropriated fund account for the midshipmen's store, specified shops, and the laundry and dairy. (Sec. 365) Increases the assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary to the Inaugural Committee to include planning and assistance with respect to security and ceremonial activities, and any other appropriate assistance. (Currently, only the loan of equipment is authorized.) Includes a congressional joint committee as an authorized recipient of such assistance. (Sec. 366) Allows the Secretary to authorize the commander of a military installation or other DOD facility, or the commander of a specified or unified combatant command, to provide assistance for the World Cup Games, the Goodwill Games, the Olympics, and any other major civilian sporting event in support of essential security and safety at such event, but only under appropriate agreements with event sponsors. Excludes the Special Olympics or Paralympics from such authorized assistance. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOD funds to the Administrator of General Services for the renovation of Building One at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, for use as a Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1997. Increases from 0.5 to five the percentage of authorized temporary variation in such levels. (Sec. 403) Provides the authorized end strengths for commissioned officers in grades O-4 through O-6. (Sec. 404) Extends through FY 2000 the requirement for recommendations to the Secretary for appointments to joint 4-star officer positions. (Sec. 405) Increases from 68 to 80 the authorized number of active-duty general officers in the Marine Corps. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1997 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Extends through FY 1997 the authority for the temporary promotion of Navy lieutenants possessing critical skills. (Sec. 502) Provides an exception to the baccalaureate degree requirement for appointments above the Naval Reserve grade of O-2 in the case of appointments of officers to the Seaman to Admiral Program. (Sec. 503) Increases from three to eight years since graduation from an unaccredited educational institution the time period for such graduates to be considered educationally qualified for appointment as reserve officers in grade O-3. (Sec. 504) Reduces from three to two years the minimum time in grade before chief warrant officers on the active-duty list may be considered for promotion. Authorizes the selection of chief warrant officers from below their promotion zone. (Sec. 505) Reduces from semiannually to annually the required frequency of a periodic report on promotion rates of officers currently or formerly serving in joint duty assignments. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Amends the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act to allow a person who has completed at least six months of satisfactory service as an adjutant or assistant adjutant before completion of three years of such service to be retired in the higher grade of such position, notwithstanding that he or she had not completed three years of such service. Provides grade recognition, for retirement credit purposes, for other persons promoted to higher positions who did not serve in such positions, but instead served in other positions for which the promoted grade is the minimum authorized grade for the position in which the person actually served. (Sec. 513) Repeals the requirement for physical examinations of members of the National Guard called into Federal service. (Sec. 514) Authorizes reserve personnel within two years of retirement eligibility to waive the prohibition against the involuntary release of such members within such period. (Sec. 515) Provides for the retirement of reserve personnel disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated while remaining overnight between inactive duty training periods. (Sec. 516) Provides reserve duty credit for participation in the Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program if the person completes the course of study, completes the active duty obligation, and possesses a specialty designated as one critically needed in wartime. (Sec. 517) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the current and projected force structure of the National Guard and other reserve components. Subtitle C: Officer Education Programs - Increases the maximum age limit before appointment to: (1) the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, to less than 27 years of age; and (2) a military service academy, to less than 23 years of age. (Sec. 522) Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out, and report to the Congress in each of 1998 through 2001 on, a demonstration project assessing the feasibility and advisability of providing instruction and other support to units of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps through members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. Terminates such authority four years after enactment of this Act. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Allows no more than 25 (currently, 15) formerly retired general or flag officers of an armed force to be serving on active duty concurrently pursuant to orders issued by the Secretary of such military department. Provides exceptions and limits to the periods of recalled service. (Sec. 533) Provides disability coverage for officers granted excess leave in order to participate in an educational program. Entitles such members to eligibility for: (1) placement on the temporary disability retirement list; and (2) separation from the armed forces. (Sec. 534) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth uniform policies and procedures regarding the retention of military personnel who are permanently nonworldwide assignable for medical reasons. (Sec. 535) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to extend the normal one-year authorized waiting period before entry under the delayed entry program for an additional 180 days if such Secretary determines the additional period to be in the best interests of that armed force. (Sec. 536) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept a reenlistment for: (1) a member who has less than ten years of service, for at least two but not more than six additional years; and (2) a member with at least ten years of service, for the above period or for an unspecified period. (Sec. 537) Repeals the applicability of military missing person provisions to DOD civilian and contractor employees who accompany an armed force into action. Increases from 48 hours to ten days after a unit commander concludes that a person should be in a missing status the time period permitted prior to a required preliminary report to the Secretary concerned on such person's status. Repeals the requirement that counsel represent a missing person during inquiries as to their status. Requires subsequent reviews concerning a person's declared status to be made upon receipt of information that may result in a change of such status (Currently, such reviews are required every three years.) Repeals: (1) statutory penalties for the wrongful withholding of information as to a person's status; (2) the right of judicial review of a missing or dead status determination; and (3) the inclusion of certain information upon a determination of death of a missing person. (Sec. 538) States that the three-year statute of limitations for filing claims for the correction of military records is not extended by reason of military service, but provides an exception in the interests of justice. (Sec. 539) Authorizes the President, notwithstanding specified time limitations, to award the Medal of Honor to certain named individuals for acts of heroism while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Subtitle E: Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service - Applies to an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) a current prohibition on crediting enlisted service performed as a cadet or midshipman as service as an officer in the armed forces. (Sec. 562) Amends the Public Health Service Act to except from PHS commissioned officer end strength limitations those officers who are assigned to duty in DOD. Subtitle F: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization - Makes permanent the current conditional authority to expand the DOD law enforcement personnel placement assistance program to include fire fighters. (Sec. 572) Requires (currently, authorizes) the Secretary, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard, to establish a program providing assistance to separated military personnel to obtain certification and employment as teachers or teachers' aides. Reduces from five to two school years the period in which such former member must agree to be employed in such a position after receiving such assistance and certification. Reduces the amount required to be paid by the Secretary concerned to the local educational agency as part of the salary of such teachers or teachers' aides. Subtitle G: Armed Forces Retirement Home - Amends the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 to authorize the Chairman of the Retirement Home Board or the director of each individual establishment of the Armed Forces Retirement Home to accept voluntary services from any person, unless such services are disapproved by the Board. Provides voluntary service requirements and limitations, as well as the Federal employee status of such persons while performing such services. Allows such Chairman or director to reimburse such volunteers for incidental expenses incurred in providing such services. (Sec. 583) Authorizes the Retirement Home Board to sell or otherwise dispose of specified property under their control in Washington, D.C., under specified terms and conditions, including required notification to the defense committees of any such disposals. (Sec. 584) Provides for the terms of appointment for members of Retirement Home governing boards. Authorizes the Board to waive certain dual compensation prohibitions with respect to the director of an individual retirement home or one of its employees, allowing for the adjustment of such pay in consideration of the dual compensation. (Sec. 585) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to delay until the end of FY 1998 the implementation of a new fee structure for residents of the military retirement homes (delays similarly the end date of a series of three reports with respect to such fee implementation). Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on meeting the funding needs of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in a manner that is fair and equitable to its residents as well as to members of the armed forces who provide required monthly contributions for the Home. (Sec. 586) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for the operation of the Home. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1997 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 3.0 percent, effective on January 1, 1997, the rates of basic pay and basic allowance for subsistence. Increases by 4.0 percent, on the same date, the rate of basic allowance for quarters (BAQ). (Sec. 602) Repeals the requirement that the rate of monthly cadet and midshipman pay be adjusted in the same manner and time as the rates of monthly basic pay to military personnel. (Sec. 603) Authorizes senior noncommissioned officers who are hospitalized to continue to be entitled to their authorized basic pay for up to 180 days after commencement of such hospitalization. (Sec. 604) Authorizes a BAQ for certain members (single or married personnel of specified grades) assigned to sea duty. (Sec. 606) Authorizes a family separation allowance for a member who is separated from a spouse who is also a member of the armed forces if the member has no dependents and the two members were residing together immediately before such separation. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Comptroller General to waive certain time limitations with respect to claims for military pay or allowances of $25,000 or less. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1998 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1997 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 614) Increases the special pay for dental officers of the armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals the requirement limiting special pay for optometrists to optometrists in the armed forces (thereby qualifying PHS optometrists for such pay). (Sec. 616) Authorizes special pay as nonphysician health care providers for officers in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the PHS. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the payment of foreign language proficiency pay for officers of the PHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Currently, such pay is limited to officers in the armed forces.) Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the payment of a travel expense for travel from a new duty station to the port of debarkation to pick up a privately owned vehicle. (Sec. 622) Allows a member authorized to have a vehicle shipped to a foreign country due to a change of duty station to store such vehicle at Government expense in lieu of such shipping when the government of such foreign country precludes the entry of such vehicle or requires extensive vehicle modification before such entry is permitted. (Sec. 623) Authorizes a member to defer travel leave permitted between consecutive tours of duty for up to one additional year due to participation in a contingency operation. (Sec. 624) Provides funding for the transportation of household effects of members of the Commissioned Corps of the PHS. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Repeals a provision providing a conditional effective date for the FY 1998 military retirement pay cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). (Sec. 632) Authorizes a member or former member, subject to specified conditions and restrictions, to transfer or assign such member's retired or retainer pay account when it becomes due and payable for the payment of any financial obligations. (Sec. 633) States that Survivor Benefit Plan COLAs shall become effective concurrently with the payment of related military retirement pay COLAs. (Sec. 634) Directs the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the armed forces who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay on such date; or (2) was a member of the reserves between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired pay but for the fact of being under 60 years of age. (Sec. 635) Increases the annual income limitation for purposes of eligibility for supplemental income for certain spouses of former military personnel. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes military personnel and members of the Coast Guard to be reimbursed for adoption expenses incurred through any adoption source (private source) if the adoption is supervised by a court under a State or local law. (Sec. 642) Authorizes the withholding for Federal income tax purposes of amounts from the separation pay received by involuntarily separated military personnel. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Revises the implementation deadline with respect to the requirement for a Selected Reserve dental insurance plan. (Sec. 702) Provides a dental insurance plan for: (1) members and former members entitled to retired or retainer pay; (2) members of the Retired Reserve who would be eligible for such pay except for not having attained 60 years of age; and (3) eligible dependents of (1) and (2), above. Outlines provisions concerning premiums, benefits, and coverage. Provides for the continuation during the enrollment period of benefits to dependents upon the death of an enrollee. (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to provide a uniform software package for use by providers of health care under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) and by military treatment facilities for the computerized processing of information. (Sec. 704) Revises certain DOD authority with respect to the receipt of payments or reimbursement from third party health insurance providers for care provided to military personnel and their dependents at military treatment facilities under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). (Sec. 706) Provides for the crediting of amounts collected in the administration of CHAMPUS. (Sec. 707) Directs the Comptroller General to analyze the effectiveness of the medical research and clinical care programs of DOD that relate to Persian Gulf illnesses, including the use of experimental drugs, and to report study results to the Congress. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for DOD procurement technical assistance programs. (Sec. 802) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the Mentor-Protege pilot program; and (2) 1994 to modify and extend through FY 2001 the authority of DOD to carry out prototype projects directly relevant to proposed weapons or weapon systems. (Sec. 804) Repeals specified provisions relating to program requirements and administration of a national defense program for analysis of the defense technology and industrial base (base). Directs the Secretary to annually prepare selected assessments of the capability of such base to attain required national security objectives. Repeals the requirement of a periodic defense capability plan under such base. Directs the Secretary to prescribe departmental guidance for the attainment of specified national security objectives in connection with such base. Requires annual reports to the defense committees. Repeals superseded and inconsistent Federal provisions. