Housing

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the veterans' adjustable rate mortgage demonstration project through the first three months of fiscal year 1996.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1995

Extends through March 30, 1996, the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project of guaranteeing veterans' housing loans in a manner similar to that in which adjustable rate mortgages are insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the National Housing Act.

Public Housing Reform and Empowerment Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public and Indian Housing Title II: Section 8 Rental Assistance Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Public Housing Reform and Empowerment Act of 1995 - Title I: Public and Indian Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 (Act) to set forth public housing nondiscrimination provisions. (Sec. 103) Revises public housing agency (PHA) authority with regard to: (1) ceiling and minimum rents; (2) mixed-income projects; and (3) police officers. Permits high performing PHAs to determine rental rates (within specified ceilings). (Sec. 105) Replaces current annual contribution for low-income housing project provisions with a required PHA housing plan which would include provisions concerning: (1) goals and operating policies; (2) management; (3) rents and charges; (4) economic and self-sufficiency programs; (5) funds use for existing and new or additional units (including dispositions); (6) the operating Fund plan; (7) additional performance requirements; and (8) annual audits. Requires PHAs to establish local advisory boards comprising residents, community representatives, and local government officials. (Sec. 107) Revises contract provisions and requirements. Provides for eviction and three-year public housing ineligibility for drug-related activity, unless the tenant completes a PHA-approved rehabilitation program. (Sec. 108) Provides with regard to a troubled PHA, that: (1) the Secretary (Secretary) of Housing and Urban Development may take possession of a troubled PHA, including any of its projects or functions, and may give such PHA a one-year period to demonstrate satisfactory improvement; and (2) an appointed receiver may abrogate certain contract provisions or dispose of PHA assets or create new PHAs. (Sec. 109) Authorizes PHAs to designate public or mixed-income housing (or portions of projects) for occupancy as elderly housing, disabled housing, or elderly and disabled housing. Requires relocation assistance for displaced tenants. (Sec. 110) Consolidates public and Native American housing assistance (other than section 8 assistance) into a Capital Fund and an Operating Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish assistance formulae to be submitted to the Congress. Sets aside funding for: (1) resident councils and related activities; and (2) an emergency reserve. (Sec. 111) Requires tenants (other than the elderly, disabled, full-time workers, or students) to perform eight hours of monthly community volunteer work. (Sec. 112) Permits PHAs to form consortia and joint ventures, and operate subsidiaries. Eliminates: (1) certain energy conservation requirements; and (2) modernization fund authority. (Sec. 114) Revises assisted housing income eligibility provisions. (Sec. 115) Revises public housing demolition and disposition provisions. Eliminates the one-for-one replacement requirement. Provides, in a proposed disposition, for resident organization purchase opportunity. Stipulates that such provisions do not apply to a disposition in accordance with a homeownership program. (Sec. 116) Eliminates family investment center provisions. Authorizes PHAs to convert public housing projects to tenant-based (voucher) systems. Requires PHAs to do a conversion assessment (market analysis and community impact) for each project. (Sec. 117) Eliminates the family self-sufficiency program. Authorizes PHAs to sell low-income units to residents or conduit organizations. Provides rental and relocation assistance for nonpurchasing tenants. (Sec. 118) Provides for identification and conversion of distressed public housing to tenant-based assistance (vouchers). Title II: Section 8 Rental Assistance - Amends the Act to merge the section 8 voucher and certificate programs into a single voucher program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 202) Amends certain housing Acts to repeal specified preference provisions. (Sec. 205) Includes cooperatives within the assisted housing homeownership option. Revises monthly assistance determination provisions. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to repeal the maximum employment-related limitation on rent increases. (Sec. 304) Amends the Act to remove Rockland County, New York, from the metropolitan statistical area in which it is located for purposes of assisted housing income-related determinations.

An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain programs and activities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1995

Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide: (1) hospital care and medical services to Persian Gulf veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during such service; and (2) outpatient services to such veterans. Extends through December 31, 1997: (1) the authority to contract with community-based treatment facilities for the care of eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities; (2) the authority of a pilot program for furnishing veterans with noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care (requires a report); (3) the Department's health professionals scholarship program (requires a report); (4) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases of Department real property (requires a report); (5) the authority under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for a pilot program providing community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans; and (6) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing program. Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 for a pilot program to expand and improve Department benefits and services to homeless veterans. Extends through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating specified veterans' programs. Directs the Secretary to review and report to the veterans' committees on the scientific evidence concerning military service during the Persian Gulf War and any disease associated with such service. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for providing care and treatment for veterans at the Department's Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to authorize the display of the POW-MIA flag on the grounds of Department medical centers on any day in which the U.S. flag is displayed. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the provision of utilities to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington, as the Jonathan M. Wainwright Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Public Housing Safety Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995

Public Housing Safety Act of 1995 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) expand public housing expedited eviction procedures (existing procedures apply to certain criminal activities); (2) require evictions for felony convictions; and (3) make law enforcement records available under specified circumstances for screening and eviction purposes.

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to impose earthquake insurance requirements targeted to a specific State or area if, and only if, the State insurance commissioner certifies the existence of reasonable insurance capacity in the State. Delineates certification criteria for consideration by a State insurance commissioner.

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to impose earthquake insurance requirements targeted to a specific State or area if, and only if, the State insurance commissioner certifies the existence of reasonable insurance capacity in the State. Delineates certification criteria for consideration by a State insurance commissioner.

CDBG Direct Homeownership Assistance Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995

CDBG Direct Homeownership Assistance Extension Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for the extension of community development block grant direct homeownership assistance (either before or after existing authority expires).

Veterans Housing, Employment Programs, and Employment Rights Benefits Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Veterans' Housing Programs Title II: Veterans' Employment and Training Title III: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services Veterans Housing, Employment Programs, and Employment Rights Benefits Act of 1995 - Title I: Veterans' Housing Programs - Extends permanently the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) negotiate interest rates charged to veterans on housing loans which are guaranteed or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) carry out a demonstration project for guaranteeing veterans' housing loans in a manner similar to that in which adjustable rate mortgages are insured under the National Housing Act; (3) guarantee loans made to veterans for the purchase or construction of homes; (4) allow lenders of guaranteed loans to review home appraisals; and (5) enter into specified agreements with States, their political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for the provision of housing assistance for homeless veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the issuance of, and guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on, certificates or other securities evidencing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans representing Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed housing loans, as long as such securities are issued on or before December 31, 2000 (currently, December 31, 1995). (Sec. 102) Requires specified veterans' housing loan information to be included in a current annual Department budget report required to be submitted to the Congress. Repeals superseded reporting requirements under the Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992. (Sec. 103) Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) extend through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for homeless veterans' reintegration projects; (2) revise the amount of appropriations authorized for FY 1997 and 1998; and (3) extend through FY 1998 the general authorization of appropriations and the authority under such Act. Title II: Veterans' Employment and Training - Directs the Secretary of Labor to assign regional administrators for the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (Service) in at least five geographic regions of the United States. (Currently, such representatives are required for each region for which the Secretary operates a regional office.) (Sec. 202) Authorizes the hiring of other support personnel for Directors and Assistant Directors for the Service. Revises eligibility requirements for persons appointed as Directors and Assistant Directors in any State for at least two years. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to conduct a pilot program under which the primary responsibilities of local veterans' employment representatives will be case management and the provision and facilitation of direct employment and training services to veterans. Limits the pilot program to no more than five States. Requires reports to the Congress and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Terminates pilot program authority on October 1, 1998. Title III: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services - Requests the prompt reemployment of persons upon completion of any military service. (Currently, such request is limited to those who completed such service under honorable conditions.) Revises generally: (1) provisions prohibiting discrimination or acts of reprisal against persons who exercise certain employment or reemployment rights provided under current law, whether or not such person has performed military service; and (2) provisions guaranteeing reemployment rights to persons who serve in the armed forces. (Sec. 306) Prohibits an employer from requiring a person engaged in military service to use vacation, annual, or similar leave during such period of service. (Sec. 309) Allows a person to submit a complaint against the Office of Personnel Management for the enforcement of any employment or reemployment right. (Sec. 313) Empowers the Secretary, in conducting investigations concerning employment and reemployment rights of former military personnel, to interview persons with information relevant to such investigation. (Sec. 314) Provides transition rules and effective dates.

Legal Services Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995

Legal Services Reform Act of 1995 - Revises the Legal Services Corporation Act, including authorizing appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for FY 1996 through 2000. (Sec. 4) Prohibits the use of Corporation funds for redistricting activity. (Sec. 5) Applies to the Corporation: (1) Federal criminal laws against theft, fraud, and embezzlement with respect to Corporation funds; (2) the Federal criminal statute against obstructing a Federal audit; and (3) certain provisions of the False Claims Act. (Sec. 6) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) restrictions on solicitation of clients; and (2) procedural safeguards for litigation. (Sec. 8) Revises lobbying restrictions, including requiring the Corporation to ensure that Corporation funds are not used to pay for publicity or propaganda intended to support or defeat legislation. (Sec. 9) Directs the Corporation to require each recipient of financial assistance to maintain records of time spent on cases. (Sec. 10) Requires the board of directors of each nonprofit organization furnishing legal assistance and receiving Corporation funds to set specific priorities for the types of matters it handles. (Sec. 11) Revises financing provisions to require that non-Federal funds received by the Corporation be accounted for and reported as receipts and disbursements separate and distinct from Corporation funds. (Sec. 12) Prohibits the use of Corporation funds in certain cases involving eviction from public housing for drug violations. (Sec. 13) Requires all Corporation grants and contracts to be awarded under a competitive bidding system. Sets forth provisions governing such system. (Sec. 14) Authorizes the Corporation to provide assistance to substate regional planning and coordination agencies composed of substate areas whose governing boards are controlled by locally elected officials. Repeals provisions authorizing the Corporation to provide certain research and training and technical assistance and to serve as an information clearinghouse. Prohibits a financial assistance recipient, or any client of such recipient, from claiming or collecting attorney fees from nongovernmental parties to litigation initiated by such client with the assistance of such recipient. Directs the Corporation to create a fund to pay defendants or clients under specified circumstances involving retaliation or harassment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15) Sets forth restrictions on the use of Corporation funds for: (1) abortion litigation; (2) class actions against the Federal Government or any State or local government; and (3) legal assistance to aliens. (Sec. 18) Revises provisions regarding: (1) the support or conduct of training programs; and (2) fee-generating cases. (Sec. 19) Directs the Corporation to study the feasibility of using client copayments to assist in setting service priorities. Authorizes the Corporation to adopt a permanent system of client copayments for its legal assistance programs. (Sec. 21) Prohibits the use of Corporation funds involving: (1) efforts to reform welfare; and (2) prisoner litigation. (Sec. 23) Directs the President (currently, the board) to appoint the president of the Corporation. (Sec. 24) Prohibits the creation or use of "alternative corporations." (Sec. 25) Limits pay for officers and employees of the Corporation to the rate of level III (currently, V) of the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 26) Requires the Corporation to maintain its principal office in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (currently, in the District of Columbia). (Sec. 27) Specifies that "attorney client privilege" protects only a communication made in confidence to an attorney by a client for the purpose of seeking legal advice and does not protect from disclosure to Federal auditors.

Urban Homestead Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

Urban Homestead Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to transfer ownership of unoccupied or substandard public housing to appropriate units of local government, after first satisfying any related indebtedness. Directs these local governmental units to initially offer such housing for sale exclusively to community development corporations, and then on a competitive basis.

Maternity Shelter Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Maternal Health Certificates Program Title II: Maternity Home Demonstrations Title III: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Maternity Shelter Act of 1995 - Title I: Maternal Health Certificates Program - Mandates a program to provide maternal health certificates for pregnant women for maternity home services, basing eligibility on income. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Maternity Home Demonstrations - Authorizes demonstration grants to any State for maternity services for individuals under the age of 19 who have not completed high school and either are pregnant or have given birth in the last 90 days. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities - Mandates a program of, and authorizes grants for, assistance to nonprofit entities for rehabilitation of existing structures to provide housing and services to pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Prohibits using amounts under this Act to: (1) perform abortions or provide abortion counseling or referrals; (2) subcontract or make payments to those who do so; or (3) advocate, promote, or encourage abortion.

Family Housing Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

Family Housing Act of 1995 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to reserve a specified percentage of public housing units for legally married families.

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Lobbying Disclosure Title II: Congressional Gift Rules Title I: Lobbying Disclosure - Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 45 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than twenty percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. (Sec. 104) Specifies registration contents. Exempts from such registration requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $5,000 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $20,000 or less (for all lobbying activities) (adjusted periodically for inflation). (Sec. 105) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports. Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to satisfy such requirements by filing a copy of a certain required Internal Revenue Service form. (Sec. 106) Details the responsibilities of the Secretary and the Clerk with respect to disclosure and enforcement. (Sec. 107) Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. (Sec. 109) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) eliminate references to political propaganda and, in certain cases, replace them with references to informational materials; and (2) modify registration exemption provisions. (Sec. 110) Revises (Byrd Amendment) requirements for a declaration by persons requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement with respect to any payments made in connection with it which would be prohibited if made with appropriated funds. Requires, in lieu of information currently required, the: (1) name of any registrant under this Act who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of the person with respect to that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and (2) certification that the declarant has not made, and will not make, any prohibited payment. (Sec. 111) Repeals: (1) the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; and (2) provisions on lobbyist activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949. (Sec. 113) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 114) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet specified criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Permits entities for which deduction of lobbying and political expenditures is denied also to make good faith estimates of such expenditures. Requires any registrant electing to make such estimates to so inform the Secretary and the Clerk. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on differences in meaning between this Act and the Internal Revenue Code of "lobbying activities," "lobbying expenditures," "influencing legislation," and related terms. Title II: Congressional Gift Rules - Makes conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives with regard to restrictions on gifts by lobbyists and foreign agents to covered subjects.

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives (appropriate congressional officials) by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 45 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee, including certain high-ranking members of the uniformed services. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include more than one lobbying contact (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20 percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client over a six-month period). (Sec. 4) Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. Specifies the contents of such registration. Provides for exemptions from registration requirements above in cases involving lobbying income of $5,000 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $20,000 or less (in the case of an organization whose employees engage in lobbying activities on the organization's behalf) (adjusted periodically for inflation) for the semiannual period. (Sec. 5) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the appropriate congressional officials. Specifies the contents of such reports. (Sec. 6) Specifies various duties of the appropriate congressional officials for carrying out this Act, including reviewing registrations and reports filed under it, and making copies of them available to the public. (Sec. 7) Sets forth penalties for violations involving the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 9) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) replace references to political propaganda with references to informational materials; and (2) add to the exemption from registration requirements under such Act for certain lawyers providing legal representation to disclosed foreign principals to apply it to such representative actions as judicial proceedings and criminal or civil law enforcement inquiries, investigations, or proceedings. Exempts from the requirements of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 any agent of a foreign government, foreign political party, or other foreign entity not organized for business that registers under this Act. (Sec. 10) Revises (Byrd Amendment) limitations on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and financial transactions, removing obsolete reporting requirements, among other changes. (Sec. 11) Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act. Repeals provisions of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949 relating to lobbyist activities. (Sec. 14) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 15) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet specified reporting (including exemption from such reporting) requirements of this Act. (Sec. 16) Amends provisions of Federal law known as the Ramspeck Act to repeal authority extending competitive status to certain legislative and judicial branch employees involuntarily separated without prejudice from their respective branch, entitling them to transfer to the competitive service in the executive branch. (Sec. 17) Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to promulgate regulations on the manner and extent that experience in a position other than a competitive one may be considered in making appointments to a competitive position. Prohibits the grant, in such regulations, of any preference based on the fact of service in the legislative or judicial branch. Directs OPM to study excepted service considerations for competitive service appointments relating to this Act. (Sec. 18) Makes certain civic leagues or organizations not organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, and certain local associations of employees whose net earnings are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes, ineligible for Federal funds in any form if they engage in lobbying activities. (Sec. 19) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to require the Attorney General to report to Congress semiannually on administrative matters (currently "from time to time") including registration filings. (Sec. 20) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to: (1) augment the dollar value categories for required disclosure of income, assets, and liabilities of subject individuals, but limiting disclosure requirements for their spouses and dependent children to income, assets, and liabilities held jointly with the subject individual, and leaving unspecified any such amounts or values exceeding $1 million; and (2) require the financial disclosure reports of subject individuals to include the category of the total cash value of any interest of the reporting individual in a qualified blind trust, except under certain circumstances. (Sec. 21) Amends the Federal criminal code to apply to the Deputy United States Trade Representative (Deputy USTR) the same three-year prohibition against representing, aiding, or advising a foreign entity after leaving Government service as applies to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit any person who has directly represented, aided, or advised a foreign entity in any trade negotiation, or trade dispute, with the United States from being appointed as USTR or Deputy USTR. (Sec. 23) Expresses the sense of the Senate that lobbying expenses should not be tax deductible.

Child Security Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

Child Security Act of 1995 - Establishes a monthly child support assurance benefits program with payments made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services following prescribed guidelines. Excludes such payments from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility for: (1) housing benefits; or (2) food stamps. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish a national registry of child support orders whose functions shall include maintenance of abstracts of child support orders accessible by the Secretary of the Treasury. Amends Part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to ensure that child support orders are immediately transmitted to such registry, including the social security account number of each parent with rights or obligations under the order. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prescribe child support enforcement guidelines through wage withholding and income tax collection. Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist in problem resolution relating to child support enforcement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and to advise on administrative practices and potential legislative changes. (Sec. 5) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) HHS distribution of child support payments collected by the IRS; and (2) the assignment of rights to past-due support. (Sec. 7) Instructs the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Child Support Guideline Commission to develop recommendations for uniform national child support guidelines; and (2) transmit Commission recommendations to the Congress. (Sec. 8) Amends part D of SSA title IV to require State plans to provide for the uniform termination of child support obligations after specified ages. (Sec. 9) Mandates that HHS: (1) promulgate a methodology to determine State staffing needs relating to child support enforcement; and (2) develop a plan detailing the steps that the State must take to meet such requirements. Mandates that State Medicaid plans require the operation of a State program for: (1) child support enforcement; and (2) Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC). Increases from three percent to five percent the amount deducted from Federal assistance payments as a penalty for noncompliance. (Sec. 11) Instructs the Secretary to authorize five States to conduct five-year social services demonstration projects giving priority in job opportunities and basic skills (JOBS) training programs under part F of SSA title IV to parents unable to support their children financially.

Hal C. DeCell III, of Mississippi, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice William J. Gilmartin.

United States · United States Senate · 10 August 1995

Elizabeth K. Julian, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Roberta Achtenberg, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 10 August 1995

SAMHSA Reauthorization, Flexibility Enhancement, and Consolidation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mental Health Title II: Substance Abuse Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Reauthorization of Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 Title V: Reauthorization of Certain Institutes Title VI: Transition Provisions and Effective Dates SAMHSA Reauthorization, Flexibility Enhancement, and Consolidation Act of 1995 - Title I: Mental Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions relating to block grants to States for community mental health services. Declares that the goal of these provisions is for the States and the Federal Government, in partnership, to improve the quality of life of adults with a serious mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance and to improve the overall mental health of U.S. citizens. Mandates establishment of a list of performance partnership objectives and a core set of not more than five of the objectives addressing mental health problems of national significance. Requires a State, to be eligible for a grant under these provisions, to propose a partnership containing one or more objectives from the list. Allows objectives not on the list. Provides for negotiations. Mandates a grant to each State with which agreement is reached. (Sec. 102) Requires that a State report relating to the grant be reviewed by the State mental health planning council. (Sec. 103) Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to afford a State an opportunity to correct or mitigate a failure to meet maintenance of effort requirements. (Sec. 104) Allows grant funds to be provided to a for-profit entity if the State determines it is appropriate and beneficial to facilitate the integration of the State Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) program or mental health managed care programs under Medicaid. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations to carry out subpart I (Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services) and subpart III (General Provisions) of title XIX (Block Grants) and provisions relating to data collection with respect to mental health. (Sec. 106) Revises requirements regarding reservation of certain percentages for data collection, technical assistance, and evaluations. Mandates grants and contracts to States for the development and strengthening of State core capacity for data collection and evaluation. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, as needed to carry out part B (Block Grants Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse). (Sec. 107) Allows grants (under existing provisions) for services for persons who have serious mental illness and who are (or are at risk of being) homeless to be used for: (1) ongoing assistance for rent and living costs for individuals in outpatient treatment; and (2) education of the judiciary regarding commitment and mental illness. Authorizes grants or contracts for mental health, outreach, and case management services to individuals with serious mental illness who have been committed to outpatient treatment. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the existing provisions mandating grants for services for persons who have serious mental illness and who are (or are at risk of being) homeless. Repeals provisions authorizing grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for mental health and substance abuse treatment services for homeless individuals. Prohibits allocating funds under any authority for the "Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports" (ACCESS) program. (Sec. 108) Replaces provisions authorizing grants for mental health demonstration projects with provisions authorizing grants or cooperative agreements to address priority mental health needs of regional and national significance: (1) through training or through demonstration projects for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation; and (2) through evaluation of the demonstration projects. Requires inclusion of child mental health services. Mandates information and education programs to disseminate the findings of the demonstration and training programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 109) Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to mental health: (1) clinical training and clinical traineeships, research, and demonstrations; (2) obligatory service in return for certain mental health clinical traineeships; and (3) demonstrations for counseling and mental health treatment for those testing positive for the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families. Repeals provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act relating to community-based mental health services to homeless individuals who are chronically mentally ill. (Sec. 110) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to children with serious emotional disturbances. Allows waiver regarding required mental health services for Indian tribes and specified U.S. territories and possessions. Title II: Substance Abuse - Repeals provisions relating to block grants to States for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Declares that the goal of these provisions is for the States and the Federal Government, in partnership, to reduce substance abuse and dependence, improve access and effectiveness regarding prevention and treatment, and reduce personal and community risks for substance abuse. Mandates establishment of a list of performance partnership objectives and a core set of not more than five of the objectives addressing substance abuse problems of national significance. Requires a State, to be eligible for a grant under these provisions, to propose a partnership containing one or more objectives from the list. Allows objectives not on the list. Provides for negotiations. Mandates a grant to each State with which agreement is reached. (Sec. 202) Removes provisions requiring minimum allocations for activities regarding alcohol and regarding other drugs. Revises minimum allocation requirements regarding substance abuse treatment for pregnant women and women with dependent children. (Sec. 203) Modifies requirements regarding the provision of tuberculosis services and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) disease early intervention services in conjunction with substance abuse treatment. (Sec. 204) Ends, for States not (at the time of enactment of this Act) using a revolving fund for housing for individuals recovering from alcohol or drug abuse, a requirement to use such a fund. Repeals, effective September 30, 1998, provisions requiring such a fund. (Sec. 205) Requires States to establish and maintain a State substance abuse prevention and treatment planning council. (Sec. 206) Removes provisions: (1) requiring an improved treatment referral process; and (2) authorizing waiver of coordination requirements. (Sec. 207) Revises procedures applicable to noncompliance States, allowing an opportunity to correct or mitigate. (Sec. 208) Allows grant funds to be provided to a for-profit entity if: (1) the State determines it is appropriate and beneficial to facilitate the integration of the State Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) program or substance abuse managed care programs under Medicaid; (2) the entity is certified or licensed by the State; (3) all profits are redistributed to the community served; and (4) for a private for-profit entity, the entity is the only available provider in the area. (Sec. 209) Authorizes appropriations to carry out subpart II (Block Grants for Treatment of Substance Abuse), subpart III (General Provisions) of title XIX (Block Grants), and provisions relating to a national data base on substance abuse prevention. (Sec. 210) Revises requirements regarding reservation of certain percentages for data collection, technical assistance, a data base, and evaluations. Mandates grants and contracts to States for the development and strengthening of State core capacity for data collection and evaluation. (Sec. 211) Replaces provisions relating to substance abuse treatment demonstration projects of national significance with provisions authorizing grants or cooperative agreements to address substance abuse health needs of regional and national significance: (1) through training or through demonstration projects for prevention and treatment; and (2) through evaluation of the demonstration projects. Requires inclusion of prevention activities. Permits inclusion of managed care, systems and partnerships, client-oriented services, and other priority populations and conditions. Mandates information and education programs to disseminate the findings of the research, demonstration, and training programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 212) Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to: (1) residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women; (2) outpatient treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women; (3) substance abuse treatment in State and local criminal justice systems; (4) training in the provision of treatment services; (5) clinical training for substance abuse counselors and other health professionals involved in drug abuse education, prevention (sic); (6) community substance abuse prevention programs; (7) prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation model projects for high risk youth; (8) employee assistance programs; (9) the national capital area substance abuse treatment model program; (10) peer review of mental health and substance abuse block grants; and (11) grants to States to increase the number of individuals for whom treatment can be provided. Title III: General Provisions - Imposes reporting requirements regarding the mental health partnerships and substance abuse partnerships under this Act. (Sec. 302) Replaces provisions requiring Federal compliance reviews in at least ten States each year with provisions requiring Federal performance reviews every three to five years. (Sec. 303) Gives States an additional year to obligate grant funds. (Sec. 305) Repeals provisions specifying minimum mental health block grant allotments. (Sec. 306) Repeals: (1) part E (Narcotic Addicts and Other Drug Abusers) of title III (General Powers and Duties) of the Public Health Service Act; (2) titles III (Civil Commitment of Persons Not Charged With Any Criminal Offense) and IV (Rehabilitation and Posthospitalization Care Programs and Assistance to States and Localities) of the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act of 1966 (NARA); and (3) chapter 175 (Civil Commitment and Rehabilitation of Narcotic Addicts) of the Federal criminal code. (Sec. 308) Modifies requirements regarding the composition of advisory councils for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Center for Mental Health Services. Title IV: Reauthorization of Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 - Amends the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 to rename it as the "Protection and Advocacy for Individuals With Mental Illnesses Act." (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to protection and advocacy systems. (Sec. 403) Revises minimum allotment requirements. Title V: Reauthorization of Certain Institutes - Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (including a separate authorization of appropriations for its Medication Development Program), and the National Institute of Mental Health. Title VI: Transition Provisions and Effective Dates - Mandates development and implementation of, and authorizes a contract for, a process to: (1) establish a model set of mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment objectives to; (2) determine the availability, relevancy, and sufficiency of data necessary to measure capacity, process, or outcomes regarding those objectives; and (3) if current data sets are inadequate, establish a plan to improve the availability, relevancy, and sufficiency of data. Exempts a State, when the objectives and data are relevant, sufficient, and available, from requirements regarding: (1) minimum allocation of funds for services to pregnant women and women with dependent children; (2) timely access to treatment for intravenous substance abuse; (3) tuberculosis and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus); (4) the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18; (5) treatment services for pregnant women; and (6) assessments of need. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the Secretary determines that a State has a significant need to improve the outcomes regarding any of those requirements, to require the State to use an objective that addresses the purpose of the requirement. Declares that a project that receives support for FY 1996 through 1999 under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act and that previously received support under other specified provisions of the Act for FY 1995 shall be subject to the requirements to which that project was subject for FY 1995 unless the Secretary determines otherwise.

