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39 records in 1995

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 2792 (104th)referred

Jimmy Ryce Missing Children Poster Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1995

Jimmy Ryce Missing Children Poster Act - Directs the head of each Federal agency to designate space for the display of posters of missing children in each Federal building the agency owns or leases. Requires specified officials and entities to take actions to enforce such requirement's applicability to Federal buildings owned or leased for use by the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the Federal Government, or by the U.S. Postal Service, or located within a unit of the National Park Service.

Law· HRH.R. 2739 (104th)enacted

House of Representatives Administrative Reform Technical Corrections Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Provisions Relating to Allowances and Accounts in the House of Representatives Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments and Repeals Relating to Administrative Reforms in the House of Representatives Title I: Provisions Relating to Allowances and Accounts in the House of Representatives - Establishes for the House of Representatives a single allowance, the Members' Representational Allowance (MRA), to be used to support the conduct of official and representational duties of House Members with respect to the district from which they are elected. Merges into the MRA the Clerk Hire Allowance, the Official Expenses Allowance, and the Official Mail Allowance. Makes such changes effective as of September 1, 1995. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Committee on House Oversight to fix and adjust the MRA (currently, all allowances of the House) for Members and various House leadership. (Sec. 103) Allows the adjustment of MRAs for reasons other than those currently specified (price or technological changes or increases in the General Schedule) only by House resolution. (Sec. 104) Allows each House Member to employ under the MRA no more than 18 permanent clerks and four additional clerk hire employees in specified categories. Excludes interns and temporary employees from the operation of certain Federal employment provisions and requirements. (Sec. 105) Prohibits any payments from being made from applicable House accounts unless sanctioned by the Oversight Committee. (Sec. 106) Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to submit semiannually to the House a detailed, itemized report of the disbursements for House operations. Outlines information required in such reports, with an exception in the case of vouchers of payments to individuals for attendance as witnesses before a congressional committee in executive session. (Sec. 107) Directs the Clerk of the House, at the request of a Member, to furnish to such Member for official use only one set of a privately published annotated version of the United States Code, including appropriate supplements and pocket parts. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Chief of the Capitol Police to designate a member of such Police to be responsible for citation release with respect to bonds for persons arrested on Capitol grounds. Provides appropriate authority for D.C.'s Superior and U.S. District courts with respect to bond or collateral proceedings after such arrests. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments and Repeals Relating to Administrative Reforms in the House of Representatives - Makes various technical and conforming amendments and appropriate repeals to specified Federal provisions as necessitated by administrative reforms adopted in the House, including provisions concerning: (1) the election of representatives; (2) congressional organization; (3) Member compensation and allowances; (4) House officers and employees; (5) membership on the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946; (6) congressional and committee procedure and investigations; (7) the classification of employees; (8) payroll administration; (9) contested elections; (10) the Joint Committee on Congressional Operations; (11) the Congressional Budget Office; (12) Federal Government organization and employees; (13) commerce and trade, foreign relations and intercourse, money and finance, and the postal service; (14) public buildings and related property and public works; (15) public health and welfare; (16) public printing and documents; (17) territories and insular possessions; and (18) miscellaneous uncodified provisions relating to the House. Replaces in many cases functions and duties of: (1) the Committee on House Administration with the Committee on House Oversight; and (2) the Doorkeeper or Sergeant-at-Arms with the Chief Administrative Officer.

Bill· HRH.R. 2744 (104th)referred

Postal Service Debt Reduction and Truth in Budgeting Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995

Postal Service Debt Reduction and Truth in Budgeting Act - Requires the Postmaster General to submit to the Congress a plan providing for: (1) the reduction of the accumulated debt of the Postal Service, by September 30, 2003, to an amount that is not more than five percent of its annual revenues; and (2) maintenance of the accumulated debt at such level. Provides that, if the reduction is achieved, the Postal Service shall have the authority on or after October 1, 2005, to have accumulated debt of not more than seven and one half percent of its annual revenues. Requires the Postmaster General to include in the submission to the Congress of the Postal Service's budget for a fiscal year a detailed accounting of actual and budgeted revenues and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.

Bill· SS. 1441 (104th)open

Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 Title I: Department of State and Related Agencies Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations Chapter 2: Authorities and Activities Chapter 3: Personnel Chapter 4: Consular and Related Activities Title II: United Nations Chapter 1: Funding; Budgetary and Management Reform Chapter 2: United Nations Peacekeeping Title III: Other International Organizations Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations Chapter 2: General Provisions Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Chapter 1: Authorizations of Appropriations Chapter 2: USIA and Related Agencies Authorities and Activities Title V: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Agency for International Development Title VI: Foreign Policy Division B: Consolidation and Reinvention of Foreign Affairs Agencies Title XI (sic): Organization of the Department of State and Foreign Service Title XII: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title XIII: United States Information Agency Title XIV: Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency Title XV: Proposed Reorganization of the United Nations Title XVI: Plan for Reorganization of United States Export Promotion and Trade Activities Title XVII: Transition Provisions Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995 - Division A: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 - Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996-1999 - Title I: Department of State and Related Agencies - Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the administration of foreign affairs. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for: (1) offsetting adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and (2) migration and refugee assistance. Chapter 2: Authorities and Activities - Authorizes the Secretary of State to acquire by lease-purchase during FY 1996 through 1999 appropriate housing for Department of State personnel stationed abroad and other facilities, in locations in which the United States has a diplomatic mission. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify and notify the appropriate congressional committees that the lease-purchase arrangement will result in a net cost savings to the Federal Government when compared to a lease, a direct purchase, or direct construction of comparable property. (Sec. 122) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) utilize property held by the United States in the vicinity of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, as the U.S. Embassy to Germany; and (2) be authorized to make necessary improvements. (Sec. 125) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, with respect to the Secretary of State's authority to transfer to the Buying Power Maintenance account any unobligated funds used to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, to repeal the permanent requirement that such authority only be exercised to the extent and in such amounts as specifically provided for in advance in appropriations Acts. (Sec. 137 of this Act does require, nonetheless, that such authority be exercised only to the extent or in the amounts provided in appropriations Acts, without limiting this requirement to provision in advance in such Acts.) (Sec. 128) Authorizes the Secretary of State to charge a fee for use of the Department of State diplomatic reception rooms. (Sec. 129) Requires a contracting officer of a U.S. agency that performs functions at diplomatic posts abroad to avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, entering into contracts for procurement of property and services that can be procured for it under an existing contract of another U.S. agency performing such functions abroad. (Sec. 130) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to procure personal services in prosecuting a proceeding before an international tribunal or a claim by or against a foreign entity. (Sec. 131) Amends the Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995 to limit funding to the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service (DTS). Requires the two agencies providing the greatest funding to the DTS Program Office (DTS-PO) to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a DTS-PO management plan and strategic plan with specified contents. (Sec. 133) Authorizes the Secretary of State to deposit international center maintenance and security reserve funds retained in interest bearing accounts. (Sec. 134) Authorizes certain joint funds under international agreements for cooperation in environmental, scientific, and cultural areas to be deposited in interest bearing accounts, such interest to be used for program and administrative purposes. (Sec. 135) Authorizes the Secretary of State to lease or acquire an office and residence in Pristina, Kosova, for use by U.S. diplomatic or consular personnel. (Sec. 136) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should urge foreign countries to adopt certain antibribery principles set forth in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 in order to implement effective means of combating bribery of foreign public officials, including the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions for such bribery. Directs the Secretary of State to conduct, and submit to specified congressional committees, a study to develop proposals to end the discrimination against U.S. exports that result from bribery and corruption in international business transactions. (Sec. 137) Requires that authorities contained in specified sections of this Act be exercised only to the extent or in the amounts provided in appropriations Acts. Chapter 3: Personnel - Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel (including noncareer limited appointments) in the Department of State, the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), and the Agency for International Development (AID). (Sec. 142) Amends Federal criminal law to subject to both criminal and civil penalties any person who serves in the position of chief of mission and who, within one year after termination from such position, engages in certain lobbying activities. (Sec. 143) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should require the National Center for Humanities, Education, Languages, and Management Studies (the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, as redesignated) to increase the emphasis on commercial activity, export promotion, and trade in carrying out its core programs and should offer additional classes in such subjects. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a financial system by which the State Department is reimbursed by other Federal agencies that maintain an overseas presence for the incremental expenses incurred by the Department in providing administrative support to such agencies at U.S. posts abroad. Directs the President to establish an interagency committee consisting of representatives from Federal agencies maintaining a significant number of personnel overseas and headed by the Secretary of State to implement such system. Establishes a working capital fund. (Sec. 145) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to revise provisions relating to Foreign Service performance pay, meritorious and distinguished service awards, and expedited separation of low- ranking employees from the Service. Declares that one objective of the Act is to strengthen and improve the Service by establishing a consolidated and uniform administration of a single Foreign Service by the Director General of the Service, under the direction of the President and the Secretary of State. (Sec. 146) Excludes certain individuals who are not involved in the administration or formulation of personnel policies and programs of the State Department from specified prohibitions with respect to participation in the management of labor organizations by Foreign Service personnel, and vice versa. (Sec. 148) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State, under the State Department health care program, to collect from a third party payer the reasonable costs incurred by the Department on behalf of covered beneficiaries for health care services to the same extent that such a beneficiary would be eligible to receive indemnification from the third party payer for such costs. (Sec. 151) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary of State to provide training through the Foreign Service Institute to U.S. company employees and their families that are engaged in business abroad when such training is in the U.S. national interest. Authorizes the Secretary to provide on a reimbursable basis foreign language training programs to Members of Congress. (Sec. 152) Redesignates the National Foreign Affairs Training Center as the National Center for Humanities, Education, Languages, and Management Studies. Chapter 4: Consular and Related Activities - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a fee to be paid by each diversity immigrant issued a visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 162) Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State by regulation to authorize State Department officials or the U.S. Postal Service to retain fees for the execution and issuance of passports. (Sec. 163) Authorizes the Secretary of State to collect up to certain amounts for fees charged for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas. (Sec. 166) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from admission into the United States any alien who: (1) is a member of a terrorist organization or who actively supports or advocates terrorist activity; (2) has advocated terrorism or has incited targeted racial vilification or has advocated the death or destruction of U.S. citizens, U.S. officials, or the overthrow of the U.S. Government; or (3) has confiscated, traffics in confiscated, or converts for personal gain confiscated, property which is owned by a U.S. national. (Sec. 168) Requires the U.S. Embassy in each country to report to the Secretary of State a list of those foreign nationals who have confiscated, converted, or trafficked in property the claim to which is held by a U.S. national and in which the confiscation claim has not been fully resolved. (Sec. 169) Permits the President of Taiwan to be admitted to the United States for a visit in 1995. (Sec. 170) Directs the Secretary of State to establish within each U.S. Embassy a Terrorist Lookout Committee. (Sec. 171) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should not impose a border crossing fee along its borders with Canada and Mexico. Title II: United Nations - Chapter 1: Funding; Budgetary and Management Reform - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the Department of State to carry out its foreign affairs responsibilities with respect to: (1) the United Nations, its affiliated agencies, and other international organizations; and (2) international peacekeeping activities. (Sec. 203) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.N. General Assembly should reformulate U.N. contributions by member nations to reflect each nation's share of the total world gross national product. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decisionmaking procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. (Sec. 205) Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to require specified percentages of funds made available for a fiscal year for U.S. assessed contributions for the U.N. budget and U.N. peacekeeping activities to be withheld from obligation unless the President certifies to the Congress that the United Nations has an independent office of Inspector General to conduct audits of U.N. programs, with an Inspector General duly appointed. Prohibits the United States from paying any voluntary contribution to the United Nations for international peacekeeping activities unless such certification has been made. (Sec. 206) Directs the President to withhold ten percent of the funds made available for U.S. assessed contributions for the U.N. budget until the Secretary of State certifies to the Congress that the United Nations has implemented certain whistleblower protection policies with respect to the reporting of fraud and mismanagement. Chapter 2: United Nations Peacekeeping - Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to require the President to notify designated congressional committees of any proposed U.N. peacekeeping activity or any other action under the Charter of the United Nations that would involve the use of U.S. Armed Forces or the expenditure of U.S. funds. (Sec. 214) Urges the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to make every effort to: (1) ensure that the United Nations completes a review and reassessment of each nation's assessed contributions for U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (2) advance, as part of the review, the concept that host governments in the region where such operations are carried out should bear a greater burden of its financial cost. Limits the U.S. assessed contribution for U.N. peacekeeping operations. (Sec. 215) Prohibits the obligation of funds to pay U.S. assessed or voluntary contributions for U.N. peacekeeping activities unless the Secretary of State certifies to designated congressional committees that U.S. manufacturers are being given opportunities to provide equipment and services equal to those given to foreign manufacturers. (Sec. 216) Prohibits the sharing of U.S. intelligence information with the United Nations unless the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that certain requirements to protect such information have been implemented by the United Nations. (Sec. 217) Excludes from actions the United States may take to enforce U.N. sanctions against a foreign country any measure to prohibit assistance that promotes: (1) respect for human rights; (2) the exchange of certain informational materials; or (3) the development of democratic institutions. (Sec. 218) Prohibits funds for contributions to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the continued presence of UNPROFOR within its territory; and (2) certain other conditions are met with respect to UNPROFOR. (Sec. 219) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Executive Branch should cease obligating the United States to pay for international peacekeeping operations in excess of funds specifically appropriated for such purpose. Title III: Other International Organizations - Chapter 1: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the Department of State to carry out its foreign affairs responsibilities with respect to: (1) international conferences and contingencies; and (2) specified international commissions. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1996, conditioned on certain U.S. Government actions promoting attendance at the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, by accredited nongovernmental organizations. (Sec. 304) Declares the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State, in allocating the level of resources for international organizations, should pay particular attention to funding levels of the inter-American organizations. Chapter 2: General Provisions - Sets forth circumstances under which the United States may participate in an international criminal court. (Sec. 312) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) to pay the U.S. contribution to any international organization which engages in the direct or indirect promotion of the doctrine of one world government or one world citizenship; or (2) for the direct or indirect promotion of such doctrine. (Sec. 313) Prohibits the use of funds to pay U.S. membership in the International Labor Organization (ILO), the U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Inter-American Indian Institute, the Pan American Railway Congress Association, or the Interparliamentary Union. (Sec. 314) Prohibits, until the President makes a certain certification to the Congress, the obligation of funds for: (1) reporting to the Human Rights Committee in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; or (2) responding to any Committee's effort to use such Covenant to resolve claims by other Covenant parties that the United States is not fulfilling its obligations under it. States that such certification is that the Human Rights Committee has: (1) revoked its General Comment No. 24 adopted on November 2, 1994; and (2) expressly recognized the validity as a matter of international law of the reservations, understandings, and declarations contained in the U.S. instrument of ratification of the International Covenant. (Sec. 315) Requires the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional committees on U.S. participation in single-commodity international organizations. (Sec. 316) Prohibits the use of funds for any U.S. contribution to the International Natural Rubber Organization or the International Tropical Timber Organization. (Sec. 318) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the 51 organizations to which the United States makes contributions through the Department of State. (Sec. 319) Declares the sense of the Congress that the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, should promote a representative American perspective on issues of equality, peace, and development, and in the event the United States sends a delegation to it, such delegation should use the voice and vote of the United States: (1) to ensure that the biological and social activity of motherhood is recognized as a valuable and worthwhile endeavor that should in no way be demeaned by society or by the state; (2) to ensure that the traditional family is upheld as the fundamental unit of society upon which healthy cultures are built and, therefore, receives esteem and protection by society and the state; and (3) to define or agree with any definitions that define gender as the biological classification of male and female, which are the two sexes of the human being. Title IV: United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Chapter 1: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 to carry out specified international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 1999 for the National Endowment for Democracy. Chapter 2: USIA and Related Agencies Authorities and Activities - Prohibits the use of funds by any Federal agency to participate in an international fair, pavilion, or other major exhibit at any international exposition or world's fair in excess of authorized amounts. (Sec. 412) Authorizes the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) to continue to administer an au pair program on a world-wide basis through FY 1999. (Sec. 413) Directs the Director of USIA to carry out a pilot program to determine the feasibility and advisability of permitting advertisements on USIA television and radio broadcasts. (Sec. 414) Authorizes the Director of USIA to make computer readable multilingual text and recorded speech in various languages available to the Linguistic Data Consortium of the University of Pennsylvania. (Sec. 415) Requires the Director of USIA to submit to the Congress a plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia. (Sec. 416) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to expand the Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program (graduate law and business training program) to bring to the United States for study students from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Adds to the selection criteria academic and leadership potential in the fields of journalism, library and information science, and public policy. (Sec. 417) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to authorize the Director of USIA to enter into a contract for the construction of the Voice of America Tinian. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to extend through March 1, 1997, the authority permitting the second fiscal year of a two-year authorization for any account of the USIA to be appropriated to any other USIA account. (Sec. 418) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on: (1) the purposes and activities of the North-South Center, East-West Center, Asia Foundation, and the National Endowment for Democracy, and on the extent to which such organizations' activities duplicate activities conducted elsewhere in the U.S. Government; and (2) the activities of the North-South Center located in Miami, Florida, that had the effect of encouraging the Congress to approve implementing legislation for the NAFTA. (Sec. 420) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to revise requirements for the Mansfield Fellowship Program to subject allowances and benefits to criteria established by the Mansfield Center for Pacific Affairs. (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to make available for distribution within the United States the documentary "The Fragile Ring of Life," a film about coral reefs around the world. Title V: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Agency for International Development - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 to carry out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to declare that nothing in such Act shall be construed to authorize any Government action which would interfere with, restrict, or prohibit the acquisition, possession, or use of firearms by an individual for the lawful purpose of personal defense, sport, recreation, education, or training. (Sec. 503) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997 for operating expenses of: (1) the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance under such Act; and (2) the office of the inspector general of such agency. Title VI: Foreign Policy - Repeals specified laws relating to certain interparliamentary groups. (Sec. 602) Amends Federal law to eliminate the three executive branch members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (thus leaving Commission membership congressional only). (Sec. 603) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the definition of "refugee" to provide that a person who has been forced to have an abortion or undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for refusing to do so, or for other resistance to a coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been persecuted on account of political opinion. States that anyone with a well-founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure, or be subjected to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance, shall be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of political opinion. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to approve all applications for licenses under specified regulations to permit payments with respect to goods or services exported before a certain date, directly or indirectly to Iraq or Kuwait, or for the benefit of the Government of Iraq, notwithstanding the failure of such applications to satisfy the requirement that a letter of credit be issued or confirmed by a U.S. bank, or that the letter of credit reimbursement be confirmed by a U.S. bank. Requires issuance of such licenses within 30 days after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 605) Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to extend from March 31, 1995, to March 31, 1996, the deadline for a required Secretary of State report to the Congress on conditions in Hong Kong of interest to the United States. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to such report. (Sec. 606) Amends the Taiwan Relations Act to supercede the Joint Communique of the United States and China of August 17, 1982, with respect to the Act's provision that the United States will make defense articles and defense services available to Taiwan in quantities necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self- defense capability. (Sec. 607) Renames the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office the Taipei Representative Office. (Sec. 608) Requires the Secretary of State to report annually to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Speaker of the House on conditions in Tibet and on the state of relations between the United States and those recognized by Congress as the true representatives of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, his representatives, and the Tibetan Government in exile. States the sense of the Congress that whenever an executive branch report is transmitted to the Congress on a country-by-country basis, such report should include, where applicable, a separate report on Tibet listed alphabetically with its own state heading. (Sec. 609) Special Envoy for Tibet Act of 1995 - Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of such Envoy, including: (1) to promote negotiations between the Dalai Lama and senior members of the Government of China; (2) coordinate U.S. Government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibet; and (3) consult with the Congress on policies relevant to Tibet and the future and welfare of all Tibetan people. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the use of funds for resettlement in the United States, or to provide education, medical examinations, training, screening, or otherwise facilitate the admission into the United States of Iraqi nationals seeking refugee status who are in Saudi Arabia or Turkey as of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 611) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should appoint a special envoy to: (1) offer assistance in facilitating a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Nagorno- Karabakh; and (2) press for the development of an oil pipeline through Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. (Sec. 612) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on Cuba's methods for enforcing the U.S.-Cuba agreement of September 1994 to restrict Cuban emigration to the United States, and the treatment by the Cuban Government of persons who have been returned to Cuba pursuant to the U.S.-Cuba agreement of May 1995. (Sec. 613) Directs the President to outline to the Congress a U.S. plan to identify and respond to the threat of emerging infectious diseases to the health of the U.S. people. (Sec. 614) Requires the Under Secretary of State for International Security to report to the Congress on: (1) firms engaged in the export of dual-use items; and (2) measures to be taken to strengthen U.S. export-control mechanisms with respect to such items. (Sec. 615) Prohibits the United States from transferring certain arms to Indonesia until the Secretary of State reports to specified congressional committees that significant progress has been made on human rights in East Timor and elsewhere in Indonesia. (Sec. 616) Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1995 - Declares the sense of the Congress specifying additional steps the PLO must take to demonstrate an irrevocable denunciation of terrorism and ensure a peaceful settlement of the Middle East dispute. Authorizes the President to suspend specified provisions of law which prohibit foreign and U.N. assistance to the PLO, the receipt or expenditure of PLO funds, and PLO membership in the International Monetary Fund, upon certification to specified congressional committees that: (1) such waiver is in the national interest; (2) the PLO continues to comply with all commitments made in letters to Israel and the Foreign Minister of Norway and under the Declaration of Principles signed in September 1993; and (3) specified funds provided under this Act and other Acts have been used for the purposes for which they were intended. Makes such suspensions effective for up to six months. Specifies additional certifications necessary before U.S. assistance may be provided. Directs the President to ensure continuous monitoring of PLO performance, and to inform the appropriate congressional committees if such performance is not complying with the requirements of this Act. Division B: Consolidation and Reinvention of Foreign Affairs Agencies - Foreign Affairs Reinvention Act of 1995 - Specifies the purposes of this division to include to: (1) consolidate and reinvent U.S. foreign affairs agencies within the Department of State; and (2) assist congressional efforts to balance the Federal budget by 2002. Title XI (sic): Organization of the Department of State and Foreign Service - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities of 1956 to make the Secretary of State: (1) the principle foreign policy adviser to the President; (2) responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and supervision of U.S. foreign relations and for the interdepartmental activities of the U.S. Government abroad. Revises the organization of the Department of State, eliminating and creating specified official positions. (Sec. 1108) Limits the number of Department of State employees for FY 1996 through 1998. (Sec. 1109) Directs the Secretary of State to develop a worldwide plan for the consolidation of U.S. missions and consular posts abroad. (Sec. 1110) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to require the head of each department, agency, or entity in the executive branch to ensure, in coordination with the Secretary of State, that the approval of the chief of mission to a foreign country is sought on any proposed change in the size, composition, or mandate of employees performing duties in that country (excluding those under the command of a U.S. area military commander). Authorizes the Secretary of State, in his or her sole discretion, to accord diplomatic titles, privileges, and immunities to such employees. Directs the President to report to specified congressional committees on the procedures contained in National Security Decision Directive Number 38, as in effect on June 2, 1982, and the practices in their implementation, to determine their effectiveness in significantly enhancing the coordination among the several departments, agencies, and entities of the executive branch represented in foreign countries. (Sec. 1111) Directs the President to report to the Congress on the advisability and desirability of integrating the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service into the Foreign Service. Title XII: United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to abolish the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. (Sec. 1203) Makes conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of specified authorities to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XIII: United States Information Agency - Abolishes the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). (Sec. 1304) Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 and other specified Federal law to make conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of specified authorities to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XIV: Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency - Abolishes the Agency for International Development and the International Development Cooperation Agency (except components expressly established by statute or reorganization plan). (Sec. 1402) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other specified Federal law to make conforming amendments with respect to the transfer of such agencies' functions to the Department of State and the Secretary of State, respectively. Title XV: Proposed Reorganization of the United Nations - Declares the sense of the Congress that the United States lead a comprehensive review of the United Nations to identify reforms to the U.N. system that will produce a smaller, more focused, more efficient United Nations with clearly defined missions are in the interest of the United States and of the United Nations. (Sec. 1502) Directs the President to submit to the Congress a plan recommending a strategic reorganization of the United Nations, including consolidation, abolition, or restructuring of its programs, funds, and organizations, including among other components: (1) consolidation of U.N. technical cooperation activities between U.N. Headquarters and the U.N. office in Geneva, Switzerland, to create a unified agency for technical cooperation for sustainable development with a microenterprise lending capacity merging the functions of specified current U.N. programs and funds; and (2) the consolidation of the U.N. emergency response mechanism by merging other specified functions. Title XVI: Plan for Reorganization of United States Export Promotion and Trade Activities - Directs the President to report to specified congressional committees on what steps are being taken to improve access, coordination, and efficiency among trade promotion organizations and U.S. agencies. Title XVII: Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition administrative provisions regarding: (1) the Secretary of State's reorganization authorities; (2) the transfer of personnel; (3) the submission of reorganization plans for the abolished agencies; (4) congressional consideration of such plans; (5) the establishment of, and authorization of appropriations for, the Foreign Affairs Reorganization Transition Fund; (6) voluntary separation incentives; (7) rights of employees of abolished agencies; (8) transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel; and (9) a report to the Congress detailing a final accounting of the finances and operations of the abolished agencies.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 126 (104th)referred

Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Continuing Appropriations Title II: Waiver of Requirement for Parchment Printing Title III: Commitment to a Seven-Year Balanced Budget Title I: Continuing Appropriations - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 to continue authorities under the following Acts: (1) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (2) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996; (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996; (4) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996; (5) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (6) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (7) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996; (8) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1996; (9) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996; and (10) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Sets forth exceptions, limitations, and conditions with respect to such appropriations. Title II: Waiver of Requirement for Parchment Printing - Waives the parchment printing requirement. Defines terms used in this bill. Title III: Commitment to a Seven-Year Balanced Budget - States that the goal of budget negotiations is to enact a budget agreement that balances the budget in seven years or in a time frame agreed to by the negotiators.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 122 (104th)enacted

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Continuing Appropriations Title II: (Unnamed) Title III: Commitment to a Seven-Year Balanced Budget Title I: Continuing Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Makes further continuing appropriations for FY 1996 for continuing projects and activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, conducted in 1995 and for which appropriations or other authority would be available in the following Acts: (1) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (2) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996; (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996; (4) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996; (5) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (6) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (7) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996; (8) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1996; (9) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996; and (10) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Sets the rates of such funding. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. (Sec. 106) Provides that, unless otherwise provided for in this joint resolution or in the applicable appropriations Act, appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this joint resolution shall be available until: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) the enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) December 5, 1995, whichever first occurs. (Sec. 111) Provides in specified circumstances, except for section 106, for the maintenance of a minimum level of funding for projects or activities under any Act listed in section 101. Defines minimum level. (Sec. 112) Requires, except for section 106 and under specified conditions, that whenever the rate for operations for any continuing project or activity would result in a furlough of Government employees, that rate for operations may be increased to a minimum level that would enable the furlough to be avoided. (Sec. 113) Requires, except for sections 106, 111, and 112, that for those programs that had high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of funding at the beginning of FY 1995 because of distributions of funding to States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, similar distributions of funds for FY 1996 shall not be made and no grants shall be awarded for such programs funded by this resolution that would impinge on final funding prerogatives. (Sec. 115) Provides that section 132 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act of 1988 (which provides that amounts appropriated for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia shall not be subject to apportionment) shall not apply for this joint resolution. Provides for including in the apportionment for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia an additional $15 million for certain capital construction loan repayments. (Sec. 116) Requires, except for section 106, that the authority and conditions for the application of appropriations of the Office of Technology Assessment as contained in House Report 104-212, shall be followed when applying the funding made available by this joint resolution. (Sec. 119) Requires, except for section 106, the Securities and Exchange Commission's Salaries and Expenses amount to include, in addition to direct appropriations, the amount it collects under the fee rate and offsetting collection authority. (Sec. 120) Requires that funding be made available for the necessary expenses of the Bureau of Mines for: (1) continuing limited health and safety and related research, materials partnerships, and minerals information activities; (2) mineral assessments in Alaska; and (3) terminating all other activities of the Bureau of Mines. (Sec. 121) Requires, except for section 106, that funds for the Environmental Protection Agency shall be made available in the appropriation accounts which are provided in H.R. 2099 as reported on September 13, 1995. (Sec. 122) Sets forth a special formula for determining the rate of operations for projects and activities that would be funded under the heading "International Organizations and Conferences, Contributions to International Organizations" in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. (Sec. 123) Provides, except for section 106, that the rate for operations of the following projects or activities shall be only the minimum necessary to accomplish orderly termination: (1) Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (with an exception); (3) Interstate Commerce Commission; (4) Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (5) Land and Water Conservation Fund, State Assistance; and (6) Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Rural Abandoned Mine Program. Title II: - Waives parchment printing requirements of the enrollment of: (1) a continuing resolution; (2) a debt limit extension measure; and (3) a reconciliation bill. (Sec. 202) Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this joint resolution. Title III: Commitment to a Seven-Year Balanced Budget - States that the President and the Congress shall enact legislation in the 104th Congress to achieve a unified balanced budget not later than FY 2002 as scored by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Requires such unified balanced budget to be based on the most current economic and technical assumptions of the Congressional Budget Office.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 267 (104th)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2020) making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2020 (Department of the Treasury, U.S. Postal Service, Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies appropriations).

Bill· HRH.R. 2599 (104th)referred

Budget Enforcement Simplification Trust Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Budget Process Reform Title II: Item Veto and Enhanced Rescission Authority Chapter A: Line-Item Veto Act Chapter B: Enhanced Rescission Authority Title III: General Provisions Budget Enforcement Simplification Trust Act - Title I: Budget Process Reform - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to revise definitions. (Sec. 102) Amends the CBA to revise the timetable with respect to the congressional budget process from a single fiscal year basis to a biennium. (Sec. 103) Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (CBICA) to require biennial adoption (on each odd-numbered year) of a joint budget resolution, with specified contents. (Sec. 104) Revises the CBA with respect to committee allocations. Provides procedures for contingency reserve funds for natural disasters. (Sec. 105) Provides for a backstop budget resolution. Makes binding for upcoming biennial budget years the amounts and caps established in the most recently enacted joint budget resolution as if they had been enacted for such upcoming years, if a joint resolution on the budget has not yet been enacted by May 15 of any odd numbered year. (Sec. 106) Provides for revisions to joint budget resolutions and spending caps. (Sec. 107) Revises budget enforcement provisions with respect to: (1) enforced spending caps; (2) reporting excess spending; (3) Presidential orders to eliminate excess spending; (4) enforcing discretionary spending limits; (5) enforcing direct spending limits; and (6) certain exempt programs and activities. Establishes special rules for sequestration orders relating to: (1) child support enforcement programs; (2) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (3) regular and extended unemployment compensation; (4) the Federal Employees Health Benefit Fund; (5) the Federal Housing Finance Board; (6) pay for Federal personnel; (7) Medicare; (8) the Postal Service Fund; (9) Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; and (10) businesslike transactions. Sets forth provisions with respect to the current law baseline. Requires the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office and of the Office of Management and Budget to report to the President and the Congress budget baselines for the budget year and at least the subsequent nine fiscal years. Sets forth pay-as-you-go provisions, including: (1) deficit neutral revenue legislation; (2) downward adjustment of spending caps; (3) expiration of tax cuts; and (4) a supermajority required for a waiver. Title II: Item Veto and Enhanced Rescission Authority - Chapter A - Line Item Veto Act - Grants the President legislative line item veto rescission authority. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the President to rescind all or part of any discretionary budget authority or veto any targeted tax benefit if the President determines that such rescission: (1) would help reduce the Federal budget deficit; (2) will not impair any essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such a rescission or veto by special message after enactment of an appropriations Act providing such budget authority or a revenue or reconciliation Act containing a targeted tax benefit. Allows the President in each special message to propose to reduce the appropriate discretionary spending limit by an amount that does not exceed the total amount of discretionary budget authority rescinded by that message. Requires the President to submit a separate special message for each appropriations Act and for each revenue or reconciliation Act. Authorizes the President to rescind, under the terms of this Act, all or part of any unobligated discretionary budget authority provided by any FY 1996 appropriation Act, if the President notifies the Congress of such rescission by a special message not more than ten calendar days (excluding Sundays) after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 203) Makes such a rescission effective unless the Congress enacts a rescission-receipts disapproval bill. (Sec. 205) Specifies: (1) information to be included in the President's message; and (2) procedures to govern consideration of rescission-receipts disapproval legislation in the Senate and the House of Representatives. (Sec. 206) Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the Congress: (1) a list of each proposed presidential rescission of discretionary budget authority and veto of a targeted tax benefit submitted through special messages for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year, together with their dollar value, and an indication of whether each rescission of discretionary budget authority or veto of a targeted tax benefit was accepted or rejected by Congress; (2) the total number of proposed presidential rescissions of discretionary budget authority and vetoes of a targeted tax benefit submitted through special messages for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year, together with their total dollar value; (3) the total number of presidential rescissions of discretionary budget authority or vetoes of a targeted tax benefit submitted through special messages for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year and approved by Congress, together with their total dollar value; (4) a list of rescissions of discretionary budget authority initiated by Congress for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year, together with their dollar value, and an indication of whether each such rescission was accepted or rejected by Congress; (5) the total number of rescissions of discretionary budget authority initiated and accepted by Congress for the fiscal year ending during the preceding calendar year, together with their total dollar value; and (6) a summary of the information provided by paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) for each of the ten fiscal years ending before the fiscal year during this calendar year. (Sec. 207) Provides a process of expedited judicial review of provisions of this Act. Chapter B: Enhanced Rescissions - Amends CBICA to provide for expedited consideration of certain proposed rescissions and targeted tax benefits. Makes conforming amendments to CBA. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth transition rules, effective dates, and conforming amendments. (Sec. 304) Amends Federal law relating to money and finance to add a definition of budget biennium and to revise provisions relating to: (1) budget contents and submission to the Congress; (2) estimated expenditures of legislative and judicial branches; (3) recommendations to meet estimated deficiencies; (4) a statement with respect to certain changes; (5) capital investment analysis; (6) supplemental budget estimates and changes; (7) year-ahead requests for authorizing legislation; and (8) budget information on consulting services. (Sec. 305) Provides that: (1) in the event that any of the provisions of chapter A (Line Item Veto Act) of title II are invalidated by judicial action, all provisions of such chapter are invalidated; and (2) immediately upon a final determination invalidating chapter A of title II, chapter B (Enhanced Rescissions) of title II shall become effective.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 115 (104th)passed