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Secretary to require that the procurement of small arms parts and modifications be made only from firms listed in a specified plan prepared by an independent assessment panel of the Army Science Board. (Sec. 807) Treats a DOD cable television franchise agreement as a contract for telecommunications services under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (Sec. 808) Provides reinstatement and other remedies for employees against whom certain reprisal actions are taken for providing information as to possible violations of law (whistle blowers). (Sec. 809) Directs the Secretary to include in a currently-required report specified matters relating to information resources management by the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all information technology acquired by DOD pursuant to contracts entered into after September 30, 1996, have certain capabilities relating to the fault-free processing of dates and date-related data. Requires a report to the Congress. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: General Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal provisions requiring a reorganization of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. (Sec. 902) Codifies requirements provided under prior law with respect to: (1) the continued operation of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, as well as the required end strengths for University personnel; and (2) the requirements for a United States Army Reserve Command and the assignment of forces under such Command. (Sec. 904) Authorizes the President, through the Secretary of Defense (currently, the Secretary of the Army), to assume control over transportation systems in times of war. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to perform oversight responsibilities within the executive branch with respect to clandestine activities of DOD human intelligence personnel. (Sec. 906) Designates the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency as the Director of Military Intelligence. Establishes within DOD a Military Intelligence Board as the principal forum for coordination of DOD intelligence programs and activities. (Sec. 907) Redesignates the: (1) Office of Naval Records and History Fund as the Naval Historical Center Fund; and (2) Office of Naval Records and History as the Naval Historical Center. Subtitle B: National Imagery and Mapping Agency - National Imagery and Mapping Agency Act of 1996 - Part I: Establishment - Establishes the National Imagery and Mapping Agency as a combat support agency of DOD, with a Director appointed by the President. Requires the Agency to: (1) provide timely, relevant, and accurate imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information in support of U.S. national security objectives; (2) improve the means of navigating vessels of the Navy and merchant marine; (3) prepare and distribute maps, charts, and related products; and (4) support the imagery requirements of the Department of State and other Federal departments and agencies outside of DOD. Authorizes the Agency Director to use appropriated funds to provide foreign countries with imagery intelligence and geospatial information support. Requires support of Agency activities by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), including administrative and contract services as well as the detail of appropriate personnel. Prohibits the CIA Inspector General from conducting any inspection, investigation, or audit of the Agency without the written consent of the DOD Inspector General. Provides for the protection of Agency identifications (acronyms) and organizational information. Empowers the Secretary with civilian personnel management authority over Agency employees, including the authority to hire personnel, fix the rates of pay and authorized allowances and COLAs, and terminate employees. Authorizes the Secretary to designate National Imagery and Mapping Senior Level positions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Imagery and Mapping Senior Executive Service for senior civilian personnel within the Agency, under specified requirements. Provides related authorities, including details and assignments outside the Agency as well as labor and management bargaining rights and obligations. Requires congressional oversight of the Agency as a combat support agency. Transfers specified missions and functions within DOD (the Defense Mapping Agency and the Central Imagery Office) and the CIA (the National Photographic Interpretation Center) to the Agency, including related personnel and other assets. (Sec. 923) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the Secretary to perform various imagery functions through the Agency in furtherance of national security. Provides other personnel management authorities. (Sec. 925) Provides creditable civilian service for current Defense Mapping Agency employees who continue their service with the new Agency. Provides savings provisions. (Sec. 928) Authorizes appropriations for the Agency for FY 1997. Part II: Conforming Amendments and Effective Dates - Makes technical and conforming amendments necessitated by the creation of the Agency and the termination of the Defense Mapping Agency and the Central Imagery Office. Provides an effective date. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1997 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires notification to the Congress of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1996 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1996 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1996 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996. (Sec. 1004) Allows FY 1997 DOD funds transferred to the Coast Guard to be used only for the performance of national security functions of the Coast Guard in support of DOD, requiring a certification of the proper use of such funds. (Sec. 1005) Authorizes the use of DOD funds for the military education and training of military and civilian personnel of foreign countries (under the military-to-military contacts program). (Sec. 1006) Authorizes the payment of certain personnel, equipment, services, and supplies expenses related to the provision by DOD of humanitarian and civic assistance. (Sec. 1007) Prohibits DOD funds appropriated for intelligence activities from being obligated or expended by an individual who is not an officer or employee of DOD. (Sec. 1008) Prohibits funds authorized under this Act or otherwise made available to the Navy for FY 1997 from being obligated or expended by the Office of Naval Intelligence for official representation or related activities. (Sec. 1009) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, whenever the President directs the Secretary to provide disaster assistance outside the United States, the President should direct the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to reimburse DOD for such costs. (Sec. 1010) Provides a Fisher House Trust Fund for the Navy, funds from which shall be used for the operation of Fisher houses (houses located near a military medical treatment facility and used for the temporary lodging of patients of such facility and their immediate family). (Sec. 1011) Provides for the designation and liability of Coast Guard disbursing and certifying officials. Places authority over such officials with the Department of Transportation when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to suspend an action by the Secretary to collect a claim against a deceased member of the Coast Guard when considered appropriate. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes a Federal disbursing official to undertake check cashing and other exchange transactions at a Federal credit union that is operating at DOD invitation in a foreign country where contractor-operated military banking facilities are not available. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the governments of Egypt, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Taiwan, and Thailand specified naval vessels. Directs such Secretary to require that any required repair or refurbishment of such vessels take place at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer six obsolete Navy tugboats to the Northeast Wisconsin Railroad Transportation Commission. (Sec. 1023) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal the requirement of the continuous applicability of phased maintenance contracts for AE-class ships. (Sec. 1024) Reaffirms the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should plan for and budget the acquisition of 19 large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll-off vessels rather than only 17 such vessels (as in the current contract). Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to provide additional counter-drug support to the Government of Mexico during FY 1997. Provides funding. (Sec. 1032) Prohibits DOD funds from this or any other Act from being obligated or expended for the National Drug Intelligence Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with an exception. Requires a joint investigation of the operations of such Center by various inspectors general and a report to the Congress on the results of such investigation. Subtitle D: Matters Relating to Foreign Countries - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the governments of U.S. allies and other friendly foreign countries for the exchange of military and civilian personnel of DOD with similar personnel of such foreign governments. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for the reciprocal exchange of personnel between the United States and foreign countries for attendance at flight training schools or programs. (Sec. 1043) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to support international nonproliferation activities. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements - Requires an annual report from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to the defense committees on emerging operational concepts. (Sec. 1052) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on a joint war fighting science and technology plan. (Sec. 1053) Directs the JCS Chairman to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the military readiness requirements of the armed forces. Requires such report to be prepared by the Chief of Staff (Commandant, for the Marines) of each armed force. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to except from the competitive service appointments to certain nonattorney positions on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. (Sec. 1062) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1997 for retiring or dismantling B-52H bomber aircraft, Trident ballistic missile submarines, Minuteman II ICBMs, or Peacekeeper ICBMs. Authorizes a waiver of such prohibition when determined necessary to implement the START II Treaty. (Sec. 1063) Corrects legal and statutory references with respect to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Defense Distribution Depot, Anniston, Alabama. (Sec. 1064) Authorizes certain members of the reserves to act as a notary public or U.S. consul. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes military personnel to use non-Government facilities for training activities. (Sec. 1066) Provides that if a member of the armed forces is injured or contracts a disease under circumstances creating a tort liability upon a third person, and such member is unable to perform his or her duties as a result of such injury or disease, then the United States shall have a right of recovery against such third person for the value of pay that accrues to such member for the period in which they are incapacitated. (Sec. 1067) Prohibits DOD funds from being used to adopt or enforce any rule or other prohibition that discriminates against the display of the flag of a particular State, territory, or possession of the United States at an official ceremony at any installation or other facility of DOD at which the official flags of other U.S. States, territories, or possessions are being displayed. (Sec. 1068) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept gifts and donations from foreign governments and other individuals or entities within foreign countries in order to defray the costs of operation of the George C. Marshall European Center for Strategic Security Studies; (2) permit representatives of a foreign government to participate in a program at the Center when found to be in the U.S. national interest; and (3) waive certain financial disclosure requirements for a foreign member of the Board of Visitors of the Center serving without compensation. (Sec. 1069) Authorizes the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to jointly present a bronze medal (previously awarded only to military personnel) to certain civilian participants in the defense of Pearl Harbor. Authorizes appropriations. Makes such authority effective as of November 5, 1990. (Sec. 1070) Redesignates the Nellis Federal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the Michael O'Callaghan Federal Hospital. (Sec. 1071) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should name Building A at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences as the David Packard Building. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Subtitle A: Personnel Management, Pay, and Allowances - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to direct the Secretary, by the end of FY 1996, to convert 3,000 military positions to civilian positions. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the Secretary to retain civilian employee positions of DOD at a military installation which is to be closed and which is scheduled for transfer during FY 1997 to National Guard operation and control, in order to facilitate active and reserve component training at such installation. Limits the maximum number of positions retained to 20 percent of the Federal civilian work force employed at such installation as of September 8, 1995. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary to provide DOD civilian employees (and their family members) abroad with benefits comparable to those provided by the Secretary of State to members of the Foreign Service serving abroad. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes an employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of DOD or the Coast Guard who moves, without a break in service of more than three days, to a position in DOD or the Coast Guard to receive travel, transportation, and related expenses under the same conditions and to the same extent as regular DOD or Coast Guard employees. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Defense Department Overseas Pay and Personnel Practices Act to require the Secretary of the military department concerned (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to conduct the employment and salary practices applicable to teachers employed overseas in that department. (Sec. 1107) Authorizes the Secretary to employ appropriate teaching faculty at the English Language Center of the Defense Language Institute and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. (Sec. 1108) Authorizes the Secretary to provide reimbursement to DOD domestic dependent school board members for expenses incurred in the performance of school board duties. (Sec. 1109) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for civilian DOD employees to participate in voluntary DOD reductions-in-force. (Sec. 1110) Authorizes an agency head to grant employee compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay for time spent in irregular or overtime work. (Sec. 1111) Provides for the lump-sum payment of annual leave to a DOD employee for leave that remains unused upon the employee's transfer from an installation being closed or realigned under a base closure law. (Sec. 1112) Waives the requirement for the repayment of voluntary separation incentive pay by former DOD employees who are reemployed when such employment is without pay. (Sec. 1113) Provides Federal holiday observance procedures for DOD employees when a holiday occurs on that employee's regularly scheduled day off. (Sec. 1114) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) requiring a specified percentage of hotels in which Federal employees are booked to meet fire safety and control requirements of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974; and (2) prohibiting the payment of lodging expenses of DOD employees when adequate Government facilities are available. Subtitle B: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program under which Federal retirement benefits are provided to persons who convert from Federal employment in the Navy or Air Force to employment with a DOD contractor in connection with the privatization of the performance of functions at selected military installations being closed under the base closure and realignment process. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) eligible transferred employees; (2) applicable retirement benefits; (3) computation of average pay; (4) the payment by the military department concerned of the unfunded liability in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund caused by the addition of such benefits; (5) the termination 90 days after such transfer of Federal health benefits coverage; (6) a study and report from the Comptroller General to the Congress on each pilot program established under this section; and (7) required implementing regulations by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. (Sec. 1122) Directs (currently authorizes) the Secretary to establish a program providing assistance to terminated DOD employees and DOD contractor employees in obtaining certification and employment in the private sector as teachers and teachers' aides (known as the troops-to-teachers program). Reduces from five to two school years the period of obligated service after such assistance and certification. Title XII: Federal Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association - Recognizes and grants a Federal charter to the Fleet Reserve Association, a nonprofit organization formed to aid and maintain an adequate naval defense for the United States and assist in the recruitment and welfare of personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Requires the Association to report annually to the Congress on its activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3467 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Tax Provisions Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities Saving Our Children: The American Community Renewal Act of 1996 - Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas as RCs if: (1) the areas have pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress and meet other requirements; and (2) State and local governments agree to take actions such as tax reduction, crime reduction strategies, and reducing, repealing, or not enforcing within the area certain governmental requirements such as licensing, zoning, and permits. Sets forth special rules for empowerment zones and enterprise communities designated as RCs. Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. Allows a deduction for the purchase of RC stock. Allows a deduction to any qualified individual or other person for amounts paid in cash to a family development account for the individual's benefit. Allows family development account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes family development accounts from taxation. Requires that the individual resided in an RC and was allowed an earned income credit for the preceding taxable year. Authorizes designation of not more than 25 RCs as FDA matching demonstration areas. Mandates, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, depositing into each individual's account the amount deposited into that individual's family development account during the year. Sets the commercial revitalization credit (established below) at 20 to 50 percent of the revitalization expenditures regarding a revitalization building. Increases, for an RC business, the dollar limit on expensing certain depreciable business assets. (Sec. 105) Requires that any: (1) reduction in taxes regarding any RC be disregarded in determining the eligibility of a State or local government for, or the amount of, any assistance or benefits under any U.S. law other than the subchapter created by this title; and (2) RC be treated for all Federal law purposes as a labor surplus area. (Sec. 106) Allows a deduction for deposits to family development accounts and a credit for commercial revitalization expenditures. Title II: Additional Tax Provisions - Decreases the targeted jobs credit percentage and revises the list of targeted groups and related definitions. Renames the credit as the work opportunity credit. (Sec. 202) Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions to an organization: (1) described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations); (2) primarily assisting poor individuals; and (3) meeting other requirements, including limitations on political activity. (Sec. 203) Allows a charitable contribution deduction to an individual who does not itemize deductions. Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1996 - Requires an RC to establish and operate a Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship program to: (1) provide RC families a choice of schools; and (2) provide assistance for attending public and private elementary and secondary schools, including religious schools. (Sec. 408) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 409) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 410) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school or institution. Prohibits deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. Requires, if a State law or constitution does not allow the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. (Sec. 415) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried immediately in U.S. District Court and provides for a right of immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 417) Authorizes appropriations. Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that these provisions apply to each program under the PHSA that makes Federal awards to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization (RO) to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes ROs eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization so long as activities are implemented consistent with the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that an RO, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires an RO to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the RO. Allows an RO to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by ROs, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. Requires giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the RO has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to allow the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider the institution's ventures with any community development organization in an RC. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to waive certain human drug application or supplement fees for drugs developed in an RC.
Bill· HRH.R. 3479 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Higher Education and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Title II: Deductions for Alcohol Advertising or Promotion Title III: Promotion of Alcoholic Beverages Title IV: Children and Alcohol Advertising Title V: Alcohol Advertising Title VI: Health Warnings Title VII: Ingredient Labeling for Malt Beverages, Wine, and Distilled Spirits Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse Prevention Act of 1996 - Title I: Higher Education and Alcohol Abuse Prevention - College Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise drug and alcohol abuse prevention program certification requirements (which must be met in order for a higher education institution to receive any Federal financial assistance) to require the programs to limit alcoholic beverage advertisements in the institution's newspapers and other publications to price and product identification. Prohibits: (1) distribution of promotional material encouraging alcohol consumption; (2) distribution of free alcohol; and (3) sponsorship or public support of any on-campus athletic, musical, cultural, or social program, event, or competition by any alcoholic beverage company or by any group of companies. Requires that identification, referral, or treatment of students and employees under such programs not jeopardize the their matriculation status or employment. Authorizes grants to institutions or consortia, and contracts with such institutions and other organizations, for programs of prevention and education (including treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the illegal use of drugs and alcohol and associated violence. Allows using the contracts for a higher education center for alcohol and drug abuse prevention to provide training, technical assistance, evaluation, dissemination, and associated services and assistance to the higher education community and higher education institutions. Mandates ten National Recognition Awards annually to institutions that have developed and implemented effective alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Deductions for Alcohol Advertising or Promotion - Alcohol Promotion and Advertising Tax Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction for the expense of advertising (via any means) or promoting any alcoholic beverage. Title III: Promotion of Alcoholic Beverages - End Taxpayer Promotion of Alcohol Overseas Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to prohibit the use of funds for overseas promotion of alcoholic beverages. Title IV: Children and Alcohol Advertising - Children's Protection from Alcohol Advertising Act of 1996 - Prohibits advertising or promoting alcoholic beverages on any audio tape, audio disc, videotape, video arcade game, computer game, or film. Prohibits outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages within 1000 feet of any school, playground, or other public facility where individuals under 21 are reasonably expected to convene. Restricts alcohol print advertising in publications with an under-21 readership of 15 percent or more than two million to text only in black and white print. Limits alcohol television broadcast advertising between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a picture of the beverage with factual, objective audio information. Mandates criminal fines and allows injunctions. Requires that alcohol manufacturers sponsoring events be identified in the corporate (not brand) name. Prohibits manufacturing or distributing non-beverage products with an identifiable brand of an alcoholic beverage manufacturer (but allows the corporate name). Title V: Alcohol Advertising - Alcohol Advertising Accountability Act of 1996 - Mandates: (1) an annual report to the Congress on alcohol advertising, its profile, and its effects, along with recommendations for legislation; and (2) establishment of a panel to assist in gathering information for the report. Title IV: Health Warnings - Sensible Advertising and Family Education Act - Declares it to be an unlawful or deceptive act under the Federal Trade Commission Act to advertise any alcoholic beverage through magazines, newspapers, brochures, promotional displays, radio, television (including cable, paid per view, or subscription), or other electronic means, unless the advertising includes one of specified health warnings. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain toll free numbers referred to in some of the warnings. Title VII: Ingredient Labeling for Malt Beverages, Wine, and Distilled Spirits - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a malt beverage, wine, or distilled spirit mislabeled unless it bears a label disclosing: (1) the alcoholic content; (2) the number of drinks (defining "drink" as .6 ounces of alcohol); (3) its ingredients and calories; (4) the common name of each ingredient, including additives; and (5) a toll-free number for help with a drinking problem. Authorizes appropriations for the toll-free number.
Bill· HRH.R. 3476 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
College Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise drug and alcohol abuse prevention program certification requirements (which must be met in order for a higher education institution (institution) to receive any Federal financial assistance) to require such programs to limit alcoholic beverage advertisements in the institution's newspapers and other publications to price and product identification. Prohibits: (1) distribution of any promotional material that encourages the consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus; (2) distribution of free alcoholic beverages for promotional purposes on campus; and (3) sponsorship or public support of any on-campus athletic, musical, cultural, or social program, event, or competition by any alcoholic beverage company or by any group of such companies. Requires that identification, referral, or treatment of students and employees under such programs not jeopardize their matriculation status or employment. Requires specified items under such programs to be developed and adopted with student and employee participation. Directs the Secretary of Education to waive certain sanctions relating to such programs for up to one year in the case of any institution in the process of developing and implementing a required plan. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions or consortia of them, and contracts with such institutions and other organizations, for programs of prevention, and education (including treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the illegal use of drugs and alcohol and associated violence. Allows such contracts also to be used for a higher education center for alcohol and drug abuse prevention which will provide training, technical assistance, evaluation, dissemination, and associated services and assistance to the higher education community and institutions of higher education. Make a conforming repeal to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary to make ten National Recognition Awards annually to institutions that have developed and implemented effective alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education programs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3482 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individuals' Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1996 - Defines "health information trustee" (HIT) to mean a person or entity that creates, receives, obtains, maintains, uses, or transmits protected health information (PHI) and any employee, agent, or contractor of such a person. Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires a HIT to permit an individual who is the subject of PHI to inspect and copy the information, subject to cost reimbursement and exceptions. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires a HIT to maintain: (1) administrative, technical, and physical confidentiality and accuracy safeguards; and (2) a record of any PHI disclosure not related to treatment. Prohibits HIT retaliation for actions under this Act. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits disclosures except: (1) as allowed under this title; (2) as compatible with the purposes for which the information was obtained or for the specific purpose for which an individual authorized disclosure; and (3) in the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the disclosure's purpose. (Sec. 202) Regulates disclosure authorizations, the disclosure of nonidentifiable information, and the creation of coded information. (Sec. 205) Specifies the criteria for disclosure: (1) to an individual's next of kin; (2) regarding directory information to any person; (3) in emergencies placing the information subject or another individual at serious risk; (4) to a health oversight agency; (5) to an accrediting body; (6) by a health care provider to a public health authority; (7) by a HIT to a health researcher; (8) by specified entities in connection with certain judicial and administrative proceedings; (9) by specified entities pursuant to a subpoena; and (10) by specified entities regarding subpoenas and warrants. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Civil Sanctions - Imposes a civil penalty for material failure to comply with this Act. Provides, if the violations have occurred with such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, for a higher civil penalty or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) or any other federally funded health care programs. (Sec. 302) Allows an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for preliminary and equitable relief, actual or liquidated damages, and punitive damages. Allows assessment of attorney's fees. Subtitle B: Criminal Sanctions - Provides for criminal fines, imprisonment, or exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, or any other Federally funded health care program (or some combination of those penalties) for violations of this Act or this title. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Provides for: (1) the promulgation of regulations (and establishment of a related advisory group); and (2) the relationship of this Act to other laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 3473 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Children's Protection from Alcohol Advertising Act of 1996 - Prohibits advertising or promoting alcoholic beverages on any audio tape, audio disc, videotape, video arcade game, computer game, or film. Prohibits outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages within 1000 feet of any school, playground, or other public facility where individuals under 21 are reasonably expected to convene. Restricts alcohol print advertising in publications with an under-21 readership of 15 percent or more than two million to text only in black and white print. Limits alcohol television broadcast advertising between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a picture of the beverage with factual, objective audio information. Mandates criminal fines and allows injunctions. Requires that alcohol manufacturers sponsoring events be identified in the corporate (not brand) name. Prohibits manufacturing or distributing non-beverage products with an identifiable brand of an alcoholic beverage manufacturer (but allows the corporate name).