National Park Service Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Concession Reform Title II: National Park Fees Title III: Ski Area Permits on National Forest System Lands Title IV: National Park System Reform Title V: Land Management Agency Housing Title VI: Disposition of Fees Title VII: National Park System Advisory Board National Park Service Enhancement Act - Title I: Concession Reform - Revises Federal law to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to take appropriate action to encourage and enable private persons, corporations, and other entities to provide and operate facilities and services deemed to be desirable for the accommodation of visitors in areas administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Requires (current law allows): (1) the Secretary to include in contracts for the providing of facilities and services such terms and conditions as are required to assure the concessioner of adequate protection against specified losses resulting from certain acts, policies, or decisions of the Secretary occurring after the contract has become effective; and (2) such terms and conditions to include an obligation of the United States to compensate the concessioner for loss of investment. Revises provisions regarding: (1) rates and charges (requires rates to the public to be set by the concessioner or commercial use contractor, subject to the Secretary's approval only where the Secretary determines that sufficient competition for such facilities and services does not exist within or in close proximity to the relevant park); (2) the method of determining franchise fees (requires such fees to be fixed at the time of commencement of the contract as stated in the selected proposal, requires the Secretary to determine the suggested minimum franchise fee in any prospectus in a manner that will provide the concessioner or commercial use contractor with a reasonable opportunity to realize a profit, and permits the Secretary to reduce franchise fees under a contract if such reduction is equitable under the circumstances); and (3) new or additional services (authorizes the Secretary to grant extensions, renewals, or new contracts to any present concessioners for operations substantially similar to those authorized by their current contracts or permits). Repeals provisions regarding existing renewal preferences, subject to specified limitations. Revises provisions regarding protection of the concessioner's possessory interest to provide that just compensation shall be an amount equal to the sound value of such structure, fixture, or improvement at the time of taking by the United States or expiration of the contract. Requires the concessioner, no less than 12 months before the expiration of any contract which recognizes a possessory interest, if the amount of compensation was not previously agreed between the Secretary and the concessioner, to submit to the Secretary an independent appraisal of the sound value of the structures, fixtures, or improvements in which the concessioner has an investment interest, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding procedures if the Secretary disagrees with the appraisal submitted. Sets forth provisions regarding the competitive selection process, contracts, and performance evaluation. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) to adopt procedures consistent with those established by this title for the NPS for issuing contracts and non-recurring commercial-nonrecreational use permits for substantially similar services and activities taking place on Federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Title II: National Park Fees - Revises provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the fee for: (1) the Golden Eagle Passport (the annual admission permit for designated units of the National Park System (System) or National Conservation Areas and other specified areas) to $50; (2) annual admission into a specific designated unit of the System, or into several specific units located in a particular geographic area, to $25; and a (3) a single-visit permit at any designated area to not more than $6 per person. Makes receipts from non-Federal Golden Eagle Passport sales available for specified resource protection, rehabilitation, and conservation projects. Specifies that a lifetime admission permit for a U.S. citizen or person domiciled in the United States who is age 62 or older (Golden Age Passport) shall entitle the permittee (currently, the permittee and specified individuals accompanying him) to free admission into any area designated. Prohibits fees of any kind from being collected from persons who have a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of a law or treaty or who are engaged in the conduct of official Federal, State, or local government business. Directs the Secretaries to establish procedures providing for the issuance of a lifetime admission permit to specified individuals who are permanently disabled. Limits the number of accompanying individuals, notwithstanding the method of travel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to specified congressional committees a report on the admission fees proposed to be charged at specific units of the National Park System; and (2) identify areas where such fees are authorized but not collected and the reasons why such fees are not collected. Allows: (1) a charge for the use of a campground not having a majority of specified features and personal collection of the fee by an employee or agent of the Federal agency operating the facility; and (2) any National Park permit (currently, Golden Age Passport) holder to utilize special recreation facilities at a rate of 50 percent of the established use fee. Requires fees to be comparable to those charged by other public and private entities. Permits persons violating National Park rules or regulations to be fined any amount as provided by law. Revises provisions regarding: (1) the time of reimbursement; (2) charges for transportation provided by the System; and (3) commercial tour use fees. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for nonrecurring commercial or nonrecreational uses of System units that require special arrangements, including permits, which at a minimum will cover all costs of providing necessary services associated with such use, with exceptions. Permits receipts equal to the cost of providing the necessary services associated with use of an area within the System for activities which further NPS goals to be retained at the park unit in which the use takes place and to remain available to cover such costs. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate and enter into challenge cost-share agreements with any State or local government, public or private agency, corporation, individual, or other entity for the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out any authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to any System unit, affiliated area, or designated National Scenic or Historic Trail. (Sec. 203) Redefines or defines: (1) "park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource that is located within the boundaries of a System unit, except for resources owned by a non-Federal entity; and (2) "marine or aquatic park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource that is located within or is a living part of a marine or aquatic regimen within such boundaries, except for such resources. Makes any instrumentality that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any marine or aquatic park (currently, park) system resource liable in rem to the United States for response costs and resulting damages to the same extent as a person is liable for such destruction, loss, or injury. Title III: Ski Area Permits on National Forest System Lands - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require that the fee for all ski area permits on National Forest System lands be calculated, charged, and paid according to a specified formula in order to: (1) return fair market value to the United States and provide ski area permittees and the United States with a simplified, consistent, predictable, and equitable permit fee; (2) simplify administrative, bookkeeping, and other requirements currently imposed on the Secretary of Agriculture and ski area permittees on national forest lands; and (3) save costs associated with the calculation of ski area permit fees. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) minimum rental fees; (2) time for payment; (3) exclusion of revenue obtained outside of national forest lands; (4) transitional ski area permit fees; and (5) withdrawal of ski areas from operation of mining laws. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of ski areas on National Forest System lands to: (1) determine the feasibility and suitability of selling all or a portion of such lands to the current permittees or other interested parties; and (2) identify any continuing need for Federal retention of such lands, cost savings and revenues to the Federal Government which might accrue as a result of such sales as well as other benefits which might result from the disposal of such lands, and criteria which should be used in considering the sale of such assets. Title IV: National Park System Reform - Requires the Secretary to prepare and transmit to specified congressional committees a National Park System Plan to guide the direction of the System into the next century. (Sec. 402) Revises Federal provisions regarding the administration, findings, and purpose of the System. Directs the Secretary: (1) at the beginning of each calendar year, to submit to specified congressional committees a list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the System; (2) to consider those areas that have the greatest potential to meet the established criteria of national significance, suitability, and feasibility, giving special consideration to themes, sites, and resources not already adequately represented in the System as identified in the Plan; and (3) to complete the study for each area for potential inclusion into the System within three complete fiscal years following the date of enactment of specific legislation providing for the study of such area. Directs the Secretary, in conducting the study, to consider: (1) whether the area possesses nationally significant natural or cultural resources or outstanding recreational opportunities, represents one of the most important examples of a particular resource type in the country, and is a suitable and feasible addition to the System; and (2) any additional fiscal and personnel costs if the area were added to the System. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees with the annual budget submission at the beginning of each calendar year, in numerical order of priority for addition to the System considering factors such as threats to resource values and cost escalation, a list of areas previously studied which contain primarily cultural or historical resources and a list of areas which contain primarily natural resources. Title V: Land Management Agency Housing - Authorizes the Secretaries, in order to promote recruitment and retention of qualified personnel necessary for the effective management of public lands, to: (1) make employee housing available, subject to specified limitations, on or off public lands; and (2) rent or lease such housing to employees of the respective Department at a reasonable value. Specifies that: (1) housing made available to employees on public lands shall be limited to those areas designated for administrative use; and (2) no private lands outside of the boundaries of federally administered areas may be acquired for the purposes of this title except with the owner's consent. Authorizes the Secretaries to enter into: (1) agreements with public and private entities to provide housing on or off public lands; and (2) cooperative agreements or joint ventures with local governmental and private entities, either on or off public lands, to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities in support of employee housing facilities. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretaries to conduct a survey of the availability of quarters at field units under each Secretary's jurisdiction at least every five years. Authorizes the Secretaries, if such survey indicates that Government-owned or suitable privately-owned quarters are not available for the personnel assigned to a specific duty station, to provide suitable quarters in accordance with this title. (Sec. 504) Authorizes secondary quarters to be made available to employees, either on or off public lands, if either Secretary determines that such quarters for employees who are permanently duty stationed at remote locations and are regularly required to relocate for temporary periods are necessary for the effective administration of an area under the jurisdiction of the respective agency. Requires that rental rates for such secondary facilities be established so that the aggregate rental rate paid by an employee for both primary and secondary quarters as a percentage of the employee's annual gross income shall not exceed the Census Bureau American Housing Survey median monthly housing cost for renters, inclusive of utilities as a percentage of current income, whether paid as part of rent or paid directly to a third party. (Sec. 505) Directs the Secretaries to: (1) survey all existing Government-owned employee housing facilities under their jurisdictions to assess its physical condition and its suitability for the effective prosecution of the agency mission; (2) develop an agency-wide priority listing, by structure, identifying those units in greatest need of repair, rehabilitation, replacement, or initial construction; and (3) transmit the survey and priority listing study to specified congressional committees. Requires expenditure of any funds appropriated for construction, repair, or rehabilitation to follow, in sequential order, the priority listing. Allows funding available from other sources for employee housing repair to be distributed as determined by the Secretaries. (Sec. 506) Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Disposition of Fees - Establishes in the Treasury a Park Improvement Fund. (Sec. 602) Requires that, beginning in FY 1996, 50 percent of all revenues received by the Government in excess of the amount that would have been received in 1995 without enactment of this Act from franchise fees, admission, special recreation, commercial tour use, and commercial-nonrecreational use fees (such fees) be covered into the Fund, with exceptions. (Sec. 603) Provides that: (1) receipts in the Fund from the previous fiscal year shall be available to the Secretary without further appropriation; (2) each fiscal year, beginning in 1997, 75 percent of the total receipts deposited in the Fund for the previous fiscal year from each unit of the System collecting such fees shall be available for expenditure only by that unit; and (3) the remaining receipts in the Fund may be allocated among such units, including those not collecting such fees, as determined by the Secretary. Directs that expenditures from the Fund be used solely for infrastructure and operational needs by System units. Requires the Secretary, by January of each year, to provide to specified congressional committees a list of proposed expenditures from the Fund for each unit for that fiscal year and a report detailing expenditures, by unit, for the previous fiscal year. Title VII: National Park System Advisory Board - Revises provisions regarding the establishment of a National Park System Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on all matters pertaining to the System. Specifies that the Board, appointed by the Secretary for a term not to exceed four years, shall be comprised of no more than nine persons from among U.S. citizens having a demonstrated commitment to the System. Requires Board members to be selected to represent various geographic regions and to ensure that the Board contains expertise in natural or cultural resource management, recreation use management, financial management, business management, and land use planning. Sets forth provisions regarding vacancies, procedures, reimbursement for travel and per diem, limits on compensation, and powers of the Board (including the authority to establish task forces). (Sec. 702) Directs the Board to: (1) conduct a review of each System unit, except for those designated as national parks, to determine whether there are management alternatives that would result in equal or better levels of resource protection, interpretation, and visitor access, use, and enjoyment; (2) review the organic legislation and history of the NPS and its units and develop criteria to guide the Congress and the Secretary in the addition of new units to the System; (3) conduct an analysis and evaluation of the current conditions and future needs of each System unit for adequate visitor service programs; (4) periodically monitor the performance evaluation process as conducted annually by the Secretary for concessioners and commercial use contractors for effectiveness and objectivity; and (5) report thereon to the Secretary and specified congressional committees. (Sec. 703) Authorizes appropriations.

Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program Subtitle D: Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle E: General Provisions Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities Subtitle A: Block Grants Program Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency Subtitle E: Effective Date Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration Subtitle C: Transition Provisions Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reestablishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Housing and Urban Development Programs Resolution Agency (Agency) which shall be an independent Executive agency headed by the Resolution Administrator. Terminates the Agency as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to report on the most efficient manner of abolishing HUD and transferring its functions. Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Sets forth specified transfers of HUD functions. (Sec. 122) Reestablishes the (HUD) Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight as an office in the Department of the Treasury. (Sec. 123) Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association. Requires the Resolution Administrator to develop a phase-out plan. (Sec. 124) Abolishes the (HUD) Office of Public Affairs. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth transfer provisions, including authorizing the Office of Management and Budget to make any necessary transfer determinations. Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance - Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Housing Voucher Agency (established by this Act) to make State block grants for (low-income) housing voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including waiver of voucher program requirements and alternate State grant uses. Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program - Establishes a Federal housing voucher assistance program of monthly payments on behalf of renting or first-time owning low-income families. Limits assistance to five years. Provides assistance portability within the same State or metropolitan area. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program - Directs the Administrator (Voucher Administrator) of the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (established by this Act) to establish: (1) a State housing assistance need formula; and (2) a limit on assisted families per State and a maximum State allocation. (Sec. 252) Authorizes a State to elect State block grant voucher assistance (subtitle A) rather than Federal voucher assistance (subtitle B). Subtitle D: Office of Federal Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (to be headed by the Voucher Administrator) which shall carry out the housing assistance programs under this title and certain other transferred housing authorities. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for specified provisions of this title. Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Programs - Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing - Replaces the following housing programs with a five-year interim public housing block grant program: (1) tenant-based section 8 assistance; (2) project-based section 8 assistance; (3) tenant-based rental assistance for disabled families; (4) rental assistance for persons with AIDS; (5) shelter plus care rental assistance for homeless persons; (6) tenant opportunity program; (7) flexible subsidies; (8) preservation programs; (9) service coordinators for assisted projects; and (10) Indian public housing, childhood development, and rental assistance. (Sec. 312) Provides for the transition of housing assistance from the interim block grant program to the voucher assistance programs. (Sec. 313) Provides for: (1) the transfer of specified remaining HUD authority to the Voucher Administrator; and (2) benefits to families assisted under terminated programs. Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation - Terminates the following housing programs: (1) public housing under title I or III of the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) urban revitalization program; (3) public housing childhood development; (4) perinatal services demonstration; (5) youth sports demonstration; and (6) public and assisted housing drug elimination. (Sec. 322) Provides for the deregulation of public housing authorities (PHAs). Requires PHAs to develop a strategic plan as a condition of assistance eligibility. (Sec. 325) Establishes the Public Housing Block Grant Fund for grants to PHAs for public housing management and operations. Sets forth program provisions, including lead-based paint requirements. States that participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be mandatory. (Sec. 330) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities - Subtitle A: Block Grants Program - Requires the Director of the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency to make an housing assistance block grant to eligible States, entitlement areas, and Indian tribes. Sets forth program provisions, including at least 90 percent low-income use and one percent set-asides for Indian tribes. Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing - Obligates specified block grant funds for State housing programs for low-income special populations (elderly families, disabled families, or persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families). (Sec. 422) Obligates specified block grant funds for Indian housing authorities. Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants - Authorizes block grant appropriations. Repeals specified housing and related programs. Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency - Establishes the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency as an independent Executive agency. Subtitle E: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this title. Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund (Fund). States that Fund amounts shall be for: (1) payment of losses to qualified mortgage insurers; (2) payment of certain claim notes; (3) investment; and (4) certain annual assessments. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Fund Administrator to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified mortgage insurers for single family home mortgage insurance coverage. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration which shall administer the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle C: Transition Provisions - Prohibits new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan or mortgage activities. Repeals specified FHA insurance authorities. Provides for the sale of FHA mortgage insurance interests and transfer of remaining authority to the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous and administrative provisions. Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget - Establishes in the Office of Management and Budget the Office of Federalism whose duties shall include: (1) review of policy and legislation's effect on the Federal-State relationship; and (2) federalism issues liaison services. Authorizes appropriations.

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

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1995

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

Fair Housing Reform and Freedom of Speech Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1995

Fair Housing Reform and Freedom of Speech Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Housing Act to permit a restriction relating to the maximum number of unrelated persons in a dwelling if such restriction's purpose is to limit land use to single family dwellings. States that such Act shall not be construed to apply to lawful activity, including a legal action, engaged in solely to: (1) achieve or prevent governmental action; or (2) receive a judicial interpretation of any provision of such Act.

John A. Knubel, of Maryland, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice G. Edward DeSeve.