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Continuing Appropriations Title II: Waiver of Requirement for Parchment Printing Title III: Taxpayer Subsidized Political Advocacy Title IV: Medicare Title I: Continuing Appropriations - Makes further continuing appropriations for FY 1996. (Sec. 101) Provides for such amounts as may be necessary under the authority and provided in the applicable appropriations Act for the fiscal year 1995 for continuing projects or activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees (not otherwise specifically provided for in this joint resolution) which were conducted in the fiscal year 1995 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in the following appropriations Acts: (1) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (notwithstanding specified provisions of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Act); (2) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996 (notwithstanding specified provisions of the National Security Act of 1947); (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996; (4) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1996; (5) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 (notwithstanding specified provisions of certain Federal law and of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956); (6) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (7) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (8) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996 (H.R. 2492); (9) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1996; (10) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996; and (11) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. (Sec. 102) Sets forth various conditions for and limitations on the use of funds provided under this Act. (Sec. 123) Provides that the rate for operations of the following projects or activities shall be only the minimum necessary to accomplish orderly termination: (1) Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (except that activities to carry out the provisions of specified Federal law may continue); (3) Interstate Commerce Commission; (4) Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (5) Land and Water Conservation Fund, State Assistance; and (6) Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Rural Abandoned Mine Program. Title II: Waiver of Requirement for Parchment Printing - Waives specified requirements with respect to the printing of the enrollment of any continuing resolution, debt limit extension measure, or reconciliation bill of the first session of this Congress presented to the President after the enactment of this joint resolution. Title III: Taxpayer Subsidized Political Advocacy - Prohibits subsidizing political advocacy with taxpayer funds. Sets forth prohibitions on taxpayer subsidized grantees' use of such funds to engage in political advocacy, as well as other limitations on, and duties with respect to, their use of such funds. (Sec. 302) Requires taxpayer subsidized grantees to disclose specified information in an annual report to each Federal entity that awarded or administered their grants. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to develop one standardized form for such report and a uniform procedure by which each such grantee is assigned one permanent and unique identification number. (Sec. 303) Requires each Federal entity awarding or administering such grants to report annually to the Bureau of the Census setting forth the information provided in such grantee reports, with the identification numbers of the grantees. Directs the Bureau of the Census to make this database available to the public through the Internet. (Sec. 304) Requires public availability of taxpayer subsidized grant documents. (Sec. 307) Provides for expedited consideration and appeal of any action challenging the constitutionality of this title. Title IV: Medicare - Revises the formula for the determination of Medicare Part B premiums during 1996 (to increase such premiums above the scheduled rate). (Sec. 402) Provides for Medicare coverage of certain anticancer drug treatments, including coverage of certain Federal Food and Drug Administration-approved self-administered oral drugs prescribed for use as an anticancer nonsteroidal antiestrogen or nonsteroidal antiandrogen agent for a given indication. Provides for uniform coverage of such anticancer drugs in all settings.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 116 (104th)referred

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1995

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 1996 for projects or activities including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees provided for in the following Acts: (1) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (2) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996; (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996; (4) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1996; (5) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996; (6) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (7) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (8) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996; (9) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1996; (10) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996; and (11) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. (Sec. 112) Requires that whenever the rate of operations for any continuing project or activity provided for which there is a budget request would result in a furlough of Government employees, that rate for operations may be increased to a level that would enable the furlough to be avoided. (Sec. 113) Requires that for those programs that had high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of funding at the beginning of FY 1995 because of distributions of funding to States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, similar distributions of funds for FY 1996 shall not be made and no grants shall be awarded for such programs, subject to stated exceptions. (Sec. 115) Requires that the rate of operations for any continuing project or activity that have not been increased shall be reduced by five percent but shall not be reduced below a defined minimum level or below the level that would result in a furlough. (Sec. 116) Provides that section 132 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act of 1988 (which provides that amounts appropriated for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia shall not be subject to apportionments) shall not apply for this joint resolution. Provides for including in the apportionment for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia an additional $217 million. (Sec. 117) Requires that the authority and conditions for the application of appropriations of the Office of Technology Assessment as contained in House Report 104-212, shall be followed when applying the funding made available by this joint resolution. (Sec. 120) Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission's Salaries and Expenses account to include, in addition to direct appropriations, the amount it collects under the fee rate and offsetting collection authority. (Sec. 121) Requires that funding be made available for the necessary expenses of the Bureau of Mines for: (1) continuing limited health and safety and related research, materials partnerships, and minerals information activities; (2) for mineral assessments in Alaska; and (3) for terminating all other activities of the Bureau of Mines. (Sec. 122) Requires that funds for the Environmental Protection Agency shall be made available.