Bill· HRH.R. 3475 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Alcohol Advertising Accountability Act of 1996 - Mandates: (1) an annual report to the Congress on alcohol advertising, its profile, and its effects, along with recommendations for legislation; and (2) establishment of a panel to assist in gathering information for the report.
Bill· HRH.R. 3474 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Sensible Advertising and Family Education Act - Declares it to be an unlawful or deceptive act under the Federal Trade Commission Act to advertise any alcoholic beverage through magazines, newspapers, brochures, promotional displays, radio, television (including cable, paid per view, or subscription), or other electronic means, unless the advertising includes one of specified health warnings. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain toll-free numbers referred to in some of the warnings.
Bill· HRH.R. 3472 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
End Taxpayer Promotion of Alcohol Overseas Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to prohibit the use of funds for overseas promotion of alcoholic beverages.
Bill· SS. 1760 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Title II: Locate and Case Tracking Title III: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Title IV: Paternity Establishment Title V: Program Administration and Funding Title VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Title VII: Enforcement of Support Orders Title VIII: Medical Support Title IX: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents Title X: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments Child Support Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 102) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 103) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Title II: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 202) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 203) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 204) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 205) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 206) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and of HHS to jointly develop cost-effective methods of accessing information in the various State directories of new hires and the National Directory of New Hires, taking into account impact and cost to the States, and the need to insure authorized use of wage record information. (Sec. 207) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Title III: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 303) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Title IV: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 403) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Title V: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 502) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 504) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 505) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Title VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 602) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 603) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for knowing or negligent violation of such prohibition. Title VII: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 702) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 704) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 705) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures to: (1) ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of an absent parent; and (4) implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 710) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 711) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 712) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each absent parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 713) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 714) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Title VIII: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 802) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Title IX: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Title X: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments.
Bill· HRH.R. 3465 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments Title II: Locate and Case Tracking Title III: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures Title IV: Paternity Establishment Title V: Program Administration and Funding Title VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders Title VII: Enforcement of Support Orders Title VIII: Medical Support Title IX: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents Title X: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments Child Support Improvement Act of 1996 - Title I: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 102) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 103) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Title II: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 202) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 203) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 204) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 205) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 206) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. Requires the Secretaries of Labor and of HHS to jointly develop cost-effective methods of accessing information in the various State directories of new hires and the National Directory of New Hires, taking into account impact and cost to the States, and the need to insure authorized use of wage record information. (Sec. 207) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Title III: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 303) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Title IV: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 403) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Title V: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 502) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 504) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 505) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Title VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 602) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 603) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for knowing or negligent violation of such prohibition. Title VII: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 702) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the armed forces. (Sec. 704) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 705) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures to: (1) ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of an absent parent; and (4) implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 710) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 711) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 712) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each absent parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 713) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 714) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Title VIII: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 802) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Title IX: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non-Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Title X: Effective Dates and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments.
Law· HRH.R. 3448 (104th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Small Business and Other Tax Provisions Subtitle A: Expensing; Etc. Subtitle B: Extension of Certain Expiring Provisions Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to S Corporations Subtitle D: Pension Simplification Subtitle E: Foreign Simplification Subtitle F: Revenue Offsets Subtitle G: Technical Corrections Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 - Title I: Small Business and Other Tax Provisions - States that no addition to any underpayment of a tax installment required to be paid before enactment shall be made to the extent such underpayment was created by this title. Subtitle A: Expensing; Etc. - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to incrementally increase to $25,000 by the year 2003 the amount which a small business may expense. Revises provisions concerning employee tips. Subtitle B: Extension of Certain Expiring Provisions - Decreases from 40 to 35 percent the work opportunity credit. Extends and makes other revisions to such credit, including redefining members of targeted groups. Extends: (1) employer provided educational assistance programs; and (2) permanently, the Federal Unemployment Tax exemption for alien agricultural workers. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to S Corporations - Increases from 35 to 75 the number of S corporation shareholders permitted. Permits an electing small business trust as a shareholder. Permits financial institutions to hold safe harbor debt. Revises S corporation provisions concerning: (1) the post-death qualification period; (2) the rules relating to inadvertent terminations and invalid elections; (3) an agreement to terminate the taxable year; (4) the post-termination transition period; and (5) the treatment of distributions during loss years. Provides: (1) subject to exception, for the application of Subchapter C rules to an S corporation and its shareholders; (2) for the elimination certain earnings and profits; (3) for the carryover of disallowed losses and deductions under at-risk rules; and (4) adjustments to the basis of inherited S stock to reflect certain items of income. Makes applicable to S corporations the rules applicable to individuals with respect to real property subdivided for sale. Subtitle D: Pension Simplification - Repeals: (1) five-year income averaging for lump sum distributions; and (2) the $5,000 exclusion of employees' death benefits. (Sec. 1403) Revises provisions concerning: (1) taxing annuity distributions under certain employer plans; and (2) the present requirement of beginning distributions on April 1 of the calendar year following a participant's attainment of the age 70 and one-half. (Sec. 1421) Establishes a simple retirement account matching plan for employees of businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Permits a simple plan under a 401(k) plan. (Sec. 1426) Permits 401(k) plans for tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 1431) Revises the definition of a highly compensated employee. Repeals the family aggregation rules. Modifies additional participation requirements. Provides alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements. (Sec. 1442) Provides for the applicability of the special vesting rules for multiemployer plans to other qualified plans. (Sec. 1443) Provides for the treatment of: (1) distributions under rural cooperative plans; and (2) qualified governmental excess benefit arrangements. (Sec. 1445) Provides: (1) for the treatment of the social security retirement age as a uniform retirement age; and (2) that subsidized early retirement benefits and joint and survivor annuities shall not be treated as being unavailable to employees on the same terms merely because such benefits are based on an employees social security retirement age. (Sec. 1446) Provides for the treatment of: (1) contributions on behalf of disabled employees; (2) deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 1448) Requires governmental plans to hold deferred amounts in trusts. Revises provisions concerning the treatment of Indian tribal government annuities. (Sec. 1450) Permits multiple salary reduction agreements. (Sec. 1452) Repeals the limitation in the case of a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan for the same employee. (Sec. 1453) Increases the five percent tax on prohibited transactions to ten percent. (Sec. 1454) Revises the definition of a leased employee. (Sec. 1455) Applies failure to file information report penalties to pension payments. (Sec. 1456) Exempts the retirement benefits of ministers, including the rental value of a parsonage, received under a church plan from the tax on net earnings from self-employment. Subtitle E: Foreign Simplification - Repeals the inclusion in gross income of certain earnings invested in excess passive assets. Subtitle F: Revenue Offsets - Terminates, subject to exception, the Puerto Rico and possessions tax credit after December 31, 1995. Adds a Puerto Rican economic activity credit. (Sec. 1602) Repeals the exclusion for interest on loans used to acquire employer securities. (Sec. 1603) Provides for the treatment of certain amounts derived from foreign corporations as unrelated business taxable income. (Sec. 1604) Revises provisions concerning depreciation under the income forecast method. (Sec. 1605) Revises provisions concerning the exclusion of damages received because of personal injuries or sickness. (Sec. 1606) Repeals the advance repayment of the diesel fuel tax to original purchasers of diesel-powered automobiles and light trucks. Subtitle G: Technical Corrections - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990, the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and other legislation to make technical corrections.
Bill· HRH.R. 3453 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
Child Support Enforcement Reform Amendments of 1996 - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Services; Distribution of Payments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support to provide: (1) certain services relating to paternity establishment or enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) continuation of services for families ceasing to receive assistance under Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Sec. 102) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 103) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions; and (2) notification to services applicants or recipients of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that single statewide automated data systems include a State case registry containing records of: (1) each case in which services are provided by the State agency; and (2) each support order established on or after a specified date. Permits the linking of local registries. (Sec. 112) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. Permits the unit to be established by linking local disbursement units through an automated information network if the Secretary agrees that it will not cost more or take more time to establish or operate than a centralized system. (Sec. 113) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State-operated and automated State Directory of New Hires containing prescribed information furnished by employers on new personnel; and (2) transmit such information to the National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 114) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which wages of a person with a support obligation imposed by a child support order issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 115) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that Federal and State agencies conducting income-withholding activities have access to State locator systems for motor vehicle or law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 116) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to provide for additional information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of: (1) establishing parentage; (2) establishing, setting the amount of, modifying, or enforcing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing child custody or visitation orders. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish in the Federal Parent Locator Service an automated Federal Case Registry of Child Support Orders and an automated National Directory of New Hires. (Sec. 117) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring recordation on such documents of the Social Security number of: (1) specified driver's, marriage, and occupational, and professional license applicants; (2) individuals subject to certain domestic relations orders; and (3) deceased persons (on death records). Subtitle C: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1998. Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for the court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 123) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures requiring: (1) expedited administrative enforcement in interstate cases and support orders; and (2) expedited administrative and judicial procedures for establishing paternity and enforcing support obligations. Subtitle D: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for State laws governing paternity establishment. Requires State procedures under which the name of the father shall be included on the birth certificate only: (1) if the mother and father have signed a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity; or (2) pursuant to a judicial or administrative order. (Sec. 133) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to provide that the State agency administering the plan will make a determination as to whether a program recipient is cooperating in good faith with State efforts to establish paternity and secure support. Subtitle E: Program Administration and Funding - Directs the Secretary to develop a new incentive system to replace the current one. Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 142) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include prescribed procedures for State reviews and audits. Revises the guidelines for Federal evaluation and audit of State programs governing paternity, child and spousal support, and parent location. (Sec. 144) Revises the automated data processing requirements for State plans to mandate a single statewide automated data processing and information retrieval system which can perform specified tasks. (Sec. 145) Makes funds available to the Secretary for: (1) training of Federal and State staff, research and demonstration programs, and special projects of regional and national significance; and (2) operation of the Federal Parent Locator Service. Subtitle F: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 152) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize a consumer agency to furnish a consumer report: (1) in response to a request by a governmental child support enforcement agency; or (2) to the State administrative agency which sets child support awards. (Sec. 153) Shields a depository institution from Federal or State liability for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency. Prohibits such agency from disclosing such a financial record except for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary in, establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation. Sets forth civil penalties for any person knowingly or negligently violating such prohibition. Subtitle G: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends Internal Revenue Code procedural guidelines for the collection of arrearages to provide that no additional fee may be assessed for adjustments to a previously certified amount. (Sec. 162) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 164) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to have in effect the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act of 1981, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act of 1984, or a similar law, as well as certain procedures governing the voiding of fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor. (Sec. 165) Requires a State plan for child and spousal support to include specified procedures: (1) to ensure that persons owing past-due support work or participate in work activities the court deems appropriate; (2) to report to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (3) to provide for liens against real and personal property for the support arrearages of a non- custodial parent; and (4) to implement the restriction of driver's, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses of individuals owing support arrearages. (Sec. 170) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 171) Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate reciprocal agreements with foreign nations: (1) regarding international enforcement of child support obligations; and (2) designating the Department of Health and Human Services as the central authority for such enforcement. (Sec. 172) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which a State agency shall enter agreements with financial institutions doing business within the State to develop and operate a data match system to provide identifying information for each absent parent targeted by the State who maintains an account at the institution, and to encumber or surrender such parent's assets at the institution pursuant to a lien or levy. (Sec. 173) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which child support orders relating to the child of minor parents, where the custodial parents are receiving assistance, are enforceable against the child's paternal or maternal grandparents. (Sec. 174) Amends Federal bankruptcy law and the Social Security Act to declare a debt for child support nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Subtitle H: Medical Support - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to include within the definition of medical child support order an order issued through a State administrative process. (Sec. 177) Amends part D of SSA title IV to mandate statutorily prescribed procedures under which all enforced child support orders shall include a provision for the health care coverage of the child. Subtitle I: Enhancing Responsibility and Opportunity for Non- Residential Parents - Amends part D of SSA title IV to prescribe guidelines under which the Administration for Children and Families shall make grants to enable States to establish and administer access and visitation programs to facilitate absent parents' access to their children. Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments.