United States · United States Senate · 7 August 1995

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Other Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Missile Defense Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Maintenance and Repair Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Civilian Employees Subtitle E: Defense Financial Management Subtitle F: Assistance for Civilian Activities Subtitle G: Operation of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Activities Subtitle H: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Uniform Code of Military Justice Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Subtitle A: Health Care Services Subtitle B: TRICARE Program Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Laws Regarding Health Care Management Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Acquisition Reform Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Department of Defense Education Programs Subtitle E: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Other Nations Subtitle G: Repeal of Certain Reporting Requirements Subtitle H: Other Matters Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force for the procurement of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; and (5) the defense health program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters. (Sec. 112) States that a prohibition under a prior defense authorization Act against the procurement of military helicopters shall not apply to the obligation of funds for procurement of up to 20 AHIP Scout aircraft from funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 113) Prohibits any funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1996 from being obligated to procure Hydra 70 rockets until the Secretary of the Army submits to the Congress certain certifications with respect to technical corrections in such rocket, the costs of such corrections, and related information. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to waive such certification requirement in the national security interest. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the final Seawolf attack submarine and the first two submarines under the New Attack Submarine (NAS) program. Earmarks funds under the FY 1997 defense authorization Act for design, advance procurement, and research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) under the NAS program. Requires competition in the procurement of the Seawolf and the NAS. Prohibits certain actions in order to ensure that Electric Boat Division and Newport News Shipbuilding retain the technical competencies to construct the NAS. Limits the FY 1996-1999 expenditure of funds for the Seawolf and the NAS. Requires certain reports. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to repeal a prohibition on the backfitting of Trident submarines. (Sec. 123) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the initial and final increment funding for two Arleigh Burke class destroyers. (Sec. 124) Authorizes the Secretary to provide in the future-years defense program for split funding of construction of new naval vessels satisfying specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to contract for the construction of a new naval vessel upon appropriation of a first increment of funding for construction of the vessel. Subtitle D: Other Programs - Prohibits FY 1996 DOD RDT&E funds from being obligated or expended for the Tier II Predator unmanned aerial vehicle program. (Sec. 132) Allows the obligation of only one-sixth of the funding for the unmanned aerial vehicle joint program office before the Secretary of the Navy must certify to the House Armed Services and Senate National Security Committees (defense committees) that such systems have been equipped with the common automatic landing and recovery system. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the armed forces for RDT&E and for basic research and exploratory development. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for specified phases of the AF117X long-range, medium attack aircraft. (Sec. 212) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to empower the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology with the responsibility for developing and testing naval mine countermeasures systems during FY 1997 through 1999. (Currently, the Director, Defense Research and Engineering has such responsibility during FY 1995 through 1999.) (Sec. 213) Allows the obligation of no more than 50 percent of the funds authorized under this title for the Tomahawk Baseline Improvement Program before the Secretary of the Navy must certify to the defense committees with respect to certain testing under the Program. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to structure the development schedule for the Space and Missile Tracking System so as to achieve a first launch of a System satellite in FY 2001, and to attain initial operational capability of a full constellation of such satellites in FY 2003. Requires the concurrence of the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization with respect to certain decisions made under the System. Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations. (Sec. 215) Directs the Secretary to perform an analysis of the full range of precision guided munitions in production and in RDT&E. Requires a report to the Congress on the Secretary's findings. Provides funding limitations until such report is received. (Sec. 216) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for: (1) Defense Nuclear Agency funding; (2) the tunnel characterization and neutralization program; and (3) the long-term radiation tolerant microelectronics program (with a required report). (Sec. 217) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the Counterproliferation Support Program. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer to the Program funds otherwise made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1996. Limits to $50 million the total authorized amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Directs the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology a Program Office for Nonlethal Systems and Technologies to conduct RDT&E of nonlethal weapons applicable to forces engaged in both traditional and nontraditional military operations. Provides funding. (Sec. 219) Authorizes the obligation of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to DOD for FY 1996 to procure work from a federally funded research and development center named in a report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Prohibits any funding for such procurement until the report is received. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the funding limitation as long as notice of, and the reasons for, such waiver are sent to the defense committees. Reduces by $90 million the total amount authorized under this title for RDT&E. (Sec. 220) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to revise the determination of States eligible for the awarding of grants under the Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. (Sec. 221) Repeals, with respect to the national defense technology and industrial base, defense reinvestment, and defense conversion programs: (1) certain definitions; (2) specified policy objectives; (3) the commercial-military integration partnerships program; (4) the regional technology alliances assistance program; (5) the Military-Civilian Integration and Technology Transfer Advisory Board; (6) the Navy Reinvestment Program; (7) the manufacturing extension programs; and (8) the defense dual-use assistance extension program. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) use the manufacturing science and technology joint planning process of the directors of DOD laboratories in establishing the DOD manufacturing science and technology program; and (2) seek the participation of equipment manufacturers in the projects under such program. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to jointly submit to the Congress a report on DOD plans and programs to prepare for and respond to military and civil defense emergencies resulting from a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack on the United States. Subtitle C: Missile Defense - Missile Defense Act of 1995 - States the missile defense policy of the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish a top priority core theater missile defense (CTMD) program consisting of specified systems. Requires the Secretary to ensure that CTMD systems are interoperable and fully capable of external sensor and battle management support from defense systems of the various armed forces. Directs the Secretary to terminate the Corps Surface to Air Missile System and the Boost Phase Interceptor. Directs the Secretary to develop an affordable development plan for follow-on theater missile defense systems which: (1) leverages existing systems, technologies, and programs; and (2) focuses investments to satisfy military requirements not met by the CTMD program. Requires specified reports from the Secretary to the congressional defense (armed forces and appropriations) committees. (Sec. 235) Directs the Secretary to develop an affordable and operationally effective national missile defense (NMD) system which will attain initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines NMD system requirements. Requires the: (1) development of an interim operational capability until the NMD system is in place and operational; (2) use of streamlined acquisition procedures in meeting the development and operational capability requirements of the NMD system; (3) employment of cost saving measures which do not decrease the operational effectiveness of the system or pose unacceptable technical risks; and (4) submission of a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on the plan for NMD deployment. (Sec. 236) Directs the Secretary to undertake an initiative to coordinate and strengthen the cruise missile defense programs, projects, and activities of the military departments and defense agencies and organizations to ensure the development and deployment of highly effective defenses against existing and future cruise missile threats. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) actions to be taken by the Secretary with respect to such initiative; and (2) submission by the Secretary to the congressional defense committees of a detailed implementation plan for carrying out the initiative. (Sec. 237) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Senate should undertake a comprehensive review of the continuing value and validity of the ABM Treaty, and recommend additional policy guidance on the future application of such Treaty; and (2) the President should cease all efforts to modify, clarify, or otherwise alter U.S. obligations under such Treaty pending the outcome of the review. Directs the Secretary to provide the Senate with a complete, unclassified version of the ABM Treaty negotiating record, authorizing the Secretary to waive the declassification requirements on a document-by-document basis. (Sec. 238) States that, until a missile or air defense system is flight- tested in an ABM-qualifying flight test, such system, upgrade, or component: (1) has not been tested in an ABM mode, for Treaty purposes; and (2) is therefore not subject to Treaty application, limitation, or obligation. Prohibits appropriated funds from being expended or obligated by any government official to apply such Treaty to RDT&E or deployment of such non-qualifying air or missile defense systems. Ceases the application of such prohibition when a system is flight tested in an ABM-qualifying manner. Requires the Secretary to annually certify to the Congress that no U.S. air or missile defense system is being constrained by the ABM Treaty in a manner inconsistent with this section. Finds that ballistic missile range and velocity parameters should be subject to the Senate's review under section 237. (Sec. 239) Requires amounts requested for activities of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization in annual budget justification materials submitted to the Congress to be set forth in accordance with specified program elements. Provides the origin of funding for non-core TMD, core TMD, and battle management, control, communications, and intelligence programs. Requires each program element to include requests for amounts necessary for management and support of the programs. (Sec. 241) Repeals various missile defense provisions of specified Acts made inconsistent by this Subtitle. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the armed forces and specified agencies and activities of DOD for operation and maintenance (O&M). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) DOD working capital and revolving funds; and (2) operation of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Transfers a specified amount from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund to O&M accounts for FY 1996. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Maintenance and Repair - Directs the Secretary to develop and report to the defense committees a comprehensive policy on the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) for DOD, with a primary objective of a ready and controlled source of technical competence and repair and maintenance capabilities necessary for national security across a full range of current and projected training and operational requirements. Repeals: (1) a current requirement that no more than 40 percent of the DOD DLMR be performed by non-Government personnel; and (2) a provision prohibiting the contracting out of DOD DLMR activities of at least $3 million without using competitive selection procedures. (Sec. 312) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 1996 the authority for aviation depots and naval shipyards to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Allows agreements for environmental restoration services performed by another Federal or State agency to provide for reimbursement to such agency only of the technical and scientific services obtained, with an FY 1996 reimbursement limitation of $5 million. Allows the Secretary to pay reimbursement expenses in excess of such amount after certifying to the Congress that such payment is essential for the management of the Defense Environmental Restoration Program, and 60 days have expired since such certification. Directs the Secretary to include in required annual reports the services obtained from such agencies on a reimbursable basis. (Sec. 322) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply its vessel discharge requirements to discharges incidental to the normal operations of a military vessel, other than sewage, unless the Secretary finds that compliance would not be in the best interests of national security. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to jointly determine the discharge incidental to the normal operation of a military vessel for which it is reasonable and practicable to require the use of a marine pollution control device in order to mitigate adverse impacts on the marine environment, and to promulgate Federal standards of performance for such devices with respect to the discharge. Provides time limits for initial determinations and final standards. Preempts a State or political jurisdiction from adopting or enforcing such standards for a military vessel after final Federal regulations are in effect, but allows a State to completely prohibit any discharge from a vessel into waters of the State when its water quality requires greater environmental protection than that afforded by the Federal standards. Requires the EPA Administrator to then take specified enforcement action with respect to such prohibition. Requires a State to specifically explain why a prohibition would apply only to military vessels and not other types. Limits the application of such regulations with respect to design, construction, manning, or equipment standards on foreign flagged vessels engaged in passage. Provides for interagency cooperation in the development of appropriate standards under the marine vessel discharge requirements of such Act. (Sec. 323) Revises Federal provisions concerning: (1) the establishment of restoration advisory boards; (2) funding for the administrative expenses of such boards; and (3) the provision of technical assistance grants for determining the nature of environmental hazards at a military installation to be closed under a base closure law and the restoration activities proposed or conducted there. Provides funding for such activities to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, with an FY 1996 limit of $4 million. Requires reports from technical review committees or restoration advisory boards formed for such purpose to be included in an annual DOD report on environmental restoration activities. Subtitle D: Civilian Employees - Provides the minimum FY 1996 and 1997 number of personnel to be employed as military reserve technicians. (Sec. 332) Exempts DOD from personnel ceilings for civilian personnel. (Sec. 333) Requires military reserve technicians to wear the uniform appropriate for the member's grade and component while performing technician duties. Provides a uniform or clothing allowance for such technicians. (Sec. 334) Extends through January 31, 1996, the temporary authority to pay evacuation pay to civilian DOD employees and their dependents and immediate family members evacuated from Guantanamo, Cuba, pursuant to an order issued by the Secretary. Requires a monthly report from the Secretary of the Navy regarding the employees being so paid. (Sec. 335) Authorizes the transfer of civilian employees between the DOD domestic dependent schools and the overseas defense dependents' education system. (Sec. 336) Revises the authority of the Secretary to appoint involuntarily separated military reserve technicians who have served for a specified minimum period to positions within DOD for which such individual is qualified. (Sec. 337) Includes employees voluntarily separated under reduction-in- force procedures among those eligible for continued health insurance coverage for a temporary period. (Sec. 338) Makes inapplicable to DOD: (1) the 120-day limitation on the detail of certain Federal employees; and (2) required biannual reports concerning progress made in meeting part-time career employment goals. (Sec. 340) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to release from employment those individuals who volunteer under a reduction in force. Terminates such authority at the end of FY 1996. (Sec. 341) Authorizes DOD to make lump-sum severance payments to its employees, requiring a refund of the pro rata share of such pay if such individual is reemployed. Terminates such authority as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 342) Adjusts the holiday observance day for DOD employees whose basic workweek is other than Monday through Friday. (Sec. 343) Includes DOD nonappropriated fund instrumentality employees within a Federal provision authorizing flexible and compressed work schedules. Subtitle E: Defense Financial Management - Prohibits funds authorized to be appropriated to DOD by this Act from being obligated for a capital lease for the establishment of a DOD financial management training center until 90 days after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a certification of the need for such a center as well as a report on financial management training for DOD personnel. (Sec. 352) Prohibits the Secretary during FY 1996 from establishing any center for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service not operating on the date of enactment of this Act unless the Secretary reports to the Congress a need for such new center and 30 days have elapsed since the receipt of such report. Requires the Secretary, before submitting such report, to reexamine the need for any new center. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or Air Force to provide for participation of its National Guard in joint disaster and emergency assistance exercises. (Sec. 362) Prohibits funds authorized in this or any other Act from being obligated or expended for: (1) the Office of Civil-Military Programs within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; or (2) the Office of Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. (Sec. 363) Revises Federal provisions establishing the Civil-Military Cooperative Action Program to: (1) allow only the reserve components (currently, all of the armed forces) to participate in the Program; (2) revise the Program objectives; and (3) eliminate the establishment of Federal or regional advisory councils for the Program. Subtitle G: Operation of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Activities - Makes inapplicable to the Coast Guard a Federal provision limiting the authorized amount of funds to be retained in the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) account of an armed force. (Sec. 372) Authorizes the MWR retail facilities to sell items according to regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits certain sale restrictions from being included in such regulations. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees identifying each restriction in effect with respect to exchange stores and other revenue-generating facilities operated by nonappropriated fund activities of DOD for the MWR of its members. (Sec. 373) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal the requirement to convert naval ships' stores to nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Makes funds from the National Defense Sealift Fund available for expenses of the Ready Reserve component of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. (Sec. 382) Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from contracting for the construction of any additional sealift ship by a contractor unless such Secretary has submitted to the Congress, at least 60 days before entering into a contract, a certification: (1) with respect to the history of such contractor in meeting cost requirements under any former sealift construction contract; or (2) that such contractor is financially capable of constructing such additional sealift ship without financial assistance from the Government. (Sec. 383) Requires a specified conditional portion of the amount recovered by the government in a fiscal year for losses and expenses incurred by DOD as a result of contractor fraud at military installations to be credited to appropriations accounts of DOD on the basis of the losses actually suffered at each installation as a result of such fraud. Provides appropriate uses of such amounts by the military departments. (Sec. 384) Authorizes lost, abandoned, or unclaimed property found on a military installation to be sold (after reasonable efforts to find the property's owner) and the proceeds credited to the O&M account of such installation to be used to reimburse the installation for sale costs, and, if amounts still remain, to support MWR activities at the installation. Repeals a demonstration program concerning the use of such proceeds under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993. (Sec. 385) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell certain designated articles and items of clothing to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, under specified conditions. Directs such Secretary to sell subsistence supplies to members of other armed forces at prices charged to Navy and Marine Corps personnel (equivalent prices). Authorizes such Secretary to sell serviceable supplies other than subsistence supplies to members of other armed forces for the buyers' use in the service. Authorizes persons who have been honorably discharged from any military department and are receiving medical care through the Public Health Service or the Department of Veterans Affairs to buy subsistence supplies at equivalent prices. Authorizes such Secretary to sell to honorably discharged individuals exterior articles of uniform at equivalent prices. Authorizes such Secretary to sell ships' stores to appropriate civilian officers and employees of the United States at military installations: (1) outside the United States; and (2) inside the United States if it is impractical for such officers and employees to obtain such stores from commercial enterprises without impairing the efficient operation of military activities. Requires sales to civilian officers and employees inside the United States to be made only to those residing within military installations. (Sec. 386) Requires, on and after October 1, 1995, the Civilian Marksmanship Program to be operated as a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the United States within DOD for the benefit of military personnel and for the promotion of rifle practice and firearms safety among civilians. Requires the Program to be under the general supervision of the Advisory Committee for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, which replaces the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice. Outlines funding provisions for the Advisory Committee. Provides authorized Program activities, including the operation and maintenance of rifle ranges, firearms marksmanship instruction and safety, and firearms competitions. Authorizes the Program to issue arms, ammunition, targets, and related equipment and supplies to gun clubs providing training to various youth organizations. Authorizes the sale of such items to other gun clubs and citizens for Program purposes. Requires the Program Director, before conveying any weapon or ammunition to a person, to provide for a criminal records check of the person with appropriate Federal and State law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the Director to impose reasonable fees for persons and gun clubs participating in any Program activity. Directs the Secretary of the Army to reserve for the Program all remaining M-1 Garand rifles and related accessories still held by the Army. Outlines participation conditions for military personnel participating in rifle instruction and competitions. (Sec. 387) Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress describing the advantages and disadvantages of using contractor personnel, rather than civilian DOD employees, to perform DOD functions that are not essential to the military warfighting mission. (Sec. 388) Prohibits the Secretary of Education from considering any payment made to a local educational agency (LEA) by DOD that is available for current expenditures and used for capital expenses as funds available to the Department of Education for Federal impact aid purposes. Outlines conditions under which an LEA shall be eligible to receive additional assistance as a heavily impacted LEA (an LEA having a high proportion of Federally connected children in its schools). Revises provisions concerning the determination of the amount of such aid to LEAs, with a special rule in the case of a heavily impacted LEA. Revises generally provisions concerning the requirement of the use of current year data for providing appropriate assistance to heavily impacted LEAs. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1996. Authorizes a temporary variation in the end strengths for active-duty Navy and Air Force officers in specified grades. (Sec. 403) Prohibits from being counted against officer personnel end strength limits an officer continuing to hold a general or admiral grade after serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the head of a military department. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1996 for Selected Reserve personnel, authorizing the Secretary to vary such end strengths by up to two percent. Provides the end strengths for members of the reserve serving on active duty in support of the reserve. Increases the number of officers of certain grades authorized to serve on such duty. (Sec. 414) Excludes from inclusion in military personnel end strength limitations: (1) members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve on active duty for more than 180 days in support of cooperative threat reduction programs; and (2) members of the reserve on active duty for 180 days or more for military-to-military contacts and other similar activities. Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads - Sets forth the authorized FY 1996 military training student loads, allowing for certain adjustments consistent with authorized end strengths. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY 1996 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Reduces from 1,000 to 500 the number of officers to be designated by the Secretary for critical joint duty assignment positions. Authorizes the Secretary to credit an officer for additional joint duty for service in an assignment any portion of which was performed on or after the date of enactment of this Act and which provided significant experience in joint matters, as long as the officer is recommended for such credit by the head of his or her military department. Grants such credit on a case-by-case basis, requiring the Secretary to prescribe uniform criteria for such credit. Requires information on officers receiving such credit to be included by the Secretary in a required annual report. Exempts general and flag officers from a provision limiting the number of officers receiving such credit in a fiscal year to ten percent of the total number of officers in that pay grade selected for the joint specialty in that fiscal year. Considers an officer to have completed a full tour of joint duty upon completion of a second joint duty assignment that is less than the period required for a first joint duty assignment, but not less than two years, whether or not a minimum joint tour duty length waiver was granted for such officer. (Sec. 502) Reduces from six to five years the minimum service obligation for graduates of the various military service academies. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review the effects that such service periods will have on the number and quality of eligible applicants seeking appointment; and (2) report findings and recommendations to the defense committees. (Sec. 503) Requires any officer appointed Surgeon General of an armed force to be educationally and professionally qualified to furnish health care to other persons, including doctors of medicine, dentistry, and osteopathy, nurses, and clinical psychologists. (Sec. 504) Requires an officer appointed as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Air Force: (1) to be appointed for a four-year tenure (currently two); and (2) who holds a lower regular grade to be appointed in the regular grade of major general. (Sec. 505) Includes all officers above the major or lieutenant commander grades (currently, above such grades but below lieutenant general or vice admiral) within current eligibility requirements for voluntary retirement. Allows certain general and flag officers to be retired in the highest grade held by such officer only after the Secretary certifies to the President and the Senate that such officer served satisfactorily on active duty in that grade. (Sec. 506) Extends through FY 1996 certain reserve officer management authorities. (Sec. 507) Prohibits an officer from being frocked (authorized to wear the insignia of a higher grade before being promoted to such grade) unless: (1) the Senate has confirmed such officer's nomination for promotion to such grade; and (2) the officer is serving in, or has been ordered to, a position for which that grade is authorized. Prohibits pay, seniority, and time in service benefits from being accrued by frocked officers. Limits the total number of frocked officers in specified grades on the active-duty list. Authorizes a variation for FY 1996 and 1997 in the number of such officers. (Sec. 508) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to retire any Director of Admissions of the United States Military Academy who has more than 30 years of service as a commissioned officer. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Establishes the Department of Defense Ready Reserve Income Insurance Program, administered by the Secretary, to insure Ready Reserve members against the risk of being ordered into covered service. Provides 30 days' automatic enrollment in the Program, with an exception, upon first becoming a member. Requires a member to enroll within such period. Provides as the basic benefit of such insurance $1,000 per month during the period of covered service, allowing a member to elect to reduce or enhance such benefit in specified increments. Defines "covered service" as active duty for more than 30 days in support of involuntary operational missions or during a period of war or national emergency. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the premium rates for such insurance, to be deducted and withheld from the member's basic pay. Authorizes the Secretary to advance to an insured member the amount equal to the first insurance premium payment due. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Ready Reserve Income Insurance Fund, into which shall be deposited the collected premiums, any amounts appropriated to the Fund, and investment returns. Requires: (1) investing of Fund assets by the Secretary; and (2) a required annual accounting of the Fund. Requires the DOD Education Benefits Board of Actuaries to have actuarial responsibility for the Program. Requires the Board to carry out periodic actuarial valuation of benefits, determine appropriate premium rate methodology, and recommend to the Secretary a premium rate schedule in the event of actuarial gains or losses to the Fund due to changes in actuarial assumptions. Directs the Secretary to request the President to request from the Congress a special appropriation in the event of insufficient Fund assets. Provides for the payment of benefits to designated recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase insurance from eligible insurers in order to provide the benefits required under the Program, allowing the Secretary to terminate such insurance policy at any time. Requires termination of insurance coverage for a member for the nonpayment of premiums, as well as insurance forfeiture upon conviction of certain crimes against the country or refusal to perform service or wear the uniform. (Sec. 512) Includes dentists in critical specialties (currently, only physicians) within a program providing financial assistance for health care professionals in the reserve components. (Sec. 513) Allows reserve personnel performing public safety duty to charge such period of absence to accrued annual leave or compensatory time available. Subtitle C: Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide that if evidence adduced during a military investigation indicates that an accused committed an uncharged offense, then the investigating officer may investigate such additional matter without the accused having first been charged with that offense. (Sec. 524) Requires the imposition of a fine, imprisonment, or both, for an individual who refuses to testify before a court-martial. (Sec. 525) Requires individuals found to be incompetent to stand trial under the UCMJ to be committed to the custody of the Attorney General for hospitalization, examination, and treatment. Provides, depending on hospitalization and examination results, for either continued hospitalization of such individual or release to the convening authority of the court-martial. Requires a person found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility to be committed to a suitable facility until the person is eligible for release after examination and an appropriate hearing. (Sec. 526) Requires any forfeiture of pay or allowances or reduction in grade included in a court-martial sentence to take effect on the earlier of: (1) 20 days after the sentence is adjudged; or (2) the date on which the sentence is approved by the convening authority (current law). Authorizes the convening authority to defer such forfeitures or reduction until the date on which the sentence is approved. Requires court-martial sentences that include confinement for one year or more, death, dishonorable discharge, or dismissal to result in the forfeiture of all pay and allowances due to such member during the confinement or parole. Authorizes the waiver of such forfeitures for up to six months in the case of dependents of such individual. Requires the repayment of all such pay and allowances if the sentence is set aside or disapproved. Revises provisions concerning the deferment of a sentence of confinement in the case of an individual in the custody of a State or foreign country. (Sec. 528) Requires all matters submitted to the convening authority for consideration after a trial by court-martial to be in writing. (Sec. 529) Authorizes a proceeding in revision to correct clerical mistakes in a judgment, order, or other part of the record or any error arising from oversight or omission. (Sec. 530) Provides for appeal by the United States from certain orders or rulings made by a military judge in a court-martial in which a punitive discharge may be adjudged. (Sec. 531) Includes flight from arrest as a punishable action under the UCMJ. (Sec. 532) Removes a gender reference with respect to the UCMJ offense of carnal knowledge with a person under 16 years of age. Provides that, in such a prosecution, it is a defense that the other person was at least 12 years of age and the accused reasonably believed such person to be at least 16. (Sec. 533) Requires newly enlisted personnel to be instructed in the UCMJ within 14 (currently six) days after entrance into active or reserve duty. (Sec. 535) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal the September 30, 1995, delimiting date on the authority of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to appoint Federal or district court judges to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. (Sec. 536) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to jointly establish an advisory panel to review and make recommendations on jurisdiction over civilians accompanying military personnel in time of armed conflict. Requires reports. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Authorizes the President to award the Purple Heart to certain persons who were taken prisoner or held captive while serving in the U.S. armed forces before April 25, 1962, and were wounded while being taken prisoner or held captive. Excepts from such awards persons convicted of rendering assistance to the enemy. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to award a decoration to any person for an act, achievement, or service performed while serving on active duty during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of each military department to review all recommendations received for such decorations, and to report findings concerning such review and awards to the defense committees. (Sec. 543) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretaries of the military departments should review the service records of military personnel who performed military intelligence duties between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1990, in order to determine whether, by reason of mission secrecy, any such personnel were not properly considered for decorations and awards, and if so, to so consider such personnel for such awards. Exempts such consideration from certain time limitation provisions. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to establish within his Office an office responsible for the policy, control, and oversight of the entire process for the investigation and recovery of missing persons, as well as the coordination of DOD efforts on such matters with other Federal departments and agencies. Requires search and rescue responsibilities to be established by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Requires the establishment of uniform procedures for the: (1) determination of the status of such persons; and (2) collection, analysis, review, dissemination, and periodic update of related information. Requires the commander of the unit or facility where a person was assigned to make an initial report to the Secretary after receiving information that the whereabouts of a person are uncertain and that the absence may be involuntary. Requires the Secretary to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the whereabouts of a missing person. Directs the board to make a recommendation to the Secretary as to the whereabouts or status of such persons. Prohibits such board from declaring a person dead unless the evidence before it establishes conclusive proof of such person's death. Requires board proceedings to be closed to the public (including the next of kin). Directs the Secretary, after receiving a board recommendation, to determine whether such person shall continue to have a missing status, be declared to have deserted or be absent without leave, or be declared dead. Requires a report to family members and other interested persons. Requires the appointment of an additional board if further information becomes available. Allows the next of kin and other family members to attend inquiries held by the subsequent board. Requires a recommendation by the subsequent board, as well as a report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to review such report (together with any objections to board findings filed by family members and other interested persons attending the subsequent board inquiry), and to take appropriate action with respect to a person's status, including notification to family members and other interested persons. Requires, with specified exceptions concerning classified or privileged information or privacy, the Secretary having jurisdiction over a missing person to ensure that the person's personnel file contains all available information relating to the person's disappearance, whereabouts, or status. Prohibits any board from declaring a person dead unless: (1) credible evidence exists; (2) the United States possesses no credible evidence to suggest that such person is alive; and (3) representatives of the United States have made a complete search of the area where the person was last seen and have examined the records of the government or entity having control over such area. Provides additional information to be included in a report when a person is declared dead. Allows military pay for the full time of absence for any person in a missing or dead status under the Missing Persons Act of 1942 who is found alive and is returned to the control of the United States. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment or appointment of a person into the armed forces, to require such person to specify the individual to receive information as to the member's whereabouts or status if necessary. Directs the Secretary of State to carry out a comprehensive study of the Missing Persons Act of 1942 and related laws and regulations with respect to accounting for civilian employees or contractors of the United States who serve with or accompany military personnel in the field to determine the means, if any, by which such procedures may be improved. Directs such Secretary to report study results, together with appropriate recommendations for change, to the defense committees. (Sec. 552) Amends the UCMJ to state that the period during which an officer deserts, is absent from duty, is confined by military or civilian authority for more than one day for a trial, or is unable for more than one day to perform his or her duties shall not be counted in computing such officer's length of military service. Provides that the time required to be made up by either an enlisted member or an officer due to such reasons may not be counted in computing years of service. (Sec. 553) Provides for separation from service in cases involving persons sentenced to confinement for one year or more. (Sec. 554) Removes the six-month limit on the duration of field training or practice cruise required under the Senior ROTC Program. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to: (1) review the military record compilation process for potential improvements in the correction of such records; and (2) report study findings and recommendations to the Secretary, who in turn shall transmit such reports to the defense committees. (Sec. 556) Prohibits the Secretary from reducing below a specified amount for FY 1996 and thereafter the total number of DOD medical personnel unless he certifies to the Congress that: (1) the number being reduced is excess to current and projected needs; and (2) such reduction will not result in an increase in the cost of health care services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires the Assistant Secretary of Defense responsible for health affairs to submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the reduction in the number of such personnel over a five-year period beginning on October 1, 1996. (Sec. 557) Repeals, with respect to the military service academies, the requirement that the: (1) position of athletic director shall be a position in the civil service; and (2) Superintendent of such academy shall administer a nonappropriated fund account for the athletics program at such academy. (Sec. 558) Prohibits any funds available to DOD from being obligated to carry out a test program for determining the cost effectiveness of transferring to the private sector the operations of one or more military academy preparatory schools. (Sec. 559) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to jointly establish an advisory panel on centralized review of DOD administrative personnel actions. Requires a report from the panel to the Secretary and the Attorney General, to be transmitted, together with comments, to the Congress. Terminates the panel 30 days after submission of its report. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1996 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) by 2.4 percent and the basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) by 5.2 percent, on January 1, 1996. (Sec. 602) Authorizes a member without dependents who is in pay grade E-6 and who is assigned to U.S. quarters that do not meet minimum adequacy standards established by DOD for such pay grade to elect not to occupy such quarters and instead receive the BAQ prescribed for his or her pay grade. (Sec. 603) Authorizes as of July 1, 1996, the payment of a BAQ for enlisted personnel in the pay grade of E-6. (Sec. 604) Prohibits the reduction of the minimum monthly variable housing allowance (VHA) for members living in high cost areas as long as such member maintains uninterrupted eligibility to receive the VHA within that area and his or her certified housing costs are not reduced. Increases the total amount available for the VHA to cover additional payments permitted under this section. Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the Congress. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1997: (1) certain enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for the reserves; (2) the nurse officer candidate accession program; (3) the accession bonus for registered nurses; (4) incentive special pay for nurse anesthetists; (5) the authority relating to the payment of other bonuses and special pay for active duty officer and enlisted personnel; and (6) the authority of the Secretary concerned to repay education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve of a military department. (Sec. 614) Provides to both warrant officers (current law) and enlisted members of specified grades hazardous duty incentive pay for service as air weapons controllers. (Sec. 615) Reduces from nine to eight of the first 12 years of aviation service the period during which an officer must perform operational flying duties in order to receive aviation career incentive pay. (Sec. 617) Provides continuous entitlement to career sea pay for crew members of a ship designated as a tender-class ship. (Sec. 618) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, effective as of January 1, 1996, to increase to a maximum of $375 monthly the rate of special duty assignment pay for enlisted personnel serving as military recruiters. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Repeals a requirement that DOD travel allowances must be based on distances established over the shortest normally traveled route, and under mileage tables prepared under the direction of the Secretary. (Sec. 622) Provides a departure allowance when dependents of military personnel are authorized (currently, only when ordered) by competent authority to depart from an area. (Sec. 623) Provides a dislocation allowance for those directed to move as a result of a base closure or realignment. (Sec. 624) Includes students who cease to be enrolled in a foreign institution of higher education within a provision authorizing the Secretary concerned to return to the United States formerly dependent children of military personnel who attain a nondependent age while overseas. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes certain members of the Ready Reserve to use DOD commissary stores for a period of one year on the same basis as members on active duty. (Currently, such members are permitted such use for 12 days of any calendar year during which the members are eligible.) (Sec. 632) Authorizes full commissary use (currently limited to 12 days a year) for members of the Retired Reserve (and their survivors) who are under 60 years of age and would be eligible for retired pay except that they are under such age. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the use of MWR facilities on the same basis as members on active duty for: (1) members of the Selected Reserve in good standing; (2) members of the Ready Reserve other than members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) members of the reserve under age 60 who would be eligible for retired pay except that they are under such age. Allows such use for the dependents of (1) and (3), above. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Makes first payable in March (currently, September) of the following year cost-of-living increases for military retired pay that become effective in 1994 or 1995 (currently, 1994 through 1997). (Sec. 642) Makes ineligible for retired pay a person who is convicted of an offense under the UCMJ and whose executed sentence includes death, a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, or dismissal (in the case of an officer). (Sec. 643) Allows to be deducted from the pay of: (1) a Federal employee the administrative costs of executing legal process in a garnishment action; and (2) members of the armed forces the administrative costs of establishing and maintaining an involuntary allotment from military pay. Provides for the disposition of amounts withheld for such administrative costs. (Sec. 644) Increases from $100,000 to $200,000 the maximum amount of life insurance coverage under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Repeals a provision authorizing a member to increase such coverage amounts in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $200,000. (Sec. 645) Terminates SGLI coverage for members of the Ready Reserve who fail to pay the required premiums 120 days after the Secretary concerned transmits to such member a termination notification. (Sec. 646) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the possible extension to junior noncommissioned officers (pay grades E-5 and 6) the same privileges provided for senior noncommissioned officers (those above E-6), including the privileges to mess (eat) separately and to receive a BAS. (Sec. 647) Authorizes the payment to survivors of deceased military personnel of all leave accrued but unused. (Sec. 648) 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 the date of death; and (2) was a member of a reserve component during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been eligible for retired or retainer pay except that the person was under 60 years of age. Defines a qualified spouse as one who has not remarried and is not eligible for an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides an annuity amount of $165 monthly, adjusted periodically with cost-of-living increases. (Sec. 649) Provides transitional compensation for dependents of all members (currently, active-duty personnel) separated from service for dependent abuse. Title VII: Health Care - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Authorizes the provision of authorized medical care and services under CHAMPUS for surviving dependents of Retired Reserve personnel who die before age 60. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a dental insurance plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. Requires within such plan voluntary enrollment and premium sharing between DOD and the members enrolled, with a member premium limit of $25 monthly. Outlines provisions concerning plan benefits and termination. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Provides under CHAMPUS: (1) for military dependents under six years old, health promotion and disease prevention visits, as well as immunizations; and (2) for those six years old or older, health promotion and disease prevention visits in connection with immunizations or with diagnostic or preventive pap smears and mammograms. (Sec. 704) Makes permanent (currently ends September 30, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to carry out a specialized treatment facility program. (Sec. 705) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make special provisions for the enrollment under Medicare Part B of retired military personnel (and their dependents) who are eligible as covered beneficiaries for CHAMPUS medical and dental care and who are adversely affected by the closure of a military medical treatment facility of DOD pursuant to the closure or realignment of a military installation. Waives the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty for such individuals. Subtitle B: TRICARE Program - Requires a military medical facility to provide to the covered beneficiaries enrolled in a health care plan of such facility the same health care benefits as are available to covered beneficiaries in that catchment area under the DOD managed health care program (TRICARE Program). Provides transitional provisions. (Sec. 713) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should take steps to ensure that covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicare and reside in a TRICARE region have adequate access to health care services after the implementation of the TRICARE Program in that region. (Sec. 714) Directs the Secretary during FY 1996 to carry out a pilot program, in a region in which the TRICARE Program has been implemented, for the provision of wraparound services (individualized mental health services provided in return for payment on a case-by-case basis) to covered beneficiaries who are children in need of such services. Requires a pilot program: (1) agreement, with specified requirements, between the Secretary and a mental health services provider; and (2) report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1984, to extend through September 30, 1997, the authority of specified Secretaries to terminate the status of certain medical facilities as uniformed services treatment facilities (USTFs). (Sec. 722) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to subject USTFs and any participation agreement between USTFs and the Secretary to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). (Sec. 723) Makes a USTF responsible for paying charges imposed by a private facility or health care provider for providing care outside the catchment area of the USTF to a member of the armed forces enrolled in a USTF health care plan. Directs the Secretary to require a CHAMPUS health care provider to provide such care in accordance with the same payment rules. Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Laws Regarding Health Care Management - Makes available for two fiscal years three percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated for a fiscal year for programs and activities carried out under CHAMPUS. (Sec. 732) Provides the maximum allowable payment to individual health care providers under CHAMPUS, with an exception when necessary to ensure that covered beneficiaries retain adequate access to health care services. Provides transition provisions. (Sec. 733) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) to enter into personal services contracts to carry out health care responsibilities with respect to medical treatment facilities of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. Ratifies any such contract entered into before the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 734) Amends title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act to authorize the use of information contained in the Medicare and Medicaid Data Bank to assist in the identification of, and collection from, third parties responsible for the reimbursement of costs incurred by the United States for health care services furnished to CHAMPUS beneficiaries. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to establish at the University a program of research on the furnishing of care and services by nurses in the armed forces, to be known as the TriService Nursing Research Program. Requires Program administration by a TriService Nursing Research Group composed of military nurses who are involved in military nursing research and designated by the Secretary concerned. Provides research topics. (Sec. 742) Establishes a Fisher House Trust Fund in both the Army and the Air Force, funds of which are to be used for the operation of Fisher houses, which are housing facilities located in proximity to military medical treatment facilities and available for residential use on a temporary basis by patients at such facilities, as well as their family members or others providing the equivalent of familial support for such patients. Requires expenditures from such trust funds to be made only under annual appropriations and only if specifically authorized by law. (Sec. 743) Includes the Coast Guard within a Federal provision limiting the prices that may be charged to certain Federal departments and agencies by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals when purchased for use in medical facilities of such departments and agencies. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Acquisition Reform - Requires funds appropriated for any fiscal year after 1995 that are administratively reserved or committed for satellite on-orbit incentive fees to remain available for obligation until the fee is earned, but only if and to the extent that applicable Federal law is complied with in the reservation and commitment of funds for such purpose. (Sec. 802) Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require an executive agency to publish for at least ten days in advance a notification of the intent to solicit bids or proposals for a contract for property or services for a price expected to exceed $10,000, but not to exceed $25,000. (Current law has no price limits on such required notification.) (Sec. 803) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to require the head of a Federal agency to make management decisions on all findings and recommendations set forth in an audit report of the inspector general of such agency within a maximum of six months after the issuance of the report, and to make such decisions on findings and recommendations of an audit report from outside the Federal Government within six months after the date on which the head of the agency receives the report. Requires completed actions with respect to an inspector general's findings and recommendations within 12 months after the date of the inspector general's report. (Sec. 804) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to direct the Secretary to establish a test program under which contracting activities in the military departments and defense agencies are authorized to undertake one or more demonstration projects to determine whether the negotiation and administration of comprehensive subcontracting plans will reduce administrative burdens on contractors while enhancing opportunities provided under DOD contracts for small businesses as well as small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires a broad range of the supplies and services acquired by DOD to be included in the test program. Includes as covered contractors under the test program those which furnished DOD with supplies or services pursuant to at least three contracts having an aggregate value of at least $5 million. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to contract or otherwise provide for necessary salvage facilities for public and private vessels if: (1) available commercial salvage facilities are inadequate to meet the Navy's requirements; and (2) such Secretary provides public notice of the intent to enter into such contracts. Authorizes such Secretary to acquire or transfer such vessels and equipment for operation by private salvage companies as necessary. Provides for: (1) the settlement of salvage claims; and (2) the disposition of receipts. (Sec. 806) Repeals a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary of a military department to delegate certain contracting authority. (Sec. 807) Requires any defense research paper issued or technological assessment made by a defense research facility with respect to a major weapon system to be made part of the record for the purpose of making acquisition program (currently, milestone 0, I, and II) decisions. (Sec. 808) Applies defense procurement requirements to the purchase of supplies used for experimental or test purposes only when such purchases are made in quantity. (Sec. 809) Repeals a provision requiring certain quality control in the procurement of critical aircraft and ship spare parts. (Sec. 810) Authorizes funds appropriated to a military department to be used for the acquisition of design and process data. (Sec. 811) Revises provisions concerning the content of regulations required for independent cost estimates with respect to various phases of major defense acquisition programs. (Sec. 812) Allows the United States to recoup indirect (currently, only direct) fees associated with the use of DOD laboratories and other facilities for the testing of materials and equipment. (Sec. 813) Subjects to the Walsh-Healey Act each contract for the construction, alteration, furnishing, or equipping of a naval vessel, unless the President determines that such requirement is not in the interest of national defense. (Sec. 814) Requires any contractor agreeing to allow the inclusion or incorporation of defense features on aircraft owned by such contractor for possible use with the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to operate such aircraft for DOD as needed during any activation of the Fleet (currently, only permitted during activation of the full Fleet). Subtitle B: Other Matters - Earmarks specified O&M funds authorized under this Act for DOD procurement technical assistance programs, further earmarking such funds for technical assistance in certain distressed areas. (Sec. 822) Considers a DOD cable television franchise agreement as a contract for telecommunications services for purposes of part 49 of the FAR. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Redesignates the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy as the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, with appropriate responsibilities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer authorizations made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1996 between any such authorizations for such fiscal year. Limits to $2 billion the total authorized transfers. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify the Congress of each such transfer. (Sec. 1002) Removes a requirement prohibiting the Secretary from designating DOD personnel as disbursing officials for departmental pay and expenses of the District of Columbia. Revises disbursing authority with respect to DOD and its individual military departments. Authorizes military personnel under the Secretary's jurisdiction to certify vouchers when authorized, in writing, by the Secretary. (Sec. 1003) Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Modernization Account. Provides for credits to the Account. Requires Account funds to be used for: (1) increasing the quantity of items and services procured under a procurement program in order to achieve a more efficient production or delivery rate; and (2) RDT&E and procurement necessary for modernization of an existing system or a system being procured under an ongoing procurement program. Provides Account use limitations. Limits to $500 million the funds that may be transferred from the Account in any fiscal year for such procurement modernization purposes, requiring the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees prior to any such transfers. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to such committees concerning Account credits, transfers, and expenditures. Makes such provision inapplicable to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy. (Sec. 1004) Adjusts the amounts authorized for appropriation in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 by the increases and decreases in title I of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995. (Sec. 1005) Limits to $500,000 the funds authorized to be obligated or expended by the Secretary for emergency and extraordinary expenses until the Secretary has notified the congressional defense committees of the intent to obligate such funds and, in the case of an obligation or expenditure in excess of: (1) $1 million, 15 days have elapsed since the notification; or (2) $500,000, but no more than $1 million, 5 days have elapsed since such notification. Removes the time requirements of (1) and (2), above, when the Secretary determines that the national security objectives will be compromised by such delay. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees when such waiver authority is exercised. (Sec. 1006) Authorizes the Secretary, beginning after FY 1994, to transfer funds to military appropriations for a fiscal year out of funds available to DOD from the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense, appropriation. Authorizes the Secretary, after FY 1993, to transfer to such appropriations unobligated amounts of funds appropriated for O&M and military personnel. Provides transfer limits. (Sec. 1007) Directs the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense committees a special report on funding for the reserve components. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to list and maintain on the Naval Vessel Register at least two of the Iowa class battleships that were stricken from the Register in February, 1993. Requires selection of such battleships that are in the best material condition. Requires such Secretary to retain logistical support to maintain the battleships. Terminates this provision when such Secretary notifies the defense committees that the Navy has an operational fire support capability that equals or exceeds that of the Iowa class battleships. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer on either a grant or lease basis specified naval frigates to the governments of Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Waives specified congressional notification requirements with respect to such transfers. Terminates such transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act, except that a lease entered into during such period may be renewed. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Revises generally provisions concerning the authority for Federal support of State drug interdiction and counter-drug activities of the National Guard. Repeals a provision excluding National Guard personnel performing such activities from annual reserve duty end strength limitations. Allows National Guard personnel to be ordered to perform full-time National Guard duty in support of such activities. Authorizes the governor of a State to request such personnel to perform such duty. Requires the Attorney General of a State to certify that the use of such personnel for such purposes is authorized by, and consistent with, State law, and that it serves an appropriate State law enforcement purpose. Limits to 4000 the number of National Guard personnel performing such activities for a State for a period of more than 180 days. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such limits by not more than 20 percent for any fiscal year if determined necessary for national security purposes. (Sec. 1022) Prohibits, with an exception, the use of funds made available to DOD for obligations or expenses of the National Drug Intelligence Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to either: (1) procure nonintrusive inspection systems and transfer such systems to the U.S. Customs Service; or (2) transfer funds to the Secretary of the Treasury for such procurement. Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for such purpose. Subtitle D: Department of Defense Education Programs - Reaffirms the congressional commitment towards the continuation of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Prohibits, during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1995, the personnel staffing levels for the University from being reduced below such levels as of October 1, 1993. (Sec. 1032) Authorizes the Board of Regents at the University to establish a graduate school of nursing and other programs determined necessary in order to operate the University cost-effectively. (Sec. 1033) Earmarks funds authorized under this Act to fund basic adult education programs for military personnel (and their dependents) serving outside the United States. (Sec. 1034) Limits to enlisted members of the Air Force (currently, enlisted members of the armed forces) the scope of educational programs offered at the Community College of the Air Force. (Sec. 1035) Changes from December 15 to March 1 annually the due date of a reporting requirement of the Secretary with respect to the operation of the DOD educational assistance program. Subtitle E: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union - Prohibits the obligation of cooperative threat reduction (CTR) program funds to assist nuclear weapons scientists in States of the former Soviet Union until 30 days after the Secretary certifies to the Congress that such funds will not be used to contribute to the modernization of the strategic nuclear forces of such States or for R&D or production of weapons of mass destruction. (Sec. 1043) Withholds $50 million of the funds for CTR programs until the President certifies to the Congress that Russia is in compliance with its obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention. Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Other Nations - Authorizes NATO organizations to participate in cooperative R&D projects under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 1052) Expresses the sense of the Congress recognizing the importance to the United States of effective export controls on dual-use (military and commercial) items and technologies that are critical to the military capabilities of U.S. armed forces. Calls for the Government to identify such critical items and technologies and exercise effective export control over them. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the effect of such export control policy on U.S. national security interests. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review each application submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for a license for the export of a class 2, 3, or 4 biological pathogen to a country known or suspected to have an offensive biological weapons program in order to determine if such an export would be contrary to U.S. national security interests; (2) inform such Secretary of the countries suspected of having such a program; (3) notify such Secretary if the export of a biological pathogen would be contrary to U.S. interests; and (4) have such Secretary deny the application. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which he may issue guarantees assuring a lender against losses of principal or interest, or both, arising out of the financing of the sale or long-term lease of defense articles or services, or design and construction services, to: (1) NATO countries; (2) countries designated as of March 31, 1995, as major non-NATO allies; (3) a country in Central Europe which has or is changing its form of government to a democracy; and (4) a noncommunist country that was a member nation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation as of October 31, 1993. Provides for loan limitations, fees, and payment terms. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the loan guarantee program. (Sec. 1054) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 with regard to its landmine clearing assistance program to prohibit FY 1996 funds from being used for military personnel involvement in such activities until 30 days after the Secretary certifies to the Congress that such involvement satisfies military training requirements for such personnel. Terminates the authority to provide such assistance as of the end of FY 1996. Provides FY 1996 funding for such program. (Sec. 1055) States that it shall be the policy of the United States that: (1) the President should ensure that any conventional defense system or technology offered by the United States for sale to NATO nations or major non-NATO allies is concurrently made available to Israel unless the President determines that such would not be in the national security interests; and (2) the President should make available to Israel advanced U.S. technology necessary for achieving continued progress in cooperative U.S.-Israel R&D of theater missile defenses. (Sec. 1056) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should take appropriate action to improve the services available to the Navy at the Port of Haifa, Israel, and ensure that increasing commercial activities there does not adversely affect the availability of required services to the Navy there. (Sec. 1057) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended to provide financial assistance to any country determined to support international terrorism either directly or in granting sanctuary from prosecution to individuals or groups which engage in such activities. Authorizes a waiver by the President for national security purposes, requiring notification to specified congressional committees when exercising such waiver. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting international military education and training and other forms of cooperation between U.S. armed forces and the armed forces of countries which are allies with or friendly to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the recommendation of a commander of a combatant command or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to pay a portion of the costs of providing international military education and training to military and civilian personnel of foreign countries who perform national defense functions. Provides FY 1996 funding for such activities. (Sec. 1059) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal a limitation with respect to the purchase or construction of American diplomatic facilities in Germany. (Sec. 1060) Earmarks specified funds authorized under this Act for implementing arms control agreements to which the United States is a party, with a limitation. (Sec. 1061) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should consult with the Congress regarding any UN peace operations that could involve U.S. combat forces, and should do so before a UN vote on such action is taken; (2) such forces should participate only when it is clearly in the national security interest to do so; (3) in such situations, U.S. combat forces should be under the operational control of qualified commanders; and (4) none of such forces should be under operational control of foreign nationals except in the most extraordinary circumstances. Subtitle G: Repeal of Certain Reporting Requirements - Repeals miscellaneous reporting requirements under Federal armed forces and military pay provisions, provisions of defense authorization and appropriation Acts, national security laws, and other related laws and Acts. Excuses DOD from certain reporting requirements of the Joint Committee on Printing regarding printing-related matters. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to turn off the selective availability feature of the global positioning system by May 1, 1996, unless he submits to the defense committees a specified plan with respect to the development and acquisition of capabilities to deny hostile military forces the ability to interfere with or disrupt the system. (Sec. 1082) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, unless and until the START II Treaty enters into force, the Secretary should not take any action to dismantle or retire specified nuclear delivery systems. Prohibits FY 1996 DOD funds from being used for such purpose. (Sec. 1083) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1997 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. (Sec. 1084) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the status of current and possible continued support of boards and commissions operating within or for DOD. (Sec. 1085) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986, to revise the purposes for the provision of Army support for the National Science Center for Communications and Electronics. Authorizes the Secretary to manage, operate, and maintain facilities at the Center in order to conduct educational outreach programs. Authorizes fundraising activities for the management and operation of the Center and the support of its activities. Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for determining whether to accept a donation for such Center. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with NSC Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization, to develop, manage, and maintain a national science center under this section. (Sec. 1086) Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or terminate an action for collection of a claim against the estate of a person who died while serving on active duty in the armed forces if circumstances make it appropriate to do so. (Sec. 1087) Increases to up to $100,000 (currently, $40,000) the maximum limit for a claim by a member of the armed forces for damage to property during a relocation when such claim arose from an emergency evacuation or from extraordinary circumstances which occurred on or after June 1, 1991. (Sec. 1088) Authorizes, with limitations, dependents of Government employees to utilize check cashing and other exchange transactions through Government disbursing officials. Requires a pay offset from the dependent's sponsor for any deficiencies resulting from a dependent's transactions, including charges for insufficient funds. (Sec. 1089) Entitles veterans with total disability ratings to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired military personnel. (Sec. 1090) Authorizes the Secretary to transport to Hawaii for medical care children under 18 years old who reside in the Pacific Rim region, are crippled and in need of medical care due to such condition, will be admitted to a medical facility in Honolulu which specializes in providing such care, and are unable to afford the cost of such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to transport one adult attendant accompanying such child. (Sec. 1091) Expresses the sense of the Senate that educational institutions should not have a policy of denying the Secretary from obtaining for military recruiting purposes: (1) entry to any campus or access to students equal to that of other employers; or (2) access to directory information pertaining to such students. Encourages the Secretary to prescribe regulations for determining if and when such an institution has denied such student access. (Sec. 1092) Requires advance medical directives executed by military personnel eligible for legal assistance to be exempt from legal requirements of State law and given the same legal effect as a directive executed in accordance with State law. Provides that such directives shall not be enforceable in a State that does not otherwise recognize and enforce such directives. (Sec. 1093) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to report to specified congressional committees within 30 days after the enactment of this Act on military manpower requirements necessary to implement export controls on certain weapons transfers. (Sec. 1094) Includes the period between July 1, 1958, and August 4, 1964, within the Vietnam era in the case of veterans who served on active military duty in the Vietnam theater of operations during such period.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction and Establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Subtitle E: Other Matters Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - 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 such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the authorized amount for a military construction project at the Patuxent River Naval Warfare Center, Maryland. (Sec. 2206) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to: (1) decrease the amount authorized for a military construction project relating to Damneck, Fleet Combat Training Center, Virginia; and (2) authorize, with the use of the funds under (1), above, a military construction project at the Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. Extends through a conditional date the authorization for the Norfolk project. (Sec. 2207) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire all rights and interest to specified property at Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia, to demolish a mausoleum there, and to provide for the appropriate disposition of the remains contained therein. Authorizes such Secretary to then obtain architectural engineering and design services for the construction of a Marine Corps office and warehouse facility on such property. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. (Sec. 2402) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for crediting to the Department of Defense Housing Improvement Fund to carry out appropriate activities. (Sec. 2403) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) improve existing military family housing in a specified amount; and (2) carry out energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of Defense (DOD). Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized under this title. (Sec. 2406) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the authorized amounts for military construction projects at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and the Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the NATO Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to decrease the amount authorized for FY 1994 for Air National Guard projects. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI on October 1, 1998, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1999, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain FY 1992 and 1993 military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned, when carrying out a minor military construction project not otherwise authorized by law to correct a life-, health-, or safety-threatening deficiency, to expend up to $3 million for such project. (Currently, general minor military construction projects are limited to $1.5 million.) Authorizes such Secretary to use O&M funds to carry out such special projects which exceed $1 million. (Sec. 2803) Makes inapplicable to the acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of new construction for military family housing for five years after the enactment of this Act specified Federal provisions which limit by pay grade the net floor area authorized for such housing. Extends permanently (currently expired on September 30, 1994) the authority of the Secretary concerned to waive such net floor area limitations during the acquisition by purchase of military family housing for military personnel in pay grades below O-6. (Sec. 2805) Waives the above net floor area limits with respect to the construction, acquisition, or improvement of family housing units during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1995. (Sec. 2806) Increases from: (1) 300 to 450 the number of military family housing units that may be leased in foreign countries for no more than $25,000 per unit per year; and (2) 220 to 350 the number of such units for which such maximum lease amount may be waived for incumbents of special positions or in other special circumstances. (Sec. 2807) Extends to all military departments (currently only the Navy) the authority to enter into limited partnerships with private developers for the development of military family housing. Redesignates the Navy Housing Investment Account as the Defense Housing Investment Account. Terminates the Navy Housing Investment Board. Extends through FY 2000 the authority to enter into such partnerships. (Sec. 2808) Revises limitations on cost increases with respect to contracts for the construction of military family housing. (Sec. 2809) Authorizes the Secretary to convey any military family housing facilities that, due to damage or deterioration, is in a condition that is uneconomical to repair. Makes such authority inapplicable to housing facilities on military installations approved for closure under a base closure law or at facilities outside the United States at which the Secretary terminates operations. Limits to $5 million in any fiscal year the aggregate total value of the facilities authorized to be conveyed. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) consideration; (2) a requirement to notify the Congress 21 days in advance; (3) the inapplicability of certain Federal property disposal laws; and (4) the deposit of conveyance proceeds into the Department of Defense Military Housing Improvement Fund to be used for construction of new military family housing. (Sec. 2810) Includes water efficient maintenance within a current DOD energy performance goal and plan. (Sec. 2811) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to exercise any authority to provide for the acquisition, construction, improvement, or rehabilitation by private persons of: (1) family housing units on or near military installations within the United States and its territories and possessions; and (2) unaccompanied housing units on or near such installations. Authorizes such Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees to such private persons for such purposes, with loan and guarantee limits. Allows such loans and guarantees to be made only to the extent that appropriations are made in advance or other authority is provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to: (1) contract for the lease of family or unaccompanied housing units to be constructed, improved, or rehabilitated for such purposes; and (2) invest in nongovernmental entities carrying out such projects, with an investment value limit. Authorizes such Secretary to enter into collateral incentive agreements with nongovernmental entities under which such entities agree to ensure a preference to military personnel in the lease or purchase of a reasonable number of houses covered by the investment. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to enter into rental guarantees which assure the occupancy of units and the appropriate rental income which should be derived from such units, allowing such Secretary to pay more than the rental amount to encourage a lessor to make such housing available to military personnel. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to convey or lease property or facilities to private persons and use the proceeds to carry out such military housing activities. Makes such authority inapplicable to property or facilities at a military installation approved for closure under a base closure law. Provides, with respect to construction of new housing facilities, for: (1) interim leases prior to the completion of an entire project; (2) required conformity in room patterns and floor areas with similar military family housing units in the locale; (3) the inapplicability of current floor space limitations based on pay grade; and (4) the acquisition or construction of appropriate support facilities to accompany such family housing. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to: (1) assign military personnel to housing units acquired under these provisions; and (2) obtain housing lease payments through pay allotments. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Housing Improvement Fund and provides credits to the Fund. Requires such funds to be used for such military housing activities. Limits to $1 billion the total value in budget authority of all contracts, agreements, and investments undertaken under these provisions for such military housing activities. Requires the Secretary to report: (1) to appropriate congressional committees on each contract or agreement entered into for such military housing activities; and (2) annually in conjunction with the budget submission by the President on the use of authorities provided under these provisions. Terminates five years after the enactment of this Act the authority to enter into any transaction for such military housing activities. Requires a final report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2000. (Sec. 2812) Makes permanent (currently ends on September 30, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to enter into leases of land for special operations activities. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the defense committees on leasehold interests acquired for such purposes. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the use of DOD funds for the construction of school facilities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept the services of a lessee for an entire installation to be closed or realigned under a base closure law, or any part of such installation, without regard to the normal requirement that a substantial portion of the installation be leased. (Sec. 2822) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (the base closure laws) to authorize the Secretary to enter into any type of agreement (currently, to contract) for the provision of community services at installations being closed or realigned. (Sec. 2823) Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize the use during FY 1996 of funds in the Defense Environmental Restoration Account for environmental restoration at installations approved for closure or realignment under such Act. (Sec. 2824) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to authorize the lease of real property located at an installation approved for closure under a base closure law if: (1) the lessee has agreed to purchase the property; (2) the EPA Administrator has determined the property suitable for leasing; and (3) there are adequate assurances that the United States will take all environmental remediation action still required on such property. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire a parcel of real property adjacent to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Authorizes a land exchange of equivalent fair market value in order to receive such property. (Sec. 2832) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an agreement with the Port Authority of Mississippi under which the Port Authority may use up to 50 acres of real property and related facilities at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi. Outlines agreement terms, restrictions, and limitations, including the requirement that the use of such property must be consistent with Navy operations at the Center. Requires congressional notification 21 days before entering into such an agreement. Authorizes such Secretary to use proceeds received from the fair rental value of such property for general administrative costs at the Center. (Sec. 2833) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to: (1) Burlington County, New Jersey, the resource recovery facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey; (2) Augusta, Georgia, specified water and wastewater treatment plants at Fort Gordon, Georgia; (3) Blackstone, Virginia, a water treatment plant at Fort Pickett, Virginia; (4) the Southern California Edison Company the electric power distribution system at Fort Irwin, California; and (5) the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company, Washington, a specified portion of real property at Fort Lewis, Washington (requiring a land exchange from Weyerhaeuser as part of such conveyance). Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction and Establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie - Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary, for purposes of this Subtitle) to establish the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNP) to consist of portions of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Arsenal) in Illinois and to be managed as part of the National Forest System. (Sec. 2853) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) roads, utility rights-of- way, and access within the MNP; (2) agricultural leases and special use authorizations; (3) user fees; (4) salvage of improvements; (5) treatment of user fees and salvage receipts; and (6) cooperation with States, local governments, and other entities. (Sec. 2854) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer the Arsenal property constituting the MNP, without reimbursement, to the Secretary. Permits the transfer of portions only for which no further action is required under environmental laws and that have been eliminated from the areas to be studied further pursuant to the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for the Arsenal. Directs the Secretary of the Army to retain jurisdiction, authority, and control over real property that is used for: (1) water treatment; (2) the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances or petroleum products or derivatives; and (3) response purposes or actions required under environmental laws to remediate contamination or noncompliance. (Sec. 2855) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey certain Arsenal property to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs for use as a national cemetery; (2) Will County, Illinois, for use as a landfill; and (3) the village of Elwood and the city of Wilmington, Illinois, for use as industrial parks. Provides that the use of such landfill by Federal agencies or additional acreage added for purposes of accommodating the disposal of materials from the restoration of the Arsenal shall be at no cost to the Federal Government. Requires such property to revert to the Secretary for inclusion in the MNP if the property is not operated as a landfill. Provides for the conveyance of specified other Arsenal property to be added to the MNP subject to the Secretary's acceptance. (Sec. 2856) Directs the Secretary of the Army, with respect to the real property at the Arsenal to be transferred, to complete all remedial, response, or other actions required under any environmental law before carrying out such transfers. Requires the Secretary of the Army to retain any obligation or liability at the Arsenal as required under CERCLA and other environmental laws. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out the Department of Defense Laboratory Revitalization Demonstration Program under which the Secretary may carry out minor military construction projects in order to improve DOD laboratories. Increases the maximum costs of minor construction projects for purposes of the Program. Directs the Secretary to designate the DOD laboratories to be covered by the Program. Requires a report. Prohibits the Secretary from commencing a construction project under the Program after September 30, 1999. (Sec. 2862) Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from entering into any agreement that provides for or permits civil aircraft to regularly use Miramar Naval Air Station, California. (Sec. 2863) Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the defense committees on the status of negotiations on an agreement relating to a land conveyance at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as required under the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1990 and 1991.

Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border Subtitle B: Pilot Programs Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States Subtitle D: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1995 - Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A: Improved Border Enforcement - Increases: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) border enforcement and related personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for barrier and road improvements at U.S. border areas of high illegal entry, including San Diego, California. Authorizes appropriations for San Diego area improvements. (Sec. 103) Provides for improved border equipment and technology. (Sec. 104) Provides for biometric identifiers to be included in border crossing identification cards. (Sec. 105) Establishes civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for detention and prosecution of aliens who have unlawfully entered the United States at least twice. (Sec. 107) Provides for inservice Border Patrol training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Pilot Programs - Establishes pilot programs for: (1) deterrence of multiple unauthorized U.S. entries, which may include interior or third party repatriation; (2) use of closed military bases as INS detention centers; and (3) collection of alien departure records. Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement - Provides for increased INS interior investigative and enforcement personnel. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize wiretaps in alien smuggling investigations; and (2) include alien smuggling within racketeering offenses. (Sec. 203) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to revise and increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 204) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. (Sec. 205) Authorizes and provides for INS undercover investigations. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses, including false citizenship claims. Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for asset forfeiture for passport and visa offenses. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal and penalty provisions. (Sec. 309) Sets forth transition provisions with respect to: (1) the Attorney General's option to apply current or revised procedures; (2) judicial review; (3) suspension of deportation; and (4) certain family unity aliens. Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists - Part 1: Removal Procedures for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to establish a special removal procedure for alien terrorists, including establishment of a special removal court and a panel of special attorneys with access to classified information. (Sec. 322) Authorizes additional appropriations for INS detention and removal of alien terrorists. Part 2: Inadmissibility and Denial of Relief for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to make membership in a terrorist organization grounds for U.S. exclusion. (Sec. 332) Denies alien terrorists status adjustment and deportation relief. Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States - Amends the Act with regard to vessel and aircraft transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle D: Additional Provisions - Authorizes Federal retirees to be used in the Institutional Hearing Program. (Sec. 358) Authorizes additional appropriations to the Attorney General for removing inadmissible or deportable aliens. (Sec. 359) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Enforcement Account. (Sec. 360) Declares that Congress advises the President to negotiate prisoner transfer treaties, which may include compensation provisions. (Sec. 361) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to direct INS to operate a criminal alien identification system. (Sec 363) Authorizes special registration of aliens on criminal probation or parole. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Increases full-time employee positions in: (1) the Investigations Division of INS; and (2) the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. (Sec. 403) Amends the Act to revise the employer sanctions program. Provides for an employment eligibility confirmation mechanism. Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System - Amends the Act to restructure current legal immigration categories and levels into the following: (1) family-sponsored immigrants; (2) employment-based immigrants; and (3) humanitarian immigrants. Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits - Amends the Act to establish fiscal year worldwide limits for such immigrant categories. (Sec. 504) Requires periodic congressional review and reauthorization of worldwide immigration levels. Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System - Amends the Act to limit immediate relatives to spouses and children of U.S. citizens. (Sec. 512) Limits preference allocation for family-sponsored immigrants to: (1) spouses and children of lawful permanent resident aliens; and (2) qualifying parents of U.S. citizens. Requires parents to have adequate health coverage. (Sec. 513) Revises preference allocations for employment-based immigrants. Establishes: (1) a pilot program for smaller alien job creation investors; and (2) conditional permanent resident status for certain foreign language teachers. (Sec. 515) Revises special immigrant status provisions, including: (1) inclusion of certain NATO civilian employees; and (2) extension of status for religious workers. (Sec. 517) Makes specified family and employment-based amendments. Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions - Amends the Act to limit annual refugee admissions to 75,000 in FY 1997 or 50,000 in succeeding years unless the Congress provides for additional entries. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the temporary employment of certain retirees to help reduce asylum application backlogs. (Sec. 524) Limits parole entry to a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. (Sec. 525) Provides for the admission of humanitarian immigrants. (Sec. 526) Revises asylum provisions. Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition provisions for specified classification status petitions. Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits - Part 1: Public Benefits Generally - Makes illegal aliens ineligible for unemployment benefits and Federal and State assistance, contracts, and licenses, with exceptions for emergency medical services, public health immunizations, and short-term emergency disaster relief. Requires proof of identify for Federal contracts, grants, loans, licenses, and specified public assistance programs. Authorizes States to establish similar requirements. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report on the disqualification of illegal aliens from housing assistance programs. Part 2: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge - Amends the Act to revise public charge grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits programs. (Sec. 632) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Provides for: (1) increased numbers of land border inspectors; and (2) border infrastructure improvements. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to provide for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." Amends the Act with regard to: (1) definitions of "child" and "parent"; (2) visa processing procedure; (3) waiver authority concerning notice of visa application denial; (4) Canadian landed immigrants; (5) H-1B nonimmigrants; (6) visa extensions; (7) status adjustment; (8) access to certain confidential INS files; (9) nonimmigrant status for spouses and children of members of the armed forces; (10) fraudulent birth certificates; (11) visa "shopping"; and (12) specified miscellaneous and technical provisions.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring authorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hospital care and medical services to Persian Gulf veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during such service, as long as symptoms become manifest before January 1, 1997. Extends through December 31, 1997: (1) the authority to contract with community-based treatment facilities for the care of eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities; (2) the authority of a pilot program for furnishing veterans with noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care (requires a report); (3) the Department's health professionals scholarship program (requires a report); (4) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases of Department real property (requires a report); (5) the authority under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for a pilot program providing community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans; (6) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing program; and (7) the authority under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 for a pilot program to expand and improve Department benefits and services to homeless veterans. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating specified veterans' programs. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for providing care and treatment for veterans at the Department's Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines.

Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program Subtitle D: Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle E: General Provisions Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing Programs Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities Subtitle A: Block Grants Program Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency Subtitle E: Effective Date Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration Subtitle C: Transition Provisions Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget Housing Opportunities and Empowerment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development and Disposition of Functions - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reestablishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Housing and Urban Development Programs Resolution Agency (Agency) which shall be an independent Executive agency headed by the Resolution Administrator. Terminates the Agency as of September 30, 2000. (Sec. 106) Directs the General Accounting Office to report on the most efficient manner of abolishing HUD and transferring its functions. Subtitle B: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Housing and Urban Development - Sets forth specified transfers of HUD functions. (Sec. 122) Reestablishes the (HUD) Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight as an office in the Department of the Treasury. (Sec. 123) Amends the National Housing Act to terminate the Government National Mortgage Association. Requires the Resolution Administrator to develop a phase-out plan. (Sec. 124) Abolishes the (HUD) Office of Public Affairs. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth transfer provisions, including authorizing the Office of Management and Budget to make any necessary transfer determinations. Title II: Tenant-Based Vouchers for Rental and Homeownership Assistance - Subtitle A: Block Grants for State Housing Voucher Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Housing Voucher Agency (established by this Act) to make State block grants for (low-income) housing voucher assistance. Sets forth program provisions, including waiver of voucher program requirements and alternate State grant uses. Subtitle B: Federal Housing Voucher Assistance Program - Establishes a Federal housing voucher assistance program of monthly payments on behalf of renting or first-time owning low-income families. Limits assistance to five years. Provides assistance portability within the same State or metropolitan area. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle C: Determination of State Allocations and Election of Federal or State Voucher Program - Directs the Administrator (Voucher Administrator) of the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (established by this Act) to establish: (1) a State housing assistance need formula; and (2) a limit on assisted families per State and a maximum State allocation. (Sec. 252) Authorizes a State to elect State block grant voucher assistance (subtitle A) rather than Federal voucher assistance (subtitle B). Subtitle D: Office of Federal Voucher Assistance in Department of Health and Human Services - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Federal Housing Voucher Assistance (to be headed by the Voucher Administrator) which shall carry out the housing assistance programs under this title and certain other transferred housing authorities. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for specified provisions of this title. Title III: Transition Provisions Relating to Replacement of Public Housing and Assisted Programs - Subtitle A: Replacement of Assisted Housing - Replaces the following housing programs with a five-year interim public housing block grant program: (1) tenant-based section 8 assistance; (2) project-based section 8 assistance; (3) tenant-based rental assistance for disabled families; (4) rental assistance for persons with AIDS; (5) shelter plus care rental assistance for homeless persons; (6) tenant opportunity program; (7) flexible subsidies; (8) preservation programs; (9) service coordinators for assisted projects; and (10) Indian public housing, childhood development, and rental assistance. (Sec. 312) Provides for the transition of housing assistance from the interim block grant program to the voucher assistance programs. (Sec. 313) Provides for: (1) the transfer of specified remaining HUD authority to the Voucher Administrator; and (2) benefits to families assisted under terminated programs. Subtitle B: Interim Program for Public Housing Block Grants and Deregulation - Terminates the following housing programs: (1) public housing under title I or III of the United States Housing Act of 1937; (2) urban revitalization program; (3) public housing childhood development; (4) perinatal services demonstration; (5) youth sports demonstration; and (6) public and assisted housing drug elimination. (Sec. 322) Provides for the deregulation of public housing authorities (PHAs). Requires PHAs to develop a strategic plan as a condition of assistance eligibility. (Sec. 325) Establishes the Public Housing Block Grant Fund for grants to PHAs for public housing management and operations. Sets forth program provisions, including lead-based paint requirements. States that participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be mandatory. (Sec. 330) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Title IV: Block Grants for Housing and Community Development Opportunities - Subtitle A: Block Grants Program - Requires the Director of the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency to make an housing assistance block grant to eligible States, entitlement areas, and Indian tribes. Sets forth program provisions, including at least 90 percent low-income use and one percent set-asides for Indian tribes. Subtitle B: Block Grants for Housing for Special Populations and Indian Housing - Obligates specified block grant funds for State housing programs for low-income special populations (elderly families, disabled families, or persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their families). (Sec. 422) Obligates specified block grant funds for Indian housing authorities. Subtitle C: General Provisions Relating to Block Grants - Authorizes block grant appropriations. Repeals specified housing and related programs. Subtitle D: Housing and Community Opportunities Agency - Establishes the Housing and Community Opportunities Agency as an independent Executive agency. Subtitle E: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this title. Title V: Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Program - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund (Fund). States that Fund amounts shall be for: (1) payment of losses to qualified mortgage insurers; (2) payment of certain claim notes; (3) investment; and (4) certain annual assessments. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Fund Administrator to enter into risk-sharing agreements with qualified mortgage insurers for single family home mortgage insurance coverage. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration - Establishes within the Department of the Treasury the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund Administration which shall administer the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle C: Transition Provisions - Prohibits new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan or mortgage activities. Repeals specified FHA insurance authorities. Provides for the sale of FHA mortgage insurance interests and transfer of remaining authority to the Federal Home Mortgage Insurance Fund. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous and administrative provisions. Title VI: Office of Federalism in Office of Management and Budget - Establishes in the Office of Management and Budget the Office of Federalism whose duties shall include: (1) review of policy and legislation's effect on the Federal-State relationship; and (2) federalism issues liaison services. Authorizes appropriations.

To provide demonstration grants to secondary schools for the purpose of extending the length of the academic year at such school.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

Directs the Secretary of Education to provide demonstration grants to secondary schools to extend the length of the academic year at such schools, for three consecutive years, to at least 200 academic days, with each such day consisting of at least seven hours of actual instruction. Requires selection, to the extent practicable, of schools that: (1) have a high percentage of students from single-parent homes or homes where both parents work; (2) are located in economically depressed communities with high percentages of individuals with alcohol and other drug abuse problems and individuals involved in gang activities; and (3) are equitably distributed among various regions and among rural and urban areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the President, the Congress, and each pertinent State educational agency on the effects of such academic year extension. Authorizes appropriations.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Performance Partnership Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mental Health Title II: Substance Abuse Title III: General Substance Abuse and Mental Health Performance Partnership Act of 1995 - Title I: Mental Health - Amends subpart I (Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services) of part B (Block Grants Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse) of title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions relating to: (1) formula grants to States; (2) State plans for community mental health services; and (3) certain funding agreements regarding services for children and regarding community mental health programs. Declares that the goals of the subpart are for the States and the Federal Government, working together in a partnership, to improve the quality of life of adults with serious mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance and to improve the overall mental health of the nation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a list of performance partnership objectives and a core set of not more than five of those objectives that address mental health problems of national significance. Requires States, in order to receive a grant under the subpart, to propose a performance partnership including one or more of the objectives. Provides for negotiations. Mandates a grant to each State with which agreement is reached. (Sec. 102) Requires that a State report relating to the grant be reviewed by the State mental health planning council. (Sec. 103) Requires affording a State an opportunity to correct or mitigate a failure to meet maintenance of effort requirements. (Sec. 104) Ends a prohibition on spending the grant to provide financial assistance to entities other than public or nonprofit private entities. (Sec. 105) Revises minimum allotment requirements. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations to carry out subpart I (Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services) and subpart III (General Provisions) of title XIX (Block Grants) and provisions relating to data collection with respect to mental health. (Sec. 107) Revises requirements regarding reservation of certain percentages for data collection, technical assistance, and payments to Indian tribes and tribal organizations and allows certain percentages to be reserved for payments to States with high or improved performance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, as needed to carry out part B (Block Grants Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse). (Sec. 108) Repeals part C (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) of title V (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). (Sec. 109) Replaces provisions relating to the establishment of grant programs for demonstration projects with provisions authorizing grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for mental health prevention, treatment, and training demonstration projects. Repeals provisions relating to demonstration projects for individuals with positive test results for the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). (Sec. 110) Amends the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations to carry out title I (Protection and Advocacy Systems) of the Act. Revises minimum allotment requirements. (Sec. 111) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to children with serious emotional disturbances. Allows waiver regarding required mental health services for Indian tribes and specified U.S. territories and possessions. (Sec. 112) Limits discharges in bankruptcy of the period of obligated service under provisions relating to mental health clinical traineeships. Title II: Substance Abuse - Amends subpart II (Block Grants for Treatment of Substance Abuse) of part B (Block Grants Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse) of title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions relating to: (1) formula grants to States; and (2) intravenous substance abuse. Declares that the goals of the subpart are for the States and the Federal Government, working together in a partnership, to reduce substance abuse and dependence, improve access, availability, and effectiveness regarding prevention and treatment, and reduce health risks. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify a list of performance partnership objectives and a core set of not more than five of those objectives that address substance abuse problems of national significance. Requires States, in order to receive a grant under the subpart, to propose a performance partnership including one or more of the objectives. Provides for negotiations. Mandates a grant to each State with which agreement is reached. (Sec. 202) Removes provisions requiring: (1) grant recipients to make available tuberculosis services; (2) a revolving fund for establishing group homes for recovering substance abusers; (3) specified minimum percentages to be allocated regarding alcohol and regarding other drugs; (4) specified minimum percentages to be allocated regarding pregnant women and women with dependent children; (5) treatment services for pregnant women; (6) an improved treatment referral process; (7) continuing education for treatment and prevention employees; and (8) submission of a State assessment of needs. Removes provisions authorizing waiver of coordination requirements. (Sec. 203) Increases from ten to 15 cases per 100,000 the threshold for requiring that a State provide HIV disease early intervention services for individuals undergoing treatment for substance abuse. (Sec. 204) Revises procedures applicable to noncompliance States, allowing an opportunity to correct or mitigate. (Sec. 205) Removes a prohibition on providing financial assistance to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations to carry out subpart II (Block Grants for Treatment of Substance Abuse), subpart III (General Provisions) of title XIX (Block Grants), and provisions relating to a national data base on substance abuse prevention. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements regarding reservation of specified percentages for data collection, technical assistance, evaluations, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations and allows a specified percentage to be reserved for payments to States with high or improved performance. (Sec. 208) Replaces provisions authorizing grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for the benefit of homeless individuals with provisions authorizing grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and training demonstration projects. Repeals provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to: (1) residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women; (2) outpatient treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women; (3) demonstration projects of national significance concerning improving substance abuse treatment; (4) grants for substance abuse treatment in State and local criminal justice systems; (5) training in the provision of treatment; (6) clinical training for substance abuse counselors and other health professionals involved in drug abuse education, prevention (sic); (7) community programs for drug abuse prevention; (8) prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation model projects for high risk youth; (9) employee assistance programs; (10) a model comprehensive program for treatment of substance abuse; and (11) expansion of capacity for providing treatment. (Sec. 209) Requires States to establish and maintain a State substance abuse prevention and treatment planning council. (Sec. 210) Removes provisions relating to minimum allotments. (Sec. 211) Repeals: (1) part E (Narcotic Addicts and Other Drug Abusers) of title III (General Powers and Duties) of the Public Health Service Act; (2) titles III (Civil Commitment of Persons Not Charged With Any Criminal Offense) and IV (Rehabilitation and Posthospitalization Care Programs and Assistance to States and Localities) of the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act of 1966 (NARA); and (3) chapter 175 (Civil Commitment and Rehabilitation of Narcotic Addicts) of the Federal criminal code. Title III: General - Amends the Public Health Service Act to impose reporting requirements regarding the mental health partnerships and substance abuse partnerships under this Act. (Sec. 302) Removes provisions requiring peer review of both partnerships. (Sec. 303) Replaces provisions requiring Federal compliance reviews in at least ten States each year with provisions requiring Federal performance reviews every three to five years. (Sec. 304) Gives States an additional year to obligate grant funds. (Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations to carry out amendments made by this Act relating to: (1) substance abuse prevention, treatment, and training demonstration projects; and (2) mental health prevention, treatment, and training demonstration projects. (Sec. 309) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to select a list of prototype performance partnership objectives and a core set of those objectives on which all States should report.

Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995

Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the definition of "community health center" with provisions defining "health center" to mean an entity that provides to a medically underserved population primary health services and, as appropriate, additional health services. Lists required primary and permissible additional services. Authorizes grants to plan, develop, and operate health centers that will serve medically underserved populations, and grants regarding infant mortality and childhood morbidity, for: (1) migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families; (2) homeless individuals, including children at risk of homelessness, requiring grant recipients, in addition to providing primary health services, to provide substance abuse services; and (3) residents of public housing. Relocates (in each case to provisions relating to health centers (currently, community health centers)) provisions relating to: (1) environmental health hazards to migratory and seasonal agricultural workers; (2) definitions relating to such workers; (3) definitions relating to homeless individuals and to substance abuse; and (4) consultation with residents of public housing by grant recipients. Declares that provisions requiring health centers to serve all residents in a catchment area do not apply to grants authorized by this Act. Revises requirements regarding the handling of certain grant overpayments. Requires community centers to have an overall plan and budget meeting requirements of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (currently, requirements of specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act). Removes requirements that: (1) the Secretary provide each grant recipient a list of resources to improve the environmental and nutritional status of individuals in the recipient's catchment area; and (2) each grant recipient have an annual financial audit. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve a specified percentage of amounts appropriated for supplemental awards to grantees demonstrating high or improved performance. Regulates the percentages of amounts awarded to various grants. Repeals from the Public Health Service Act provisions not relocated by this Act relating to migrant health centers, health services for the homeless, and health services for residents of public housing.