Bill· HRH.R. 2530 (104th)open

Common Sense Balanced Budget Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Subtitle A: Energy Subtitle B: Central Utah Subtitle C: Army Corps of Engineers Subtitle D: Helium Reserve Subtitle E: Territories Title II: Agricultural Programs Subtitle A: Extension and Modification of Various Commodity Programs Subtitle B: Sugar Subtitle C: Peanuts Subtitle D: Tobacco Subtitle E: Planting Flexibility Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Commerce Title IV: Transportation Title V: Housing Provisions Title VI: Indexation and Miscellaneous Entitlement-Related Provisions Title VII: Medicaid Reform Subtitle A: Per Capita Spending Limit Subtitle B: Medicaid Managed Care Subtitle C: Additional Reforms of Medicaid Acute Care Program Subtitle D: National Commission on Medicaid Restructuring Subtitle E: Restrictions on Disproportionate Share Payments Subtitle F: Fraud Reduction Title VIII: Medicare Subtitle A: Medicare Choice Program Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Regulatory Relief Subtitle C: Medicare Payments to Health Care Providers Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Medicare Beneficiaries Subtitle E: Medicare Fraud Reduction Subtitle F: Improving Access to Health Care Subtitle G: Other Provisions Subtitle H: Monitoring Achievement of Medicare Reform Goals Subtitle I: Lock-Box Provisions for Medicare Part B Savings from Growth Reductions Subtitle J: Clinical Laboratories Title IX: Welfare Reform Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance Subtitle B: Make Work Pay Subtitle C: Work First Subtitle D: Family Responsibility and Improved Child Support Enforcement Subtitle E: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability Subtitle F: SSI Reform Subtitle G: Food Assistance Subtitle H: Treatment of Aliens Subtitle I: Earned Income Tax Credit Title X: Reductions in Corporate Tax Subsidies and Other Reforms Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Expatriation Subtitle B: Modification to Earned Income Credit Subtitle C: Alternative Minimum Tax on Corporations Importing Products into the United States at Artificially Inflated Prices Subtitle D: Tax Treatment of Certain Extraordinary Dividends Subtitle E: Foreign Trust Tax Compliance Subtitle F: Limitation on Section 936 Credit Title XI: Veterans' Affairs Subtitle A: Permanent Extension of Temporary Authorities Subtitle B: Other Matters Subtitle C: Health Care Eligibility Reform Title XII: Legislative Branch Title XIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Title XIV: Budget Process Provisions Subtitle B(sic): Discretionary Spending Limits Subtitle C: Pay-As-You-Go Procedures Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Subtitle E: Deficit Control Subtitle F: Line Item Veto Subtitle G: Enforcing Points of Order Subtitle H: Deficit Reduction Lock-box Subtitle I: Emergency Spending; Baseline Reform; Continuing Resolutions Reform Subtitle J: Technical and Conforming Amendments Subtitle K: Truth in Legislating Common Sense Balanced Budget Act of 1995 - Title I: Energy, Natural Resources and Environment - Subtitle A: Energy - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to exclude from the definition of "production facility" the construction and operation of a uranium enrichment facility using Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) technology (thus making such a facility eligible for one-step licensing). (Sec. 1101) States that one purpose of this Act is to ensure that privatization of the U. S. Enrichment Corporation (USEC) does not result in any adverse effects on the pension benefits of employees at facilities that are operated in the performance of functions vested in USEC. Declares that USEC shall abide by the terms of the collective bargaining agreement in effect on the privatization date at each individual facility. Permits employees who transfer to USEC from other Federal employment to transfer their accrued retirement benefits to a USEC retirement system, or to retain their coverage under their existing Federal plan. Terminates USEC's status as the exclusive marketing agent for the United States for entering into contracts for providing enriched uranium and uranium enrichment and related services. Declares that the privatization of USEC shall not affect the terms, rights, or obligations of the parties to any power purchase contracts. Sets forth the effects of the transfer of uranium enrichment contracts. Declares that the United States shall remain obligated on those contracts during their term. States that USEC shall establish prices for its products, materials, and services on a profit-making basis. Prescribes guidelines under which the Department of Energy (DOE) shall accept responsibility for the treatment, disposal and storage of low-level radioactive waste and mixed waste. States that, as of the privatization date, all liabilities and any judgment against the Corporation attributable to the operation of the USEC from the transition date to the privatization date shall be direct liabilities of, and judgments against, the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to transfer raw and enriched uranium to USEC before the privatization date without charge. Prescribes guidelines under which: (1) USEC is authorized to establish a private corporation to implement the privatization of USEC; and (2) USEC privatization may be implemented by means of a transfer of assets and liabilities to such corporation and a merger or consolidation with it. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the privatization of USEC by means of a public offering unless the Secretary determines that the estimated gross proceeds from the USEC sale will be an adequate amount. Limits to ten percent of the total votes of all outstanding USEC voting securities the number of securities any person may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, during the three years following any privatization by means of a public offering. Provides that the proceeds to the U.S. Government from privatization shall be included in the budget baseline and be counted as an offset to direct spending. Mandates termination of any USEC license if privatization results in its being owned, controlled or dominated by a foreign entity or otherwise inimical to the security of the United States. Precludes USEC from implementing the privatization plan less than 60 days after the date that the Comptroller General presents an evaluation of the plan to the Congress. Provides for periodic certification of USEC by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission upon privatization. Authorizes the licensing of Corporation facilities using AVLIS technologies for uranium enrichment. (Sec. 1102) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to repeal the termination date for Nuclear Regulatory Commission authority to assess annual charges (thus making such authority permanent). (Sec. 1103) Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to repeal the exclusion of cogeneration process from the definition of "energy savings". (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess and collect radiological emergency preparedness fees. Subtitle B: Central Utah - Amends the Central Utah Project Completion Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of a specified repayment contract with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District regarding municipal and industrial water delivery facilities. Subtitle C: Army Corps of Engineers - Establishes the Army Civil Works Regulatory Program Fund as a repository for certain regulatory fees established by the Secretary of the Army. Subtitle D: Helium Reserve - Helium Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store, transport, and sell crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Identifies circumstances under which the Secretary must meet a certain deadline for the elimination of helium stockpiles. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Subtitle E: Territories - Terminates annual direct financial assistance to the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Title II: Agricultural Programs - Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Extension and Modification of Various Commodity Programs - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 (Act) to extend loan, payment, and acreage reduction programs for wheat (including the food security wheat reserve), feed grains, cotton (including cottonseed and cottonseed oil), and rice. Extends loan and payment programs for oilseeds. (Sec. 2106) Revises specified wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice deficiency payment provisions (flex acres and 50-85 and 0-85 programs). Subtitle B: Sugar - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend and set forth sugar price support provisions. Establishes the sugarcane target price at 18 cents per pound. Subtitle C: Peanuts - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend the peanut price support program. (Sec. 2302) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend and revise peanut national poundage quota and acreage allotment provisions, including specified provisions regarding Texas and New Mexico. (Sec. 2303) Revises sale, lease, or transfer of farm poundage quota provisions. Provides for: (1) quota transfers to other self-owned farms within the same State; and (2) quota sales within a State having quotas of 10,000 tons or more. (Sec. 2304) Subjects reentered (after export) peanut products made from additional peanuts to specified marketing penalties. (Sec. 2305) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to limit price support rate increases or decreases. Establishes a special rule regarding New Mexico pools. Requires that all domestic and export peanuts comply with specified quality standards. (Sec. 2306) Requires an annual quota peanut producer referendum regarding the poundage quota. Subtitle D: Tobacco - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend tobacco marketing assessment authority. States that such fees shall be used to pay for other tobacco programs not covered by user fees or other specified assessments or contributions. (Sec. 2402) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to revise farm acreage allotment and marketing quota reduction provisions. (Sec. 2403) Makes a specified farm reconstitution provision applicable to burley (burley) tobacco. (Sec. 2404) Reduces a certain percentage threshold regarding disaster-transfer of flue-cured (flue-cured) tobacco quotas. (Sec. 2405) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to expand the tobacco types subject to no net cost assessment. (Sec. 2406) Amends the Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal certain tobacco export reporting requirements. (Sec. 2407) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal certain flue-cured and burley marketing quota reduction provisions. (Sec. 2408) Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to provide for civil penalties and cease and desist orders for violations of such Act. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction in such matters. (Sec. 2409) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to permit flue-cured or other tobacco quota or allotment transfers across within-State county lines if approved by producer referendum. Eliminates certain burley quota transfer provisions for Tennessee and Virginia. (Sec. 2410) Eliminates certain tobacco exports from flue-cured and burley national marketing quota calculations. (Sec. 2412) Revises certain burley marketing quota lease and transfer provisions. (Sec. 2413) Increases maximum acreage transfers. (Sec. 2414) States that performance rendered in good faith reliance upon Department of Agriculture advice or actions may be accepted as meeting appropriate marketing quota requirements. (Sec. 2415) Harmonizes certain flue-cured and burley sales dates. (Sec. 2416) Authorizes a recent farm purchaser to sell burley or flue-cured marketing quotas within one year of such purchase. Subtitle E: Planting Flexibility - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to state that a farm's total acreage base shall equal the sum of the farm's acreage bases for acreage reduction enrolled crops. (Sec. 2503) Revises planting flexibility provisions. (Sec. 2504) Bases 1996 through 2002 farm program payment yields on the 1995 crop year. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to reduce the maximum amount of deficiency and land diversion payments. (Sec. 2602) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative should intensify efforts to resolve the Canadian potato trade concerns and to begin to consider dispute resolution actions under the North American Free Trade Agreement or the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Title III: Commerce - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to state that certain competitive bidding requirements shall not apply to licenses or construction permits issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): (1) that, as the result of the FCC carrying out specified obligations, are not mutually exclusive; (2) for public safety radio services, including non-Government uses that protect the safety of life, health, and property and that are not made commercially available to the public; or (3) for initial licenses or construction permits for new terrestrial digital television (TV) services assigned by the FCC to existing terrestrial broadcast licensees to replace their current TV licenses. Extends through FY 2002 the authority of the FCC to grant such licenses or permits. Requires the FCC to complete all actions necessary to permit the assignment, by September 30, 2002, by competitive bidding of licenses for the use of bands of frequencies that: (1) individually span not less than 25 megahertz (mhz.), unless a combination of smaller bands can reasonably be expected to produce greater receipts; (2) in the aggregate, span not less than 100 mhz.; (3) are located below three gigahertz (ghz.); and (4) as of this Act's enactment date, have not been designated by FCC regulation for assignment or identified by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (NTIAO Act). Directs the FCC to conduct the competitive bidding for not less than one-half of such aggregate spectrum by September 30, 2001. Requires the FCC, in making available bands of frequencies for competitive bidding, to: (1) seek to promote the most efficient use of the spectrum; (2) take into account the cost to incumbent licensees of relocating existing uses to other bands of frequencies or other means of communication and the needs of public safety radio services; and (3) comply with the requirements of international agreements concerning spectrum allocations. Directs the FCC to notify the Secretary if the FCC: (1) is not able to provide for the effective relocation of incumbent licensees to bands of frequencies that are available to the FCC for assignment; and (2) has identified bands of frequencies that are suitable for the relocation of such licensees and that are allocated for Federal Government use but that could be reallocated pursuant to the NTIAO Act. Amends the NTIAO Act to require the Secretary, upon receiving a notice from the FCC pursuant to this Act, to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report recommending for reallocation for use other than by Federal Government stations bands of frequencies that are suitable for the uses identified in the FCC's notice. Requires the FCC to commence the Broadband Personal Communications Services C-Block auction (described in the FCC's Sixth Report and Order) not later than December 4, 1995. Ratifies and adopts the FCC's competitive bidding rules governing such auction. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) modification of auction policy to preserve the auction value of the spectrum; (2) identification and reallocation of auctionable frequencies; and (3) allocation and assignment of frequencies identified in the second reallocation report. (Sec. 3102) Amends the Act to direct the FCC, for FY 1996 and thereafter, to modify the application fees so that total collections for the fiscal year equal $40 million plus the amount of necessary expenses for costs related to application processing which exceeds $40 million. Directs the FCC to notify the Congress of any proposed and adopted modifications. Requires $40 million from FCC application fees to be deposited into the Treasury and used for application processing and related expenses of the FCC. Revises the schedule of application fees for personal communications services and amateur vanity call signs under the Act. Specifies that moneys received from fees established under this section shall be deposited as an offsetting collection in, and credited to, the account providing appropriations to carry out FCC functions. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) recovery of executive and legal costs incurred by the FCC; (2) establishment and adjustment of fees; (3) regulatory fees for satellite TV operations; and (4) governmental entities use for common carrier purposes. Directs the FCC to: (1) develop accounting systems for making adjustments authorized by the Act; and (2) annually prepare and submit to the Congress an analysis of such systems and afford interested persons the opportunity to submit comments concerning the allocation of costs, the application, and regulatory fee adjustments. (Sec. 3103) Prohibits the FCC from: (1) renewing any analog TV license for a period that extends beyond the earlier of December 31, 2005, or one year after the date the FCC finds (based on annual surveys) that at least 95 percent of households in the United States have the capability to receive and display video signals, other than video signals transmitted pursuant to an analog TV license; or (2) issuing, after such date, any TV licenses other than advanced TV licenses. Directs the Secretary, each calendar year from 1998 to 2005, to conduct a survey to estimate the percentage of households in the United States that have the capability to receive and display video signals other than those transmitted pursuant to an analog TV license. Requires the FCC to: (1) ensure that, as analog TV licenses expire, the spectrum previously used for the broadcast of analog TV signals is reclaimed and reallocated so as to maximize the deployment of new services (and directs that licensees for new services be selected by competitive bidding); and (2) complete the competitive bidding procedure by May 1, 2002. Directs the FCC to establish procedures to ensure that, within the year prior to the reversion date, the advanced TV licensees provide each requesting household with the capability to receive and display video signals for advanced TV services. Requires: (1) each advanced TV service licensee to provide, for a minimum of five years from such date, at least one nonsubscription video service that meets or exceeds minimum technical standards established by the FCC; and (2) the FCC, to the extent technically feasible, to ensure that picture and audio quality are at least as good as that provided to recipients within the Grade B contour of an analog TV license and to revoke the license of any advanced TV licensee who fails to meet this condition of the license. (Sec. 3104) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend Patent and Trademark Office user fees through 2002. Sets amounts of surcharges to be collected in FY 1999-2002. (Sec. 3105) Repeals the authorization of transitional appropriations for the Postal Service. Specifies that liabilities of the former Post Office Department to the Employees' Compensation Fund shall be liabilities of the Postal Service payable out of the Fund. Title IV: Transportation - Amends Federal transportation law to make permanent the mandate for the imposition of railroad safety fees on railroad carriers. (Sec. 4102) Amends Federal shipping law to make permanent the mandate for the imposition of tonnage duties on certain vessels. (Sec. 4103) Directs the Administrator of General Services to sell at fair market value all rights, title, and interests of the United States in and to the land of, and improvements to, Governors Island, New York. Grants the State of New York and the city of New York the right of first refusal to purchase all or part of such Island. (Sec. 4104) Directs the Administrator to sell at fair market the air rights adjacent to Washington Union Station, including certain air rights to be conveyed to the Administrator by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). Directs AMTRAK, as a condition of future Federal financial assistance, to convey such rights, at no charge, on or before December 31, 1995. Title V: Housing Provisions - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to make the reduction of section 8 annual rent adjustment factors for units without tenant turnover permanent. Amends the National Housing Act to revise the maximum mortgage amount floor for single family mortgage insurance. Revises mortgage foreclosure avoidance and borrower assistance provisions, including: (1) authorizing a partial claim payment program for up to 12 months' equivalent payments; and (2) establishment of an assignment program. Title VI: Indexation and Miscellaneous Entitlement-Related Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise section one provisions so as to provide for a reduction in the annual consumer price index formula used in determining the cost-of-living adjustment of the tax tables through the calendar year 2002. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for a reduction in block grants beginning with FY 1996; and (2) provide that each State shall be annually entitled to an amount equal to the lesser of 80 percent of the total it spends for services which are directed towards achieving the stated purposes of the title or the State's allotment. Provides for the denial of unemployment compensation to: (1) individuals with income in excess of $120,000 for the most recent taxable year; and (2) individuals who voluntarily leave military service. Title VII: Medicaid Reform - Subtitle A: Per Capita Spending Limit - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to specify a limit on the total amount of State expenditures for medical assistance for which Federal financial participation may be made under Medicaid in a fiscal year beginning in FY 1997, according to a prescribed formula based on certain categories of Medicaid beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish for each State a per capita medical assistance limit for each such category and for administrative expenditures for a fiscal year according to a certain formula that accounts for inflation. Requires the Secretary to notify each State before the beginning of each fiscal year of the per capita limits established for the State for the fiscal year. Exempts certain State expenditures under Medicaid from being subject to such limits and from being taken into account in establishing them. Provides for certain adjustments to such per capita limits, and outlines enforcement provisions for assuring that payments to the States are consistent with them. Places certain restrictions on the authority of States to apply less restrictive income and resource methodologies for making certain eligibility determinations under Medicaid. Subtitle B: Medicaid Managed Care - Repeals certain barriers to: (1) authorize States to require certain Medicaid-eligible individuals to enroll with an eligible managed care provider of their choice under contract with the State to furnish them with all medically necessary assistance as a condition of receiving Medicaid assistance; and (2) add anti-fraud and sanctions requirements applicable to eligible managed care providers. (Sec. 7105) Provides for assuring adequacy of payments to Medicaid managed care plans and providers. (Sec. 7107) Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the effect of risk contracting entities and primary care case management entities on the delivery of and payment for public health services. (Sec. 7108) Requires the Secretary and the Comptroller General to analyze and submit reports annually to specified congressional committees on rates paid for hospital services under coordinated care programs provided for under this subtitle. Subtitle C: Additional Reforms of Medicaid Acute Care Program - Revises provisions governing the use of enrollment fees, premiums, deductions, cost-sharing, and similar charges in order to permit increased flexibility in Medicaid cost-sharing. (Sec. 7202) Requires the Secretary to define, by regulation promulgated after consultation with States and organizations representing health care providers, those treatment services, in addition to those otherwise covered under a State Medicaid plan, that must be covered under Medicaid as measures necessary to correct or ameliorate defects and physical and mental illnesses and conditions discovered by the screening services, whether or not such services are covered under the State plan. (Sec. 7203) Provides that no change in law which has the effect of imposing a requirement on a State under a State plan under Medicaid, and with respect to which the Secretary is required to issue regulations to carry out such requirement, shall take effect until the date the Secretary promulgates such regulation as a final regulation. Provides that any change in a regulation of the Secretary relating to the Medicaid program shall not become effective until the beginning of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the change was promulgated. Gives the States certain options around such requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that if a State is required by future legislation to provide for additional services, eligible individuals, or otherwise incur additional costs under its Medicaid program, the Federal Government shall provide for full payment of any such additional costs for at least the first two years in which such requirement applies. (Sec. 7204) Sets forth provisions governing the consideration of applications for Medicaid waivers (i.e. State requests for a waiver of a Medicaid provision, or of another provision of law that applies to State plans under such title), and includes certain specified waivers under SSA and later amendments. Subtitle D: National Commission on Medicaid Restructuring - Establishes the National Commission on Medicaid Restructuring to study and make recommendations to the Congress, the President, and the Secretary regarding the need for changes in the laws and regulations regarding the Medicaid program in order to: (1) ensure adequate access to health care under such program for low-income individuals; (2) promote quality health care; (3) deter Medicaid fraud and abuse; (4) provide States with additional flexibility in implementing their Medicaid plans; and (5) contain Federal and State Medicaid costs. Authorize appropriations. Subtitle E: Restrictions on Disproportionate Share Payments - Revises provisions governing Medicaid payment adjustments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), among other changes, establishing a new national DSH payment limit and modifying provisions for determination of State DSH allotments. Subtitle F: Fraud Reduction - Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) to develop mechanisms to better monitor and prevent inappropriate payments under Medicaid in the case of individuals who are dually eligible for benefits under such program and the Medicare program under SSA title XVIII. Requires the Administrator to develop improved mechanisms, such as picture identification documents and smart documents, to provide methods of improved identification and tracking of beneficiaries and providers that perpetrate fraud against Medicaid. Title VIII: Medicare - Medicare Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII and the Internal Revenue Code, restructuring the current Medicare program, and creating a new Medicare Choice program within it, while also providing for corresponding tax incentives for Medicare Choice medical savings accounts (MSAs) and other Medicare Choice-related matters. Subtitle A: Medicare Choice Program - Gives individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) the opportunity to elect Medicare coverage during annual, coordinated election periods under either the new Medicare Choice benefit package or through the existing fee-for-service system under such parts. Includes in the Medicare Choice benefit package a high ($10,000) deductible-Medisave product under a specified demonstration plus contributions to Medicare Choice MSAs, as well as separate fee-for-service products and products offered under certain provider- and union-sponsored plans by qualified Medicare Choice organizations. Directs the Secretary to provide for a nationally coordinated educational and publicity campaign to inform individuals who are eligible to elect Medicare Choice products about them and the election processes provided under this subtitle. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to test alternative approaches to coordinated open enrollments in different markets, including different annual enrollment periods and models of rolling open enrollment periods. (Sec. 8002) Requires qualified Medicare Choice organizations (except those with union sponsors, Taft-Hartley sponsors, or, for a limited time, provider sponsors) to be licensed under State law in each State in which they offer a Medicare Choice product. Requires such organizations to assume full financial risk on a prospective basis for the provision of health care services (other than hospice care). Allows an organization to obtain insurance in specified circumstances. Sets forth requirements relating to benefits, provision of services (including limited physician incentive plans), enrollment, and premiums. Specifies patient protection standards, including those for information disclosure, access to services, out-of-network services, mandatory quality assurance programs, coverage determinations, grievances, appeals, and fair marketing procedures. Directs the Secretary to provide for demonstration projects to determine the effectiveness, cost, and impact of alternative methods of providing comparative information about the performance of Medicare Choice organizations and products and the performance of Medicare supplemental policies in relation to such products. Prescribes policy for payments to Medicare Choice organizations, including monthly adjusted capitation rates. Requires the Secretary to issue interim regulations regarding standards for Medicare Choice organizations and products within 180 days after the date of enactment of this subtitle, with such regulations to be effective through the end of 1999. Directs the Secretary to develop permanent standards under this subtitle, consulting with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in doing so, with such standards to be effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for the certification of Medicare Choice organizations and products. Involves the Secretary of Labor in such process with respect to union sponsors and Taft-Hartley sponsors. Outlines the certification process, including the use of private accreditation processes. Requires Medicare Choice organizations to contract with the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. Permits certain demonstration projects for high deductible-Medisave products, and lists special rules relating to enrollment and benefits with regard to such products, requiring, among other things, payments to the Medicare Choice MSAs of individuals electing high deductible-Medisave products under such projects. (Sec. 8003) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on alternative provider payment approaches under Medicare along with recommendations for implementing and testing such approaches and any legislation that may be required for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to work with employers and health benefit plans to develop standards and payment methodologies to allow retired workers to continue to participate in employer health plans instead of participating in the Medicare program. Provides for a similar congressional report with regard to such matter. (Sec. 8004) Sets forth transition rules for current Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) programs. (Sec. 8011) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income any Federal payment to his or her Medicare Choice MSA, but include any MSA distribution not used to pay the account holder's qualified medical expenses. Excludes the value of such an MSA from the account holder's gross estate. Exempts an account holder from the excise tax on prohibited transactions even if an MSA ceases to be a Medicare Choice MSA because a distribution was not used to pay qualified medical expenses. Excludes further from gross income any Medicare part B premium discount rebate. (Sec. 8021) Declares that, in any Federal or State antitrust action, the conduct of a provider service network (and any member of such network) in negotiating, making, or performing a contract, to the extent such contract is for providing services under a Medicare Choice provider-sponsored organization (PSO) contract, shall not be illegal per se. Subjects such conduct to the antitrust rule of reason standard. (Sec. 8031) Amends SSA title XVIII to establish the Medicare Payment Review Commission (replacing the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC) and the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC), hereby abolished) which shall, among other things, review program payment policies (including those under the new Medicare Choice program) for appropriate recommendations to the Congress concerning such policies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8032) Creates the Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program to: (1) examine the financial impact on the Medicare program of the significant increase in the number of Medicare-eligible individuals which will occur beginning approximately 2010 and last for approximately 25 years; and (2) make specific recommendations to the Congress about a comprehensive approach to preserve Medicare for the period during which such individuals are Medicare-eligible. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8041) Preempts State law restrictions on managed care arrangements and utilization review programs. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Regulatory Relief - Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII, as well as the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, to outline various specified revisions to Medicare physician referral prohibitions and anti-kickback and other penalties for the purpose of achieving Medicare regulatory relief. (Sec. 8101) Includes among such revisions: (1) removal of compensation arrangements from the proscribed financial arrangements between a physician and any entity to which he or she may refer a Medicare beneficiary (thus limiting proscribed financial arrangements to an ownership or investment interest in the entity); (2) limitation of the designated health services subject to such prohibition to items and services furnished by a community pharmacy, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography services, and outpatient physical therapy services; (3) repeal of the mandate for the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank; and (4) the issuance of advisory opinions under SSA title XI. (Sec. 8104) Revises exceptions to the prohibition against physician referrals to an entity in which the referring physician has an ownership or investment relationship to: (1) repeal the site-of-service requirement for excepted in-office ancillary services; (2) revise the exceptions for services furnished in a rural area and for pre-paid plans; and (3) add new exceptions for shared facility services and services furnished in communities with no alternative providers, in ambulatory surgical centers, in renal dialysis facilities, in a hospice, or in a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility. (Sec. 8111) Directs the Attorney General to provide for the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans, and establish a review process under which a plan administrator or sponsor may submit a request to obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the plan's conformity with the Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 8112) Outlines requirements for issuance (or denial) by the Attorney General of health care certificates of public advantage to requesting eligible health care collaborative activities if the benefits likely to result from such an activity outweigh any reduction in competition likely also to result and if such reduction is necessary to obtain benefits. Provides for judicial review with regard to such matter. (Sec. 8113) Requires the Attorney General, to report annually to the Congress, as part of the annual budget oversight proceedings, on DOJ's Antitrust Division in order for the Congress to determine how enforcement of antitrust laws is affecting the formation of joint ventures, and if such certificates have resulted in undesirable reduction in competition in the health care marketplace. (Sec. 8114) Exempts specified antitrust laws, under certain conditions, from applying with respect to: (1) the merger of, or the attempt to merge, two or more hospitals; (2) a contract entered into solely by two or more hospitals to allocate hospital services; or (3) the attempt by only two or more hospitals to enter into a contract to allocate hospital services. (Sec. 8121) Outlines various specified measures with respect to health care liability designed to provide for malpractice reform that, among other things, include: (1) a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, with exceptions for minors; (2) a limitation on noneconomic damages; and (3) standards for using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in such matters as an initial attempt to resolve them before they may be brought in State or Federal court. Includes special provisions for certain obstetric services. Requires certain reports on the implementation and effectiveness of ADR systems for the Congress. (Sec. 8151) Modifies under Medicare the payment areas used to determine Medicare payments for physicians' services under such program while ensuring budget-neutrality. Subtitle C: Medicare Payments to Health Care Providers - Provides for a one-year general freeze in payments to Medicare providers during FY 1996, with similar freezes for skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. (Sec. 8211) Revises Medicare provisions for payments for physicians' services, replacing the volume performance standard with sustainable growth rate and establishing a single conversion factor for 1996, among other changes. (Sec. 8221) Provides for a reduction in update for inpatient hospital services for FY 1997 through 2002. (Sec. 8222) Eliminates formula-driven overpayments for ambulatory surgical center procedures and radiology services and diagnostic procedures. (Sec. 8223) Requires the Secretary to establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient services. (Sec. 8224) Reduces Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient capital-related costs. (Sec. 8225) Places a moratorium on PPS exemption for long term care hospitals. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations for modifications to the standards used to determine whether a hospital is classified as a long-term care hospital for purposes of determining the amount of payment to the hospital under Medicare part A for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services. (Sec. 8231) Sets forth provisions affecting home health and other specified providers, including providers of durable medical equipment and nursing homes, with similar payment changes and reductions and certain coverage limitations and incentives for cost-efficient management. Requires the Secretary to expand PPS research for home health agencies. (Sec. 8235) Freezes payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 8241) Adds a new SSA title XXI (Teaching Hospitals and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund) establishing in the Treasury the Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund for payments to teaching hospitals out of specified transfers from the Medicare trust funds and other amounts. Provides within HHS for a temporary advisory counsel (the National Advisory Council on Postgraduate Medical Education) to advise the Secretary on postgraduate medical education financing for assuring an adequate supply of trained specialists consistent with our country's health care needs. (Sec. 8242) Modifies payment policies under Medicare regarding indirect costs of graduate medical education, reducing payment adjustments for indirect medical education. Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Medicare Beneficiaries - Makes specified changes with regard to the Medicare part B premium, including freezing it for 1996. (Sec. 8302) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the full cost of Medicare part B coverage payable by high-income individuals. (Sec. 8303) Provides annual screening mammography for women over age 49, plus expanded coverage of other preventive benefits under Medicare such as colorectal screening, prostate cancer screening tests and diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Subtitle E: Medicare Fraud Reduction - Outlines various specified measures designed for preventing fraud and abuse under the Medicare program or a State health care program, including among them in addition to the special fraud alerts initially set out: (1) special outreach and other efforts by the Secretary which include establishing a beneficiary incentive program for collecting information on fraud and abuse under Medicare; (2) establishment of the Medicare Integrity Program and associated Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund for contracting out to eligible private entities specified anti-fraud and abuse activities; (3) establishment by the Secretary of certain fraud reduction demonstration projects; and (3) provide direct spending for Medicare-related anti-fraud activities of the HHS Inspector General. Provides appropriations from the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund to carry out the Medicare Integrity Program. (Sec. 8407) Requires the Secretary to recommend to the Congress legislative changes to the Medicare program to enable the prices paid for items and services under it to be established on a more competitive basis. Subtitle F: Improving Access to Health Care - Outlines various specified changes with regard to rural hospitals for the purpose of improving access to health care in rural areas, among other changes, by establishing a rural emergency access care hospital program and a system of additional payments under Medicare for physicians' services furnished in shortage areas. Reduces updates for sole community hospitals. Requires the Medicare Payment Review Commission to study and report to the Congress on the impact of the designation of hospitals as sole community hospitals under the Medicare program on the delivery of health care services to individuals in rural areas. Prohibits denial of request for reclassification of rural referral centers on basis of comparability of wages. Provides for State and consortium demonstration projects for increasing the number of medical students entering primary case practice relative to those entering nonprimary care practice. Requires the Secretary to develop and publish a model law that may be adopted by States to increase the access of individuals residing in underserved rural areas to health care services by expanding the services which non-physician health care professionals may provide in such areas. (Sec. 8512) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude national health service corps loan repayments from gross income. (Sec. 8513) Directs the Secretary to establish a methodology for making payments under Medicare part B for telemedicine services furnished on an emergency basis to individuals residing in an area designated as a health professional shortage area. (Sec. 8514) Provides for an HHS demonstration project to assess the advantages and disadvantages of requiring Medicare Choice organizations to market their products in certain underserved areas which are near the standard service area for such products. (Sec. 8521) Provides for Medicare program payments for health care services provided in the military health services system. Subtitle G: Other Provisions - Provides, with regard to Medicare as secondary payer, for: (1) extension and expansion of existing requirements; (2) recovery against third party administrators of primary plans; and (3) prohibition of retroactive application (before April 24, 1995) of a certain policy directive regarding end stage renal disease beneficiaries enrolled in primary plans. (Sec. 8602) Repeals the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Databank under SSA title XI. (Sec. 8603) Provides that nothing in SSA title XVIII may be construed to prohibit coverage under Medicare part A or B of items and services associated with the use of a medical device in the furnishing of inpatient hospital services solely on the grounds that the device is not an approved device, if it is an investigational device and is used instead of an approved device. States that the amount of Medicare payment for any item or service associated with the use of an investigational device in the furnishing of such services may not exceed the amount of the payment which would have been made for the item or service if it were associated with the use of an approved device. (Sec. 8604) Excludes from Medicare coverage items or services used for euthanasia. (Sec. 8605) Extends Medicare coverage of, and application of the hospital insurance tax to, all State and local government employees. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle H: Monitoring Achievement of Medicare Reform Goals - Directs the Secretary to establish budgetary and program goals for the Medicare program that are consistent with: (1) specified restrictions on total Medicare outlays for FY 1996 through FY 2002; and (2) an equitable distribution of funds between per beneficiary spending on payments to Medicare Choice organizations and spending on fee-for-service payments to Medicare providers. Requires such goals also to be consistent with the establishment of payments to such organizations in a manner that: (1) promotes the availability of Medicare Choice products in all regions of the country; and (2) permits such organizations to offer adequate coverage. (Sec. 8702) Establishes the Medicare Reform Commission to examine how Medicare has met such goals, with recommendations concerning any problems found to exist submitted to the President for transmittal with corrections to the Congress for action. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle I: Lock-Box Provisions for Medicare Part B Savings from Growth Reductions - Establishes under Medicare part B in the Treasury the Federal Medicare Growth Reduction Trust Fund for the savings under such part that are attributable to this Act. Subtitle J: Clinical Laboratories - Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt from certification requirements under such Act clinical laboratories in physician offices (except when pap smear analysis is performed). Title IX: Welfare Reform - Subtitle A: Temporary Employment Assistance - Replaces the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program under SSA title IV part A 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 program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9101) Sets forth State TEA plan elements necessary for plan approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Includes among them, in addition to certain administrative requirements for ensuring that families on TEA assistance become self-sufficient, the following key elements: (1) limited time for cash assistance, with specified exceptions for teen parents, hardship situations, and individuals exempt from certain work requirements under this title because of illness or other specified reasons; (2) assessment, before such individuals may receive TEA assistance, of the skills, prior work experience, and employability of each applicant for, and recipient of, TEA assistance who has attained age 18 or has not obtained a high school education, and is not attending secondary school; (3) development of an individual responsibility plan on the basis of such assessment, setting forth certain job search, work-, and education-related obligations (including, at State option, appropriate substance abuse treatment) of such individuals in order for them to receive the full amount of TEA assistance (denying it for plan noncompliance after the third offense); (4) State operation a Work First Program (replacing the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) program) and a workfare or job placement voucher program for individuals prohibited from participation in the Work First program; (5) assurance that all such applicants and recipients will cooperate in paternity establishment and enforcement of child support obligations, and that the State agency will report known or suspected instances of child abuse to the appropriate authorities; (6) State efforts to promote family preservation and stability; and (7) denial of TEA assistance for fraudulent statements made with regard to residence in order to obtain multiple assistance payments and for probation and parole violators. Outlines State payment and miscellaneous State plan quality assurance and data collection, compilation, and reporting requirements, as well as certain research, demonstration, and evaluation requirements (including requirements for the Secretary to establish certain regional information centers for disseminating information concerning welfare reform) with regard to the different State approaches to operating welfare programs under this subtitle. 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. Subtitle B: Make Work Pay - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of providing for an extension of Medicaid enrollment for former AFDC recipients for one additional year. (Sec. 9202) Requires State TEA, food stamp, and Medicaid plans to provide their respective applicants and former recipients with written notice of the existence and availability of the earned income tax credit, with changes under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 providing for such notice of availability to be included on employee W-4 forms. (Sec. 9204) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to provide for State demonstrations for advance payment of earned income tax credit. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9205) Repeals the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 and provides for funding of child care services through the program under SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services), with limited funding for child care grants under such program to supplement State and local funds as well as Federal funds provided under other Acts for child care activities. Requires the appropriate State agencies under such program to guarantee child care for participants involved in the education, training, community service, and employment initiatives above connected with State TEA programs. (Sec. 9206) Amends IRC to: (1) include TEA, food stamp, and supplemental security income (SSI) assistance in gross income and exclude such benefits from being taken into account for purposes of the earned income tax credit; and (2) make the dependent care credit refundable and exclude certain high-income taxpayers from being eligible for such credit. Subtitle C: Work First - Replaces the JOBS program under SSA title IV part F with the Work First program under which States have the option of offering a wide variety of job-related activities (including use of job placement companies) to TEA program participants in order to provide them in a cost-effective fashion with the support and skills necessary to obtain and keep full-time unsubsidized employment, preferably in the private sector. (Sec. 9301) Outlines various specified: (1) program components, including microenterprise initiatives, workfare or community service programs, work supplementation programs for jobs with the State or jobs subsidized by the State in the private sector, job placement voucher programs for States not operating a workfare or community service program, and mandatory job search requirements; and (2) associated rules, cost limits, participation and funding requirements, and performance standards for measuring the effectiveness of such programs. Expresses the intent of the Congress that State job-related activities emphasize the use of funds that would otherwise be used to provide individuals with TEA and food stamps to subsidize the wages of such individuals in temporary jobs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should target individuals below age 25 for participation in the Work First program in order to break the cycle of welfare dependency. Subtitle D: Family Responsibility and Improved Child Support Enforcement - Chapter 1: Eligibility and Other Matters Concerning Title IV-D Program Clients - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require States to have statutorily prescribed procedures to: (1) record child support orders in a central case registry; and (2) collect child support payments through a centralized collections unit. Permits parties to a child support order to opt for an alternative payment procedure. (Sec. 9401) Revises the guidelines for: (1) State plans for child and spousal support; and (2) payments distribution. (Sec. 9403) 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. Chapter 2: Program Administration and Funding - Revises the formula for: (1) Federal matching payments to the States; and (2) incentive adjustments to the Federal matching rate. (Sec. 9413) 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. 9415) 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. 9416) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct staffing studies of each State child support enforcement program and to report the results to the Congress. (Sec. 9417) 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. Chapter 3: 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. 9422) Requires State plans to include a centralized, automated unit for the collection and disbursement of support payments. (Sec. 9423) 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. 