Bill· SS. 1745 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Air Force Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense Subtitle D: Other Matters Subtitle E: National Oceanographic Partnership Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Depot-Level Activities Subtitle D: Environmental Provisions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Officer Education Programs Subtitle D: Other Matters Subtitle E: Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service Subtitle F: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Subtitle G: Armed Forces Retirement Home 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, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: General Matters Subtitle B: National Imagery and Mapping Agency Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Matters Relating to Foreign Countries Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements Subtitle F: Other Matters Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Subtitle A: Personnel Management, Pay, and Allowances Subtitle B: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Title XII: Federal Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program 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: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for procurement to the armed forces for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; and (5) the Defense Health Program. (Sec. 109) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the Defense Nuclear Agency. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for the Javelin missile system. (Sec. 112) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to replace the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics, and Environment) with the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research, Development and Acquisition) on State chemical demilitarization citizens' advisory commissions. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Requires certain certifications by the Secretary of the Navy before funds may be obligated for the EA-6B aircraft reactive jammer program. (Sec. 122) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, with a cost limitation, to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for up to 106 Penguin missiles. (Sec. 123) Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for one remaining Seawolf attack submarine and a New Attack submarine, under specified contract and construction requirements and limitations. (Sec. 124) Makes funds available for construction of a third Arleigh Burke class destroyer under authority provided in a prior defense authorization Act, with funding limitations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to construct 12 such destroyers in accordance with specified contracting and construction requirements during FY 1998 through 2001 (allowing three destroyers to be constructed in each fiscal year). Subtitle D: Air Force Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to enter into one or more multiyear procurement contracts for the C-17 aircraft program. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). Earmarks funds so authorized for: (1) basic research and exploratory development; and (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds, with limitations, for the space launch modernization program. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to include the kinetic energy tactical antisatellite program of the Department of Defense (DOD) as an element of the space control architecture being developed by the DOD Space Architect. Provides funding limitations with respect to such program. (Sec. 213) Makes funds available for the Space-Based Infrared System program for specified purposes. Provides for the conditional transfer of management oversight of the program. (Sec. 214) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal a provision earmarking funds for advanced submarine technology activities. (Sec. 215) Earmarks funds, with limitations, for the Clementine 2 micro-satellite near-Earth asteroid interception mission. (Sec. 216) Prohibits any DOD official from contracting for the procurement of a higher number of Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicles than necessary to complete procurement of a total of three of such vehicles until flight testing has been completed. (Sec. 217) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress comparing the Predator and Dark Star unmanned aerial vehicle programs. (Sec. 218) Requires a program review and report to the congressional defense and appropriations committees with respect to the F-22 aircraft. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on event-based decision making for such program for that fiscal year. (Sec. 220) Earmarks funds for joint service RDT&E of nonlethal weapons and technologies, with specified elements and limitations. (Sec. 221) Earmarks funds for the Counterproliferation Support Program, further earmarking some of such funds for a tactical antisatellite technologies program. Provides authority to transfer additional funds for such programs, with limitations. (Sec. 222) Allows funds authorized to DOD for FY 1997 to be obligated to procure work from a federally funded research and development center or a university-affiliated research center only if the Secretary names such center in a report to the defense committees and only in an amount not in excess of the proposed funding level for such center. Provides funding limits, authorizing the Secretary to waive such limits after notification to the defense committees. Subtitle C: Ballistic Missile Defense - Provides that, unless a missile defense system, upgrade, or component is ABM-qualifying flight tested, it has not been tested in an ABM mode and therefore is not subject to any application, limitation, or obligation under the ABM Treaty. (Sec. 232) Prohibits FY 1997 DOD funds from being used to implement any agreement or understanding, with respect to the ABM Treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union, concerning limitations on the performance, operations, or deployment of U.S. theater missile defense systems. (Sec. 233) Prohibits the United States during FY 1997 from being bound by any international agreement that would convert the ABM Treaty to a multilateral treaty. (Sec. 234) Earmarks funds for specified upper tier theater missile defense systems, with a certification limitation. (Sec. 235) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to eliminate the requirement that certain items be included in an annual report concerning the ballistic missile defense program. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Authorizes alternative testing in lieu of live-fire survivability testing for the F-22 and V-22 aircraft. Provides funding for such programs. Subtitle E: National Oceanographic Partnership - National Oceanographic Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to establish the National Oceanographic Partnership Program to promote national security, advance economic development, protect the quality of life, and strengthen science education and communication through increased knowledge of the ocean. Establishes a National Ocean Research Council to report annually to the Congress on activities and achievements under the Program. Directs the Council to establish an Ocean Research Partnership Coordinating Group and an Ocean Research Advisory Panel to perform appropriate responsibilities as assigned by the Council. Directs the Council to select the Partnership projects eligible for support under the Program. Provides funding. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of DOD. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 to DOD for working capital and revolving funds. Earmarks funds so authorized for the Defense Nuclear Agency. (Sec. 304) Authorizes up to $150 million to be transferred from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund for DOD O&M for FY 1997, to be evenly divided between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. (Sec. 305) Earmarks funds for: (1) the Civil Air Patrol; (2) search and rescue costs; and (3) the SR-71 contingency reconnaissance force. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Authorizes funds from the National Defense Sealift Fund to be used for the purchase and conversion, or construction, of up to three ships to enhance Marine Corps prepositioning ship squadrons. Eliminates the requirement that vessels constructed using Fund amounts be built in the United States. Allows up to ten (currently, five) vessels to be purchased from foreign shipyards. (Sec. 313) Earmarks funds for the procurement of nonlethal weapons capabilities. (Sec. 314) States that no funds are authorized by this Act to be appropriated to DOD for the Coast Guard within budget subfunction 054. Subtitle C: Depot-Level Activities - Directs the Secretary to maintain within DOD currently-required logistics activities and capabilities. Requires core-logistics functions to be performed in Government-owned and operated facilities of DOD by DOD personnel using DOD equipment. (Sec. 322) Increases from 40 to 50 the percentage of all DOD depot-level maintenance and repair workloads that may be contracted out for performance by non-Federal personnel. Maintains such level at 40 percent until submission to the defense committees of a strategic plan for the performance of such maintenance and repair (such plan being required later under this Subtitle). Revises a current reporting requirement with respect to such workloads. Defines "depot- level maintenance and repair workload" for purposes of such contracting limitations. (Sec. 325) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees a strategic plan for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair for DOD for fiscal years 1998 through 2007. Requires the Comptroller General to review such strategic plan and report review results to such committees. (Sec. 326) Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the defense committees describing the competitive procedures used for contracting for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair workload activities. (Sec. 327) Directs the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit annually to the Secretary a report on the privatization of the performance of the various DOD depot-level maintenance workloads. Requires the Secretary to report in turn to the Congress on such matters. (Sec. 328) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 1997 the authority for naval shipyards and aviation depots to engage in defense-related production and services. (Sec. 329) Limits the expenditure of funds for F-18 aircraft depot maintenance until the Secretary reports to the defense and appropriations committees on aviation depot maintenance. (Sec. 330) Prohibits the Secretary, until taking specified action and reporting to the Congress, from contracting for the performance by a private source of any of the depot maintenance currently performed at the Sacramento or San Antonio Air Logistics Centers. Subtitle D: Environmental Provisions - Establishes in DOD a separate Environmental Restoration Account for each of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. (Currently, there is only a Defense Environmental Account, which continues.) Requires sums appropriated for environmental restoration in each military department to be deposited into such accounts. (Sec. 342) Requires the top 20 defense contractors (currently, 100) in terms of dollar volume to be included in an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress on payments made to defense contractors for the costs of environmental response actions. (Sec. 343) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to repeal certain redundant notification and certification requirements regarding remedial investigations and feasibility studies at certain installations to be closed under the base closure laws. (Sec. 344) Authorizes the Secretary to pay to the Hazardous Substance Superfund stipulated civil penalties assessed against various military facilities and installations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). (Sec. 345) Amends CERCLA to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to withhold the listing of a Federal facility on a national environmental cleanup priorities list if the head of such facility has arranged with the Administrator to respond appropriately to a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance. Authorizes the Administrator or the governor of a State to transfer contaminated Federal property before the completion of required remedial actions under CERCLA if the Administrator or governor determines that the property is suitable for transfer and there are assurances that all remaining remedial actions will be taken after such transfer. (Sec. 348) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to allow military vessels to dispose in the ocean certain non-plastic, non- floating garbage if the Secretary of the Navy determines that such ship cannot fully comply with the non-dumping requirements of such Act due to technological infeasibility or impairment of the ship's operations or operational capability. Requires each ship which the Navy plans to decommission between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, to comply to the greatest extent practicable with the ocean dumping limitations of the Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it should be an objective of the Navy to fully comply with such dumping requirements and to develop ships that are environmentally sound. (Sec. 349) Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretaries of the military departments to enter into cooperative agreements with States, local governments, and appropriate public and private entities to provide for the preservation, management, maintenance, and rehabilitation of cultural resources on military installations. (Sec. 350) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense and appropriations committees a report that assesses the effects of the proposed withdrawal of public lands at El Centro Naval Air Facility, California, on the operational and training requirements of DOD at that facility. (Sec. 351) Amends the Act commonly known as the Sikes Act to allow hunting and fishing fees collected at closed military installations to be available for expenditure at any other military reservation for the protection, conservation, and management of fish and wildlife located there. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the contracting out for fire fighting and security guard functions at a private facility at which a Federal activity is located pursuant to a lease of such facility to the Federal Government. (Sec. 362) Authorizes DOD recruitment funds to be expended for small meals and refreshments provided to specified individuals during personnel recruiting functions. (Sec. 363) Prohibits the Secretary from using other-than- competitive procedures for the procurement of brand-name commercial items for resale in commissary stores unless such item is regularly sold outside such stores under the same brand name. (Sec. 364) Authorizes the Superintendent of the Naval Academy to administer a nonappropriated fund account for the midshipmen's store, specified shops, and the laundry and dairy. (Sec. 365) Increases the assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary to the Inaugural Committee to include planning and assistance with respect to security and ceremonial activities, and any other appropriate assistance. (Currently, only the loan of equipment is authorized.) Includes a congressional joint committee as an authorized recipient of such assistance. (Sec. 366) Allows the Secretary to authorize the commander of a military installation or other DOD facility, or the commander of a specified or unified combatant command, to provide assistance for the World Cup Games, the Goodwill Games, the Olympics, and any other major civilian sporting event in support of essential security and safety at such event, but only under appropriate agreements with event sponsors. Excludes the Special Olympics or Paralympics from such authorized assistance. (Sec. 367) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer DOD funds to the Administrator of General Services for the renovation of Building One at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, for use as a Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Provides the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1997. Increases from 0.5 to five the percentage of temporary variation in such levels. (Sec. 403) Provides the authorized end strengths for commissioned officers in grades O-4 through O-6. (Sec. 404) Extends through FY 2000 the requirement for recommendations to the Secretary for appointments to joint 4-star officer positions. (Sec. 405) Increases from 68 to 80 the authorized number of active-duty general officers in the Marine Corps. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1997 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Extends through FY 1997 the authority for the temporary promotion of Navy lieutenants possessing critical skills. (Sec. 502) Provides an exception to the baccalaureate degree requirement for appointments above the Naval Reserve grade of O-2 in the case of appointments of officers to the Seaman to Admiral Program. (Sec. 503) Increases from three to eight years since graduation from an unaccredited educational institution the time period for such graduates to be considered educationally qualified for appointment as reserve officers in grade O-3. (Sec. 504) Reduces from three to two years the minimum time in grade before chief warrant officers on the active-duty list may be considered for promotion. Authorizes the selection of chief warrant officers from below their promotion zone. (Sec. 505) Reduces from semiannually to annually the required frequency of a periodic report on promotion rates of officers currently or formerly serving in joint duty assignments. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Amends the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act to allow a person who has completed at least six months of satisfactory service as an adjutant or assistant adjutant general but was terminated under State law before completion of three years of such service to be retired in the higher grade of such position, notwithstanding that he or she had not completed three years of such service. Provides grade recognition, for retirement credit purposes, for other persons promoted to higher positions who did not serve in such positions, but instead served in other positions for which the promoted grade is the minimum authorized grade for the position in which the person actually served. (Sec. 513) Repeals the requirement for physical examinations of members of the National Guard called into Federal service. (Sec. 514) Authorizes reserve personnel within two years of retirement eligibility to waive the prohibition against the involuntary release of such members within such period. (Sec. 515) Provides for the retirement of reserve personnel disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated while remaining overnight between inactive duty training periods. (Sec. 516) Provides reserve duty credit for participation in the Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program if the person completes the course of study, completes the active duty obligation, and possesses a specialty designated as one critically needed in wartime. (Sec. 517) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the current and projected force structure of the National Guard and other reserve components. Subtitle C: Officer Education Programs - Increases the maximum age limit before appointment to: (1) the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, to less than 27 years of age; and (2) a military service academy, to less than 23 years of age. (Sec. 522) Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out, and report to the Congress in each of 1998 through 2001 on, a demonstration project assessing the feasibility and advisability of providing instruction and other support to units of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps through members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. Terminates such authority four years after enactment of this Act. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Allows not more than 25 (currently, 15) formerly retired general or flag officers of an armed force to be serving on active duty concurrently pursuant to orders issued by the Secretary of such military department. Provides exceptions and limits to the periods of recalled service. (Sec. 533) Provides disability coverage for officers granted excess leave in order to participate in an educational program. Entitles such members to eligibility for: (1) placement on the temporary disability retirement list; and (2) separation from the armed forces. (Sec. 534) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth uniform policies and procedures regarding the retention of military personnel who are permanently nonworldwide assignable for medical reasons. (Sec. 535) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to extend the normal one-year authorized waiting period before entry under the delayed entry program for an additional 180 days if such Secretary determines the additional period to be in the best interests of that armed force. (Sec. 536) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept a reenlistment for: (1) a member who has less than ten years of service, for at least two but not more than six additional years; and (2) a member with at least ten years of service, for the above period or for an unspecified period. (Sec. 537) Repeals the applicability of military missing person provisions to DOD civilian and contractor employees who accompany an armed force into action. Increases from 48 hours to ten days after a unit commander concludes that a person should be in a missing status the time period permitted prior to a required preliminary report to the Secretary concerned on such person's status. Repeals the requirement that counsel represent a missing persons during inquiries as to their status. Requires subsequent reviews concerning a person's declared status to be made upon receipt of information that may result in a change of such status (Currently, such reviews are required every three years.) Repeals: (1) statutory penalties for the wrongful withholding of information as to a person's status; (2) the right of judicial review of a missing or dead status determination; and (3) the inclusion of certain information upon a determination of death of a missing person. (Sec. 538) States that the three-year statute of limitations for filing claims for the correction of military records is not extended by reason of military service, but provides an exception in the interests of justice. (Sec. 539) Authorizes the President, notwithstanding specified time limitations, to award the Medal of Honor to certain named individuals for acts of heroism while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Subtitle E: Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service - Applies to an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service a current prohibition on crediting enlisted service performed as a cadet or midshipman as service as an officer in the armed forces. (Sec. 562) Amends the Public Health Service Act to except from Public Health Service commissioned officer end strength limitations those officers who are assigned to duty in DOD. Subtitle F: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization - Makes permanent the current conditional authority to expand the DOD law enforcement personnel placement assistance program to include fire fighters. (Sec. 572) Requires (currently, authorizes) the Secretary, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard, to establish a program providing assistance to separated military personnel to obtain certification and employment as teachers or teachers' aides. Reduces from five to two school years the period in which such former member must agree to be employed in such a position after receiving such assistance. Reduces the amount required to be paid by the Secretary concerned to the local educational agency as part of the salary of such teachers or teachers' aides. Subtitle G: Armed Forces Retirement Home - Amends the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 to authorize the Chairman of the Retirement Home Board or the director of each individual establishment of the Armed Forces Retirement Home to accept voluntary services from any person, unless such services are disapproved by the Board. Provides voluntary service requirements and limitations, as well as the Federal employee status of such persons while performing such services. Allows such Chairman or director to reimburse such volunteers for incidental expenses incurred in providing such services. (Sec. 583) Authorizes the Retirement Home Board to sell or otherwise dispose of specified property under their control in Washington, D.C., under specified terms and conditions, including a required notification to the defense committees of any such disposals. (Sec. 584) Provides for the terms of appointment for members of Retirement Home governing boards. Authorizes the Board to waive certain dual compensation prohibitions with respect to the director of an individual retirement home or one of its employees, allowing for the adjustment of such pay in consideration of the dual compensation. (Sec. 585) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to delay until the end of FY 1998 the implementation of a new fee structure for residents of the military retirement homes (delays similarly the end date of a series of three reports with respect to such fee implementation). Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on meeting the funding needs of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in a manner that is fair and equitable to its residents as well as to members of the armed forces who provide required monthly contributions for the Home. (Sec. 586) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for the operation of the Home. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1997 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 3.0 percent, effective on January 1, 1997, the rates of basic pay and basic allowance for subsistence. Increases by 4.0 percent, on the same date, the rate of basic allowance for quarters (BAQ). (Sec. 602) Repeals the requirement that the rate of monthly cadet and midshipman pay be adjusted in the same manner and time as the rates of monthly basic pay to military personnel. (Sec. 603) Authorizes senior noncommissioned officers who are hospitalized to continue to be entitled to the basic pay authorized for such members for up to 180 days after commencement of such hospitalization. (Sec. 604) Authorizes a BAQ for certain members (single or married personnel of specified grades) assigned to sea duty. (Sec. 606) Authorizes a family separation allowance for a member who is separated from a spouse who is also a member of the armed forces if the member has no dependents and the two members were residing together immediately before such separation. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Comptroller General to waive certain time limitations with respect to claims for military pay or allowances of $25,000 or less. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1998 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY 1997 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. (Sec. 614) Increases the special pay for dental officers of armed forces. (Sec. 615) Repeals the requirement limiting special pay for optometrists to optometrists in the armed forces (thereby qualifying Public Health Service optometrists for such pay). (Sec. 616) Authorizes special pay as nonphysician health care providers for officers in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the payment of foreign language proficiency pay for officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Currently, such pay is limited to officers in the armed forces.) Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Authorizes the payment of a travel expense for travel from a new duty station to the port of debarkation to pick up a privately owned vehicle. (Sec. 622) Allows a member authorized to have a vehicle shipped to a foreign country due to a change of duty station to store such vehicle at Government expense in lieu of such shipping when the government of such foreign country precludes the entry of such vehicle or requires extensive vehicle modification before such entry is permitted. (Sec. 623) Authorizes a member to defer travel leave permitted between consecutive tours of duty for up to one additional year due to participation in a contingency operation. (Sec. 624) Provides funding for the transportation of household effects of members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service. Subtitle D: Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related Matters - Repeals a provision providing a conditional effective date for the FY 1998 military retirement pay cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). (Sec. 632) Authorizes a member or former member, subject to specified conditions and restrictions, to transfer or assign such member's retired or retainer pay account when it becomes due and payable for the payment of any financial obligations. (Sec. 633) States that Survivor Benefit Plan COLAs shall become effective concurrently with the payment of related military retirement pay COLAs. (Sec. 634) Directs the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the armed forces who: (1) died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay on such date; or (2) was a member of the reserves between September 21, 1972, and October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been entitled to retired pay but for the fact of being under 60 years of age. (Sec. 635) Increases the annual income limitation for purposes of eligibility for supplemental income for certain spouses of former military personnel. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes military personnel and members of the Coast Guard to be reimbursed for adoption expenses incurred through any adoption source (private source) if the adoption is supervised by a court under a State or local law. (Sec. 642) Authorizes the withholding for Federal income tax purposes of amounts from the separation pay received by involuntarily separated military personnel. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Revises the implementation deadline with respect to the requirement for a Selected Reserve dental insurance plan. (Sec. 702) Provides a dental insurance plan for: (1) members and former members entitled to retired or retainer pay; (2) members of the Retired Reserve who would be eligible for such pay except for not having attained 60 years of age; and (3) eligible dependents of (1) and (2), above. Outlines provisions concerning premiums, benefits, and coverage. Provides for the continuation during the enrollment period of benefits to dependents upon the death of an enrollee. (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to provide a uniform software package for use by providers of health care under the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) and by military treatment facilities for the computerized processing of information. (Sec. 704) Revises certain DOD authority with respect to the receipt of payments or reimbursement from third party health insurance providers for care provided to military personnel and their dependents at military treatment facilities under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). (Sec. 706) Provides for the crediting of amounts collected in the administration of CHAMPUS. (Sec. 707) Directs the Comptroller General to analyze the effectiveness of the medical research and clinical care programs of DOD that relate to Persian Gulf illnesses, including the use of experimental drugs, and to report study results to the Congress. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for DOD procurement technical assistance programs. (Sec. 802) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1991 to extend through FY 1998 the Mentor-Protege pilot program; and (2) 1994 to modify and extend through FY 2001 the authority of DOD to carry out prototype projects directly relevant to proposed weapons or weapon systems. (Sec. 804) Repeals specified provisions relating to program requirements and administration of a national defense program for analysis of the defense technology and industrial base (base). Directs the Secretary to annually prepare selected assessments of the capability of such base to attain required national security objectives. Repeals the requirement of a periodic defense capability plan under such base. Directs the Secretary to prescribe departmental guidance for the attainment of specified national security objectives in connection with such base. Requires annual reports to the defense committees. Repeals superseded and inconsistent Federal provisions. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Secretary to require that the procurement of small arms parts and modifications be made only from firms listed in a specified plan prepared by an independent assessment panel of the Army Science Board. (Sec. 807) Treats a DOD cable television franchise agreement as a contract for telecommunications services under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (Sec. 808) Provides reinstatement and other remedies for employees against whom certain reprisal actions are taken for providing information as to possible violations of law (whistle blowers). (Sec. 809) Directs the Secretary to include in a currently- required report specified matters relating to information resources management by the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all information technology acquired by DOD pursuant to contracts entered into after September 30, 1996, have certain capabilities relating to the fault-free processing of dates and date-related data. Requires a report to the Congress. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: General Matters - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal provisions requiring a reorganization of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. (Sec. 902) Codifies requirements provided under prior law with respect to: (1) the continued operation of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, as well as the required end strengths for University personnel; and (2) the requirements for a United States Army Reserve Command and the assignment of forces under such Command. (Sec. 904) Authorizes the President, through the Secretary of Defense (currently, the Secretary of the Army) to assume control over transportation systems in times of war. (Sec. 905) Directs the Secretary to perform oversight responsibilities within the executive branch with respect to clandestine activities of DOD human intelligence personnel. (Sec. 906) Designates the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency as the Director of Military Intelligence. Establishes within DOD a Military Intelligence Board as the principal forum for coordination of DOD intelligence programs and activities. (Sec. 907) Redesignates the: (1) Office of Naval Records and History Fund as the Naval Historical Center Fund; and (2) Office of Naval Records and History as the Naval Historical Center. Subtitle B: National Imagery and Mapping Agency - National Imagery and Mapping Agency Act of 1996 - Part I: Establishment - Establishes the National Imagery and Mapping Agency as a combat support agency of DOD, with a Director appointed by the President. Requires the Agency to: (1) provide timely, relevant, and accurate imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information in support of U.S. national security objectives; (2) improve the means of navigating vessels of the Navy and merchant marine; (3) prepare and distribute maps, charts, and related products; and (4) support the imagery requirements of the Department of State and other Federal departments and agencies outside of DOD. Authorizes the Agency Director to use appropriated funds to provide foreign countries with imagery intelligence and geospatial information support. Requires support of Agency activities by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), including administrative and contract services as well as the detail of appropriate personnel. Prohibits the CIA Inspector General from conducting any inspection, investigation, or audit of the Agency without the written consent of the DOD Inspector General. Provides for the protection of Agency identifications (acronyms) and organizational information. Empowers the Secretary with civilian personnel management authority with respect to Agency employees, including the authority to hire personnel, fix the rates of pay and authorized allowances and COLAs, and to terminate employees. Authorizes the Secretary to designate National Imagery and Mapping Senior Level positions. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Imagery and Mapping Senior Executive Service for senior civilian personnel within the Agency, under specified requirements. Provides related authorities, including details and assignments outside the Agency as well as labor and management bargaining rights and obligations. Requires congressional oversight of the Agency as a combat support agency. Transfers specified missions and functions within DOD (the Defense Mapping Agency and the Central Imagery Office) and the CIA (the National Photographic Interpretation Center) to the Agency, including related personnel and other assets. (Sec. 923) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the Secretary to perform various imagery functions through the Agency in furtherance of national security. Provides other personnel management authorities. (Sec. 925) Provides creditable civilian service for current Defense Mapping Agency employees who continue their service with the new Agency. Provides savings provisions. (Sec. 928) Authorizes appropriations for the Agency for FY 1997. Part II: Conforming Amendments and Effective Dates - Makes technical and conforming amendments necessitated by the creation of the Agency and the termination of the Defense Mapping Agency and the Central Imagery Office. Provides an effective date. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer amounts of authorizations made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1997 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year, with a total transfer limit of $2 billion. Requires notification to the Congress of any such transfers. (Sec. 1002) Authorizes certain unauthorized FY 1996 defense appropriations to be obligated for DOD programs, projects, and activities in accordance with FY 1996 defense appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Adjusts the amounts authorized to DOD for FY 1996 by the amount by which appropriations pursuant to such authorization were increased or decreased in the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996. (Sec. 1004) Allows FY 1997 DOD funds transferred to the Coast Guard to be used only for the performance of national security functions of the Coast Guard in support of DOD, requiring a certification of the proper use of such funds. (Sec. 1005) Authorizes the use of DOD funds for the military education and training of military and civilian personnel of foreign countries (under the military-to-military contacts program). (Sec. 1006) Authorizes the payment of certain personnel, equipment, services, and supplies expenses related to the provision by DOD of humanitarian and civic assistance. (Sec. 1007) Prohibits DOD funds appropriated for intelligence activities from being obligated or expended by an individual who is not an officer or employee of DOD. (Sec. 1008) Prohibits funds authorized under this Act or otherwise made available to the Navy for FY 1997 from being obligated or expended by the Office of Naval Intelligence for official representation activities or related activities. (Sec. 1009) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, whenever the President directs the Secretary to provide disaster assistance outside the United States, the President should direct the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to reimburse DOD for such costs. (Sec. 1010) Provides a Fisher House Trust Fund for the Navy, funds from which shall be used for the operation of Fisher houses (houses located near a military medical treatment facility and used for the temporary lodging of patients of such facility and their immediate family). (Sec. 1011) Provides for the designation and liability of Coast Guard disbursing and certifying officials. Places authority over such officials with the Department of Transportation when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to suspend an action by the Secretary to collect a claim against a deceased member of the Coast Guard when considered appropriate. (Sec. 1013) Authorizes a Federal disbursing official to undertake check cashing and other exchange transactions at a Federal credit union that is operating at DOD invitation in a foreign country where contractor-operated military banking facilities are not available. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels and Shipyards - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the governments of Egypt, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Taiwan, and Thailand specified naval vessels. Directs such Secretary to require that any required repair or refurbishment of such vessels take place at a U.S. shipyard, including a Navy shipyard. Terminates the transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1022) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer six obsolete Navy tugboats to the Northeast Wisconsin Railroad Transportation Commission. (Sec. 1023) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to repeal the requirement of the continuous applicability of phased maintenance contracts for AE-class ships. (Sec. 1024) Reaffirms the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should plan for and budget to provide for the acquisition of 19 large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll-off vessels rather than only 17 such vessels (as in the current contract). Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to provide additional counter-drug support to the Government of Mexico during FY 1997. Provides funding. (Sec. 1032) Prohibits DOD funds from this or any other Act from being obligated or expended for the National Drug Intelligence Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with an exception. Requires a joint investigation of the operations of such Center by various inspectors general and a report to the Congress on the results of such investigation. Subtitle D: Matters Relating to Foreign Countries - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the governments of U.S. allies and other friendly foreign countries for the exchange of military and civilian personnel of DOD with similar personnel of such foreign governments. (Sec. 1042) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for the reciprocal exchange of personnel between the United States and foreign countries for attendance at flight training schools or programs. (Sec. 1043) Amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction Control Act of 1992 to extend through FY 1998 the authority to support international nonproliferation activities. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements - Requires an annual report from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to the defense committees on emerging operational concepts. (Sec. 1052) Requires the Secretary to report to the defense committees on a joint war fighting science and technology plan. (Sec. 1053) Directs the JCS Chairman to report to the defense and appropriations committees on the military readiness requirements of the armed forces. Requires such report to be prepared by the Chief of Staff (Commandant, for the Marines) of each armed force. Subtitle F: Other Matters - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to except from the competitive service appointments to certain nonattorney positions on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. (Sec. 1062) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended during FY 1997 for retiring or dismantling B-52H bomber aircraft, Trident ballistic missile submarines, Minuteman II ICBMs, or Peacekeeper ICBMs. Authorizes a waiver of such prohibition when determined necessary to implement the START II Treaty. (Sec. 1063) Corrects legal and statutory references with respect to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Defense Distribution Depot, Anniston, Alabama. (Sec. 1064) Authorizes certain members of the reserves to act as a notary public or U.S. consul. (Sec. 1065) Authorizes military personnel to use non-Government facilities for training activities. (Sec. 1066) Provides that if a member of the armed forces is injured or contracts a disease under circumstances creating a tort liability upon a third person, and such member is unable to perform his or her duties as a result of such injury or disease, then the United States shall have a right of recovery against such third person for the value of pay that accrues to such member for the period in which they are incapacitated. (Sec. 1067) Prohibits DOD funds from being used to adopt or enforce any rule or other prohibition that discriminates against the display of the flag of a particular State, territory, or possession of the United States at an official ceremony at any installation or other facility of DOD at which the official flags of other U.S. States, territories, or possessions are being displayed. (Sec. 1068) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept gifts and donations from foreign governments and other individuals or entities within foreign countries in order to defray the costs of operation of the George C. Marshall European Center for Strategic Security Studies; (2) permit representatives of a foreign government to participate in a program at the Center when found to be in the U.S. national interest; and (3) waive certain financial disclosure requirements for a foreign member of the Board of Visitors of the Center serving without compensation. (Sec. 1069) Authorizes the Speaker of the House and President pro temp of the Senate to jointly present a bronze medal (previously awarded only to military personnel) to certain civilian participants in the defense of Pearl Harbor. Authorizes appropriations. Makes such authority effective as of November 5, 1990. (Sec. 1070) Redesignates the Nellis Federal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the Michael O'Callaghan Federal Hospital. (Sec. 1071) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should name Building A at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences as the David Packard Building. Title XI: Department of Defense Civilian Personnel - Subtitle A: Personnel Management, Pay, and Allowances - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to direct the Secretary, by the end of FY 1996, to convert 3,000 military positions to civilian positions. (Sec. 1102) Authorizes the Secretary to retain civilian employee positions of DOD at a military installation which is to be closed and which is scheduled for transfer during FY 1997 to National Guard operation and control, in order to facilitate active and reserve component training at such installation. Limits the maximum number of positions retained to 20 percent of the Federal civilian work force employed at such installation as of September 8, 1995. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary to provide DOD civilian employees (and their family members) abroad with benefits comparable to those provided by the Secretary of State to members of the Foreign Service serving abroad. (Sec. 1105) Authorizes an employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of DOD or the Coast Guard who moves, without a break in service of more than three days, to a position in DOD or the Coast Guard to receive travel, transportation, and related expenses under the same conditions and to the same extent as regular DOD or Coast Guard employees. (Sec. 1106) Amends the Defense Department Overseas Pay and Personnel Practices Act to require the Secretary of the military department concerned (currently, the Secretary of Defense) to conduct the employment and salary practices applicable to teachers employed overseas in that department. (Sec. 1107) Authorizes the Secretary to employ appropriate teaching faculty at the English Language Center of the Defense Language Institute and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. (Sec. 1108) Authorizes the Secretary to provide reimbursement to DOD domestic dependent school board members for expenses incurred in the performance of school board duties. (Sec. 1109) Extends through FY 2001 the authority for civilian DOD employees to participate in voluntary DOD reductions-in-force. (Sec. 1110) Authorizes an agency head to grant employee compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay for time spent in irregular or overtime work. (Sec. 1111) Provides for the lump-sum payment of annual leave to a DOD employee for leave that remains unused upon the employee's transfer from an installation being closed or realigned under a base closure law. (Sec. 1112) Waives the requirement for the repayment of voluntary separation incentive pay by former DOD employees who are reemployed when such employment is without pay. (Sec. 1113) Provides Federal holiday observance procedures for DOD employees when a holiday occurs on that employee's regularly scheduled day off. (Sec. 1114) Repeals Federal provisions: (1) requiring a specified percentage of hotels in which Federal employees are booked to meet fire safety and control requirements of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974; and (2) prohibiting the payment of lodging expenses of DOD employees when adequate Government facilities are available. Subtitle B: Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program under which Federal retirement benefits are provided to persons who convert from Federal employment in the Navy or Air Force to employment with a DOD contractor in connection with the privatization of the performance of functions at selected military installations being closed under the base closure and realignment process. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) eligible transferred employees; (2) applicable retirement benefits; (3) computation of average pay; (4) the payment by the military department concerned of the unfunded liability in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund caused by the addition of such benefits; (5) the termination 90 days after such transfer of Federal health benefits coverage; (6) a study and report from the Comptroller General to the Congress on each pilot program established under; and (7) required implementing regulations by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. (Sec. 1122) Directs (currently authorizes) the Secretary to establish a program providing assistance to terminated DOD employees and DOD contractor employees in obtaining certification and employment in the private sector as teachers and teachers' aides (known as the troops-to-teachers program). Reduces from five to two school years the period of obligated service after such assistance and certification. Title XII: Federal Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association - Recognizes and grants a Federal charter to the Fleet Reserve Association, a nonprofit organization formed to aid and maintain an adequate naval defense for the United States and assist in the recruitment and welfare of personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Requires the Association to report annually to the Congress on its activities. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title XXI(sic): 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 1996 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. (Sec. 2204) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to make advances to the Secretary of Transportation for the construction of defense access roads. 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 to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural planning and design activities and to improve existing military family housing units, in specified amounts. (Sec. 2404) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund and the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund, for appropriate uses. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2406) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after 1996 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 Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1996 for such contributions. (Sec. 2503) Redesignates the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Program as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1996 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 titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 1999, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2000, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Increases threshold amounts for unspecified minor military construction projects. (Sec. 2802) Authorizes day-to-day maintenance and repair of military family housing. Includes under authorized military family housing activities the building of drives into such facilities. (Sec. 2803) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to grant easements for rights-of-way for electric poles and lines and for communications lines and facilities. Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act to authorize the Secretary to transfer real property or facilities at military installations closed or realigned under a base closure law to a military department or other entity within DOD or the Coast Guard. (Sec. 2812) Amends the above Act and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (together, the base closure laws) to: (1) provide for the deposit of proceeds from the disposal of commissary stores and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities at installations closed or realigned under a base closure law; (2) authorize the Secretary to use such amounts for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of such stores and instrumentalities; and (3) authorize the Secretary to enter into agreements for services at such installations after their closure or realignment. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and the Army to undertake a specified land exchange within the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. (Sec. 2822) Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the United States Institute for Peace administrative jurisdiction over the Potomac Annex in Washington, D.C. (Sec. 2823) Authorizes the Secretary of the: (1) Army to convey to Montpelier, Vermont, the Army Reserve Center in Montpelier; (2) Navy to convey to Delaware the former Naval Reserve Facility in Lewes, Delaware; (3) Air Force to convey to the Belle Fourche School District, South Dakota, the Air Force radar bomb scoring site in Belle Fourche; (4) Air Force to convey to an appropriate entity the primate research complex at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico; and (5) Air Force to carry out a demonstration project for the installation and operation by private entities of an electric power distribution system at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Youngstown, Ohio. Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations - Title XXXI(sic): Department of Energy National Security Programs - Subtitle A: National Security Programs Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1997 for operating expenses, plant projects, and capital equipment necessary in carrying out the following activities for national security programs: (1) weapons activities; (2) environmental restoration and waste management; (3) other defense activities; and (4) nuclear waste disposal. Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this title for: (1) the cost of a program exceeding 110 percent of the program authorization or $1 million more than the amount authorized, whichever is the lesser; or (2) programs which have not been presented to, or requested of, the Congress, unless the Secretary of Energy (Secretary, for purposes of this Division) transmits to the appropriate congressional committees a full statement of the action proposed and 30 days have since expired. (Sec. 3122) Places certain funding limits (requiring congressional reports when amounts exceed such limits) for general plant and construction projects of DOE. Provides fund transfer authority (requiring congressional notification of any such transfer). (Sec. 3125) Directs the Secretary, before submitting a funding request for a construction project in support of a DOE national security program, to complete a conceptual design for such project. Requires a separate funding request for such designs for which the estimated costs exceed $3 million. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out construction design services in connection with any proposed construction project if the total estimated cost for the design does not exceed $600,000. Requires specific authorization by law for designs that exceed such amount. (Sec. 3126) Authorizes the use of DOE funds for planning, design, and construction activities for any DOE national security program that must proceed expeditiously in order to protect public health and safety, meet the needs of national defense, or protect property. Requires the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees when funds are so used. Makes funds for management and support activities and for general plant projects under this Subtitle available for all DOE national security programs. Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations - Requires the Secretary to make a final decision during FY 1997 on the technologies to be utilized, and the accelerated schedule to be adopted, for tritium production in order to meet the requirements of a certain Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Memorandum. Requires a report to the Congress. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for such activities. (Sec. 3132) Directs the Secretary to carry out activities to modernize and consolidate the tritium recycling facilities at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. Provides funding. (Sec. 3133) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to add a specified purpose and capability of the general requirements for the DOE nuclear weapons stockpile program. Requires a plan and report with respect to such program. Provides funding. (Sec. 3134) Prohibits FY 1997 DOE funds from being used for certain research and development or technology transfer purposes unless such activities support the DOE national security mission. Requires an annual report. (Sec. 3135) Directs the Secretary to accelerate the schedule for the isolation of high-level nuclear waste in glass canisters at the Defense Waste Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site if the Secretary determines that such acceleration will achieve cost savings and the removal and isolation of such waste from the long-term storage tanks there. (Sec. 3136) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the processing of high-level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel rods. Requires the updating of an implementation plan concerning such waste under a prior defense authorization Act. (Sec. 3137) Earmarks funds for conducting the fellowship program for the development of skills critical to the ongoing mission of the DOE nuclear weapons complex as required under prior law. Requires 21 days' advance notification to the Congress before funds may be obligated or expended for such program. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to annually prepare, and submit to the defense and appropriations committees, a five-year budget for DOE national security programs. (Sec. 3152) Sets forth specified requirements for DOE weapons activities budgets for fiscal years after 1997. (Sec. 3153) Repeals a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 which requires a report from the President to the defense and appropriations committees on issues associated with purchasing tritium from foreign suppliers. (Sec. 3154) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress a plan for the near-term processing of spent nuclear fuel rods in two facilities of the Savannah River Site. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a multiyear plan for the cleanup of nuclear waste at the Site. (Sec. 3155) Requires reports concerning: (1) nuclear test readiness postures; and (2) critical difficulties encountered at nuclear weapons laboratories and production plants. (Sec. 3157) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to extend through December 31, 1997, a requirement concerning notification to the Congress and a subsequent waiting period before undertaking a proposed defense cooperation agreement. (Sec. 3158) Redesignates the Defense Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program as the Defense Nuclear Waste Management Program. Redesignates the Assistant Secretary in charge of such Program as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Defense Nuclear Waste Management. Redesignates a related Account. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense and appropriations committees on such redesignations. (Sec. 3159) Establishes the Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Weapons Expertise to develop and report to the Congress a plan for recruiting and retaining within the DOE nuclear weapons complex the appropriate scientific, engineering, and technical personnel necessary to permit DOE to maintain a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile without engaging in underground testing. Terminates the Commission 30 days after its report. Provides Commission funding. (Sec. 3160) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President: (1) should consult closely with the Congress concerning U.S. policy and practices for ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile; and (2) if he determines that a safety or reliability problem cannot be corrected within the stockpile stewardship program, to notify the Congress of such problem, together with a plan for corrective action. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1997, to obligate up to $60 million of the funds in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (Fund) for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate amounts excess to such amount 45 days after notifying the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3302) Directs the President to dispose of NDS materials, with specified disposal limits. Provides for the deposit of receipts from such disposals. Title XXXIV: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for activities relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and administration of the Panama Canal for FY 1997, with specified limitations. Requires such funds to be made available for the purchase and transportation to the Republic of Panama of passenger motor vehicles built in the United States. Requires expenditures authorized under this title to be in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977 and any law implementing those treaties.
Bill· HRH.R. 3436 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1996
Minimum Obstetrical Medical Security Act of 1996 - MOMS Act of 1996 - Requires a health plan or an employee health benefit plan that provides maternity (including childbirth) benefits to provide coverage for a minimum period after delivery and, in certain circumstances, for post-delivery follow-up care. Prohibits a plan from taking certain punitive or incentive actions regarding mothers and providers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3443 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1996
Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for breast cancer research.