Work First Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Temporary Employment Assistance Title II: Work First Employment Block Grant Title III: Supporting Work Title IV: Ending the Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency Title V: Interstate Child Support Responsibility Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment Title VI: Supplemental Security Income Reform Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children Subtitle C: Study of Disability Determination Process Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability Title VII: Provisions Relating to Sponsors Title VIII: Food Stamp Program Integrity and Reform Title IX: Effective Date; Miscellaneous Provisions Work First Act of 1995 - Title I: Temporary Employment Assistance - 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 Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) program for the purpose of providing assistance to families with needy children and assisting parents of such children to obtain and retain private sector work to the extent possible, and public sector or volunteer work if necessary, through the Work First Employment Block Grant (WORK) program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the elements for State TEA plans to be approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including limits on the length of time for cash assistance, with specified exceptions for teen parents and individuals exempt from certain work requirements under this title because of illness or other specified reasons. Includes among such elements requirements for the State to assess the skills, prior work experience, and employability of each parent applicant and develop a parent empowerment contract setting forth their job search, work-, and education-related obligations (including, at State option, appropriate substance abuse treatment) in order to receive the full amount of program assistance, with assistance denied after the third act of noncompliance with the contract. Requires State WORK plans to: (1) guarantee child care assistance for each TEA family with a needy child requiring such care, to the extent necessary for an individual in the family to participate in job search activities, to work, or to participate in the WORK program; (2) provide for development of programs to reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock and teen pregnancies; (3) promote family preservation and stability; and (4) develop a quality assurance system for use under the plan along with associated data collection and reporting. Outlines special rules regarding alien eligibility for TEA program assistance. Directs the Secretary to compile data on the effectiveness of the programs under this title for annual reports to the Congress. Provides that upon receiving notice from a State agency administering an approved plan that a named individual has been overpaid under it, the Secretary of the Treasury shall: (1) determine whether any tax refunds are payable to such individual, regardless of whether he or she filed a return as a married or unmarried individual; and (2) withhold from any such refunds an amount equal to the overpayment sought to be collected, and pay it to the State agency. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations allowing a State to submit requests for collection of overpayments only with respect to individuals no longer receiving TEA assistance against whom the State has already taken appropriate action, including notice of its intent to request such withholding of income tax refunds. Specifies rules for the collection of overpayments under SSA title IV part A. Title II: Work First Employment Block Grant - Replaces the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program under SSA title IV part F with the WORK program of title I, under which States shall have the option of providing a wide variety of work-related activities to clients in the TEA program. Makes the stated goal of the WORK program the achievement in a cost-effective fashion of full-time unsubsidized paid employment for each adult on TEA assistance. (Sec. 201) Allows States to place in such program clients of TEA assistance pursuant to an approved State plan who have signed a contract described above and absent parents who are unemployed, on the condition that, once employed, such parents meet their child support guidelines, with certain exceptions for clients who are seriously ill or of advanced age. Requires States operating such WORK programs to achieve certain work performance rates over a specified fiscal year period, with reduced Federal payments for States failing twice to achieve the rate required. Makes use of performance-based bonuses under such program for States achieving their specified fiscal year work performance rate. Provides that each client, who is not exempt from work requirements, shall begin the WORK program by participating for two months in job search activities designed by the State. Provides that if, after two years, a client who has signed a parent empowerment contract is not working at least 20 hours a week, then the State shall offer that client a workfare or community service position, with hours per week and tasks to be determined by the State. Outlines job placement assistance for program clients, including the use of vouchers with private placement companies. Provides for various WORK program components, including certain family investment programs, microenterprises, and workfare and community service programs. Sets funding levels for State WORK programs. (Sec. 202) Allows State TEA plans to describe the State's efforts to streamline and consolidate activities to simplify the process of applying for a range of Federal and State assistance programs, including the use of "one-stop offices" to coordinate the application process for individuals and families with low-incomes or limited resources, and to ensure that applicants and recipients receive the information they need with regard to such range of programs. Allows such plans to require the use of incentives to change the culture of each appropriate State agency, to improve employee performance, and to ensure that the objective of each State agency is to find unsubsidized paid employment for each program client as efficiently and as quickly as possible. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible community-based organizations that move clients on TEA or other public assistance into private sector work. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations for the purpose of conducting projects to create employment opportunities for certain low-income individuals. Title III: Supporting Work - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for an extension of Medicaid enrollment for former temporary employment assistance recipients for one additional year. (Sec. 302) Amends authorization provisions under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (for purposes related to providing child care services for eligible children through the awarding of State block and matching grants) for the stated purpose of: (1) eliminating program fragmentation and creating a seamless system of high quality child care that allows for continuity of care for children as parents move from welfare to work; (2) providing for parental choice among high quality child care programs; and (3) increasing the availability of high quality affordable child care in order to promote self-sufficiency and support working families. Repeals the State Dependent Care Grant program under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, and the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Title IV: Ending The Cycle of Intergenerational Dependency - Amends new SSA title IV part A to require State TEA plans to require adult-supervised living arrangements for unmarried minors who are pregnant or who have a needy child in their care in order for them to receive assistance under such plans, with certain exceptions where the appropriate State agency determines current living arrangements to be appropriate. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for the establishment of an adult-supervised group home entitlement program for minor custodial parents and their children for the purpose of reinforcing families. (Sec. 403) Requires completion of high school or other training for teenage parents under the new TEA program who are required to participate in the WORK program, including any available substance abuse treatment services for needy individuals whose contract reflects the need for such treatment services. Gives States the option to provide additional incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 405) Requires the State TEA plan to provide for the development of a program to reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, which may include providing unmarried mothers and unmarried fathers with services which will help them: (1) avoid subsequent pregnancies; and (2) provide adequate care to their children. Requires the plan also to provide that the State agency may, to the extent it determines resources are available, provide for the operation of projects to reduce teenage pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the relative effectiveness of the different approaches for preventing teenage pregnancy utilized in such projects. Adds funding provisions for teen pregnancy projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs: (1) for the collection and provision of information relating to adolescent pregnancy prevention programs; and (2) as a material development source for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Interstate Child Support Responsibility - Interstate Child Support Responsibility Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Improvements to the Child Support Collection System - Part I: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to: (1) record child support orders in a central case registry; and (2) collect child support payments through a centralized collections unit. (Sec. 501) Revises requirements for: (1) State plans for child and spousal support; and (2) payments distribution. (Sec. 503) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Part II: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the formulae for: (1) Federal matching payments to the States; and (2) incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate. (Sec. 513) 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. 515) 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. 516) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program, and report the results to the Congress. (Sec. 517) 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. Part III: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system function as a single central case registry of State-provided services and support orders. Delineates contents of case records and data matching activities, including data exchange with sister States. (Sec. 522) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 523) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 525) Revises the Federal Parent Locator Service to add kinds of information which may be transmitted to locate individuals and assets for purposes of establishing parentage and executing child support obligations. Requires the Secretary to establish in the Service a Data Bank of Child Support Orders and an automated directory of New Hires. (Sec. 526) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State- operated 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. 527) Requires State plans to include procedures for recording Social Security numbers on certain family legal documents and records, and on all applications for motor vehicle and professional licenses. Part IV: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 532) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the rules for a court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 533) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise State plan guidelines for mandatory expedited administrative and judicial procedures to include: (1) authorized genetic testing to establish paternity; and (2) the securing of assets and increasing of monthly payments to satisfy a support arrearage. Part V: Paternity Establishment - Revises the guidelines for statutorily prescribed procedures governing genetic testing and outreach for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. (Sec. 543) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of SSA title IV to require State plans for child and spousal support, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and Medicaid to provide that the State agency administering the plan will determine whether a program recipient is cooperating with efforts to establish paternity and secure support, or has good cause not to cooperate with such efforts. Part VI: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine the need for consideration by the Congress of national child support guidelines. (Sec. 552) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. Part VII: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the priority of refund distribution with respect to past-due support owed to individuals. (Sec. 563) Amends SSA title IV part D to revise procedural guidelines for: (1) consent by the United States to income withholding, garnishment, and similar proceedings for enforcement of child support and alimony obligations of current and retired Federal employees; and (2) enforcement of child support obligations of current and retired members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 565) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures for: (1) placing liens for child support arrearages on motor vehicle titles of the debtor; (2) voiding fraudulent transfers by a child support debtor; (3) suspending any driver's, business, or occupational license issued to any person who owes past-due child support; (4) reporting to credit bureaus the name of the parent in arrears for child support; (5) extending the statute of limitations for collection on child support arrearages; and (6) calculating interest or penalties on such arrearages. (Sec. 571) Prescribes procedural guidelines for passport denial (or revocation) upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 572) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Requires State plans to provide that the State must treat international child support cases as interstate cases. Part 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. Part IX: Visitation and Support Assurance Projects - Authorizes grants to States to establish and administer programs to facilitate absent parents' access and visitation programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 592) Authorizes the Secretary to permit State demonstration projects in one or more political localities for the purpose of establishing or improving a system of assured minimum child support payments. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for this Act. Title VI: Supplemental Security Income Reform - Subtitle A: Eligibility Restrictions - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to provide for the termination of SSI cash benefits for drug addicts and alcoholics whose alcoholism or drug addiction is a contributing factor towards the individual's disability. Revises associated treatment requirements. Subtitle B: Benefits for Disabled Children - Revises the eligibility rules for children, with corresponding changes to childhood SSI regulations: (1) modifying the medical criteria for evaluation of mental and emotional disorders by eliminating references to maladaptive behavior in the domain of personal-behavioral function; and (2) discontinuing the use of individualized functional assessments for children. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is receiving 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 subtitle. (Sec. 612) Provides that at least 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, if the Commissioner chooses, which is unlikely to improve). Requires a parent or guardian 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, of the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. 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 eligible individuals and their spouses. Provides for continuing Medicaid eligibility under SSI for certain children showing improvement following a continuing disability review. Subtitle C: 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. (Sec. 622) Requires the Commissioner to issue a request for comments in the Federal Register on improvements to the disability evaluation and determination procedures for individuals under age 18 to ensure the comprehensive assessment of such individuals. Directs the Commissioner to review such comments and issue any regulations implementing any necessary changes not later than 18 months after this Act is enacted. (Sec. 623) Requires the Commissioner to make arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences, or other independent entity, to study and report to the President and the Congress on the disability determination process under SSA titles II and XVI. (Sec. 624) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact of this title on the SSI program. Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability - Establishes the National Commission on the Future of Disability to study all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal programs serving individuals with disabilities, including the programs under SSA titles II and XVI, with resulting recommendations for appropriate action submitted to the President and the Congress. Title VII: Provisions Relating to Sponsors - Makes uniform the eligibility criteria for qualified aliens under various specified public assistance programs, including the TEA and Medicaid programs. (Sec. 702) Extends, with certain exceptions, the deeming of income and resources of an alien's sponsor or sponsor's spouse under the SSI and food stamp programs through the date on which the alien becomes a U.S. citizen. (Sec. 703) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to specify requirements for an alien's sponsor's affidavit of support, extending such requirements to family-related and diversity immigrants as well. Title VIII: Stamp Program Integrity and Reform - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for certain households. (Sec. 803) Revises the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 805) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 806) Revises household income provisions regarding: (1) students; (2) Federal energy assistance; (3) job training income; (4) standard deductions; (5) life insurance proceeds; and (6) vendor payments for transitional housing. (Sec. 813) Increases penalties for certain program violations, including coupon trafficking for drugs or firearms. (Sec. 814) Revises work requirements and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 816) Establishes a ten-year disqualification period for participating in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 817) Disqualifies an individual in child support arrears from program participation. (Sec. 818) Encourages implementation of a national electronic benefit transfer delivery system. (Sec. 821) Revises State operating plan requirements. (Sec. 822) Reduces program allotments or increases for noncompliance with specified work requirements under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 823) Provides for revised application and benefit procedures. (Sec. 824) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specific time periods for: (1) retail food stores and wholesale food concerns (stores) to apply for program participation; and (2) prohibition of program participation based on lack of business integrity. (Sec. 826) Includes tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 827) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 828) Makes the collection of overissuance of coupons from Federal pay or Federal tax refunds (as authorized by this section) mandatory. (Sec. 832) 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. 833) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 834) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 835) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 837) Authorizes appropriations for Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 838) Amends the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the sharing of certain retail or wholesale food concern information with State enforcement authorities. (Sec. 839) Amends the National School Lunch Act with regard to the child care and adult food program to: (1) revise day care home reimbursement provisions; (2) obligate funds for State assistance to family or group day care homes; and (3) provide census and school data to family or group day care sponsoring organizations. (Sec. 840) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to replace existing discretionary funding (from moneys not otherwise appropriated) for nutrition education and training programs with an authorization of appropriations for such programs. Title IX: Effective Date; Miscellaneous Provisions - Specifies the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 901) Provides for: (1) a one year extension of the JOBS program's authorization under part F of SSA title IV at specified levels; (2) the allocation of such authorization levels to the States in the same manner specified above for the WORK program, but requiring a 25 percent instead of the current 20 percent State participation rate; (3) continuation of existing waivers granted to States and approved by the Secretary as of the date of the enactment of this Act that relate to the provision of assistance under an approved State plan under SSA title IV; and (4) an expedited approval process for such waivers. (Sec. 904) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly enter into negotiations with any county having a population greater than 500,000 for the purpose of establishing appropriate rules to govern the establishment and operation of a five year specified welfare demonstration project. (Sec. 905) Amends SSA title IV part F, with respect to the Work First Employment Block Grant Program for the State of Hawaii, to lower from 20 to 19 the work performance rate component number of deemed hours which individuals must work either in an unsubsidized job while receiving temporary employment assistance, or in a subsidized job through the Work First Program. (Sec. 906) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to produce and publish every two years for each State, county, and local unit of general purpose government, and for each school district, data relating to the incidence of poverty, with certain reports for the Congress whenever the Secretary is unable to produce and publish such data for a particular entity above. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 907) 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 amendments made by title I of this Act on a random national sample of recipients of assistance under State programs funded under SSA title IV part A and other appropriate low-income families. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 908) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a legislative proposal providing for such technical and conforming amendments in the law as are required by this Act.

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995

Earthquake Insurance Availability Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to impose earthquake insurance requirements targeted to a specific State or area if, and only if, the State insurance commissioner certifies the existence of reasonable insurance capacity in the State. Delineates certification criteria for consideration by a State insurance commissioner.

Work Opportunity Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995

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: Studies Regarding Supplemental Security Income Program Subtitle D: National Commission on the Future of Disability Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs Title III: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates Subtitle B: Grant Programs Subtitle C: Other Amendments Subtitle D: Reauthorization Title V: Noncitizens Title VI: Child Care Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth Subtitle D: Transition Provisions Subtitle E: National Activities Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act Title IX: 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 Nonresidential Parents Subtitle J: Effect of Enactment Title X: Reform of Public Housing Work Opportunity Act of 1995 - Title I: Block Grants For Temporary Assistance For Needy Families - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) programs under 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 with minor children (TEA program). Gives such program the stated purpose of increasing State flexibility in operating a program with mandatory work and education requirements (as well as certain penalties against adult family members on TEA assistance who refuse to work) as well as adult- supervised living arrangements for unmarried teenage parents designe: o: (1) provide certain time-limited assistance to needy families with minor children that enter into a personal responsibility contract with the State, with certain exceptions involving minor children and hardship situations; (2) provide job preparation and opportunities for such families, including opportunities to participate in State-approved job placement agency services; and (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Denies TEA assistance for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators. (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) each State operating a TEA program is encouraged to assign the highest priority to requiring adults in two-parent families and adults in single-parent families that include older preschool or school-age children to be engaged in work activities; and (2) prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and reduction in out-of-wedlock births are very important Government interests and the policy contained in the provisions of this title is intended to address the crisis. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Federal Loan Fund for State Welfare Programs for loans to any loan-eligible State for conducting welfare anti-fraud and other specified activities. Outlines program audit and data collection and reporting as well as certain study requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research, evaluations, and national studies with regard to programs funded under this title. 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. Addresses the treatment of existing State AFDC waivers in effect or approved by the Secretary as of October 1, 1995. Provides for the treatment of Indian tribes with regard to grant amounts and other specified program matters affecting Indians. Makes the Assistant Secretary for Family Support within HHS the official responsible for administering SSA title IV part A and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) programs. (Sec. 102) Allows States to contract with charitable, religious, and private organizations to provide services and administer programs established or modified by this Act. (Sec. 103) Prohibits financial assistance provided under such programs from being expended for any sectarian purpose or activity, including sectarian worship or instruction. (Sec. 104) Provides for continued application of current AFDC standards under the Medicaid program under SSA title XIX. (Sec. 105) Specifies reductions in HHS personnel the Secretary must make with regard to positions relating to an activity previously authorized under the former AFDC and JOBS programs. (Sec. 107) Makes conforming amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and related provisions of other specified Federal laws. Authorizes appropriations. 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; (2) revise representative payee requirements; (3) provide for limited eligibility of certain noncitizens for SSI benefits; (4) 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; (5) deny SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators; and (6) provide for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies. 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 of Social Security to redetermine the eligibility of any individual under age 18 who is receiving 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 the above amendments. (Sec. 212) Provides that not less frequently than once every three years the Commissioner shall review 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 option of the Commissioner). Requires a parent or guardian 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, of the condition which was the basis for providing benefits under the SSI program. 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 eligible individuals and their spouses. Subtitle C: 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. (Sec. 222) Requires the Commissioner to issue a request for comments in the Federal Register regarding improvements to the disability evaluation and determination procedures for individuals under age 18 to ensure the comprehensive assessment of such individuals. Directs the Commissioner to review such comments and issue any regulations implementing any necessary changes not later than 18 months after this Act is enacted. (Sec. 223) Requires the Commissioner 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 reports to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 224) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the impact of the amendments made by, and the provisions of, this title on the SSI program. Subtitle D: 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, including the programs under SSA titles II and XVI, with resulting recommendations for appropriate action submitted to the President and the Congress. Subtitle E: State Supplementation Programs - Repeals maintenance of effort requirements applicable to optional State programs for supplementation of SSI benefits. Title III: Food Stamp Program - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Reform - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period for certain households. (Sec. 303) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 304) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 305) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 307) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 309) Revises household income deduction provisions regard: : (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. 310) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases. (Sec. 311) Revises the scope of sponsor-attributed income and resources regarding alien program eligibility. (Sec. 312) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 315) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 316) 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. 318) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 319) Defines "work program." (Sec. 320) Exempts electronic transfers of program benefits from specified disclosure, protection, and remedy provisions. (Sec. 321) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 323) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 324) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 325) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 327) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 328) Provides for the exchange of information with Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service, under specified circumstances. (Sec. 329) Revises expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 330) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sc. 331) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than the system used in part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 130) Directs program overissuances to be collected by: (1) allotment reduction; (2) unemployment compensation withholding; or (3) Federal pay or Federal income tax refund recovery. (Sec. 333) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program informational activities. (Sec. 335) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 336) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 339) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 340) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) program operations; and (2) Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 342) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth Program provisions. (Sec. 343) Establishes an optional State food assistance block grant program. Sets forth program provisions. Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Trafficking - Amends the Act to expand the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 352) Increases penalties for specified food stamp program (program) violations. (Sec. 353) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish specific time periods for: (1) retain food stores and wholesale food concerns (stores) to apply for program participation; and (2) prohibition of program participation based on lack of business integrity. (Sec 355) Includes income and sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 356) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 358) 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. 359) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 360) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 361) Establishes criminal forfeiture penalties for specified program violations. Title IV: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to terminate the additional lunch payment for schools with high percentages of free or reduced price lunches. (Sec. 402) Revises NSLA annual adjustment provisions for: (1) value of food assistance; and (2) lunches, breakfasts, and supplements. (Sec. 404) Revises NSLA service institution payment provisions for the summer food service program for children. (Sec. 405) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise annual adjustment provisions for: (1) the special milk program; and (2) the school breakfast program. (Sec. 407) Conforms reimbursement for CNA school breakfasts with that for NSLA school lunches. Subtitle B: Grant Programs - Amends CNA to: (1) terminate school breakfast startup grants; and (2) reduce annual authorization of appropriations for nutrition education and training programs. Subtitle C: Other Amendments - Amends NSLA and CNA to set forth free and reduced price policy statements for the school lunch program and the school breakfast program. (Sec. 422) Revises NSLA provisions for the summer food service program for children. Allows participating school food authorities to permit a child to refuse not more than one item of a meal that the child does not intend to consume. Provides that a refusal of an offered food shall not affect the amount of payments to a school for the meal. Removes a requirement that States submit a plan or schedule as part of notice to institutions. (Sec. 423) Revises NSLA provisions for the child and adult care food program with respect to payments to certain sponsor employees. Revises provisions regarding day care home reimbursements. Requires reservation of certain funds for grants to States for assistance for family or group day care homes. Requires Federal and State provision of certain data to family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Disallows certain meal claims. Eliminates certain requirements involving State paperwork and outreach. Requires States to provide training, technical assistance, and monitoring. (Sec. 424) Requires a review of all NSLA and CNA reporting requirements and a report recommending elimination of any that impose a paperwork burden on agencies and schools which cannot be justified by their contribution to program effectiveness. Subtitle D: Reauthorization - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to reauthorize appropriations for the commodity distribution program. (Sec. 432) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to extend authority and reauthorize appropriations for the emergency food assistance program. (Sec. 433) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to reauthorize appropriations for the soup kitchens program. (Sec. 434) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend authority for processing of agricultural commodities into food products. (Sec. 435) Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend authority for the commodity supplemental food program. Title V: Noncitizens - Gives States the option of prohibiting the use of any grant funds received under SSA title IV part A, or the new optional State food assistance block grant program established under title III of this Act, for the provision of assistance under the related State programs for an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. (Sec. 502) Provides that, for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual (whether a citizen or national of the United States or an alien) for assistance, and the amount of assistance, under any Federal program of assistance provided or funded, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government for which eligibility for benefits is based on need, certain described income and resources pertaining to the individual's sponsor shall, in spite of any other provision of law, be deemed to be the income and resources of such individual. Applies such requirement for the period for which the sponsor has agreed, in an affidavit or agreement, to provide support for such individual, or for a period of five years beginning on the date such individual was first lawfully in the United States after the execution of such affidavit or agreement, whichever period is longer. Outlines similar deemed income authority for State and local programs of assistance authorized under Federal law for which eligibility is based on need. Exempts from such restrictions eligibility for emergency medical services under Medicaid, short-term emergency disaster relief, assistance or benefits under the National School Lunch Act, assistance or benefits under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and public health assistance for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment for communicable diseases under certain conditions. (Sec. 503) Details the limited eligibility of noncitizens for SSI benefits. Title VI: Child Care - Child Care and Development Block Grant Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to consolidate Federal child care programs. (Sec. 602) Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act. Revises provisions for the lead agency to allow such agency to administer the financial assistance received by the State under the act either directly or through other governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Requires sufficient time and statewide distribution for the notice of the public hearing on child care services provision under the State plan. Revises provisions for the State application and plan. Eliminates a requirement that providers that are not required to be licensed or regulated under State or local law be required to register with the State before payment is made under the Act. Requires the State to implement mechanisms to ensure that appropriate payment mechanisms exist so that proper payments under this subchapter will be made to providers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop minimum child care standards, appropriately reflective of tribal needs and available resources, applicable to Indian tribes and tribal organization receiving assistance under the Act. Reduces from 25 to 15 percent of annual assistance to a State the set-aside for quality of child care and before- and after-school and early childhood development services. Applies such set-aside, however, only to child care quality improvement activities and no longer to early childhood development and before- and after-school care services. Adds a limitation on administrative costs. Requires the sliding fee scale to ensure a representative distribution of funding among the working poor and recipients of Federal welfare assistance. Expands eligibility criteria to include families earning up to 100 percent (currently 75 percent) of the State median family income. Revises requirements relating to quality improvement activities to include: (1) under resource and referral programs, consumer education, referrals honoring parental choice, and activities to improve quality and availability of child care; and (2) under other activities, increasing availability of care before- and after-school, for infants, and during nontraditional work hours. Repeals a requirement that States expend a specified minimum amount of reserved funds for early childhood development and before- and after-school services. Revises requirements for enforcement and for reports. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Indian tribe or organization to use certain assistance to construct or renovate facilities that will be used to carry out child care programs. Provides for reallocation of assistance to other Indian tribes or organizations under certain conditions. Allows use of child care certificates as deposits. Includes among eligible child care providers those who care for an eligible great grandchild or sibling (if in the latter case the provider lives in a separate residence). Eliminates certain registration requirements for providers who are relatives. (Sec. 603) Repeals: (1) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; and (2) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985. Title VII: Workforce Development and Workforce Preparation Activities - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Workforce Development Act of 1995 - Sets forth congressional findings, purposes of this title, and the definitions of terms used in this title and title VIII. Subtitle B: Statewide Workforce Development Systems - Establishes a program of assistance for Statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 711) Directs the Governing Board of the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership, established under this Act) (Governing Board) to make allotments, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to States to help pay costs of establishing and carrying out activities through statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 712) Sets forth formulae for such State allotments. (Sec. 713) Requires States to apportion such allotment funds by specified percentages among workforce employment activities, workforce education activities, and flexible workforce activities. (Sec. 714) Sets forth requirements relating to State plans describing: (1) the strategic plan for the statewide system, including flexible workforce activities, and, if appropriate, economic development activities; (2) workforce employment activities; and (3) workforce education activities. (Sec. 715) Authorizes Governors of States receiving such allotments to establish State workforce development boards with certain membership requirements and functions. (Sec. 716) Sets forth required and authorized uses of funds under this title. Requires funds for workforce employment activities to be used for: (1) one-stop delivery of specified core services; (2) a statewide comprehensive labor market information system; and (3) a job placement accountability system. Allows such funds to also be used for: (1) specified permissible one-stop delivery activities; (2) other specified permissible activities which may be provided through vouchers, including certain forms of training, supportive, and followup services; (3) staff development and training; and (4) incentive grant awards to substate areas that reach or exceed State benchmarks. Requires State educational agencies to use funds for workforce education activities to carry out, through the statewide system, activities that include: (1) integrating academic and vocational education; (2) linking secondary and postsecondary education (including implementing tech-prep programs); (3) career guidance and counseling at the earliest possible age; (4) literacy and basic education for adults and out-of-school youth, including those in correctional institutions; (5) secondary education completion programs for adults and out-of-school youth; (6) improving vocational education programs; and (7) improving access to quality vocational education programs for at-risk youth. Sets forth certain fiscal requirements for such workplace education activities. Requires States to use a portion of the funds for flexible workforce activities (flex account funds) to carry out school-to-work activities through the statewide system (except that any State that received a grant under specified provisions of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 must use such portion to support continued development of the statewide School-to-Work Opportunities system through continuing activities in accordance with such grant). Allows States to use a portion of such flex account funds for workforce employment and workforce education activities. Allows States that meet specified requirements to use a portion of flex account funds for specified economic development activities relating to workforce training and skills upgrading. Sets forth limitations on use of funds and on individual participation under this title. (Sec. 717) Outlines provisions for supporting Indian and Native Hawaiian workforce development activities and associated supplemental services for Indian and Native Hawaiian youth and public assistance recipients on or near reservation areas. (Sec. 718) Directs the Governing Board, using certain funds made available below, to make grants to outlying areas to carry out workforce development activities. (Sec. 721) Provides for local uses of funds under this title, including: (1) local apportionment by activity, distributing 75 percent of workforce employment activities funds to local entities and 80 percent of workforce education activities funds to certain educational entities; (2) distributions for secondary school vocational education, for postsecondary and adult vocational education, and for adult education; and (3) minimal allocations and redistribution. Provides for States to enter into local agreements regarding workforce employment activities, school-to-work activities, and economic development activities to be carried out in each substate area with local partnerships (or, where established, workforce development boards). (Sec. 731) Provides for: (1) accountability; and (2) incentives and sanctions. (Sec. 733) Amends the Social Security Act with respect to the Unemployment Trust Fund to make Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) revenues available for statewide workforce development systems to the extent they are used to carry out specified core services relating to job search, placement assistance and labor market information provided through the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 734) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act (other than subtitle C below). Sets forth certain reservations of funds. Subtitle C: Job Corps and Other Workforce Preparation Activities for At-Risk Youth - Requires a State to use a portion of its allotment for workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth to maintain any Job Corps Center located in that State and carry out specified activities for Job Corps enrollees assigned there, if such center received assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) for FY 1996 and was not closed in accordance with specified provisions. (Sec. 744) Limits eligibility for the Job Corps to at-risk youth. (Sec. 745) Provides for Job Corps: (1) screening and selection of applicants; (2) enrollment and assignment; (3) centers' development, character, activities, operators, and inclusion of Civilian Conservation Centers; (4) program activities; (5) support by States of enrollees through personal allowances; (6) State operating plans; (7) standards of conduct; (8) community participation; and (9) counseling and placement. (Sec. 754) Directs the Secretary of Labor to offer leases and sales of Job Corps centers, for nominal consideration, to States with approved State plans. (Sec. 755) Provides for closure of certain Job Corps centers. Directs the Governing Board to conduct a national Job Corps audit, report to the appropriate congressional committees, and report recommendations to the Secretary of Labor, including identification of 25 Job Corps centers to be closed by September 30, 1997. Directs the Secretary, after reviewing such report, to close 25 centers by such date. (Sec. 756) Amends JTPA to set forth requirements for interim operating plans for Job Corps centers. (Sec. 759) Directs the Governing Board, for program years 1998 and subsequent, to make allotments to States to help pay for carrying out specified workforce preparation activities for at-risk youth. Sets forth provisions for core required activities, permissible activities, allotment formulas, State plans, applications, and within-State distribution. (Sec. 241) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Subtitle D: Transition Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary (of Labor or of Education or of Health and Human Services, depending on the covered activity) to waive, during a transition period, any requirement under any provision of law (or regulation under it) relating to a covered activity for States or localities that request such waivers and comply with specified requirements. Requires States to submit interim State plans to the Governing Board in order for a State or locality to use such transition waivers. (Sec. 765) Authorizes interim appropriations under the Older American Community Service Employment Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocation and Applied Technology Education Act, and other specified Acts. Subtitle E: National Activities - Establishes the Workforce Development Partnership (Federal Partnership) as a Government corporation, with a Governing Board and an Office of Inspector General, to administer activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 772) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement to: (1) conduct a national assessment of vocational education programs assisted under this Act, through studies and analyses conducted independently through competitive awards; and (2) appoint an independent advisory board to advise on implementation of such assessment. (Sec. 773) Directs the Governing Board to oversee development and continuous improvement of a nationwide integrated labor market information system. Sets forth Federal, joint Federal-State, and State responsibilities with respect to labor market information. (Sec. 774) Authorizes the Governing Board to a competitive grant to an institution of higher education, a public or private nonprofit organization or agency, or a consortium to establish a National Center for Research in Education and Workforce Development. (Sec. 775) Transfers to the Federal Partnership, as of June 30, 1998, all functions of the Secretaries of Labor and of Education (including those of their Offices of Inspector General) that relate to a covered activity and are minimally necessary to carrying out Federal Partnership functions. Provides for: (1) determinations of functions by the Board, including Board review of a proposed transition workplan of the Secretaries; (2) personnel, delegation and assignment, reorganization, and rulemaking powers; (3) transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel; (4) incidental transfers, effect on personnel, and savings provisions; (5) a transition period; and (6) Board recommendations for additional legislation. (Sec. 776) Transfers to the appropriate receiving agency all functions that do not relate to a covered activity, but that the Secretaries of Labor and of Education, acting through the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), respectively, exercised before June 30, 1998. Directs the Secretaries to submit, for Board review, a proposed transition workplan that includes determinations of: (1) ETA and OVAE functions that do not relate to a covered activity; and (2) appropriate receiving agencies for such functions. (Sec. 777) Terminates OVAE and ETA on July 1, 1998 (as well as any authority granted them or any of their units by any reorganization plan). Subtitle F: Repeals of Employment and Training and Vocational and Adult Education Programs - Repeals: (1) the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grant program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (2) specified Federal law to assist workers displaced by the expansion of the Redwood National Park; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act; (4) provisions for Appalachian vocational and other educational facilities and operations under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (5) the Job Training for the Homeless demonstration program under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; (6) specified Federal transportation law for assistance by the Secretary of Transportation for certain human resource programs relating to mass transportation; and (7) specified Federal transportation law provisions for a program of protection and rehiring of certain dislocated airline employees, and assistance for them from an Airline Employee Protective Account administered by the Department of Labor. Repeals as of July 1, 1998: (1) trade adjustment assistance services under the Trade Act of 1974; (2) the Adult Education Act; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act; (4) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (5) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment services); (6) the Job Training Partnership Act; (7) community service employment for older Americans under the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (8) programs of Adult Education for the Homeless and of Education for Homeless Children and Youth under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 782) Makes conforming amendments to various Federal laws, reflecting such immediate and subsequent repeals. Title VIII: Workforce Development-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to repeal authorities relating to consolidated rehabilitation plans. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Administration to provide assistance to achieve participation by individuals with disabilities in activities carried out through a statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 808) Revises a declaration of policy to include references to linkages between the RA vocational rehabilitation program and other integral components of the statewide workforce development system. (Sec. 810) Revises provisions for individualized written rehabilitation programs, and renames them as individualized employment plans. (Sec. 811) Revises the scope of vocational rehabilitation services to eliminate surgery from the authorized uses of funds. Removes the qualification that small business operators' disabilities must be most severe in order for them to receive certain management services and supervision from State agencies. (Sec. 812) Provides for linkages between members of State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils and State workforce development boards. (Sec. 813) Requires consistency between RA evaluation standards and performance indicators and State benchmarks established under this Act. (Sec. 814) Repeals authority for Innovation and Expansion Grants (part C of title I Vocational Rehabilitation Services under RA). Subtitle B: Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act - Prohibits State use of certain funds under the Immigration and Nationality Act for workforce employment activities under this Act. Title: X: 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. 902) Revises payment distribution guidelines for support obligations collected by the State on behalf of a family. (Sec. 903) Requires State plans to establish procedural guidelines for: (1) notification of all proceedings and orders affecting child support obligations; and (2) privacy safeguards regarding paternity and child support actions. Subtitle B: Locate and Case Tracking - Mandates that the single statewide automated data system 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. 912) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 913) Requires State plans to: (1) provide for a State- operated 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. 914) Requires the States to have statutorily prescribed procedures: (1) for mandatory income withholding for support payments subject to enforcement; and (2) under which child support orders issued before October 1, 1996, shall become subject to withholding from wages if arrearages occur, without the need for a judicial or administrative hearing. Revises the procedural guidelines for income withholding for child support enforcement. (Sec. 915) 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. 916) 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) executing child support obligations; and (3) enforcing visitation orders. (Sec. 917) Requires the 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) 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, 1997. 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. 923) 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. (Sec. 933) 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 - Revises the guidelines for Federal performance-based incentive payments to the States for effective child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 942) 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. 944) 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. 945) 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 - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to determine the need for consideration by the Congress of national child support guidelines. (Sec. 952) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. (Sec. 953) 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. 954) 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 the 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. 962) 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. 964) 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. 965) 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. 970) Requires the Secretary of State to deny, revoke, or limit a passport upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 971) 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. 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. 976) 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 Nonresidential 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 for the provisions of this Act. Title X: Reform of Public Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to public housing provisions regarding: (1) ceiling rents; and (2) adjusted and earned income. (Sec. 1003) Exempts tenants from certain labor standards provisions. (Sec. 1004) Prohibits increased housing assistance to a family whose benefits under other public assistance programs have been reduced because of noncompliance. (Sec. 1005) Applies the provisions of this title to Indian housing.