9425) 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. 9426) Requires State plans to include procedures for recording social security numbers on certain family legal documents and records. Chapter 4: Streamlining and Uniformity of Procedures - Requires each State to have the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in effect as of January 1, 1997. (Sec. 9432) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the procedures for a court to apply when determining which State order to recognize for purposes of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction and enforcement for child support orders. (Sec. 9433) 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. Chapter 5: Paternity Establishment - Expresses the sense of the Congress that social services should be provided in hospitals to women who have become pregnant as a result of rape or incest. (Sec. 9442) Requires State laws to prescribe procedures for parenting counseling for new fathers that stresses the importance of paying child support. (Sec. 9443) Requires State plans to prescribe specified administrative procedures governing agency determination as to whether an individual is cooperating with efforts to establish paternity and secure support, or has good cause not to cooperate with such efforts. (Sec. 9444) Increases the base matching rate for Federal payments to the States for grants for dependent children. (Sec. 9445) Revises the guidelines for statutorily prescribed procedures governing genetic testing and outreach for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. Chapter 6: Establishment and Modification of Support Orders - Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to develop a national child support guideline for consideration by the Congress that is based on a study of various guideline models, the benefits and deficiencies of such models, and any needed improvement. (Sec. 9452) Revises the requirements for State plan procedures for the review and adjustment of support orders. Chapter 7: Enforcement of Support Orders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the order of refund distribution with respect to past-due support owed to individuals. (Sec. 9463) 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. 9465) 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 of child support arrearages; and (6) calculating interest or penalties on such arrearages. (Sec. 9471) Prescribes procedural guidelines for passport denial (including revocation) upon certification of nonpayment of child support. (Sec. 9472) 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. (Sec. 9473) Requires States to have statutorily prescribed procedures under which failure to pay child support arrearages results in seizure by a State agency of: (1) insurance settlements or payouts; (2) judicial awards; (3) sale of forfeited property; and (4) bequests. (Sec. 9474) Requires State plans to include procedures under which grandparents are liable for the financial support of the children of their minor children. (Sec. 9475) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should develop programs specifically designed to work with noncustodial parents who are unable to meet their child support obligations. Chapter 8: 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. Chapter 9: Food Stamp Program Requirements - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to set forth as a prerequisite to eligibility for the Food Stamp Program cooperation by the custodial parent with child support agencies regarding paternity and child support. (Sec. 9492) Denies eligibility to participate in the Food Stamp Program to any individual that is delinquent in any court-ordered payment for child support. Chapter 10: Effect of Enactment - Sets forth effective dates for portions of this title. Subtitle E: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability - Amends Title IV part A (AFDC) to prescribe guidelines under which State plans may deny temporary employment assistance to recipient families having additional children while receiving such assistance. (Sec. 9502) Requires State plans to set as a prerequisite for temporary employment assistance to pregnant unwed minors (or minors with needy children in their care), that such individuals reside in certain supervised living arrangements with an adult relative or legal guardian. (Sec. 9503) Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to establish a National Clearinghouse on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs. Enumerates maximum grant amounts for such Clearinghouse. (Sec. 9504) Amends Title IV part A (AFDC) to require that State plans mandate completion of high school or other training for custodial teenage parents who are required to participate in the Work First program. Authorizes States to provide additional incentives and penalties to encourage teen parents to complete high school and participate in parenting activities. (Sec. 9505) Denies Federal housing benefits to minors who bear children out-of-wedlock, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 9506) Amends Title IV part A (AFDC) to prescribe guidelines under which State plans are granted the option of denying temporary employment assistance to minor parents. Subtitle F: SSI Reform - Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to revise 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 amendments of this subtitle. (Sec. 9602) 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. Specifies requirements governing: (1) continuing disability reviews for low birth weight babies; and (2) benefit payments through representative payees to eligible individuals and their spouses. (Sec. 9603) Revises representative payee requirements. (Sec. 9604) Denies SSI by reason of disability to drug addicts and alcoholics for whom the addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. Provides that, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse specified amounts for expenditure on drug treatment and drug abuse and drug treatment research for FY 1997 through 2000. (Sec. 9605) Denies SSI benefits for ten years to individuals found to have fraudulently misrepresented residence in order to obtain benefits simultaneously in two or more States. (Sec. 9606) Denies SSI benefits for fugitive felons and probation and parole violators and provides for exchange of SSI information with law enforcement agencies. (Sec. 9607) Outlines reapplication requirements for adults receiving SSI benefits by reason of disability. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9608) Provides for a reduction in the unearned income exclusion under provisions for determining the income of an individual and his eligible spouse under SSI. Subtitle G: Food Assistance - Chapter 1: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish food stamp program (program) certification periods of: (1) 24 months for households whose adult members are elderly or disabled; and (2) not more than 12 months for all other households. Includes energy assistance in household income determinations. Excludes Job Training Partnership Act income from such determinations. Excludes life insurance policies from family resource determinations. (Sec. 9703) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), with regard to retail food stores and wholesale food concerns (stores), to: (1) establish authorization periods for coupon acceptance and redemption; and (2) establish specific time periods for prohibiting program participation of stores based on lack of business integrity. (Sec. 9705) Includes sales tax information among the types of eligibility verification information which may be requested. (Sec. 9706) Establishes a six-month reapplication waiting period for a store that does not meet participation requirements. (Sec. 9708) 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. 9709) Provides for disqualification of a store that is disqualified from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 9710) Provides for permanent disqualification of a store that knowingly submits a falsified application. (Sec. 9711) Expands civil and criminal forfeiture for specified violations of the Act. (Sec. 9712) Amends the Social Security Act as amended by the Social Security Administrative Reform Act of 1994, and the Internal Revenue Code as added to by the Social Security Administrative Reform Act of 1994, to authorize information sharing with State WIC enforcement instrumentalities. (Sec. 9713) Amends the Act to expand the definition of "coupon." (Sec. 9714) Increases penalties for specified program violations. (Sec. 9715) Makes the collection of over-issuance of coupons from Federal pay or Federal tax refunds (as authorized by this section) mandatory. (Sec. 9716) Encourages and authorizes States to implement electronic benefit transfer systems. (Sec. 9717) Reduces annual "thrifty food plan" adjustments. (Sec. 9718) Freezes standard deduction adjustments for two years. (Sec. 9720) Disqualifies an individual from program participation for: (1) participation in two or more States; and (2) child support arrears. (Sec. 9722) Authorizes the use of program information to assist in locating fugitive felons. (Sec. 9723) Defines "work program." Makes nonexempt persons ineligible for program benefits if during the preceding 12-month period they received food stamps for six months or more without working at least 20 hours per week, or participating in a workfare program. Sets forth exempted persons and situations. Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 9725) Extends current claims retention rates. (Sec. 9726) Extends Puerto Rico block past assistance. (Sec. 9727) Treats children who are themselves parents living with their children and married children living with their spouses as part of an existing household rather than as a separate household. Chapter 2: Commodity Distribution - Commodity Distribution Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Secretary to purchase and distribute food assistance commodities to the States. (Sec. 9753) Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for supplemental State, local, and private commodity donations. (Sec. 9754) Requires a State seeking commodity assistance to submit an administrative plan every four years to the Secretary. (Sec. 9755) Establishes program allocation guidelines. Requires States to make emergency feeding organizations their first priority. (Sec. 9756) Authorizes the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to pay initial commodity processing and packaging costs. (Sec. 9758) Authorizes program appropriations, including a separate authorization of appropriations for administrative costs. (Sec. 9760) Obligates specified funds for a commodity supplemental food program for women, infants, and children or the elderly. Requires the CCC to donate specified amounts of cheese and nonfat dry milk to such program. (Sec. 9761) States that commodities received under this title shall not be considered income or resources for any Federal, State, or local means-tested program. (Sec. 9768) Repeals the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983. Eliminates specified provisions of: (1) the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987; (2) the Charitable Assistance and Food Bank Act of 1987; (3) the Food Security Act of 1985; (4) the Agricultural and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; (5) the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990; and (6) the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988. Chapter 3: Other Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act to prohibit an institution with more than one employee from participating in the child and adult care food program if employee payments are based upon the number of day care homes recruited, managed, or monitored. Revises day care home reimbursement provisions, including sponsor payments. Obligates specified FY 1996 funds for State grants to family or group day care homes. Requires specified census data to be provided to day care sponsoring organizations. (Sec. 9782) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations (current authorization is discretionary) for the nutrition education and training program. Subtitle H: Treatment of Aliens - Extends the period of sponsor attribution of income and resources (to an alien) under the statewide temporary assistance program (TEA), the supplemental security income program (SSI), and the food stamp program through the date (if any) of such alien's citizenship. Sets forth exceptions based upon age, military or veteran status, family status, domestic violence, or taxpaying status. (Permits Medicaid eligibility.) Amends the Social Security Act to set forth TEA rules regarding income and resource attribution. (Sec. 9802) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth rules for sponsor affidavits of support. (Sec. 9803) Extends affidavit of support requirements to family- related and diversity immigrants. Subtitle I: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an individual claiming the earned income tax credit to include the individual's and, if married, the spouse's social security number on the individual's tax return. Title X: Reductions In Corporate Tax Subsidies and other Reforms - Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Expatriation - Sets forth the tax responsibilities of: (1) any U.S. citizen who relinquishes his or her U.S. citizenship; or (2) any long-term U.S. resident who commences to be treated as a resident of a foreign country under provisions of a tax treaty and who does not waive the benefits of such treaty applicable to residents of the foreign country. Allows an exclusion from gain of up to $600,000. Permits an expatriate to elect to continue to be taxed as a United States citizen, in which case the provisions applicable to other expatriates will not apply. Provides for the determination of the basis of the assets of a nonresident alien individual who becomes a U.S. citizen or resident. Subtitle B: Modification to Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include capital gain net income in the definition of disqualified income for purposes of the denial of the earned income credit for individuals having excessive income. Subtitle C: Alternative Minimum Tax on Corporations Importing Products into the United States at Artificially Inflated Prices - Imposes an alternative minimum tax on certain corporations equal to four percent of their net business receipts for a taxable year. Imposes such tax on a corporation (foreign or domestic) if: (1) its gross sales in the United States of manufactured parts or products exceeded $10 million; (2) it imported such products with a customs value in excess of $10 million (artificially inflated prices); and (3) its tax obligation under the alternative minimum tax exceeds its total tax obligation. Subtitle D: Tax Treatment of Certain Extraordinary Dividends - Provides, with respect to a corporate shareholder's basis in stock reduced by the non-tax portion of extraordinary dividends, that if the non-taxed portion of such dividends exceeds such basis, such excess shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock for the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received. Subtitle E: Foreign Trust Tax Compliance - Revises the requirements regarding information that must be reported regarding certain foreign trusts. Modifies the circumstances (with regard to foreign trusts having one or more U.S. beneficiaries) in which a transferor is treated as the owner. Replaces provisions setting forth a special rule applicable to foreign grantors with provisions declaring that provisions relating to treating grantors and others as substantial owners shall apply only when that application results in an amount being currently taken into account in computing the income of a U.S. citizen or resident or a domestic corporation. Requires a United States person to report information regarding foreign gifts or bequests when the gifts' aggregate value during a taxable year exceeds $10,000. Modifies requirements regarding the interest charge on accumulation distributions from foreign trusts. Changes the circumstances in which an estate or trust is included in the definition of "United States person." Modifies the definition of "foreign estate or trust." Requires (for provisions relating to the imposition of a tax on transfers to avoid income tax) treating a trust which is not a foreign trust and which becomes a foreign trust as having transferred, immediately before becoming a foreign trust, all of its assets to a foreign trust. Subtitle F: Limitation on Section 936 Credit - Revises the Puerto Rico and possessions tax credit. Provides for a five year phasedown with respect to such credit. Title XI: Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Permanent Extension of Temporary Authorities - Makes permanent the: (1) requirement that non-service disabled veterans having incomes above a specified level make copayments in exchange for hospital and medical care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) authority of the Department to recover from primary insurers the cost of care furnished to veterans in Department health-care facilities; (3) authority to verify a veteran's income for purposes of eligibility for needs-based benefits; (4) pension payment limitation of $90 monthly to Medicaid-eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who have no dependents and who reside in Medicaid-participating nursing homes; (5) authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge and collect a home loan fee for Department-guaranteed housing loans; and (6) procedures applicable upon default of such guaranteed loans. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Revises the Government's liability standard for injuries or death resulting from Department treatment to allow compensation to be awarded for the additional disability in the same manner as if the disability or death were service-connected. Provides proximate cause requirements. (Sec. 11022) Extends through FY 1996 (currently, December 31, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to guarantee the real estate mortgage investment conduits used to market pools of veterans' loans. (Sec. 11023) Authorizes the Department to collect veterans' home loan guaranty debts in the same manner as all other debts arising under Department programs. Requires the Department to provide affected individuals with notice of the procedure for appealing the collection determination. Subtitle C: Health Care Eligibility Reform - Revises provisions concerning a veteran's eligibility for hospital care and medical services to: (1) allow such care to be provided only to the extent that amounts are provided in advance in appropriations Acts; and (2) provide full eligibility for both hospital and outpatient care for service-disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, veterans of the Mexican border period or World War I, low-income veterans, and veterans who were exposed to a toxic substance, radiation, or an environmental hazard while on active duty. (Sec. 11032) Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority to provide priority hospital care and medical services for certain Persian Gulf War veterans. (Sec. 11033) Makes certain veterans eligible for prosthetic devices as long as they are receiving ongoing care through the Department. (Currently, hospitalization is required before such veterans are so eligible.) (Sec. 11034) Directs the Secretary, in managing the provision of hospital care and medical services, to establish and operate a system of annual patient enrollment, with specified patient priorities. Requires the system to be managed to assure the provision of timely and quality care. Requires the Secretary to establish and manage Department health-care programs in a manner which promotes cost- effective delivery of health care services in the most clinically appropriate setting. Requires the Department to maintain its capacity to provide for specialized needs of certain disabled veterans. (Sec. 11035) Amends the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 to repeal a provision which terminates on October 1, 1996, the authority of the Secretary to enter into health care resource sharing agreements with the Department of Defense. Entitles the Unites States to recover from primary insurance providers the cost of care or services provided under such Act through a Department medical facility. (Sec. 11036) Repeals a statement of congressional purpose with respect to the Department's sharing of specialized medical facilities, equipment, and information. Expands such sharing authority to include all health care resources and to allow health care providers, plans, and insurers, or other entities or individuals to participate in such sharing arrangements. Increases the authorized payment terms with respect to shared resources. (Currently, only reciprocal reimbursement is permitted.) Allows the Secretary to enter into such arrangements for the treatment of non-veterans only in limited circumstances. (Sec. 11037) Exempts from Department medical personnel ceiling limits all positions held by persons involved in providing health-care resources under sharing arrangements. Title XII: Legislative Branch - Requires that any unobligated funds following a fiscal year from the official expenses allowance of the House of Representatives be dedicated to the Deficit Reduction Fund. Title XIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Eliminates the disparity between the effective dates for the military and civilian retiree cost-of-living adjustments for FY 1996, 1997, and 1998. Provides for the disposal of specified quantities of the following materials from the National Defense Stockpile: (1) cobalt; (2) aluminum; (3) ferro columbium; (4) germanium; (5) palladium; (6) platinum; and (7) rubber. Requires that certain executive branch agencies prepay the Government contributions which are or will be required in connection with providing health-benefits coverage for annuitants of such agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for seven years the Hazardous Substance Superfund Financing Rate and the repayment date for Superfund borrowing. Title XIV: Budget Process Provisions - Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1995 - Establishes a Board of Estimates which shall issue a report stating whether it has chosen the sequestration preview report and final sequestration report of the Office of Management and Budget or the reports of the Congressional Budget Office. Permits the Board to change the list of major estimating assumptions to be used by the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office. Subtitle B(sic): Discretionary Spending Limits - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 establish discretionary spending limits for FY 1996 through 2002. Extends congressional committee allocation and enforcement provisions and the applicability of certain points of order through 2002. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise and extend the budgetary amounts through FY 2000 for the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. Revises the general statement of budget enforcement to apply to discretionary spending limits and pay-as-you-go requirements rather than expired maximum deficit amounts. Extends enforcement of discretionary spending limits through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Pay-As-You-Go Procedures - Permanently extends pay-as-you-go provisions (except for the emergency legislation provision which is repealed) and provides for ten-year scorekeeping. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous - Repeals effective date provisions of title II of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings. Subtitle E: Deficit Control - Establishes decreasing deficit targets for FY 1996 through 2002, with a target of zero for each FY after 2002. Sets forth procedures (including sequestration procedures)to be followed if the deficit exceeds the targeted amount for a fiscal year. Lists accounts and activities exempt from sequestration. Subtitle F: Line Item Veto - Makes provision for line item veto authority, which shall be effective unless disapproved by the passage, as specified, of a rescissions-receipts disapproval bill. Permits any Member of Congress to seek judicial review of any provision of this subtitle. Subtitle G: Enforcing Points of Order - Amends Congressional Budget Act of 1974 provisions concerning points of order in the Senate and House of Representatives. Subtitle H: Deficit Reduction Lock-box - Requires any appropriation bill being marked up or reported to contain a line item entitled "Deficit Reduction Lock-box". Specifies amounts which shall comprise such line in any reported: (1) general appropriations bill containing Treasury and Postal Service appropriations; (2) general appropriations bill; or (3) supplemental appropriations bill. Provides for the reduction of the discretionary spending limit for new budget authority by the amount of budget authority transferred to the Deficit Reduction Lock-box. Requires the Congressional Budget Office scorecard to include amounts contained in the Deficit Reduction Lock-box. Subtitle I: Emergency Spending; Baseline Reform; Continuing Resolutions Reform - Chapter 1: Emergency Spending - Provides for the establishment of a budget reserve account for the purpose of setting aside adequate funding for natural disasters and national security measures. Set forth provisions concerning: (1) points of order regarding emergencies; (2)congressional budget process changes; and (3) reporting. Chapter 2: Baseline Reform - Provides, when making baseline assumptions, for adjustments: (1) for inflation, only to adjust discretionary spending limits; and (2) to offset pay absorption and for pay annualization, only to adjust discretionary spending limits. Requires the President's budget to include estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current fiscal year. Requires the starting point for any congressional budget deliberations for the next fiscal year to be the estimated level of outlays for the current year in each function and subfunction. Chapter 3: Restricted Uses of Continuing Resolutions - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) prohibit any item of appropriation set forth in any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendment thereto, from exceeding the rate it would have been at assuming the continuation of current law; and (2) prohibit it being in order to consider any joint resolution continuing appropriations, or amendment thereto, which changes existing law. Subtitle J: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to: (1) the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974; (2) the Rules of the House of Representatives; and (3) provisions concerning the President's budget. Subtitle K: Truth in Legislating - Requires the report or joint explanatory statement accompanying each House of Representatives reported bill or resolution of a public character to: (1) identify each provision benefitting ten or fewer persons, corporations, organizations, projects, or civil subdivisions; (2) name each beneficiary; (3) name sponsors; and (4) contain a cost estimate.