Immigration Reduction Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Immigrants and Refugees Title II: Border Control Title III: Interior Enforcement Title IV: Document Reform Title V: State and Local Responsibilities Title VI: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Program 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 VII: Strengthening Citizenship Title VIII: Immigration and Naturalization Service Immigration Reduction Act of 1995 - Title I: Immigrants and Refugees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to reduce legal immigration levels and revise descriptive categories. Eliminates: (1) the worldwide level of diversity immigrants; and (2) preference allocation for formerly-sponsored immigrants as of FY 1997. (Sec. 102) Limits refugee admissions to 50,000 annual entrants. (Sec. 103) Revises asylum provisions. (Sec. 104) Repeals temporary protected status. (Sec. 105) Prohibits parole into the United States except on the basis of individual circumstances. Title II: Border Control - Increases, and authorizes appropriations for, border patrol personnel. (Sec. 202) Amends the Act to establish border crossing fees (to be deposited into a Treasury Border Crossing Fee Account). Title III: Interior Enforcement - Increases, and authorizes appropriations for, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) investigative personnel. (Sec. 303) Provides for the identification and use of closed military bases as alien detention facilities. (Sec. 304) Grants immigration appeals jurisdiction to the United States Court of Appeals. (Sec. 305) Provides with respect to aliens subject to deportation for: (1) civil penalties for unlawful U.S. presence; and (2) seizure of certain property for unauthorized employment or improper receipt of Federal benefits. Title IV: Document Reform - Amends the Act with respect to work eligibility documents, including: (1) document examination; and (2) enhancement of alien identity cards and social security cards. (Sec. 402) Provides for social security account electronic verification. Title V: State and Local Responsibilities - Makes a State or local government ineligible for Federal assistance for noncooperation with Federal immigration authorities. (Sec. 502) Requires State or local enforcement authorities to notify the appropriate INS officer upon arrest of an alien. (Sec. 504) Authorizes immigration-related deputization of State and local law enforcement personnel. Title VI: Restricting Welfare and Public Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility for Federal Benefits Programs - Prohibits certain Federal public benefits (except for emergency assistance and certain housing assistance) to unlawful or nonimmigrant aliens. (Sec. 603) Limits the eligibility of lawful aliens (with specified exceptions) for: (1) supplemental security income; (2) temporary assistance for needy families; (3) social services block grants; (4) Medicaid; and (5) food stamps. Subtitle B: Eligibility for State and Local Public Benefits Programs - Prohibits State and local public benefits (except for emergency assistance) to unlawful or nonimmigrant aliens. (Sec. 613) Authorizes States to limit alien eligibility for State public benefits programs. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal public benefits programs. (Sec. 422) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Defines specified terms. Subtitle E: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the Housing Act of 1949. Subtitle F: Exclusion of Aliens Likely to Become Public Charges - Amends the Act to exclude aliens likely to become public charges from U.S. admission. Title VII: Strengthening Citizenship - Limits the scope of U.S. citizenship by birth. (Sec. 702) Prohibits voting by noncitizens in specified Federal or State elections, referenda, ballots, or other voting procedures. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to revise certain naturalization provisions. (Sec. 704) Authorizes a State action against a Federal agency based upon immigration law violations. Title VIII: Immigration and Naturalization Services - Establishes the INS as an independent U.S. agency.

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.

Financial Institutions Streamlined Regulatory Treatment Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Streamlining Consumer Protection Requirements Title II: Streamlining Miscellaneous Depository Institution Requirements Title III: Lender Liability Financial Institutions Streamlined Regulatory Treatment Act of 1995 - Title I: Streamlining Consumer Protection Requirements - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct a joint study and report to the Congress their recommendations for changes in Federal laws relating to the home finance lending process. (Sec. 102) Requires the Board to study and report to the Congress on classes of transactions, if any, which should be exempt from Truth in Lending Act requirements because such requirements do not confer consumer protections. (Sec. 103) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to eliminate certain disclosure requirements, including the mandate for a model disclosure statement pertaining to the number of loans assigned or transferred by persons making federally related mortgage loans. (Sec. 104) Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to permit specified alternative disclosures for variable percentage rates for open end consumer credit plans secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, and for adjustable rate residential mortgage transactions. (Sec. 105) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to prescribe guidelines under which the Board shall make a cost-of-living adjustment every five years to the maximum dollar amount limitation used to determine institutions exempt from the Act's purview. (Sec. 106) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to exempt certain advertising violations from civil liability. Requires the Board to report to the Congress on the appropriateness of a certain annual percentage yield disclosure formula. (Sec. 107) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to modify the definition of "accepted card or other means of access" in connection with stored value devices. (Sec. 108) Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to provide that, except in specified circumstances, a creditor that conducts self-testing of its lending operations to measure compliance shall not be required to disclose those results to an enforcing agency under this Act. (Sec. 109) Amends the TILA to: (1) increase from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum dollar amount of a contractual obligation of a consumer lease subject to its requirements; and (2) require the Board to make a cost-of-living adjustment to such amount every five years. Revises consumer lease disclosure requirements to: (1) cover the capitalized cost and residual value of a lease; and (2) instruct the Board to prescribe a format for additional disclosures, including the purchase price where an option to purchase must be exercised at the end of the lease term. (Sec. 110) Excludes from the determination of finance charge for any consumer credit transaction fees imposed by third party closing agents (including settlement agents, attorneys, escrow and title companies) that are neither expressly required nor retained by the creditor (thereby exempting them from TILA disclosure requirements). Modifies Includes mortgage broker fees in the determination of finance charge. Exempts from the required computation of finance charge: (1) certain taxes on security instruments or evidences of indebtedness (if they are otherwise itemized and disclosed); and (2) fees for preparation of loan documents, as well as appraisal fees related to pest infestations, premises and structural inspections, and flood hazards. Instructs the Board to report to the Congress on statutory or regulatory changes necessary to: (1) ensure that finance charges accurately reflect the cost of credit; and (2) address abusive refinancing practices intended to avoid rescission. (Sec. 111) Denies the right of rescission to certain refinancings or debt consolidations secured by a lien on a consumer's principal dwelling. (Sec. 112) Permits finance charge disclosures to vary within specified accuracy tolerance limits for certain consumer credit transactions secured by real property or a dwelling. Sets disclosure accuracy guidelines for per diem interest rate disclosures on consumer credit transactions. (Sec. 113) Amends TILA to shield a creditor or assignee from liability in connection with disclosures of: (1) certain fees and charges; and (2) finance charges that fall within certain statutory tolerance limits. (Sec. 114) Restricts rescission liability arising from the form of written notice used by the creditor. (Sec. 115) Provides for damages ranging from $250 to $2,500 for an individual consumer credit transaction not under an open end credit plan that is secured by real property or a dwelling. (Sec. 116) Modifies assignee liability guidelines to: (1) apply them to consumer credit transactions secured by real property; and (2) provide that a violation is apparent on the face of the disclosure statement if the disclosure does not use the format required by law. States that the servicer of a consumer obligation arising from a consumer credit transaction shall not be treated as an assignee of an obligation unless the servicer owns it. (Sec. 117) Identifies circumstances under which a consumer has a right to rescind a consumer credit transaction upon a creditor's action to foreclose on the consumer's primary dwelling securing the debt. Title II: Streamlining Miscellaneous Depository Institution Requirements - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA) to identify criteria for a well-capitalized and well-managed banking organization under which an acquisition of shares in a nonbanking or another banking organization by a bank holding company, or a merger or consolidation between registered bank holding companies, shall be deemed to be approved. (Current law requires prior Board approval). (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to reduce reporting and notification requirements for merger transactions involving: (1) an interim institution organized solely to facilitate a corporate reorganization without a change in control; or (2) an insured depository institution subsidiary of the same depository institution holding company. (Sec. 204) Repeals the requirement of prior written approval, but still requires approval, by the responsible agency for participation by any insured depository institution in optional conversion transactions between members of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (Oakar transactions). Repeals guidelines for expedited approval of acquisitions. (Sec. 205) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act and the BHCA to require the Board and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, respectively, to jointly issue regulations for coordinating and unifying requirements for the companies under their purviews, including a coordinated examinations and oversight system, and a unified application requirement applicable to bank holding company acquisitions of savings associations. (Sec. 206) Amends the BHCA to repeal the provision that shares transferred by a bank holding company to a transferee under its control are deemed to be under such holding company's control unless the Board determines otherwise and approves the divestiture. (Sec. 207) Amends the Revised Statutes, the Federal Reserve Act (FRA), and the FDIA to delineate conditions under which prior approval is not required for well-capitalized and well-managed banks to establish and operate a branch or seasonal agency. (Sec. 208) Amends the Revised Statutes and the FDIA to exclude from the definition of "branch" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus exempting those entities from approval requirements of such Acts). (Sec. 209) Amends the FDIA to authorize the appropriate Federal banking agency to waive, on a case-by-case basis, prior notice requirements pertaining to new officer or director appointments of certain undercapitalized or troubled institutions. (Sec. 210) Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the aggregate minimum per-branch capital requirements imposed upon a national banking association and its branches. (Sec. 211) Amends the FDIA to allow the appropriate Federal banking agency to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on certain small depository institutions whose mandatory periodic on-site examinations make take place every 18 months instead of annually. (Sec. 212) Amends specified Federal monetary law to repeal the requirement that depository institutions identify domestic nonbank financial institution customers. (Sec. 213) Requires the Financial Institutions Examination Council, each Federal banking agency, and the National Credit Union Administration Board to review and identify unnecessary regulations every ten years and report thereon to the Congress. (Sec. 214) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to cite circumstances under which the Board may: (1) approve an application of a foreign bank that is not subject to comprehensive supervision on a consolidated basis in its home country; and (2) exempt such a bank from statutory approval criteria. Requires the Comptroller of the Currency to forward a foreign bank application to the Board, and to consider its recommendations when considering such application. (Sec. 215) Instructs the Board to rely upon the examination reports of other Federal and State agencies in connection with foreign banks. Subjects each branch or agency of a foreign bank to the same on-site examination schedule as its U.S. counterpart. (Sec. 216) Amends the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act to prohibit outside counsel and outside accountants from performing dual service on the board of directors of a depository institution (or affiliate) or a depository holding company (or affiliate) whose total assets exceed $250 million. Exempts specified small institutions. Mandates: (1) annual ownership disclosures by a depository institution or depository institution holding company to its board of directors; and (2) that a majority of the voting members of the board of directors of each depository institution and depository institution holding company be outside directors. (Sec. 217) Amends the EFTA to mandate fee disclosures to a consumer at the time that electronic fund transfer services are provided. (Sec. 218) Amends the FDIA to exclude automated teller machines and bank branches in specified merger or relocation situations from the definition of "bank branch" (thus exempting them from Federal bank closure notification requirements). Makes such exemption retroactive to the enactment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. (Sec. 219) Directs the following agencies to submit a joint annual report to the Congress on the extent to which the regulatory reductions under this Act have resulted in increased lending to small businesses: (1) the Federal Reserve Board; (2) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision; (3) the Comptroller of the Currency; and (4) the FDIC Board of Directors. Title III: Lender Liability - Amends the FDIA to prescribe guidelines for lender, fiduciary, and Federal banking and lending agency environmental liabilities.

Economic Development Partnership Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Works and Economic Development Title II: Appalachian Regional Development Economic Development Partnership Act of 1995 - Title I: Public Works and Economic Development - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to establish in each of eight geographic regions of the United States an Economic Development Regional Commission (EDRC). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to serve as the Federal Cochairperson of each EDRC. Provides for: (1) necessary EDRC administrative powers; and (2) the establishment of the regions. Authorizes each EDRC to: (1) make direct grants for the acquisition or development of land and improvements for public works, public services, or development facility usage, as well as related activities; and (2) make supplementary grants that enable States and other entities to take maximum advantage of designated Federal grant-in-aid programs for which they are eligible but for which they cannot supply the required matching share due to their economic situation. Provides supplementary grant requirements, with exceptions. Requires each EDRC, in determining the amount available to any project, to consider the relative needs of the area and the nature of the project to be assisted. Directs the Secretary to prescribe appropriate rules and regulations, including those to assure that appropriate local governmental authorities are given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on proposed projects. Allows grants to be: (1) increased due to increased construction costs; and (2) reapproved for a project due to changed project circumstances. Authorizes an EDRC to make direct grants to any eligible recipient in an area which the EDRC determines has: (1) experienced or is about to experience an expected rise in unemployment or other economic adjustment problems; or (2) demonstrated long-term economic deterioration. Allows such grant funds to be used to carry out or develop an investment strategy to counteract (1) or (2), above, and to be used directly by the recipient or redistributed to public and private entities (except for private profit-making entities). Authorizes an EDRC to make such assistance available when an economic need is created due to the closure or realignment of a military installation, either at the installation or in adversely affected surrounding communities. Requires an annual report from grant recipients to its EDRC. Authorizes the sale of financial instruments in revolving loan funds to accomplish the purposes of this title, requiring appropriate public review and comment. Authorizes an EDRC, under specified procedures and terms, to provide technical assistance to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment in areas which the EDRC finds have substantial need for such assistance. Directs the EDRC to make technical information obtained available to all eligible recipients, and to furnish procurement departments of the Federal Government with a list of business firms located in distressed areas which desire Government supplies and services contracts. Authorizes an EDRC to make grants to a State, city, political subdivision, or organization to pay up to 80 percent of the cost for economic development planning, including systematic efforts to reduce unemployment and increase incomes. Defines as an eligible recipient for purposes of this Act an area which meets any of the following criteria: (1) has a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average or an unemployment rate one percent or more above such average; (2) has experienced or is about to experience a sudden economic dislocation resulting in significant job losses; or (3) is a community or neighborhood which has a large concentration of low-income individuals, is a rural area with substantial out migration, or has substantial unemployment. Authorizes an EDRC to provide assistance under this Act only if the applicant submits, and the EDRC approves, an investment strategy which identifies the economic development problems to be addressed, as well as related information. Authorizes an EDRC, in order to plan and carry out economic development projects of broader geographic significance, to designate appropriate economic development districts and economic development centers within such districts. Provides geographic, population, and other requirements with respect to each such designation. Authorizes an EDRC to provide assistance to an economic development district area which does not meet the requirements of an eligible recipient under this Act when such assistance will benefit other areas in the district which do meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to carry out all required duties under this Act through an Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Economic Development (Office). Requires the Under Secretary to serve as a central information clearinghouse on all matters relating to economic development and adjustment, disaster recovery, and defense conversion programs and activities of Federal and State governments, and to help applicants for such assistance. Requires appropriate consultation with other persons and agencies. Authorizes the President to establish an independent agency to carry out the Secretary's duties under this Act in the event that the Department of Commerce is abolished. Provides a preference for current Economic Development Administration (EDA) employees in considering employment applications at an EDRC or the Office. Abolishes the EDA within the Department of Commerce. Provides for the conclusion of outstanding EDA business and other savings provisions. Provides miscellaneous administrative powers and duties of the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Provides for the transfer of functions from the EDA to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, for each fiscal year after 1996, to transmit to the Congress a comprehensive and detailed report of the Secretary's and each EDRC's operations under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to other Federal departments and agencies any of the functions required under this Act. Imposes penalties upon persons: (1) making false statements in order to obtain assistance under this Act; and (2) who embezzle or commit other fraud-related crimes while connected in any capacity with the Secretary or an EDRC in the administration of this Act. Provides conflict-of-interest provisions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain a permanent list of applications approved for financial assistance under this Act; and (2) make such list available for public inspection. Requires assistance recipients to maintain appropriate records and provide access for audit purposes. States that all financial assistance provided under this Act is in addition to, and shall not be construed to reduce or diminish, any other Federal assistance available to a State or other eligible entity. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000. Authorizes additional appropriations for defense conversion activities. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (the Act, for purposes of this title) to: (1) provide FY 1995 findings and purposes for the Act; (2) require the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to meet at least once a year, and allow the ARC to conduct additional meetings by electronic means as considered advisable; (3) require the ARC to obtain a quorum of State members before reaching certain decisions; (4) authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 for administrative expenses and expenses of the Federal Cochairman and staff; (5) extend through FY 2000 the authority to enter into contracts and leases under the Act; (6) extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the Appalachian development highway system; and (7) reduce from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to demonstration health projects in the Appalachian region under the Act, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. (Sec. 208) Repeals the following programs and provisions under the Act: (1) the land stabilization, conservation, and erosion control program; (2) the timber development program; (3) the mining area restoration program; (4) the water resource development and utilization survey; (5) the Appalachian airport safety improvements program; (6) the sewage treatment works program; and (7) amendments to the Housing Act of 1954. (Sec. 214) Reduces from 100 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal cost-sharing requirement with respect to Appalachian vocational education and education demonstration projects, with an exception of 80 percent of such costs for counties designated as distressed. Makes an identical reduction with respect to Federal costs for Federal grant-in-aid programs in the Appalachian region. (Sec. 218) Adds specified criteria and measurements to be considered when determining programs and projects to be given assistance under the Act. (Sec. 219) Directs the ARC to designate as: (1) distressed counties those counties that are the most severely and persistently distressed and underdeveloped; and (2) economically competitive counties those counties which have attained substantial economic parity with the rest of the country. Prohibits assistance under the Act for a county designated as economically competitive (with exceptions). (Sec. 220) Empowers the ARC (currently, the President)to make grants for administrative expenses and ARC research and development projects under the Act. Reduces from 75 to 50 percent of program costs the Federal share of such projects, with an exception of 80 percent for counties designated as distressed. Repeals provisions concerning such projects which: (1) require certain ARC studies and reports; (2) authorize appropriations through June 30, 1969; and (3) ensure public availability of all information obtained from such projects. (Sec. 221) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations and termination date under the Act.

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1995

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2099) making appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1995

Sets forth the open rule for the consideration of H.R. 2099 (Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and certain independent agencies and entities appropriations).

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - Requires registration with the Office of Lobbying Registration and Public Disclosure (Office) (established by this Act) by any individual lobbyist (or the individual's employer, if it employs one or more lobbyists) within 30 days after the individual first makes, or is employed or retained to make, a lobbying contact with either the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or any other specified Federal officer or employee, including certain high-ranking members of the uniformed services. Defines a lobbyist as any individual employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation for services that include one or more lobbying contacts (but not an individual whose lobbying activities constitute less than ten percent of the time engaged in the services provided to that client). Provides for: (1) special registration filing rules in cases involving multiple clients and contacts; and (2) registration termination in cases where a registrant is no longer employed or retained by a client to conduct lobbying activities, and does not anticipate any additional lobbying activities for such client. (Sec. 4) Specifies the contents of such registration and reports. (Sec. 5) Requires registrants to file semiannual lobbying activity reports with the Office. Provides for exemptions from such registration and reporting requirements in cases involving lobbying income of $2,500 or less (for a particular client) or total expenses of $5,000 or less (in the case of an organization whose employees engage in lobbying activities on the organization's behalf) (adjusted periodically for inflation) for the semiannual period. (Sec. 6) Provides for special rules generally prohibiting registrants under this Act and the Foreign Agents Registration Act from providing gifts (including meals, lodging, transportation, entertainment, reimbursements, loans, or forbearance) to any covered legislative branch official, or to the spouse, dependent, friend, or relative of such an official if it is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of such official and is given because of his or her position. Permits certain such items under prescribed circumstances, such as lawful political contributions and informational materials sent to the official's office, and gifts given for a nonbusiness purpose and motivated by family relationship or close personal friendship. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Office as an executive agency, and specifies its duties, including making public the semiannual lobbyist activity reports. (Sec. 8) Establishes procedures for: (1) determining and resolving alleged violations of this Act; and (2) judicial review of Office decisions. (Sec. 13) Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) eliminate references to political propaganda and, in certain cases, replace them with references to informational materials; and (2) modify registration exemption provisions. (Sec. 14) Revises (Byrd Amendment) requirements for a declaration by persons requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement with respect to any payments made in connection with it which would be prohibited if made with appropriated funds. Requires, in lieu of information currently required, the: (1) name of any registrant under this Act who has made lobbying contacts on behalf of the person with respect to that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and (2) certification that the declarant has not made, and will not make, any prohibited payment. (Sec. 15) Repeals: (1) the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act; and (2) provisions on lobbyist activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949. (Sec. 18) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 19) Sets forth special rules for the identification of: (1) foreign and other clients on whose behalf lobbying contacts are made with a covered legislative or executive branch official; and (2) such covered officials. (Sec. 21) Permits tax-exempt charitable organizations required to report lobbying expenses by the Internal Revenue Code to report, under this Act, only good faith estimates of such expenses in order to meet criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Permits trade or business entities that may take income tax deductions for certain lobbying expenses to make good faith estimates of any non- deductible lobbying expenses in order to meet criteria for exemption from the reporting requirements of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on differences in meaning between this Act and the Internal Revenue Code of "lobbying activities," "lobbying expenditures," "influencing legislation," and related terms. (Sec. 22) Requires the President to appoint an interim Director of the Office within 30 days after enactment of this Act.

A bill to amend section 1956 of title 18, United States Code to include equity skimming as a predicate offense, to amend section 1516 of title 18, United States Code to curtail delays in the perfomance of audits, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) include equity skimming as a money laundering offense; and (2) include within provisions pertaining to obstruction of a Federal audit, attempts to influence, obstruct, or impede a Federal auditor in the performance of official duties relating to any property that is security for a mortgage that is insured, guaranteed, acquired, or held by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to specified provisions described in the National Housing Act. Amends such Act to require each contract for mortgage insurance to authorize the Secretary to recover from an owner, agent, manager, or other person (owner) who is otherwise in custody, control, or possession of property that is security for a mortgage note insured, acquired, or held by the Secretary and who is convicted of equity skimming, an amount equal to the sum of any benefit of insurance conferred on the mortgagee by the Secretary with respect to such property and any other losses incurred by the Secretary in connection with such property if the Secretary determines that the violation contributed to such conferred benefit or incurred loss. Specifies that any recovery under this provision shall be in addition to any fine, imprisonment, or other penalty imposed under such Act.

Federal-aid Facility Privatization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

Federal-aid Facility Privatization Act of 1995 - Requires executive agency heads to: (1) assist State and local governments in privatization efforts regarding federally financed infrastructure assets needed for a functioning economy; and (2) approve governmental asset privatization requests and waive or modify any grant assurance in accordance with specified criteria. Lists among such infrastructure assets roads, bridges, electricity supply facilities, airports, water supply and delivery facilities, recycling and wastewater treatment facilities, housing, schools, prisons, and hospitals, as well as other specified facilities. Declares that no State or local government shall be obligated to repay Federal grant monies received in connection with assets being privatized. Authorizes State and local governments to: (1) use asset privatization proceeds as permitted under grant assurances; and (2) recover capital investment, an amount equal to unreimbursed asset operating expenses in any infrastructure asset, and a reasonable rate of return.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development Title III: Independent Agencies Title IV: Corporations Title V: General Provisions Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 - Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Provides for the use of such appropriations. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes appropriations for FY 1995 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1995 to the: (1) American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) Consumer Product Safety Commission; (3) Corporation for National and Community Service; (4) Court of Veterans Appeals; (5) Department of Defense-Civil for cemeterial expenses, Army; (6) Environmental Protection Agency; (7) Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (8) Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality; (9) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); (10) General Services Administration for the Consumer Information Center; (11) Department of Health and Human Services for the Office of Consumer Affairs; (12) National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (13) National Credit Union Administration for the obligations of the Central Liquidity Facility; (14) National Science Foundation; (15) Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (16) Selective Service System. Title IV: Corporations - Authorizes certain corporations and agencies of HUD to make commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as necessary to carry out provisions under the Government Corporation Control Act. Allows any collections by such corporations and agencies to be used for new loan or mortgage purchase commitments to the extent provided under this Act, with specified exceptions. Makes funds available for the Office of Inspector General of the Resolution Trust Corporation. Title V: General Provisions - Specifies certain uses, limitations, and prohibitions on uses of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 514) Requires FY 1996 pay raises to be absorbed within the levels appropriated in this Act. (Sec. 516) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act should be American made. (Sec. 517) Prohibits the use of funds to implement any cap on reimbursements to grantees for indirect costs, except as published in a specified Office of Management and Budget Circular.

Veterans' Equity Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

Veterans' Equity Act of 1995 - Excludes certain amounts received under veterans' compensation programs from adjusted income for purposes of determining the amount of rent a family will pay for public housing.

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995

Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation. Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit.

Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event sponsored by the American Iron and Steel Institute to demonstrate the use of steel building materials in the construction of residential homes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1995

Permits the American Iron and Steel Institute to sponsor a free public event on the Capitol grounds on September 1, 1995, to demonstrate the use of steel building materials in the construction of residential homes.

To facilitate improved management of National Park Service Lands.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Minor Boundary Revisions Title II: Authorization for Certain Park Facilities to be Located Outside of Units of the National Park System Title I: Minor Boundary Revisions - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to modify national park borders only if: (1) the total acreage of lands to be added and deleted will not exceed five percent of the total Federal acreage authorized in the area; (2) the acquisition will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment; (3) the value of the lands added and deleted will not exceed $500,000; (4) the proposed revision is not part of a more comprehensive modification proposal; and (5) the Director of the National Park Service obtains written support for the boundary modifications from all affected property owners. Provides that minor boundary revisions which only delete acreage from the national parks system may only be authorized by an Act of Congress. Title II: Authorization for Certain Park Facilities to be Located Outside of Units of the National Park System - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish essential facilities for park administration, visitor use, and park employee residential housing outside the boundaries, but within the vicinity, of national park system units. Allows the Secretary to lease or acquire land to develop essential facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain permanent and temporary buildings on land within the vicinity of the national park system after the Secretary has entered into a binding agreement with the owner of such land.

Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995

Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1995 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions concerning health centers (currently, community health centers), definitions relating to such centers, and the services provided by such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning, operating, and infant mortality grants for health centers that provide required primary health services and additional health services to medically underserved and special medically underserved populations (migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, the homeless, and public housing residents). Directs the Secretary to give priority in making grants to health centers in which there is a substantial incidence of infant mortality or a significant increase in the incidence of infant mortality. Specifies that grant amounts for any fiscal year may not exceed: (1) total State, local, and other operational funding for a center; and (2) fees, premiums, and third-party reimbursements received for operations by the center in such fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration to administer the rural health services outreach demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Army Programs Subtitle C: Navy Programs Subtitle D: Other Programs Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle C: Missile Defense Title III: Operation and Maintenance Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Depot-Level Maintenance and Repair Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions Subtitle D: Civilian Employees Subtitle E: Defense Financial Management Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Assistance Subtitle G: Operation of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Activities Subtitle H: Other Matters Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Uniform Code of Military Justice Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Subtitle A: Health Care Services Subtitle B: TRICARE Program Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Laws Regarding Health Care Management Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle A: Acquisition Reform Subtitle B: Other Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Naval Vessels Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities Subtitle D: Department of Defense Education Programs Subtitle E: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Other Nations Subtitle G: Repeal of Certain Reporting Requirements Subtitle H: Other Matters Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI(sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Subtitle C: Land Conveyances Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction and Establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Subtitle E: Other Matters 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 Subtitle B: Recurring General Provisions Subtitle C: Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction Over Department of Energy National Security Functions Subtitle E: Other Matters Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Title XXXIII: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title XXXIV: National Defense Stockpile Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force for the procurement of aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and for other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) reserve procurements; (3) the Defense Inspector General; (4) the chemical demilitarization program; and (5) the defense health program. Subtitle B: Army Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters. (Sec. 112) States that a prohibition under a prior defense authorization Act against the procurement of military helicopters shall not apply to the obligation of funds for procurement of up to 20 AHIP Scout aircraft from funds appropriated under this title. (Sec. 113) Prohibits any funds available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1996 from being obligated to procure Hydra 70 rockets until the Secretary of the Army submits to the Congress certain certifications with respect to technical corrections in such rocket, the costs of such corrections, and related information. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to waive such certification requirement in the national security interest. Subtitle C: Navy Programs - Earmarks funds appropriated under this Act for the final Seawolf attack submarine and the first two submarines under the New Attack Submarine (NAS) program. Earmarks funds under the FY 1997 defense authorization Act for design, advance procurement, and research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) under the NAS program. Requires competition in the procurement of the Seawolf and the NAS. Prohibits certain actions in order to ensure that Electric Boat Division and Newport News Shipbuilding retain the technical competencies to construct the NAS. Limits the FY 1996-1999 expenditure of funds for the Seawolf and the NAS. Requires certain reports. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to repeal a prohibition on the backfitting of Trident submarines. (Sec. 123) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the initial and final increment funding for two Arleigh Burke class destroyers. (Sec. 124) Authorizes the Secretary to provide in the future-years defense program for split funding of construction of new naval vessels satisfying specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to contract for the construction of a new naval vessel upon appropriation of a first increment of funding for construction of the vessel. Subtitle D: Other Programs - Prohibits FY 1996 DOD RDT&E funds from being obligated or expended for the Tier II Predator unmanned aerial vehicle program. (Sec. 132) Allows the obligation of only one-sixth of the funding for the unmanned aerial vehicle joint program office before the Secretary of the Navy must certify to the House Armed Services and Senate National Security Committees (defense committees) that such systems have been equipped with the common automatic landing and recovery system. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the armed forces for RDT&E and for basic research and exploratory development. Subtitle B: Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations - Earmarks funds authorized under this title for specified phases of the AF117X long-range, medium attack aircraft. (Sec. 212) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to empower the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology with the responsibility for developing and testing naval mine countermeasures systems during FY 1997 through 1999. (Currently, the Director, Defense Research and Engineering has such responsibility during FY 1995 through 1999.) (Sec. 213) Allows the obligation of no more than 50 percent of the funds authorized under this title for the Tomahawk Baseline Improvement Program before the Secretary of the Navy must certify to the defense committees with respect to certain testing under the Program. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to structure the development schedule for the Space and Missile Tracking System so as to achieve a first launch of a System satellite in FY 2001, and to attain initial operational capability of a full constellation of such satellites in FY 2003. Requires the concurrence of the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization with respect to certain decisions made under the System. Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations. (Sec. 215) Directs the Secretary to perform an analysis of the full range of precision guided munitions in production and in RDT&E. Requires a report to the Congress on the Secretary's findings. Provides funding limitations until such report is received. (Sec. 216) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for: (1) Defense Nuclear Agency funding; (2) the tunnel characterization and neutralization program; and (3) the long-term radiation tolerant microelectronics program (with a required report). (Sec. 217) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for the Counterproliferation Support Program. Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer to the Program funds otherwise made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1996. Limits to $50 million the total authorized amount of such transfers. (Sec. 218) Directs the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology a Program Office for Nonlethal Systems and Technologies to conduct RDT&E of nonlethal weapons applicable to forces engaged in both traditional and nontraditional military operations. Provides funding. (Sec. 219) Authorizes the obligation of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to DOD for FY 1996 to procure work from a federally funded research and development center named in a report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Prohibits any funding for such procurement until the report is received. Earmarks funds authorized under this title for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the funding limitation as long as notice of, and the reasons for, such waiver are sent to the defense committees. Reduces by $90 million the total amount authorized under this title for RDT&E. (Sec. 220) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to revise the determination of States eligible for the awarding of grants under the Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. (Sec. 221) Repeals, with respect to the national defense technology and industrial base, defense reinvestment, and defense conversion programs: (1) certain definitions; (2) specified policy objectives; (3) the commercial-military integration partnerships program; (4) the regional technology alliances assistance program; (5) the Military-Civilian Integration and Technology Transfer Advisory Board; (6) the Navy Reinvestment Program; (7) the manufacturing extension programs; and (8) the defense dual-use assistance extension program. (Sec. 222) Directs the Secretary to: (1) use the manufacturing science and technology joint planning process of the directors of DOD laboratories in establishing the DOD manufacturing science and technology program; and (2) seek the participation of equipment manufacturers in the projects under such program. (Sec. 223) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to jointly submit to the Congress a report on DOD plans and programs to prepare for and respond to military and civil defense emergencies resulting from a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack on the United States. Subtitle C: Missile Defense - Missile Defense Act of 1995 - States the missile defense policy of the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish a top priority core theater missile defense (CTMD) program consisting of specified systems. Requires the Secretary to ensure that CTMD systems are interoperable and fully capable of external sensor and battle management support from defense systems of the various armed forces. Directs the Secretary to terminate the Corps Surface to Air Missile System and the Boost Phase Interceptor. Directs the Secretary to develop an affordable development plan for follow-on theater missile defense systems which: (1) leverages existing systems, technologies, and programs; and (2) focuses investments to satisfy military requirements not met by the CTMD program. Requires specified reports from the Secretary to the congressional defense (armed forces and appropriations) committees. (Sec. 235) Directs the Secretary to develop an affordable and operationally effective national missile defense (NMD) system which will attain initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines NMD system requirements. Requires the: (1) development of an interim operational capability until the NMD system is in place and operational; (2) use of streamlined acquisition procedures in meeting the development and operational capability requirements of the NMD system; (3) employment of cost saving measures which do not decrease the operational effectiveness of the system or pose unacceptable technical risks; and (4) submission of a report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on the plan for NMD deployment. (Sec. 236) Directs the Secretary to undertake an initiative to coordinate and strengthen the cruise missile defense programs, projects, and activities of the military departments and defense agencies and organizations to ensure the development and deployment of highly effective defenses against existing and future cruise missile threats. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) actions to be taken by the Secretary with respect to such initiative; and (2) submission by the Secretary to the congressional defense committees of a detailed implementation plan for carrying out the initiative. (Sec. 237) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Senate should undertake a comprehensive review of the continuing value and validity of the ABM Treaty, and recommend additional policy guidance on the future application of such Treaty; and (2) the President should cease all efforts to modify, clarify, or otherwise alter U.S. obligations under such Treaty pending the outcome of the review. Directs the Secretary to provide the Senate with a complete, unclassified version of the ABM Treaty negotiating record, authorizing the Secretary to waive the declassification requirements on a document-by-document basis. (Sec. 238) States that, until a missile or air defense system is flight-tested in an ABM-qualifying flight test, such system, upgrade, or component: (1) has not been tested in an ABM mode, for Treaty purposes; and (2) is therefore not subject to Treaty application, limitation, or obligation. Prohibits appropriated funds from being expended or obligated by any government official to apply such Treaty to RDT&E or deployment of such non-qualifying air or missile defense systems. Ceases the application of such prohibition when a system is flight tested in an ABM-qualifying manner. Requires the Secretary to annually certify to the Congress that no U.S. air or missile defense system is being constrained by the ABM Treaty in a manner inconsistent with this section. Finds that ballistic missile range and velocity parameters should be subject to the Senate's review under section 237. (Sec. 239) Requires amounts requested for activities of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization in annual budget justification materials submitted to the Congress to be set forth in accordance with specified program elements. Provides the origin of funding for non-core TMD, core TMD, and battle management, control, communications, and intelligence programs. Requires each program element to include requests for amounts necessary for management and support of the programs. (Sec. 241) Repeals various provisions of specified Acts made inconsistent by this Subtitle. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the armed forces and specified agencies and activities of DOD for operation and maintenance (O&M). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) DOD working capital and revolving funds; and (2) operation of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Transfers a specified amount from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund to O&M accounts for FY 1996. Subtitle B: Depot-Level Maintenance and Repair - Directs the Secretary to develop and report to the defense committees a comprehensive policy on the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair (DLMR) for DOD, with a primary objective of a ready and controlled source of technical competence and repair and maintenance capabilities necessary for national security across a full range of current and projected training and operational requirements. Repeals: (1) a current requirement that no more than 40 percent of the DOD DLMR be performed by non-Government personnel; and (2) a provision prohibiting the contracting out of DOD DLMR activities of at least $3 million without using competitive selection procedures. (Sec. 312) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend through FY 1996 the authority for aviation depots and naval shipyards to engage in defense-related production and services. Subtitle C: Environmental Provisions - Allows agreements for environmental restoration services performed by another Federal or State agency to provide for reimbursement to such agency only of the technical and scientific services obtained, with an FY 1996 reimbursement limitation of $5 million. Allows the Secretary to pay reimbursement expenses in excess of such amount after certifying to the Congress that such payment is essential for the management of the Defense Environmental Restoration Program, and 60 days have expired since such certification. Directs the Secretary to include in required annual reports the services obtained from such agencies on a reimbursable basis. (Sec. 322) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply its vessel discharge requirements to discharges incidental to the normal operations of a military vessel, other than sewage, unless the Secretary finds that compliance would not be in the best interests of national security. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to jointly determine the discharge incidental to the normal operation of a military vessel for which it is reasonable and practicable to require the use of a marine pollution control device in order to mitigate adverse impacts on the marine environment, and to promulgate Federal standards of performance for such devices with respect to the discharge. Provides time limits for initial determinations and final standards. Preempts a State or political jurisdiction from adopting or enforcing such standards for a military vessel after final Federal regulations are in effect, but allows a State to completely prohibit any discharge from a vessel into waters of the State when its water quality requires greater environmental protection than that afforded by the Federal standards. Requires the EPA Administrator to then take specified enforcement action with respect to such prohibition. Requires a State to specifically explain why a prohibition would apply only to military vessels and not other types. Limits the application of such regulations with respect to design, construction, manning, or equipment standards on foreign flagged vessels engaged in passage. Provides for interagency cooperation in the development of appropriate standards under the marine vessel discharge requirements of such Act. (Sec. 323) Revises Federal provisions concerning: (1) the establishment of restoration advisory boards; (2) funding for the administrative expenses of such boards; and (3) the provision of technical assistance grants for determining the nature of environmental hazards at a military installation to be closed under a base closure law and the restoration activities proposed or conducted there. Provides funding for such activities to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, with an FY 1996 limit of $4 million. Requires reports from technical review committees or restoration advisory boards formed for such purpose to be included in an annual DOD report on environmental restoration activities. Subtitle D: Civilian Employees - Provides the minimum FY 1996 and 1997 number of personnel to be employed as military reserve technicians. (Sec. 332) Exempts DOD from personnel ceilings for civilian personnel. (Sec. 333) Requires military reserve technicians to wear the uniform appropriate for the member's grade and component while performing technician duties. Provides a uniform or clothing allowance for such technicians. (Sec. 334) Extends through January 31, 1996, the temporary authority to pay evacuation pay to civilian DOD employees and their dependents and immediate family members evacuated from Guantanamo, Cuba, pursuant to an order issued by the Secretary. Requires a monthly report from the Secretary of the Navy regarding the employees being so paid. (Sec. 335) Authorizes the transfer of civilian employees between the DOD domestic dependent schools and the overseas defense dependents' education system. (Sec. 336) Revises the authority of the Secretary to appoint involuntarily separated military reserve technicians who have served for a specified minimum period to positions within DOD for which such individual is qualified. (Sec. 337) Includes employees voluntarily separated under reduction-in-force procedures among those eligible for continued health insurance coverage for a temporary period. (Sec. 338) Makes inapplicable to DOD: (1) the 120-day limitation on the detail of certain Federal employees; and (2) required biannual reports concerning progress made in meeting part-time career employment goals. (Sec. 340) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to release from employment those individuals who volunteer under a reduction in force. Terminates such authority at the end of FY 1996. (Sec. 341) Authorizes DOD to make lump-sum severance payments to its employees, requiring a refund of the pro rata share of such pay if such individual is reemployed. Terminates such authority as of the end of FY 1999. (Sec. 342) Adjusts the holiday observance day for DOD employees whose basic workweek is other than Monday through Friday. (Sec. 343) Includes DOD nonappropriated fund instrumentality employees within a Federal provision authorizing flexible and compressed work schedules. Subtitle E: Defense Financial Management - Prohibits funds authorized to be appropriated to DOD by this Act from being obligated for a capital lease for the establishment of a DOD financial management training center until 90 days after the Secretary submits to the defense committees a certification of the need for such a center as well as a report on financial management training for DOD personnel. (Sec. 352) Prohibits the Secretary during FY 1996 from establishing any center for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service not operating on the date of enactment of this Act unless the Secretary reports to the Congress a need for such new center and 30 days have elapsed since the receipt of such report. Requires the Secretary, before submitting such report, to reexamine the need for any new center. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army or Air Force to provide for participation of its National Guard in joint disaster and emergency assistance exercises. (Sec. 362) Prohibits funds authorized in this or any other Act from being obligated or expended for: (1) the Office of Civil-Military Programs within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; or (2) the Office of Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. (Sec. 363) Revises Federal provisions establishing the Civil-Military Cooperative Action Program to: (1) allow only the reserve components (currently, all of the armed forces) to participate in the Program; (2) revise the Program objectives; and (3) eliminate the establishment of Federal or regional advisory councils for the Program. Subtitle G: Operation of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Activities - Makes inapplicable to the Coast Guard a Federal provision limiting the authorized amount of funds to be retained in the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) account of an armed force. (Sec. 372) Authorizes the MWR retail facilities to sell items according to regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Prohibits certain sale restrictions from being included in such regulations. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees identifying each restriction in effect with respect to exchange stores and other revenue-generating facilities operated by nonappropriated fund activities of DOD for the MWR of its members. (Sec. 373) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal the requirement to convert naval ships' stores to nonappropriated fund instrumentalities. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Makes funds from the National Defense Sealift Fund available for expenses of the Ready Reserve component of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. (Sec. 382) Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from contracting for the construction of any additional sealift ship by a contractor unless such Secretary has submitted to the Congress, at least 60 days before entering into a contract, a certification: (1) with respect to the history of such contractor in meeting cost requirements under any former sealift construction contract; or (2) that such contractor is financially capable of constructing such additional sealift ship without financial assistance from the Government. (Sec. 383) Requires a specified conditional portion of the amount recovered by the government in a fiscal year for losses and expenses incurred by DOD as a result of contractor fraud at military installations to be credited to appropriations accounts of DOD on the basis of the losses actually suffered at each installation as a result of such fraud. Provides appropriate uses of such amounts by the military departments. (Sec. 384) Authorizes lost, abandoned, or unclaimed property found on a military installation to be sold (after reasonable efforts to find the property's owner) and the proceeds credited to the O&M account of such installation to be used to reimburse the installation for sale costs, and, if amounts still remain, to support MWR activities at the installation. Repeals a demonstration program concerning the use of such proceeds under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993. (Sec. 385) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to sell certain designated articles and items of clothing to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, under specified conditions. Directs such Secretary to sell subsistence supplies to members of other armed forces at prices charged to Navy and Marine Corps personnel (equivalent prices). Authorizes such Secretary to sell serviceable supplies other than subsistence supplies to members of other armed forces for the buyers' use in the service. Authorizes persons who have been honorably discharged from any military department and are receiving medical care through the Public Health Service or the Department of Veterans Affairs to buy subsistence supplies at equivalent prices. Authorizes such Secretary to sell to honorably discharged individuals exterior articles of uniform at equivalent prices. Authorizes such Secretary to sell ships' stores to appropriate civilian officers and employees of the United States at military installations: (1) outside the United States; and (2) inside the United States if it is impractical for such officers and employees to obtain such stores from commercial enterprises without impairing the efficient operation of military activities. Requires sales to civilian officers and employees inside the United States to be made only to those residing within military installations. (Sec. 386) Requires, on and after October 1, 1995, the Civilian Marksmanship Program to be operated as a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the United States within DOD for the benefit of military personnel and for the promotion of rifle practice and firearms safety among civilians. Requires the Program to be under the general supervision of the Advisory Committee for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, which replaces the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice. Outlines funding provisions for the Advisory Committee. Provides authorized Program activities, including the operation and maintenance of rifle ranges, firearms marksmanship instruction and safety, and firearms competitions. Authorizes the Program to issue arms, ammunition, targets, and related equipment and supplies to gun clubs providing training to various youth organizations. Authorizes the sale of such items to other gun clubs and citizens for Program purposes. Requires the Program Director, before conveying any weapon or ammunition to a person, to provide for a criminal records check of the person with appropriate Federal and State law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the Director to impose reasonable fees for persons and gun clubs participating in any Program activity. Directs the Secretary of the Army to reserve for the Program all remaining M-1 Garand rifles and related accessories still held by the Army. Outlines participation conditions for military personnel participating in rifle instruction and competitions. (Sec. 387) Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress describing the advantages and disadvantages of using contractor personnel, rather than civilian DOD employees, to perform DOD functions that are not essential to the military warfighting mission. (Sec. 388) Prohibits the Secretary of Education from considering any payment made to a local educational agency (LEA) by DOD that is available for current expenditures and used for capital expenses as funds available to the Department of Education for Federal impact aid purposes. Outlines conditions under which an LEA shall be eligible to receive additional assistance as a heavily impacted LEA (an LEA having a high proportion of Federally connected children in its schools). Revises provisions concerning the determination of the amount of such aid to LEAs, with a special rule in the case of a heavily impacted LEA. Revises generally provisions concerning the requirement of the use of current year data for providing appropriate assistance to heavily impacted LEAs. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 1996. Authorizes a temporary variation in the end strengths for active-duty Navy and Air Force officers in specified grades. (Sec. 403) Prohibits from being counted against officer personnel end strength limits an officer continuing to hold a general or admiral grade after serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the head of a military department. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 1996 for Selected Reserve personnel, authorizing the Secretary to vary such end strengths by up to two percent. Provides the end strengths for members of the reserve serving on active duty in support of the reserve. Increases the number of officers of certain grades authorized to serve on such duty. (Sec. 414) Excludes from inclusion in military personnel end strength limitations: (1) members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve on active duty for more than 180 days in support of cooperative threat reduction programs; and (2) members of the reserve on active duty for 180 days or more for military-to-military contacts and other similar activities. Subtitle C: Military Training Student Loads - Sets forth the authorized FY 1996 military training student loads, allowing for certain adjustments consistent with authorized end strengths. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY 1996 for military personnel. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Reduces from 1,000 to 500 the number of officers to be designated by the Secretary for critical joint duty assignment positions. Authorizes the Secretary to credit an officer for additional joint duty for service in an assignment any portion of which was performed on or after the date of enactment of this Act and which provided significant experience in joint matters, as long as the officer is recommended for such credit by the head of his or her military department. Grants such credit on a case-by-case basis, requiring the Secretary to prescribe uniform criteria for such credit. Requires information on officers receiving such credit to be included by the Secretary in a required annual report. Exempts general and flag officers from a provision limiting the number of officers receiving such credit in a fiscal year to ten percent of the total number of officers in that pay grade selected for the joint specialty in that fiscal year. Considers an officer to have completed a full tour of joint duty upon completion of a second joint duty assignment that is less than the period required for a first joint duty assignment, but not less than two years, whether or not a minimum joint tour duty length waiver was granted for such officer. (Sec. 502) Reduces from six to five years the minimum service obligation for graduates of the various military service academies. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review the effects that such service periods will have on the number and quality of eligible applicants seeking appointment; and (2) report findings and recommendations to the defense committees. (Sec. 503) Requires any officer appointed Surgeon General of an armed force to be educationally and professionally qualified to furnish health care to other persons, including doctors of medicine, dentistry, and osteopathy, nurses, and clinical psychologists. (Sec. 504) Requires an officer appointed as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Air Force: (1) to be appointed for a four-year tenure (currently two); and (2) who holds a lower regular grade to be appointed in the regular grade of major general. (Sec. 505) Includes all officers above the major or lieutenant commander grades (currently, above such grades but below lieutenant general or vice admiral) within current eligibility requirements for voluntary retirement. Allows certain general and flag officers to be retired in the highest grade held by such officer only after the Secretary certifies to the President and the Senate that such officer served satisfactorily on active duty in that grade. (Sec. 506) Extends through FY 1996 certain reserve officer management authorities. (Sec. 507) Prohibits an officer from being frocked (authorized to wear the insignia of a higher grade before being promoted to such grade) unless: (1) the Senate has confirmed such officer's nomination for promotion to such grade; and (2) the officer is serving in, or has been ordered to, a position for which that grade is authorized. Prohibits pay, seniority, and time in service benefits from being accrued by frocked officers. Limits the total number of frocked officers in specified grades on the active-duty list. Authorizes a variation for FY 1996 and 1997 in the number of such officers. (Sec. 508) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to retire any Director of Admissions of the United States Military Academy who has more than 30 years of service as a commissioned officer. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Establishes the Department of Defense Ready Reserve Income Insurance Program, administered by the Secretary, to insure Ready Reserve members against the risk of being ordered into covered service. Provides 30 days' automatic enrollment in the Program, with an exception, upon first becoming a member. Requires a member to enroll within such period. Provides as the basic benefit of such insurance $1,000 per month during the period of covered service, allowing a member to elect to reduce or enhance such benefit in specified increments. Defines "covered service" as active duty for more than 30 days in support of involuntary operational missions or during a period of war or national emergency. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the premium rates for such insurance, to be deducted and withheld from the member's basic pay. Authorizes the Secretary to advance to an insured member the amount equal to the first insurance premium payment due. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Ready Reserve Income Insurance Fund, into which shall be deposited the collected premiums, any amounts appropriated to the Fund, and investment returns. Requires: (1) investing of Fund assets by the Secretary; and (2) a required annual accounting of the Fund. Requires the DOD Education Benefits Board of Actuaries to have actuarial responsibility for the Program. Requires the Board to carry out periodic actuarial valuation of benefits, determine appropriate premium rate methodology, and recommend to the Secretary a premium rate schedule in the event of actuarial gains or losses to the Fund due to changes in actuarial assumptions. Directs the Secretary to request the President to request from the Congress a special appropriation in the event of insufficient Fund assets. Provides for the payment of benefits to designated recipients. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase insurance from eligible insurers in order to provide the benefits required under the Program, allowing the Secretary to terminate such insurance policy at any time. Requires termination of insurance coverage for a member for the nonpayment of premiums, as well as insurance forfeiture upon conviction of certain crimes against the country or refusal to perform service or wear the uniform. (Sec. 512) Includes dentists in critical specialties (currently, only physicians) within a program providing financial assistance for health care professionals in the reserve components. (Sec. 513) Allows reserve personnel performing public safety duty to charge such period of absence to accrued annual leave or compensatory time available. Subtitle C: Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide that if evidence adduced during a military investigation indicates that an accused committed an uncharged offense, then the investigating officer may investigate such additional matter without the accused having first been charged with that offense. (Sec. 524) Requires the imposition of a fine, imprisonment, or both, for an individual who refuses to testify before a court-martial. (Sec. 525) Requires individuals found to be incompetent to stand trial under the UCMJ to be committed to the custody of the Attorney General for hospitalization, examination, and treatment. Provides, depending on hospitalization and examination results, for either continued hospitalization of such individual or release to the convening authority of the court-martial. Requires a person found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility to be committed to a suitable facility until the person is eligible for release after examination and an appropriate hearing. (Sec. 526) Requires any forfeiture of pay or allowances or reduction in grade included in a court-martial sentence to take effect on the earlier of: (1) 20 days after the sentence is adjudged; or (2) the date on which the sentence is approved by the convening authority (current law). Authorizes the convening authority to defer such forfeitures or reduction until the date on which the sentence is approved. Requires court-martial sentences that include confinement for one year or more, death, dishonorable discharge, or dismissal to result in the forfeiture of all pay and allowances due to such member during the confinement or parole. Authorizes the waiver of such forfeitures for up to six months in the case of dependents of such individual. Requires the repayment of all such pay and allowances if the sentence is set aside or disapproved. Revises provisions concerning the deferment of a sentence of confinement in the case of an individual in the custody of a State or foreign country. (Sec. 528) Requires all matters submitted to the convening authority for consideration after a trial by court-martial to be in writing. (Sec. 529) Authorizes a proceeding in revision to correct clerical mistakes in a judgment, order, or other part of the record or any error arising from oversight or omission. (Sec. 530) Provides for appeal by the United States from certain orders or rulings made by a military judge in a court-martial in which a punitive discharge may be adjudged. (Sec. 531) Includes flight from arrest as a punishable action under the UCMJ. (Sec. 532) Removes a gender reference with respect to the UCMJ offense of carnal knowledge with a person under 16 years of age. Provides that, in such a prosecution, it is a defense that the other person was at least 12 years of age and the accused reasonably believed such person to be at least 16. (Sec. 533) Requires newly enlisted personnel to be instructed in the UCMJ within 14 (currently six) days after entrance into active or reserve duty. (Sec. 535) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to repeal the September 30, 1995, delimiting date on the authority of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to appoint Federal or district court judges to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. (Sec. 536) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to jointly establish an advisory panel to review and make recommendations on jurisdiction over civilians accompanying military personnel in time of armed conflict. Requires reports. Subtitle D: Decorations and Awards - Authorizes the President to award the Purple Heart to certain persons who were taken prisoner or held captive while serving in the U.S. armed forces before April 25, 1962, and were wounded while being taken prisoner or held captive. Excepts from such awards persons convicted of rendering assistance to the enemy. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the Secretary or the Secretary of a military department to award a decoration to any person for an act, achievement, or service performed while serving on active duty during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of each military department to review all recommendations received for such decorations, and to report findings concerning such review and awards to the defense committees. (Sec. 543) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretaries of the military departments should review the service records of military personnel who performed military intelligence duties between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1990, in order to determine whether, by reason of mission secrecy, any such personnel were not properly considered for decorations and awards, and if so, to so consider such personnel for such awards. Exempts such consideration from certain time limitation provisions. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to establish within his Office an office responsible for the policy, control, and oversight of the entire process for the investigation and recovery of missing persons, as well as the coordination of DOD efforts on such matters with other Federal departments and agencies. Requires search and rescue responsibilities to be established by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Requires the establishment of uniform procedures for the: (1) determination of the status of such persons; and (2) collection, analysis, review, dissemination, and periodic update of related information. Requires the commander of the unit or facility where a person was assigned to make an initial report to the Secretary after receiving information that the whereabouts of a person are uncertain and that the absence may be involuntary. Requires the Secretary to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the whereabouts of a missing person. Directs the board to make a recommendation to the Secretary as to the whereabouts or status of such persons. Prohibits such board from declaring a person dead unless the evidence before it establishes conclusive proof of such person's death. Requires board proceedings to be closed to the public (including the next of kin). Directs the Secretary, after receiving a board recommendation, to determine whether such person shall continue to have a missing status, be declared to have deserted or be absent without leave, or be declared dead. Requires a report to family members and other interested persons. Requires the appointment of an additional board if further information becomes available. Allows the next of kin and other family members to attend inquiries held by the subsequent board. Requires a recommendation by the subsequent board, as well as a report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to review such report (together with any objections to board findings filed by family members and other interested persons attending the subsequent board inquiry), and to take appropriate action with respect to a person's status, including notification to family members and other interested persons. Requires, with specified exceptions concerning classified or privileged information or privacy, the Secretary having jurisdiction over a missing person to ensure that the person's personnel file contains all available information relating to the person's disappearance, whereabouts, or status. Prohibits any board from declaring a person dead unless: (1) credible evidence exists; (2) the United States possesses no credible evidence to suggest that such person is alive; and (3) representatives of the United States have made a complete search of the area where the person was last seen and have examined the records of the government or entity having control over such area. Provides additional information to be included in a report when a person is declared dead. Allows military pay for the full time of absence for any person in a missing or dead status under the Missing Persons Act of 1942 who is found alive and is returned to the control of the United States. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment or appointment of a person into the armed forces, to require such person to specify the individual to receive information as to the member's whereabouts or status if necessary. Directs the Secretary of State to carry out a comprehensive study of the Missing Persons Act of 1942 and related laws and regulations with respect to accounting for civilian employees or contractors of the United States who serve with or accompany military personnel in the field to determine the means, if any, by which such procedures may be improved. Directs such Secretary to report study results, together with appropriate recommendations for change, to the defense committees. (Sec. 552) Amends the UCMJ to state that the period during which an officer deserts, is absent from duty, is confined by military or civilian authority for more than one day for a trial, or is unable for more than one day to perform his or her duties shall not be counted in computing such officer's length of military service. Provides that the time required to be made up by either an enlisted member or an officer due to such reasons may not be counted in computing years of service. (Sec. 553) Provides for separation from service in cases involving persons sentenced to confinement for one year or more. (Sec. 554) Removes the six-month limit on the duration of field training or practice cruise required under the Senior ROTC Program. (Sec. 555) Authorizes the Secretary of each military department to: (1) review the military record compilation process for potential improvements in the correction of such records; and (2) report study findings and recommendations to the Secretary, who in turn shall transmit such reports to the defense committees. (Sec. 556) Prohibits the Secretary from reducing below a specified amount for FY 1996 and thereafter the total number of DOD medical personnel unless he certifies to the Congress that: (1) the number being reduced is excess to current and projected needs; and (2) such reduction will not result in an increase in the cost of health care services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires the Assistant Secretary of Defense responsible for health affairs to submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the reduction in the number of such personnel over a five-year period beginning on October 1, 1996. (Sec. 557) Repeals, with respect to the military service academies, the requirement that the: (1) position of athletic director shall be a position in the civil service; and (2) Superintendent of such academy shall administer a nonappropriated fund account for the athletics program at such academy. (Sec. 558) Prohibits any funds available to DOD from being obligated to carry out a test program for determining the cost effectiveness of transferring to the private sector the operations of one or more military academy preparatory schools. (Sec. 559) Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to jointly establish an advisory panel on centralized review of DOD administrative personnel actions. Requires a report from the panel to the Secretary and the Attorney General, to be transmitted, together with comments, to the Congress. Terminates the panel 30 days after submission of its report. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 1996 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases the rates of basic pay and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) by 2.4 percent and the basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) by 5.2 percent, on January 1, 1996. (Sec. 602) Authorizes a member without dependents who is in pay grade E-6 and who is assigned to U.S. quarters that do not meet minimum adequacy standards established by DOD for such pay grade to elect not to occupy such quarters and instead receive the BAQ prescribed for his or her pay grade. (Sec. 603) Authorizes as of July 1, 1996, the payment of a BAQ for enlisted personnel in the pay grade of E-6. (Sec. 604) Prohibits the reduction of the minimum monthly variable housing allowance (VHA) for members living in high cost areas as long as such member maintains uninterrupted eligibility to receive the VHA within that area and his or her certified housing costs are not reduced. Increases the total amount available for the VHA to cover additional payments permitted under this section. Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the Congress. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Extends through FY 1997: (1) certain enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for the reserves; (2) the nurse officer candidate accession program; (3) the accession bonus for registered nurses; (4) incentive special pay for nurse anesthetists; (5) the authority relating to the payment of other bonuses and special pay for active duty officer and enlisted personnel; and (6) the authority of the Secretary concerned to repay education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve of a military department. (Sec. 614) Provides to both warrant officers (current law) and enlisted members of specified grades hazardous duty incentive pay for service as air weapons controllers. (Sec. 615) Reduces from nine to eight of the first 12 years of aviation service the period during which an officer must perform operational flying duties in order to receive aviation career incentive pay. (Sec. 617) Provides continuous entitlement to career sea pay for crew members of a ship designated as a tender-class ship. (Sec. 618) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, effective as of January 1, 1996, to increase to a maximum of $375 monthly the rate of special duty assignment pay for enlisted personnel serving as military recruiters. Subtitle C: Travel and Transportation Allowances - Repeals a requirement that DOD travel allowances must be based on distances established over the shortest normally traveled route, and under mileage tables prepared under the direction of the Secretary. (Sec. 622) Provides a departure allowance when dependents of military personnel are authorized (currently, only when ordered) by competent authority to depart from an area. (Sec. 623) Provides a dislocation allowance for those directed to move as a result of a base closure or realignment. (Sec. 624) Includes students who cease to be enrolled in a foreign institution of higher education within a provision authorizing the Secretary concerned to return to the United States formerly dependent children of military personnel who attain a nondependent age while overseas. Subtitle D: Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities - Authorizes certain members of the Ready Reserve to use DOD commissary stores for a period of one year on the same basis as members on active duty. (Currently, such members are permitted such use for 12 days of any calendar year during which the members are eligible.) (Sec. 632) Authorizes full commissary use (currently limited to 12 days a year) for members of the Retired Reserve (and their survivors) who are under 60 years of age and would be eligible for retired pay except that they are under such age. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the use of MWR facilities on the same basis as members on active duty for: (1) members of the Selected Reserve in good standing; (2) members of the Ready Reserve other than members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) members of the reserve under age 60 who would be eligible for retired pay except that they are under such age. Allows such use for the dependents of (1) and (3), above. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Makes first payable in March (currently, September) of the following year cost-of-living increases for military retired pay that become effective in 1994 or 1995 (currently, 1994 through 1997). (Sec. 642) Makes ineligible for retired pay a person who is convicted of an offense under the UCMJ and whose executed sentence includes death, a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, or dismissal (in the case of an officer). (Sec. 643) Allows to be deducted from the pay of: (1) a Federal employee the administrative costs of executing legal process in a garnishment action; and (2) members of the armed forces the administrative costs of establishing and maintaining an involuntary allotment from military pay. Provides for the disposition of amounts withheld for such administrative costs. (Sec. 644) Increases from $100,000 to $200,000 the maximum amount of life insurance coverage under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Repeals a provision authorizing a member to increase such coverage amounts in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $200,000. (Sec. 645) Terminates SGLI coverage for members of the Ready Reserve who fail to pay the required premiums 120 days after the Secretary concerned transmits to such member a termination notification. (Sec. 646) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the possible extension to junior noncommissioned officers (pay grades E-5 and 6) the same privileges provided for senior noncommissioned officers (those above E-6), including the privileges to mess (eat) separately and to receive a BAS. (Sec. 647) Authorizes the payment to survivors of deceased military personnel of all leave accrued but unused. (Sec. 648) 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 the date of death; and (2) was a member of a reserve component during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on October 1, 1978, and at the time of death would have been eligible for retired or retainer pay except that the person was under 60 years of age. Defines a qualified spouse as one who has not remarried and is not eligible for an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides an annuity amount of $165 monthly, adjusted periodically with cost-of-living increases. (Sec. 649) Provides transitional compensation for dependents of all members (currently, active-duty personnel) separated from service for dependent abuse. Title VII: Health Care - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Authorizes the provision of authorized medical care and services under CHAMPUS for surviving dependents of Retired Reserve personnel who die before age 60. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a dental insurance plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. Requires within such plan voluntary enrollment and premium sharing between DOD and the members enrolled, with a member premium limit of $25 monthly. Outlines provisions concerning plan benefits and termination. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 703) Provides under CHAMPUS: (1) for military dependents under six years old, health promotion and disease prevention visits, as well as immunizations; and (2) for those six years old or older, health promotion and disease prevention visits in connection with immunizations or with diagnostic or preventive pap smears and mammograms. (Sec. 704) Makes permanent (currently ends September 30, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to carry out a specialized treatment facility program. (Sec. 705) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make special provisions for the enrollment under Medicare Part B of retired military personnel (and their dependents) who are eligible as covered beneficiaries for CHAMPUS medical and dental care and who are adversely affected by the closure of a military medical treatment facility of DOD pursuant to the closure or realignment of a military installation. Waives the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty for such individuals. Subtitle B: TRICARE Program - Requires a military medical facility to provide to the covered beneficiaries enrolled in a health care plan of such facility the same health care benefits as are available to covered beneficiaries in that catchment area under the DOD managed health care program (TRICARE Program). Provides transitional provisions. (Sec. 713) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should take steps to ensure that covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicare and reside in a TRICARE region have adequate access to health care services after the implementation of the TRICARE Program in that region. (Sec. 714) Directs the Secretary during FY 1996 to carry out a pilot program, in a region in which the TRICARE Program has been implemented, for the provision of wraparound services (individualized mental health services provided in return for payment on a case-by-case basis) to covered beneficiaries who are children in need of such services. Requires a pilot program: (1) agreement, with specified requirements, between the Secretary and a mental health services provider; and (2) report from the Secretary to the defense committees. Subtitle C: Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1984, to extend through September 30, 1997, the authority of specified Secretaries to terminate the status of certain medical facilities as uniformed services treatment facilities (USTFs). (Sec. 722) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to subject USTFs and any participation agreement between USTFs and the Secretary to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). (Sec. 723) Makes a USTF responsible for paying charges imposed by a private facility or health care provider for providing care outside the catchment area of the USTF to a member of the armed forces enrolled in a USTF health care plan. Directs the Secretary to require a CHAMPUS health care provider to provide such care in accordance with the same payment rules. Subtitle D: Other Changes to Existing Laws Regarding Health Care Management - Makes available for two fiscal years three percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated for a fiscal year for programs and activities carried out under CHAMPUS. (Sec. 732) Provides the maximum allowable payment to individual health care providers under CHAMPUS, with an exception when necessary to ensure that covered beneficiaries retain adequate access to health care services. Provides transition provisions. (Sec. 733) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (currently, only the Secretary of Defense) to enter into personal services contracts to carry out health care responsibilities with respect to medical treatment facilities of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. Ratifies any such contract entered into before the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 734) Amends title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act to authorize the use of information contained in the Medicare and Medicaid Data Bank to assist in the identification of, and collection from, third parties responsible for the reimbursement of costs incurred by the United States for health care services furnished to CHAMPUS beneficiaries. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to establish at the University a program of research on the furnishing of care and services by nurses in the armed forces, to be known as the TriService Nursing Research Program. Requires Program administration by a TriService Nursing Research Group composed of military nurses who are involved in military nursing research and designated by the Secretary concerned. Provides research topics. (Sec. 742) Establishes a Fisher House Trust Fund in both the Army and the Air Force, funds of which are to be used for the operation of Fisher houses, which are housing facilities located in proximity to military medical treatment facilities and available for residential use on a temporary basis by patients at such facilities, as well as their family members or others providing the equivalent of familial support for such patients. Requires expenditures from such trust funds to be made only under annual appropriations and only if specifically authorized by law. (Sec. 743) Includes the Coast Guard within a Federal provision limiting the prices that may be charged to certain Federal departments and agencies by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals when purchased for use in medical facilities of such departments and agencies. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: Acquisition Reform - Requires funds appropriated for any fiscal year after 1995 that are administratively reserved or committed for satellite on-orbit incentive fees to remain available for obligation until the fee is earned, but only if and to the extent that applicable Federal law is complied with in the reservation and commitment of funds for such purpose. (Sec. 802) Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require an executive agency to publish for at least ten days in advance a notification of the intent to solicit bids or proposals for a contract for property or services for a price expected to exceed $10,000, but not to exceed $25,000. (Current law has no price limits on such required notification.) (Sec. 803) Amends the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to require the head of a Federal agency to make management decisions on all findings and recommendations set forth in an audit report of the inspector general of such agency within a maximum of six months after the issuance of the report, and to make such decisions on findings and recommendations of an audit report from outside the Federal Government within six months after the date on which the head of the agency receives the report. Requires completed actions with respect to an inspector general's findings and recommendations within 12 months after the date of the inspector general's report. (Sec. 804) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to direct the Secretary to establish a test program under which contracting activities in the military departments and defense agencies are authorized to undertake one or more demonstration projects to determine whether the negotiation and administration of comprehensive subcontracting plans will reduce administrative burdens on contractors while enhancing opportunities provided under DOD contracts for small businesses as well as small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires a broad range of the supplies and services acquired by DOD to be included in the test program. Includes as covered contractors under the test program those which furnished DOD with supplies or services pursuant to at least three contracts having an aggregate value of at least $5 million. (Sec. 805) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to contract or otherwise provide for necessary salvage facilities for public and private vessels if: (1) available commercial salvage facilities are inadequate to meet the Navy's requirements; and (2) such Secretary provides public notice of the intent to enter into such contracts. Authorizes such Secretary to acquire or transfer such vessels and equipment for operation by private salvage companies as necessary. Provides for: (1) the settlement of salvage claims; and (2) the disposition of receipts. (Sec. 806) Repeals a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary of a military department to delegate certain contracting authority. (Sec. 807) Requires any defense research paper issued or technological assessment made by a defense research facility with respect to a major weapon system to be made part of the record for the purpose of making acquisition program (currently, milestone 0, I, and II) decisions. (Sec. 808) Applies defense procurement requirements to the purchase of supplies used for experimental or test purposes only when such purchases are made in quantity. (Sec. 809) Repeals a provision requiring certain quality control in the procurement of critical aircraft and ship spare parts. (Sec. 810) Authorizes funds appropriated to a military department to be used for the acquisition of design and process data. (Sec. 811) Revises provisions concerning the content of regulations required for independent cost estimates with respect to various phases of major defense acquisition programs. (Sec. 812) Allows the United States to recoup indirect (currently, only direct) fees associated with the use of DOD laboratories and other facilities for the testing of materials and equipment. (Sec. 813) Subjects to the Walsh-Healey Act each contract for the construction, alteration, furnishing, or equipping of a naval vessel, unless the President determines that such requirement is not in the interest of national defense. (Sec. 814) Requires any contractor agreeing to allow the inclusion or incorporation of defense features on aircraft owned by such contractor for possible use with the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to operate such aircraft for DOD as needed during any activation of the Fleet (currently, only permitted during activation of the full Fleet). Subtitle B: Other Matters - Earmarks specified O&M funds authorized under this Act for DOD procurement technical assistance programs, further earmarking such funds for technical assistance in certain distressed areas. (Sec. 822) Considers a DOD cable television franchise agreement as a contract for telecommunications services for purposes of part 49 of the FAR. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Redesignates the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy as the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, with appropriate responsibilities. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer authorizations made available to DOD in this Division for FY 1996 between any such authorizations for such fiscal year. Limits to $2 billion the total authorized transfers. Directs the Secretary to promptly notify the Congress of each such transfer. (Sec. 1002) Removes a requirement prohibiting the Secretary from designating DOD personnel as disbursing officials for departmental pay and expenses of the District of Columbia. Revises disbursing authority with respect to DOD and its individual military departments. Authorizes military personnel under the Secretary's jurisdiction to certify vouchers when authorized, in writing, by the Secretary. (Sec. 1003) Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Modernization Account. Provides for credits to the Account. Requires Account funds to be used for: (1) increasing the quantity of items and services procured under a procurement program in order to achieve a more efficient production or delivery rate; and (2) RDT&E and procurement necessary for modernization of an existing system or a system being procured under an ongoing procurement program. Provides Account use limitations. Limits to $500 million the funds that may be transferred from the Account in any fiscal year for such procurement modernization purposes, requiring the Secretary to notify the congressional defense committees prior to any such transfers. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to such committees concerning Account credits, transfers, and expenditures. Makes such provision inapplicable to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy. (Sec. 1004) Adjusts the amounts authorized for appropriation in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 by the increases and decreases in title I of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995. (Sec. 1005) Limits to $500,000 the funds authorized to be obligated or expended by the Secretary for emergency and extraordinary expenses until the Secretary has notified the congressional defense committees of the intent to obligate such funds and, in the case of an obligation or expenditure in excess of: (1) $1 million, 15 days have elapsed since the notification; or (2) $500,000, but no more than $1 million, 5 days have elapsed since such notification. Removes the time requirements of (1) and (2), above, when the Secretary determines that the national security objectives will be compromised by such delay. Requires the Secretary to notify such committees when such waiver authority is exercised. (Sec. 1006) Authorizes the Secretary, beginning after FY 1994, to transfer funds to military appropriations for a fiscal year out of funds available to DOD from the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Defense, appropriation. Authorizes the Secretary, after FY 1993, to transfer to such appropriations unobligated amounts of funds appropriated for O&M and military personnel. Provides transfer limits. (Sec. 1007) Directs the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense committees a special report on funding for the reserve components. Subtitle B: Naval Vessels - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to list and maintain on the Naval Vessel Register at least two of the Iowa class battleships that were stricken from the Register in February, 1993. Requires selection of such battleships that are in the best material condition. Requires such Secretary to retain logistical support to maintain the battleships. Terminates this provision when such Secretary notifies the defense committees that the Navy has an operational fire support capability that equals or exceeds that of the Iowa class battleships. (Sec. 1012) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer on either a grant or lease basis specified naval frigates to the governments of Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Waives specified congressional notification requirements with respect to such transfers. Terminates such transfer authority two years after the enactment of this Act, except that a lease entered into during such period may be renewed. Subtitle C: Counter-Drug Activities - Revises generally provisions concerning the authority for Federal support of State drug interdiction and counter-drug activities of the National Guard. Repeals a provision excluding National Guard personnel performing such activities from annual reserve duty end strength limitations. Allows National Guard personnel to be ordered to perform full-time National Guard duty in support of such activities. Authorizes the governor of a State to request such personnel to perform such duty. Requires the Attorney General of a State to certify that the use of such personnel for such purposes is authorized by, and consistent with, State law, and that it serves an appropriate State law enforcement purpose. Limits to 4000 the number of National Guard personnel performing such activities for a State for a period of more than 180 days. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such limits by not more than 20 percent for any fiscal year if determined necessary for national security purposes. (Sec. 1022) Prohibits, with an exception, the use of funds made available to DOD for obligations or expenses of the National Drug Intelligence Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to either: (1) procure nonintrusive inspection systems and transfer such systems to the U.S. Customs Service; or (2) transfer funds to the Secretary of the Treasury for such procurement. Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for such purpose. Subtitle D: Department of Defense Education Programs - Reaffirms the congressional commitment towards the continuation of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Prohibits, during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1995, the personnel staffing levels for the University from being reduced below such levels as of October 1, 1993. (Sec. 1032) Authorizes the Board of Regents at the University to establish a graduate school of nursing and other programs determined necessary in order to operate the University cost-effectively. (Sec. 1033) Earmarks funds authorized under this Act to fund basic adult education programs for military personnel (and their dependents) serving outside the United States. (Sec. 1034) Limits to enlisted members of the Air Force (currently, enlisted members of the armed forces) the scope of educational programs offered at the Community College of the Air Force. (Sec. 1035) Changes from December 15 to March 1 annually the due date of a reporting requirement of the Secretary with respect to the operation of the DOD educational assistance program. Subtitle E: Cooperative Threat Reduction With States of the Former Soviet Union - Prohibits the obligation of cooperative threat reduction (CTR) program funds to assist nuclear weapons scientists in States of the former Soviet Union until 30 days after the Secretary certifies to the Congress that such funds will not be used to contribute to the modernization of the strategic nuclear forces of such States or for R&D or production of weapons of mass destruction. (Sec. 1043) Withholds $50 million of the funds for CTR programs until the President certifies to the Congress that Russia is in compliance with its obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention. Subtitle F: Matters Relating to Other Nations - Authorizes NATO organizations to participate in cooperative R&D projects under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 1052) Expresses the sense of the Congress recognizing the importance to the United States of effective export controls on dual-use (military and commercial) items and technologies that are critical to the military capabilities of U.S. armed forces. Calls for the Government to identify such critical items and technologies and exercise effective export control over them. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the effect of such export control policy on U.S. national security interests. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review each application submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for a license for the export of a class 2, 3, or 4 biological pathogen to a country known or suspected to have an offensive biological weapons program in order to determine if such an export would be contrary to U.S. national security interests; (2) inform such Secretary of the countries suspected of having such a program; (3) notify such Secretary if the export of a biological pathogen would be contrary to U.S. interests; and (4) have such Secretary deny the application. (Sec. 1053) Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which he may issue guarantees assuring a lender against losses of principal or interest, or both, arising out of the financing of the sale or long-term lease of defense articles or services, or design and construction services, to: (1) NATO countries; (2) countries designated as of March 31, 1995, as major non-NATO allies; (3) a country in Central Europe which has or is changing its form of government to a democracy; and (4) a noncommunist country that was a member nation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation as of October 31, 1993. Provides for loan limitations, fees, and payment terms. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the loan guarantee program. (Sec. 1054) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 with regard to its landmine clearing assistance program to prohibit FY 1996 funds from being used for military personnel involvement in such activities until 30 days after the Secretary certifies to the Congress that such involvement satisfies military training requirements for such personnel. Terminates the authority to provide such assistance as of the end of FY 1996. Provides FY 1996 funding for such program. (Sec. 1055) States that it shall be the policy of the United States that: (1) the President should ensure that any conventional defense system or technology offered by the United States for sale to NATO nations or major non-NATO allies is concurrently made available to Israel unless the President determines that such would not be in the national security interests; and (2) the President should make available to Israel advanced U.S. technology necessary for achieving continued progress in cooperative U.S.-Israel R&D of theater missile defenses. (Sec. 1056) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should take appropriate action to improve the services available to the Navy at the Port of Haifa, Israel, and ensure that increasing commercial activities there does not adversely affect the availability of required services to the Navy there. (Sec. 1057) Prohibits DOD funds from being obligated or expended to provide financial assistance to any country determined to support international terrorism either directly or in granting sanctuary from prosecution to individuals or groups which engage in such activities. Authorizes a waiver by the President for national security purposes, requiring notification to specified congressional committees when exercising such waiver. (Sec. 1058) Expresses the sense of the Congress supporting international military education and training and other forms of cooperation between U.S. armed forces and the armed forces of countries which are allies with or friendly to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the recommendation of a commander of a combatant command or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to pay a portion of the costs of providing international military education and training to military and civilian personnel of foreign countries who perform national defense functions. Provides FY 1996 funding for such activities. (Sec. 1059) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to repeal a limitation with respect to the purchase or construction of American diplomatic facilities in Germany. (Sec. 1060) Earmarks specified funds authorized under this Act for implementing arms control agreements to which the United States is a party, with a limitation. (Sec. 1061) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should consult with the Congress regarding any UN peace operations that could involve U.S. combat forces, and should do so before a UN vote on such action is taken; (2) such forces should participate only when it is clearly in the national security interest to do so; (3) in such situations, U.S. combat forces should be under the operational control of qualified commanders; and (4) none of such forces should be under operational control of foreign nationals except in the most extraordinary circumstances. Subtitle G: Repeal of Certain Reporting Requirements - Repeals miscellaneous reporting requirements under Federal armed forces and military pay provisions, provisions of defense authorization and appropriation Acts, national security laws, and other related laws and Acts. Excuses DOD from certain reporting requirements of the Joint Committee on Printing regarding printing-related matters. Subtitle H: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary to turn off the selective availability feature of the global positioning system by May 1, 1996, unless he submits to the defense committees a specified plan with respect to the development and acquisition of capabilities to deny hostile military forces the ability to interfere with or disrupt the system. (Sec. 1082) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, unless and until the START II Treaty enters into force, the Secretary should not take any action to dismantle or retire specified nuclear delivery systems. Prohibits FY 1996 DOD funds from being used for such purpose. (Sec. 1083) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend through FY 1997 the National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities pilot program. (Sec. 1084) Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees on the status of current and possible continued support of boards and commissions operating within or for DOD. (Sec. 1085) Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986, to revise the purposes for the provision of Army support for the National Science Center for Communications and Electronics. Authorizes the Secretary to manage, operate, and maintain facilities at the Center in order to conduct educational outreach programs. Authorizes fundraising activities for the management and operation of the Center and the support of its activities. Directs the Secretary to prescribe criteria for determining whether to accept a donation for such Center. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with NSC Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization, to develop, manage, and maintain a national science center under this section. (Sec. 1086) Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or terminate an action for collection of a claim against the estate of a person who died while serving on active duty in the armed forces if circumstances make it appropriate to do so. (Sec. 1087) Increases to up to $100,000 (currently, $40,000) the maximum limit for a claim by a member of the armed forces for damage to property during a relocation when such claim arose from an emergency evacuation or from extraordinary circumstances which occurred on or after June 1, 1991. (Sec. 1088) Authorizes, with limitations, dependents of Government employees to utilize check cashing and other exchange transactions through Government disbursing officials. Requires a pay offset from the dependent's sponsor for any deficiencies resulting from a dependent's transactions, including charges for insufficient funds. (Sec. 1089) Entitles veterans with total disability ratings to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired military personnel. (Sec. 1090) Authorizes the Secretary to transport to Hawaii for medical care children under 18 years old who reside in the Pacific Rim region, are crippled and in need of medical care due to such condition, will be admitted to a medical facility in Honolulu which specializes in providing such care, and are unable to afford the cost of such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to transport one adult attendant accompanying such child. (Sec. 1091) Expresses the sense of the Senate that educational institutions should not have a policy of denying the Secretary from obtaining for military recruiting purposes: (1) entry to any campus or access to students equal to that of other employers; or (2) access to directory information pertaining to such students. Encourages the Secretary to prescribe regulations for determining if and when such an institution has denied such student access. (Sec. 1092) Requires advance medical directives executed by military personnel eligible for legal assistance to be exempt from legal requirements of State law and given the same legal effect as a directive executed in accordance with State law. Provides that such directives shall not be enforceable in a State that does not otherwise recognize and enforce such directives. (Sec. 1093) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to report to specified congressional committees within 30 days after the enactment of this Act on military manpower requirements necessary to implement export controls on certain weapons transfers. (Sec. 1094) Includes the period between July 1, 1958, and August 4, 1964, within the Vietnam era in the case of veterans who served on active military duty in the Vietnam theater of operations during such period. Division B: Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - 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 1995 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the authorized amount for a military construction project at the Patuxent River Naval Warfare Center, Maryland. (Sec. 2206) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to: (1) decrease the amount authorized for a military construction project relating to Damneck, Fleet Combat Training Center, Virginia; and (2) authorize, with the use of the funds under (1), above, a military construction project at the Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. Extends through a conditional date the authorization for the Norfolk project. (Sec. 2207) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire all rights and interest to specified property at Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia, to demolish a mausoleum there, and provide for the appropriate disposition of the remains contained therein. Authorizes such Secretary to then obtain architectural engineering and design services for the construction of a Marine Corps office and warehouse facility on such property. 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. (Sec. 2402) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for crediting to the Department of Defense Housing Improvement Fund to carry out appropriate activities. (Sec. 2403) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) improve existing military family housing in a specified amount; and (2) carry out energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized under this title. (Sec. 2406) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to increase the authorized amounts for military construction projects at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and the Umatilla Army Depot, Oregon. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the NATO Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1995 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. (Sec. 2602) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 to decrease the amount authorized for FY 1994 for Air National Guard projects. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI on October 1, 1998, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1999, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain FY 1992 and 1993 military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Authorizes the Secretary concerned, when carrying out a minor military construction project not otherwise authorized by law to correct a life-, health-, or safety-threatening deficiency, to expend up to $3 million for such project. (Currently, general minor military construction projects are limited to $1.5 million.) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to use O&M funds to carry out such special projects which exceed $1 million. (Sec. 2803) Makes inapplicable to the acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of new construction for military family housing for five years after the enactment of this Act specified Federal provisions which limit by pay grade the net floor area authorized for such housing. Extends permanently (currently expired on September 30, 1994) the authority of the Secretary concerned to waive such net floor area limitations during the acquisition by purchase of military family housing for military personnel in pay grades below O-6. (Sec. 2805) Waives the above net floor area limits with respect to the construction, acquisition, or improvement of family housing units during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1995. (Sec. 2806) Increases from: (1) 300 to 450 the number of military family housing units that may be leased in foreign countries for no more than $25,000 per unit per year; and (2) 220 to 350 the number of such units for which such maximum lease amount may be waived for incumbents of special positions or in other special circumstances. (Sec. 2807) Extends to all military departments (currently only the Navy) the authority to enter into limited partnerships with private developers for the development of military family housing. Redesignates the Navy Housing Investment Account as the Defense Housing Investment Account. Terminates the Navy Housing Investment Board. Extends through FY 2000 the authority to enter into such partnerships. (Sec. 2808) Revises limitations on cost increases with respect to contracts for the construction of military family housing. (Sec. 2809) Authorizes the Secretary to convey any military family housing facilities that, due to damage or deterioration, is in a condition that is uneconomical to repair. States that such authority does not apply to housing facilities on military installations approved for closure under a base closure law or at facilities outside the United States at which the Secretary terminates operations. Limits to $5 million in any fiscal year the aggregate total value of the facilities authorized to be conveyed. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) consideration; (2) a requirement to notify the Congress 21 days in advance; (3) the inapplicability of certain Federal property disposal laws; and (4) the deposit of conveyance proceeds into the Department of Defense Military Housing Improvement Fund to be used for construction of new military family housing. (Sec. 2810) Includes water efficient maintenance within a current DOD energy performance goal and plan. (Sec. 2811) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to exercise any authority to provide for the acquisition, construction, improvement, or rehabilitation by private persons of: (1) family housing units on or near military installations within the United States and its territories and possessions; and (2) unaccompanied housing units on or near such installations. Authorizes such Secretary to make direct loans and loan guarantees to such private persons for such purposes, with loan and guarantee limits. Allows such loans and guarantees to be made only to the extent that appropriations are made in advance or other authority is provided in appropriation Acts. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to: (1) contract for the lease of family or unaccompanied housing units to be constructed, improved, or rehabilitated for such purposes; and (2) invest in nongovernmental entities carrying out such projects, with an investment value limit. Authorizes such Secretary to enter into collateral incentive agreements with nongovernmental entities in which such entities agree to ensure a preference to military personnel in the lease or purchase of a reasonable number of houses covered by the investment. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to enter into rental guarantees which assure the occupancy of units and the appropriate rental income which should be derived from such units, allowing such Secretary to pay more than the rental amount to encourage a lessor to make such housing available to military personnel. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to convey or lease property or facilities to private persons and use the proceeds to carry out such military housing activities. Makes such authority inapplicable to property or facilities at a military installation approved for closure under a base closure law. Provides, with respect to construction of new housing facilities, for: (1) interim leases prior to the completion of an entire project; (2) required conformity in room patterns and floor areas with similar military family housing units in the locale; (3) the inapplicability of current floor space limitations based on pay grade; and (4) the acquisition or construction of appropriate support facilities to accompany such family housing. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to: (1) assign military personnel to housing units acquired under these provisions; and (2) obtain housing lease payments through pay allotments. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Defense Housing Improvement Fund and provides credits to the Fund. Requires such funds to be used for such military housing activities. Limits to $1 billion the total value in budget authority of all contracts, agreements, and investments undertaken under these provisions for such military housing activities. Requires the Secretary to report: (1) to appropriate congressional committees on each contract or agreement entered into for such military housing activities; and (2) annually in conjunction with the budget submission by the President on the use of authorities provided under these provisions. Terminates five years after the enactment of this Act the authority to enter into any transaction for such military housing activities. Requires a final report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2000. (Sec. 2812) Makes permanent (currently ends on September 30, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to enter into leases of land for special operations activities. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the defense committees on leasehold interests acquired for such purposes. (Sec. 2813) Authorizes the use of DOD funds for the construction of school facilities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Authorizes the Secretary concerned to accept the services of a lessee for an entire installation to be closed or realigned under a base closure law, or any part of such installation, without regard to the normal requirement that a substantial portion of the installation be leased. (Sec. 2822) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (the base closure laws) to authorize the Secretary to enter into any type of agreement (currently, to contract) for the provision of community services at installations being closed or realigned. (Sec. 2823) Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize the use during FY 1996 of funds in the Defense Environmental Restoration Account for environmental restoration at installations approved for closure or realignment under such Act. (Sec. 2824) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to authorize the lease of real property located at an installation approved for closure under a base closure law if: (1) the lessee has agreed to purchase the property; (2) the EPA Administrator has determined the property suitable for leasing; and (3) there are adequate assurances that the United States will take all environmental remediation action still required on such property. Subtitle C: Land Conveyances - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire a parcel of real property adjacent to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Authorizes a land exchange of equivalent fair market value in order to receive such property. (Sec. 2832) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an agreement with the Port Authority of Mississippi under which the Port Authority may use up to 50 acres of real property and related facilities at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi. Outlines agreement terms, restrictions, and limitations, including the requirement that use of such property must be consistent with Navy operations at the Center. Requires congressional notification 21 days before entering into such an agreement. Authorizes such Secretary to use proceeds received from the fair rental value of such property for general administrative costs at the Center. (Sec. 2833) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey to: (1) Burlington County, New Jersey, the resource recovery facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey; (2) Augusta, Georgia, specified water and wastewater treatment plants at Fort Gordon, Georgia; (3) Blackstone, Virginia, a water treatment plant at Fort Pickett, Virginia; (4) the Southern California Edison Company the electric power distribution system at Fort Irwin, California; and (5) the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company, Washington, a specified portion of real property at Fort Lewis, Washington (requiring a land exchange from Weyerhaeuser as part of such conveyance). Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction and Establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie - Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary, for purposes of this Subtitle) to establish the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNP) to consist of portions of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Arsenal) in Illinois and to be managed as part of the National Forest System. (Sec. 2853) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) roads, utility rights-of-way, and access within the MNP; (2) agricultural leases and special use authorizations; (3) user fees; (4) salvage of improvements; (5) treatment of user fees and salvage receipts; and (6) cooperation with States, local governments, and other entities. (Sec. 2854) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer the Arsenal property constituting the MNP, without reimbursement, to the Secretary. Permits the transfer of portions only for which no further action is required under environmental laws and that have been eliminated from the areas to be studied further pursuant to the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for the Arsenal. Directs the Secretary of the Army to retain jurisdiction, authority, and control over real property that is used for: (1) water treatment; (2) the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances or petroleum products or derivatives; and (3) response purposes or actions required under environmental laws to remediate contamination or noncompliance. (Sec. 2855) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey certain Arsenal property to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs for use as a national cemetery; (2) Will County, Illinois, for use as a landfill; and (3) the village of Elwood and the city of Wilmington, Illinois, for use as industrial parks. Provides that the use of such landfill by Federal agencies or additional acreage added for purposes of accommodating the disposal of materials from the restoration of the Arsenal shall be at no cost to the Federal Government. Requires such property to revert to the Secretary for inclusion in the MNP if the property is not operated as a landfill. Provides for the conveyance of specified other Arsenal property to be added to the MNP subject to the Secretary's acceptance. (Sec. 2856) Directs the Secretary of the Army, with respect to the real property at the Arsenal to be transferred, to complete all remedial, response, or other actions required under any environmental law before carrying out such transfers. Requires the Secretary of the Army to retain any obligation or liability at the Arsenal as required under CERCLA and other environmental laws. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out the Department of Defense Laboratory Revitalization Demonstration Program under which the Secretary may carry out minor military construction projects in order to improve DOD laboratories. Increases the maximum costs of minor construction projects for purposes of the Program. Directs the Secretary to designate the DOD laboratories to be covered by the Program. Requires a report. Prohibits the Secretary from commencing a construction project under the Program after September 30, 1999. (Sec. 2862) Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from entering into any agreement that provides for or permits civil aircraft to regularly use Miramar Naval Air Station, California. (Sec. 2863) Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the defense committees on the status of negotiations on an agreement relating to a land conveyance at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as required under the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991. 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 1996 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) various other defense activities; (4) defense nuclear waste disposal; and (5) the payment of penalties to the Hazardous Substances Superfund assessed against the Rocky Flats, Colorado, nuclear site. 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 exceeding 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 congressional defense 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 - Earmarks specified funds authorized under this title for specified three-year programs of R&D with respect to certain tritium production activities, including activities at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, and the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. (Sec. 3132) Earmarks specified funds authorized under this title for certain plutonium disposition activities, including an environmental assessment. (Sec. 3133) Authorizes specified tritium-related activities to be carried out at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Sec. 3134) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program for establishing within the Government a manufacturing infrastructure which has the capability to: (1) refabricate and certify the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile; and (2) manufacture new nuclear warheads. Outlines required capabilities. Provides funding. (Sec. 3135) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for hydronuclear experiments at the Nevada Test Site. (Sec. 3136) Directs the Secretary to conduct a fellowship program for the development of skills critical to the ongoing mission of the DOE nuclear weapons complex. Outlines provisions concerning eligible individuals and DOE facilities at which the fellowship program shall be carried out. Provides funding. (Sec. 3137) Provides the effect of the issuance of environmental impact statements upon the use of appropriated funds for certain DOE facilities. (Sec. 3138) Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare a comprehensive environmental impact statement for the dual-axis radiographic hydrotest facility project; and (2) issue a record of decision on the project pursuant to such statement. (Sec. 3139) Prohibits the use of FY 1996 DOE funds for specified research and education purposes. (Sec. 3140) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for: (1) electrometallurgical processing activities at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory; (2) the processing of spent nuclear fuel rods at the Savannah River Site and the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory; and (3) the DOE Declassification Productivity Initiative. (Sec. 3142) Authorizes the Secretary to reprogram funds available to DOE for FY 1996 for activities related to the disposition of spent nuclear fuel in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Limits to $5 million the total amount authorized to be reprogrammed. (Sec. 3143) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for activities relating to worker protection at DOE nuclear weapons facilities. Subtitle D: Transfer of Jurisdiction Over Department of Energy National Security Functions - Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) recognizing the critical importance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; and (2) questioning DOE's ability to continue to manage the stockpile. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to jointly submit to the Congress, by February 1, 1996, a report setting forth the notional plans which examine the potential transfer to DOD or an independent establishment of responsibility for the national security programs of DOE. Provides the various DOE organizations to be included in any such transfer, as well as other matters to be included in the plans. Requires each Secretary to ensure that the current mission and functioning of DOE national security programs would not be adversely affected during any transfer of responsibility. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Requires the Office of Military Applications under the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Defense Programs to retain responsibility for DOE's Defense Programs Emergency Response Program. (Sec. 3162) Provides the requirements for DOE weapons activities budgets for fiscal years after 1996. (Sec. 3163) Directs the Secretary to take appropriate actions to maintain the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile in complete readiness for use. (Sec. 3164) Directs the President to submit to the congressional defense committees a report on any presidential plans to purchase tritium from foreign suppliers for nuclear weapons stockpile purposes. (Sec. 3165) Requires the Secretary to direct the joint preparation by the Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories of a report on permitting alternative limits to limits on the explosive yield of hydronuclear tests. Provides funding. (Sec. 3166) Directs the President to report to the Congress a master plan on current and future warheads in the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile. (Sec. 3167) Prohibits the Secretary from allowing an international inspection of a nuclear weapons facility until: (1) the Secretary certifies to the Congress that no restricted data or classified information will be revealed during such inspection; and (2) 30 days have elapsed since such certification. Title XXXII: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Title XXXIII: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Directs the Secretary to sell all U.S. rights and interest to lands inside Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 1 (Elk Hills unit), Kern County, California. Directs the Secretary, within three months after the effective date of this Act, to finalize the equity interests of the known oil and gas zones in the Elk Hills unit, after following the recommendations of an independent petroleum engineer or using other appropriate methods. Provides time limits and administrative procedures for such sale. Directs the United States to hold harmless and indemnify the purchaser of the Elk Hills unit from any liability resulting from its former ownership by the United States. Reserves seven percent of the sale proceeds from the Elk Hills unit for the resolution of all claims against the United States by California with respect to the production of, and proceeds of petroleum sales from, the Elk Hills unit. Requires the continued full production of the Elk Hills unit until completion of the sale. Provides transition provisions with respect to current petroleum contracts at Elk Hills. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into a contract for the sale of the Elk Hills unit until 31 days after notifying the defense committees of the proposed sale. Provides that, if the Secretary receives only one offer for the sale of Elk Hills, then the Secretary may not enter into a sale contract unless: (1) the Secretary notifies the Congress that only one offer was received, together with its conditions; and (2) a joint resolution approving such sale is enacted within 45 days after such notification. Provides joint resolution procedures. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the sale of the Elk Hills unit. (Sec. 3302) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the most cost-effective option of operating the naval petroleum reserve units other than Elk Hills. Title XXXIV: National Defense Stockpile - Authorizes the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager, during FY 1996, to obligate a specified amount from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund for authorized Fund uses. Authorizes the NDS Manager to obligate additional amounts if the Manager notifies the Congress that extraordinary or emergency conditions necessitate the additional obligations. (Sec. 3402) Authorizes the President, subject to a specified condition, to dispose of certain obsolete and excess materials currently contained in the NDS. (Sec. 3403) Directs the President, in entering into agreements for the disposal from the NDS of chromite and manganese ores of metallurgical grade or chromium ferro and manganese metal electrolytic, to give a right of first refusal to domestic ferroalloy upgraders. (Sec. 3404) Prohibits the President from disposing of high carbon manganese ferro in the NDS that meets grade one specifications until completing the disposal of all manganese ferro in the NDS that does not meet such specification. Requires all manganese ferro not meeting such specification to be sold only for remelting by a domestic ferroalloy producer. (Sec. 3405) Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to direct the Secretary to transfer to the NDS for disposal uncontaminated materials in the DOE inventory of defense-related items that are excess and suitable for transfer to the NDS for disposal. Title XXXV: Panama Canal Commission - Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to make such expenditures as necessary for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1996, with specified limitations. Authorizes up to 38 passenger motor vehicles to be purchased for transporting Commission personnel across the Isthmus of Panama.