Bill· HRH.R. 2517 (104th)referred

Seven-Year Balanced Budget Reconciliation Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Committee on Agriculture Subtitle A: Freedom to Farm Subtitle B: Dairy Subtitle C: Other Commodities Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Program Changes Subtitle E: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture Title II: Committee on Banking and Financial Services Subtitle A: Housing Provisions Subtitle B: Thrift Charter Conversion Subtitle C: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments Subtitle D: Phase-Down of Oversight Board Title III: Committee on Commerce Subtitle A: Communications Subtitle B: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Charge Subtitle C: United States Enrichment Corporation Subtitle D: Waste Isolation Pilot Project Subtitle E: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Title IV: Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities Subtitle A: Higher Education Subtitle B: Service Contract Repeal Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Title V: Committee on Government Reform and Oversight Title VI: Committee on International Relations Subtitle A: Recovery of Costs of Certain Health Care Services Subtitle B: Enactment into Law of Division A of H.R. 1561 Subtitle C: Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995 Title VII: Committee on the Judiciary Title VIII: Committee on National Security Subtitle A: Military Retired Pay Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Subtitle C: National Defense Stockpile Title IX: Committee on Resources Subtitle A: Alaska and Helium Privatization Subtitle B: Water and Power Subtitle C: National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subtitle D: Territories Subtitle E: Minerals Subtitle F: Indian Gaming Subtitle G: Consultation Subtitle H: Mapping Title X: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subtitle A: Water Resources Subtitle B: Ocean Shipping Reform Subtitle C: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title XI: Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subtitle A: Extension of Temporary Authorization Subtitle B: Other Matters Subtitle C: Health Care Eligibility Reform Title XII: Trade Subtitle A: Technical Corrections and Miscellaneous Trade Provisions Subtitle B: Generalized System of Preferences Subtitle C: Trade Adjustment Assistance Title XIII: Committee on Ways and Means-Revenue Reconciliation Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions, Etc. Subtitle B: Medical Savings Accounts Subtitle C: Pickle-Johnson Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 Subtitle D: Additional Technical Corrections Subtitle E: Tax Information Sharing Subtitle F: Revenue Increases Subtitle G: Reform of the Earned Income Tax Credit Subtitle H: Increase in Public Debt Limit Subtitle I: Coal Industry Retiree Health Equity Title XIV: Committee on Ways and Means-Tax Simplification Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Individuals Subtitle B: Pension Simplification Subtitle C: Treatment of Large Partnerships Subtitle D: Foreign Provisions Subtitle E: Other Income Tax Provisions Subtitle F: Estates and Trusts Subtitle G: Excise Tax Simplification Subtitle H: Administrative Provisions Title XV: Preserving, Protecting, and Strengthening Medicare Title XVI: Transformation of the Medicaid Program Title XVII: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Subtitle B: Disposition of Various Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Subtitle C: Office of United States Trade Representative Subtitle D: Patent and Trademark Office Corporation Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions Title XVIII: Welfare Reform Title XIX: Contract with America-Tax Relief Title XX: Budget Enforcement Seven-Year Balanced Budget Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Title I: Committee on Agriculture - Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Freedom to Farm - Freedom to Farm Act of 1995 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 (Act) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to offer seven-year market transition contracts for cropland compliance with conservation and wetland requirements. (Sec. 1103) Makes nonrecourse marketing assistance loans available through crop year 2002 for wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, and oilseeds. (Sec. 1104) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise certain agricultural program payment limitations relating to individual attribution of payments to corporations. Permits the use of social security and employer identification numbers for such purposes. Subtitle B: Dairy - Chapter 1: Authorization of Marketing Transition Payments in Lieu of Milk Price Support Program - Amends the Act to direct the Secretary to offer seven-year market transition contracts (in lieu of price supports) to milk producers for compliance with animal waste and wetland requirements. (Sec. 1202) Makes recourse loans available to commercial processors of dairy products. Chapter 2: Dairy Export Programs - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with regard to the dairy export incentive program, including maximum levels of Commodity Credit Corporation assistance. (Sec. 1212) Directs the Secretary to assist the dairy industry to establish and maintain an export trading company, or alternatively, to identify another nongovernmental entity for such purpose under specified circumstances. (Sec. 1214) Directs the Secretary to study the potential impact on the U.S. dairy industry of additional cheese granted U.S. access under the Uruguay Round on Prices. Chapter 3: Dairy Promotion Programs - Amends the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990 to extend fluid milk marketing order authority. (Sec. 1222) Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to include imported dairy products under the dairy promotion program. Increases National Dairy Promotion and Research Board membership. Obligates funds for international market development. Chapter 4: Verification of Milk Receipts - Amends the Act to establish a milk receipts verification program (which shall replace certain milk marketing orders). Chapter 5: Miscellaneous Provisions Related to Dairy - Amends the Act to extend dairy product transfer authority for military and veterans hospitals. (Sec. 1242) Amends Federal law to extend the dairy indemnity program. Subtitle C: Other Commodities - Amends the Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend and revise peanut price support and quota programs. (Sec. 1302) Amends the Act to provide loans (recourse or nonrecourse depending upon sugar tariff levels) for sugarcane and sugar beet processors. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal sugar marketing quota and allotment provisions. (Sec. 1303) Amends the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988 to repeal cottonseed price support authority. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Program Changes - Amends the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 to prohibit emergency livestock feed assistance if crop insurance or crop disaster assistance is available. (Sec. 1402) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with regard to the conservation reserve program to: (1) reduce and limit acreage enrollments; (2) authorize optional contract termination by producers; and (3) limit rental rates. (Sec. 1403) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to permit a producer to decline catastrophic risk protection for a specified crop and continue to maintain eligibility for other specified agricultural program benefits. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Risk Management to supervise the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. (Sec. 1404) Amends the Act to repeal the farmer owned reserve program. (Sec. 1405) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to extend export enhancement program funding. (Sec. 1406) Directs the Secretary to establish the Business Interruption Insurance Program to cover agricultural crop producer revenue losses. Subtitle E: Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture - Establishes the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture which shall assess: (1) the changes in U.S. production agriculture resulting from this Act; and (2) the current and future condition of U.S. production agriculture and the appropriate agricultural role of the Government. Terminates the Commission upon submission of a required report. Title II: Committee on Banking and Financial Services - Subtitle A: Housing Provisions - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to terminate the Resolution Trust Corporation and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation affordable housing programs and transfer remaining authority to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize foreclosure avoidance and mortgagee assistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 with regard to the multifamily property disposition program. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide for rural housing loan subsidy recapture upon loan repayment. Amends the Housing Act of 1937 to reduce the section 8 annual adjustment factors for units with no tenant turnover. Subtitle B: Thrift Charter Conversion - Thrift Charter Conversion Act of 1995 - Chapter 1: Bank Insurance Fund and Savings Association Insurance Fund - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to prescribe guidelines for the imposition of a single additional special assessment on each member of the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) and the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF), for deposit into the SAIF. (Sec. 2202) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to make conforming amendments to the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Amends the FDIA to declare that assessment rates for SAIF members may not be less than assessment rates for BIF members. Amends the FDIA to: (1) repeal its exit moratorium and conversion (Oakar) provisions; (2) replace the BIF with a deposit insurance fund initially consisting of the merged assets and liabilities of the BIF and SAIF; (3) direct the FDIC to merge the BIF and SAIF into the deposit insurance fund on January 1, 1998; and (4) establish in the new deposit insurance fund a special emergency reserve. (Sec. 2204) Prescribes procedural guidelines with respect to the refund of amounts in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. (Sec. 2205) Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. Chapter 2: Status of Banks and Savings Associations - Prescribes procedural guidelines for the termination of Federal savings association charters and their conversion into national bank charters or State depository institution charters. Prohibits the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision from granting any charter for a Federal savings association. Amends the FDIA to treat State Savings Associations as banks for purposes of Federal banking law. (Sec. 2222) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to permit continuation of grandfathered bank holding company activities and affiliations. (Sec. 2223) Sets forth transition provisions for: (1) activities of savings associations and mutual savings associations which have converted into or become treated as banks (including mutual national banks); and (2) registration of bank holding companies resulting from conversions of savings associations to banks or treatment of savings associations as banks. (Sec. 2228) Repeals the Home Owners' Loan Act. Chapter 3: Transfer of Functions, Personnel, and Property - Abolishes the Office of Thrift Supervision and the position of Director of such Office. Transfers its functions, personnel, and property to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Subtitle C: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) to revise the expression of congressional intent to prohibit a supervisory agency from imposing additional burden, recordkeeping, or reporting when examining financial institutions. (Sec. 2302) Exempts a regulated financial institution from CRA evaluation requirements if: (1) the institution and its parent bank holding company have aggregate assets of not more than $100 million; and (2) it publicizes its services to local low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. (Sec. 2303) Permits qualifying financial institutions to self-certify compliance with CRA requirements. Prohibits a Federal regulatory agency from imposing additional self-certification requirements. (Sec. 2304) Adds provisions for community input and conclusive rating, including: (1) requirements for publication of exam schedule; (2) opportunity for comment and evaluation by the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency; and (3) procedures for requests for rating reconsideration. (Sec. 2305) Mandates that, in conducting assessments of financial institutions, the appropriate Federal regulatory agency: (1) consider the nature of the business of special purpose financial institutions; (2) assess and take into account the institution's record commensurate with the amount of deposits it has received; and (3) develop standards under which they may be deemed to be in compliance with CRA requirements consistent with the specific nature of such businesses. Defines a "special purpose institution" as one that does not generally accept retail deposits from the public in amounts of less than $100,000, such as wholesale, credit card, and trust institution. (Sec. 2306) Requires the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, in assessing and taking into account the records of a regulated financial institution for purposes of CRA compliance, to consider as a positive factor, consistent with safe and sound operation of the institution, its investments in or loans to: (1) minority or women's depository institutions, or low-income credit unions; and (2) joint ventures, entities, or projects providing benefits to distressed communities (regardless of whether the recipient institutions or communities are located within the regulated financial institution's chartered service area). (Sec. 2307) Prohibits additional CRA recordkeeping and loan data collection requirements. (Sec. 2309) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to exempt from certain reporting requirements members which receive a CRA rating of outstanding or satisfactory. (Sec. 2310) Expresses the sense of the Congress that congressional committees should exercise aggressive oversight of the adoption and implementation of any CRA regulation by a Federal supervisory agency. Requires such an agency to report to the Congress on the implementation of all CRA regulations. (Sec. 2311) Amends the FDIA to direct each Federal banking agency to ensure that its banking examiners consult on examination activities and resolve any inconsistent recommendations given to a depository institution. (Sec. 2312) Amends the CRA to prohibit a Federal agency from prescribing any regulation which would: (1) require a financial institution to make any loan or enter into any agreement on the basis of any discriminatory criteria prohibited under Federal law; (2) make any loan to, or enter into any other agreement with, an uncreditworthy person that would jeopardize the institution's safety and soundness; or (3) hinder the institution's full responsibility to provide credit to all community segments. Subtitle D: Phase-Down of Oversight Board - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to terminate the authority of the Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board to employ staff. Title III: Committee on Commerce - Subtitle A: Communications - Chapter 1: Spectrum Auctions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to state that certain competitive bidding requirements shall not apply to licenses or construction permits issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): (1) that, as the result of the FCC carrying out specified obligations, are not mutually exclusive; (2) for public safety radio services, including non-Government uses that protect the safety of life, health, and property and that are not made commercially available to the public; or (3) for initial licenses or construction permits for new terrestrial digital television (TV) services assigned by the FCC to existing terrestrial broadcast licensees to replace their current TV licenses. Extends through FY 2002 the authority of the FCC to grant such licenses or permits. Requires the FCC to complete all actions necessary to permit the assignment, by September 30, 2002, by competitive bidding of licenses for the use of bands of frequencies that: (1) individually span not less than 25 megahertz (mhz.), unless a combination of smaller bands can reasonably be expected to produce greater receipts; (2) in the aggregate span not less than 100 mhz.; (3) are located below three gigahertz (ghz.); and (4) as of this Act's enactment date, have not been designated by FCC regulation for assignment or identified by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (NTIAO Act). Directs the FCC to conduct the competitive bidding for not less than one-half of such aggregate spectrum by September 30, 2000. Requires the FCC, in making available bands of frequencies for competitive bidding, to: (1) seek to promote the most efficient use of the spectrum; (2) take into account the cost to incumbent licensees of relocating existing uses to other bands of frequencies or other means of communication and the needs of public safety radio services; and (3) comply with the requirements of international agreements concerning spectrum allocations. Directs the FCC to notify the Secretary if the FCC: (1) is not able to provide for the effective relocation of incumbent licensees to bands of frequencies that are available to the FCC for assignment; and (2) has identified bands of frequencies that are suitable for the relocation of such licensees and that are allocated for Federal Government use but that could be reallocated pursuant to the NTIAO Act. Amends the NTIAO Act to require the Secretary, upon receiving a notice from the FCC pursuant to this Act, to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report recommending for reallocation for use other than by Federal Government stations bands of frequencies that are suitable for the uses identified in the FCC's notice. Requires the FCC to commence the Broadband Personal Communications Services C-Block auction (described in the FCC's Sixth Report and Order) not later than December 4, 1995. Ratifies and adopts the FCC's competitive bidding rules governing such auction. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) modification of auction policy to preserve the auction value of the spectrum; (2) identification and reallocation of auctionable frequencies; and (3) allocation and assignment of frequencies identified in the second reallocation report. Chapter 2: Federal Communications Commission Authorization - Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Act to authorize appropriations for the FCC for FY 1996. Derives a portion of the sum of such appropriations in each fiscal year from an amount determined by the establishment and adjustment of application and regulatory fees under the Act. Directs the FCC to submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the Federal Register semiannual reports specifying the reimbursements which the FCC has accepted from non- Federal sources for travel and related expenses of FCC employees. Amends the Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1988 to authorize the FCC, during FY 1996, to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, private nonprofit organizations designated under the Older Americans Act. (Sec. 3013) Amends the Act to direct the FCC, for FY 1996 and thereafter, to modify the application fees so that total collections for the fiscal year equal $40 million plus the amount of necessary expenses for costs related to application processing which exceeds $40 million. Directs the FCC to notify the Congress of any proposed and adopted modifications. Requires $40 million from FCC application fees to be deposited into the Treasury and used for application processing and related expenses of the FCC. Revises the schedule of application fees for personal communications services and amateur vanity call signs under the Act. Specifies that moneys received from fees established under this section shall be deposited as an offsetting collection in, and credited to, the account providing appropriations to carry out FCC functions. (Sec. 3014) Sets forth or revises provisions regarding: (1) recovery of executive and legal costs incurred by the FCC; (2) establishment and adjustment of fees; (3) regulatory fees for satellite TV operations; and (4) governmental entities use for common carrier purposes. Directs the FCC to: (1) develop accounting systems for making adjustments authorized by the Act; and (2) annually prepare and submit to the Congress an analysis of such systems and afford interested persons the opportunity to submit comments concerning the allocation of costs, as well as the application and regulatory fee adjustments. (Sec. 3015) Authorizes the FCC to: (1) designate an entity to make inspections of ship radio stations; and (2) require such inspections annually, with an authorized waiver under limited circumstances. (Sec. 3016) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) expedited Instructional Television Fixed Service processing; (2) tariff rejection authority; (3) refund authority; (4) licensing of aviation, maritime, and personal radio services by rule; (5) forfeitures for violations imperiling safety of life; (6) the use of experts and consultants; and (7) the statute of limitations for forfeiture proceedings against common carriers. (Sec. 3024) Directs the FCC to report to the Congress on the existing and future use of the FM band to facilitate the use of auditory assistive devices for individuals with hearing impairments. Subtitle B: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Annual Charge - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from September 30, 1998, to September 30, 2002, the authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to annually assess and collect user fees and charges. Subtitle C: United States Enrichment Corporation - USEC Privatization Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to exclude from the definition of "production facility" the construction and operation of a uranium enrichment facility using Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) technology (thus making such a facility eligible for one-step licensing). (Sec. 3038) Revises employee protection guidelines at the two gaseous diffusion plants of the U.S. Enrichment Corporation (USEC). Declares that privatization shall not diminish the accrued, vested pension benefits of the Corporation's operating contractor. Requires transfer of all plan assets and liabilities to a pension plan sponsored by the new contractor or the private corporation, as the case may be. Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the private corporation to continue to fund post-retirement health benefits for persons employed by an operating contractor at either of the gaseous diffusion plants at substantially the same level of coverage as eligible retirees are entitled to receive on the privatization date, subject to specified cost-saving measures and certain eligibility limitations. (Sec. 3039) Terminates USEC's status as the exclusive marketing agent for the United States for entering into contracts for providing enriched uranium and uranium enrichment and related services. Declares that the privatization of USEC shall not affect the terms, rights, or obligations of the parties to any power purchase contracts. Sets forth the effects of the transfer of uranium enrichment contracts. Declares that the United States shall remain obligated on those contracts during their term. States that USEC shall establish prices for its products, materials, and services on a profitmaking basis. Prescribes guidelines under which DOE shall accept responsibility for the treatment, disposal and storage of low-level radioactive waste and mixed waste. States that as of the privatization date all liabilities and any judgment against the Corporation attributable to the operation of the USEC from the transition date to the privatization date shall be direct liabilities of, and judgments against, the United States. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the U.S. Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement to transfer without charge to the Secretary of Energy for subsequent sale an amount of uranium hexaflouride equivalent to the natural uranium component of low- enriched uranium derived from at least 18 metric tons of highly enriched uranium purchased from the Russian Executive Agent. (Sec. 3040) Prescribes guidelines under which: (1) USEC is authorized to establish a private corporation to implement the privatization of USEC; and (2) USEC privatization may be implemented by means of a transfer of assets and liabilities to such corporation and a merger or consolidation with it. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the privatization of USEC by means of a public offering unless the Secretary determines that the estimated gross proceeds from the USEC sale will be an adequate amount. Limits to ten percent of the total votes of all outstanding USEC voting securities the number of securities any person may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, during the three years following any privatization by means of public offering. Terminates any USEC license if privatization results in its being owned, controlled or dominated by a foreign entity or otherwise inimical to the security of the United States. Precludes USEC from implementing the privatization plan less than 60 days after the date that the Comptroller General presents an evaluation of the plan to the Congress. (Sec. 3041) Provides for periodic certification of USEC by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission upon privatization. (Sec. 3042) Authorizes the licensing of corporation facilities using AVLIS technologies for uranium enrichment. Subtitle D: Waste Isolation Pilot Project - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Amendment Act - Amends the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act to repeal: (1) the mandate for the test phase and retrieval plan and the authority of the Secretary of Energy to conduct test phase activities; (2) limitations placed upon the quantity of waste that may be transported; (3) the proscription against transportation or emplacement of remote-handled transuranic waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) project; (4) the WIPP requirements for commencement of transuranic waste disposal operations; (5) specified certification requirements with respect to WIPP compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disposal regulations; (6) certain remedies for noncompliance with EPA certification requirements; (7) periodic EPA recertification (providing for periodic EPA review and comment only); and (8) the mandate for engineered and natural barriers and waste form modifications to isolate transuranic waste after disposal. (Sec. 3051) Exempts transuranic mixed waste earmarked for WIPP disposal from specified land disposal restrictions. States that a no migration variance is not required for its disposal at WIPP. Repeals the mandate for: (1) determination of noncompliance with EPA requirements for test, disposal and decommissioning phase activities; (2) retrievability of transuranic waste if WIPP violates final EPA disposal regulations; and (3) a plan for the decommissioning of WIPP. (Sec. 3055) Authorizes WIPP to receive transuranic waste from the Secretary of Energy from a non-defense activity. Subtitle E: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prescribe procedural guidelines under which the Secretary of Energy is authorized to store in underutilized Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities petroleum owned by a foreign government or its representative. Title IV: Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities - Subtitle A: Higher Education - Higher Education Program Efficiency Act of 1995 - Amends student aid provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to terminate program authority, funding, and authority to enter into new agreements for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Revises provisions for funds for administrative expenses. (Sec. 4003) Eliminates certain grace period interest subsidies for new student loans. (Sec. 4004) Revises the parent loan (Federal PLUS loans) program to: (1) set a $15,000 maximum limitation on the amount parents may borrow for one student in any academic year; (2) require each holder of a PLUS loan to pay biannual rebates of interest subsidies to the Secretary of Education; and (3) raise interest rates on PLUS loans. (Sec. 4005) Requires a loan transfer fee to be paid by the transferee to the Secretary. (Sec. 4006) Requires the originating lender to remit a fee to the guarantee agency. (Sec. 4007) Revises HEA student aid provisions relating to: (1) reserve funds; (2) the free Federal application for student loans, in an electronic or other format; (3) Federal interest subsidies; (4) a reinsurance percentage; (5) loan fees from lenders; and (6) an audit exemption for small lenders. Excludes loans made or held as a trustee or in a trust capacity for the benefit of a third party from consideration in determining whether the making or holding of loans to students and parents is the primary consumer credit function of the eligible lender. Includes as an eligible lender under the student loan insurance program a wholly-owned subsidiary company which, as of the enactment of this Act, perform as a finance company and participates in the authorized program pursuant to specified provisions. (Sec. 4008) Requires guarantee agencies to use at least 50 percent of their reserve funds to purchase and hold defaulted loans that they guarantee and for which insurance claims are filed by the eligible lender, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 4009) Extends the period for which a guaranty agency is required to hold a defaulted loan under certain conditions. Provides for the new extended holding period program with respect to subject loans, excluded loans, and guaranty agency efforts during such period. Prohibits the Secretary from regulating the collection activities of a guaranty agency with respect to any loan which is subject to such extended holding period and for which reinsurance has not been paid. (Sec. 4010) Provides for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association, and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Repeals provisions for such Association under HEA. (Sec. 4011) Revises, for purposes of the definition of proprietary institution, provisions relating to consideration of revenues from sources that are not derived from funds under HEA student aid provisions. (Sec. 4012) Extends the duration of the Federal student loan insurance program. Terminates the authority to make Federal consolidation loans as of the end of FY 2002. Subtitle B: Service Contract Repeal - Repeals the Service Contract Act of 1965. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Provides that, for certain purposes under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), a prescribed minimum period for a joint and survivor annuity explanation before the annuity starting date shall not apply if waived by the participant and, if applicable, the participant's spouse. Title V: Committee on Government Reform and Oversight - Provides under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 for an extension of the delay in cost-of-living adjustments in Federal employee retirement benefits through FY 2002. (Sec. 5002) Amends Federal civil service law to revise the Civil Service (CSRS) and Federal Employees' (FERS) Retirement Systems with respect to deductions, contributions, and deposits, among other changes: (1) increasing agency contributions under CSRS during calendar years 1996 through 2002; (2) providing for a phased-in increase under both systems of the amounts of individual deductions, deposits, and withholdings until 2003 when the percentage of basic pay subject to such withholding generally reverts back to the current 1995 rate, except with regard to congressional employees and Members of Congress; and (3) providing additional retirement-related changes under both systems with regard to congressional employees and Members of Congress and their years of service for purposes of computing an annuity. Continues the current computation formula for annuities of the Capitol Police, notwithstanding the amendments of this title. (Sec. 5004) Establishes a legislative branch Federal Employees Retirement Security Commission to study the financial soundness of, and other related issues pertaining to, the retirement systems for Government employees and members of the uniformed services, for a report with appropriate recommendations to the Congress. (Sec. 5005) Makes technical amendments regarding the U.S. Postal Service, with changes repealing the authorization of transitional appropriations. (Sec. 5006) Repeals provisions under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act pertaining to the availability of surplus property for homeless assistance. Title VI: Committee on International Relations - Subtitle A: Recovery of Costs of Certain Health Care Services - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1980 to include under the State Department health care program for coverage abroad any other persons designated by the Secretary of State in addition to Foreign Service members, other Federal employees abroad, and their families. Authorizes the Secretary of State, under such program, to collect from a third party payer the reasonable costs incurred by the Department on behalf of covered beneficiaries (excluding such additional program the reasonable costs of such services incurred by the Department on the person's behalf. Secretary-designated persons) for health care services to the same extent that such a beneficiary would be eligible to receive indemnification from the third party payer for such costs. (Sec. 6001) Authorizes the Secretary of State to collect from a non-covered person (including such additional Secretary-designated persons) who receives health care services under such program the reasonable costs of such services incurred by the Department on the person's behalf. Subtitle B: Enactment Into Law Of Division A of H.R. 1561 - Enacts into law Division A of H.R. 1561, as passed the House of Representatives on June 8, 1995 (relating to consolidation of foreign affairs agencies). Subtitle C: Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995 - Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1995 - Part 1: Seeking Sanctions Against the Castro Government - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to seek within the Security Council a mandatory international embargo against the Cuban Government; and (2) efforts by any state to make the nuclear facility at Cienfuegos operational will have a detrimental impact on U.S. assistance to and relations with such state. (Sec. 6212) Reaffirms a provision of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 that states that the President should encourage foreign countries to restrict trade and credit relations with Cuba. Urges the President to take steps to apply sanctions described by such Act against countries assisting Cuba. Declares that the President should instruct the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General to enforce the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. Amends the Trading With the Enemy Act to exempt from its civil penalties: (1) news gathering, research, or the export or import of, or transmission of, information or informational materials; and (2) clearly defined educational or religious activities, or activities of recognized human rights organizations, that are reasonably limited in frequency, duration, and number of participants. Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, with respect to sanctions against a country that provides assistance to Cuba, to include as such assistance any exchange, reduction, or forgiveness of Cuban debt owed to such country in return for a grant of an equity interest in a property, investment, or operation of the Government of Cuba or of a Cuban national (debt-for-equity swap). (Sec. 6213) Prohibits any U.S. national, permanent resident alien, or U.S. agency from knowingly extending any loan or other financing to a foreign national, U.S. national, or permanent resident alien, in order to finance transactions involving property confiscated by the Cuban Government the claim to which is owned by a U.S. national. Terminates such prohibition upon termination of the economic embargo of Cuba. Sets forth penalties for violation of such prohibition. (Sec. 6214) Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the international financial institutions to oppose the admission of Cuba as a member of such institutions until the President determines that a transition government is in power in Cuba. Urges the President to support Cuba's membership in such institutions during the period that a transition government is in power subject to the membership taking effect at such time as the President deems most likely to facilitate the transition to a democratically-elected government there. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold U.S. payments from institutions that approve assistance to Cuba over the opposition of the United States. (Sec. 6215) Urges the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to vote to oppose ending the suspension of Cuba from the OAS until the President determines that a democratically elected government is in power there. (Sec. 6216) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on progress towards the withdrawal of personnel of any independent state of the former Soviet Union from the Cienfuegos nuclear facility. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make ineligible for assistance any independent state that is providing assistance for, or engaging in nonmarket based trade with, Cuba. Expresses strong disapproval of Russia's extension of credits in support of the intelligence facility at Lourdes, Cuba, in November 1994. Withholds from assistance provided for an independent state an amount equal to the assistance and credits provided by such state in support of intelligence facilities in Cuba, particularly the one at Lourdes. Authorizes the President to waive the requirement to withhold such assistance if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 6217) Requires the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to convert television broadcasting to Cuba under the Television Marti Service to ultra high frequency broadcasting. Repeals the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act and the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act upon the presidential determination that a democratically elected government is in power in Cuba. (Sec. 6218) Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on assistance and commerce received by Cuba from other foreign countries. (Sec. 6219) Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support democracy-building efforts for Cuba. Directs the President to take steps to encourage the OAS to create a special emergency fund for the purpose of deploying human rights observers, election support, and election observation in Cuba. Urges the President to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS to encourage other OAS member states to join in calling for the Cuban Government to allow the immediate deployment of independent OAS human rights monitors throughout Cuba and on-site visits to Cuba by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Urges the President to provide not less than $5 million of the U.S. voluntary contribution to the OAS for the purposes of the special fund. (Sec. 6220) Directs the President to withhold the allocation of assistance, with specified exceptions, for any country in an amount equal to the sum of assistance and credits, if any, provided by such country in support of the completion of the Cuban nuclear facility at Juragua, near Cienfuegos, Cuba. (Sec. 6221) Directs the President to instruct all U.S. Government officials who engage in official conduct with the Cuban Government to raise on a regular basis the extradition of or rendering to the United States of all persons residing in Cuba who are sought by the U.S. Department of Justice for crimes committed in the United States. Part 2: Assistance to a Free and Independent Cuba - Requires the President to develop a plan for providing economic assistance to Cuba at such time that a transition or a democratically-elected government is in power. Limits assistance for a transition government to humanitarian assistance, assistance that is essential to the successful completion of the transition to democracy, remittances by individuals to their relatives of cash or goods, and military adjustment assistance. Expands assistance to include development and agricultural assistance and export financing (as well as other specified assistance) when a democratically-elected government is in power. (Sec. 6232) Requires the President to take steps to obtain the agreement of other countries, international financial institutions, and multilateral organizations to provide comparable assistance to Cuba. Requires the President, following transmittal to the Congress of a determination that a democratically elected government is in power, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes: (1) acts, policies, and practices that constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, U.S. trade in goods or services or foreign direct investment with respect to Cuba; (2) U.S. policy objectives regarding trade relations with a democratically elected government in Cuba; (3) specific U.S. trade negotiating objectives with Cuba; and (4) actions proposed to be undertaken to achieve any of such policy and negotiating objectives. (Sec. 6233) Requires the President, upon determining than a democratically-elected government is in power in Cuba, to designate a United States-Cuba Council to: (1) ensure coordination between the U.S. Government and the private sector in responding to change and promoting market-based development in Cuba; and (2) establish periodic meetings between the U.S. and Cuban private sectors for the purpose of facilitating bilateral trade. (Sec. 6234) Authorizes the President to suspend the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba upon determining to the appropriate congressional committees that a democratically-elected government is in power in Cuba. Requires the President to notify the Congress of any action taken to suspend such embargo. Declares that such suspension shall cease to be effective upon enactment of a joint resolution disapproving such action. (Sec. 6235) Sets forth conditions under which a government in Cuba will be considered transitional or democratic. Part 3: Protection of Property Rights of United States Nationals Against Confiscatory Takings By the Castro Regime - Makes any person, including any agency or instrumentality of a foreign state, that traffics in confiscated property liable for money damages to any U.S. national who owns the claim to such property. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction over such actions. (Sec. 6253) Requires district courts to accept as conclusive proof of ownership a certification of a claim to ownership that has been made by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission pursuant to the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949. Amends such Act to authorize district courts, for fact-finding purposes, to refer to the Commission questions of the amount and ownership of a claim by a U.S. national resulting from the confiscation of property by Cuba, whether or not the U.S. national qualifies as such at the time of the confiscation. (Sec. 6254) Bars certain ineligible U.S. nationals, or Cuban nationals, from having a claim in the compensation paid to a U.S. national by virtue of a claim certified by the Commission. Part 4: Exclusion of Certain Aliens - Directs the Secretary of State to exclude from the United States aliens (or their spouses, minor children, or agents) involved in the confiscation of property, or the trafficking in confiscated property, owned by a U.S. national. Provides for case-by-case waiver of this exclusion in the national interest of the United States. Title VII: Committee on the Judiciary - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend provisions regarding surcharges on patent and trademark fees through FY 2002. Specifies patent and trademark user fee amounts to be collected through establishment of surcharges for FY 1999 through 2002. Amends Federal law to require that a surcharge of 40 percent be added to each civil monetary penalty at the time it is assessed by the United States. Specifies that payments relating to a civil monetary penalty shall be applied, in the following order, to: (1) costs; (2) principal; (3) civil monetary penalty surcharges; and (4) interest. Makes such provisions inapplicable to any civil monetary penalty assessed under the Internal Revenue Code. Establishes in the Treasury a Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund for payments to telecommunications carriers as authorized by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) offsetting collections; (2) requirements for appropriations offsets; and (3) termination of the Fund. Title VIII: Committee on National Security - Subtitle A: Military Retired Pay - Limits to FY 1995 (currently, through FY 1998) the authority for certain cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to military retired and retainer pay. Makes the FY 1996 COLA for military retirees first payable for March 1996. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell all U.S. rights and interest to naval petroleum and oil shale reserves. Requires contracts for such sales to be entered into no later than September 30, 1996. Requires the Secretary to retain the services of: (1) five independent experts for the separate valuation of each of the five reserves; and (2) an investment banker to independently administer the sales. Provides special administrative requirements with respect to the sale of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1, in Elk Hills, California, including the requirement that the Elk Hills unit continue current full production until the completion of its sale. Provides for the termination of a current Elk Hills naval petroleum sales contract. Directs the Secretary to offer to settle all claims against the United States by the State of California and the California Teachers' Retirement Fund with respect to land within the Elk Hills unit. Requires a 15-day prior congressional notification period before entering into a sales contract with respect to a naval petroleum reserve. Subtitle C: National Defense Stockpile - Directs the President during FY 1996 to dispose of: (1) all cobalt contained in the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) that is authorized for disposal under any law; and (2) additional quantities of specified materials in the NDS so as to result in specified receipts for FY 1996 through 2002. Limits disposal quantities with respect to each item. Requires deposit into the Treasury of all sale receipts. Terminates the disposal authority on the date on which the total receipts desired are achieved. Title IX: Committee on Resources - Subtitle A: Alaska and Helium Privatization - Part 1: Alaska - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to permit the export of Alaskan North Slope oil unless the President finds, within five months after enactment of this Act, that such exportation is not in the national interest. Sets forth mandatory considerations in evaluating whether such exportation is in the national interest, including an environmental review and supply and employment impact analysis. Mandates that, except in certain cases, such oil be transported by U.S.-owned merchant marine vessels. Retains the President's authority to prohibit exportation of the oil. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to issue, within 30 days after the President's national interest determination, necessary rules, including any licensing requirements and conditions, to implement such determination. Directs the Secretary to recommend that the President take appropriate action (including modification of export authorization) if oil exports under authority of this Act have caused sustained material supply shortages or price increases significantly above world market levels, together with sustained material adverse effects upon domestic employment. Instructs the Comptroller General to review and report to specified congressional committees on energy production in California and Alaska and the effects of Alaskan North Slope crude oil exports upon consumers, independent refiners, and shipbuilding and ship repair yards on the West Coast and in Hawaii. (Sec. 9002) Declares it is the purpose of this Act to reduce the Federal deficit by a specified amount over the next five years with revenue derived from competitive bonus bids solicited for oil and gas leases in the Coastal Plain of Alaska's North Slope. Declares that the Congress hereby determines that this Act's oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain is compatible with the purposes of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination (thereby avoiding statutorily-mandated environmental determinations). Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations within six months of the enactment of this Act governing a Coastal Plain competitive leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, production and transportation. Mandates a first lease sale of at least 200,000 acres within 12 months of the enactment of this Act. Requires lease sales to be based upon an industry nomination process. Directs the Secretary to grant to the highest bidders any oil and gas lease on unleased Federal lands within the Coastal Plain at royalty payments of at least 12 and one-half percent. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal its proscription against the production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that this Act is the primary land management authorization for all Coastal Plain exploitation activities, and that no land management review, determination or other action shall be required. Authorizes the Secretary to grant Coastal Plain rights-of-way and easements for pipeline construction and oil and gas transportation. States that the "Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement" (April 1987) is adequate and legally sufficient for all activities related to Coastal Plain exploitation. Mandates that 50 percent of Federal revenues from the Coastal Plain be paid to the State of Alaska. Instructs the Secretary to convey: (1) the surface estate of specified lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation; and (2) the subsurface estate beneath such surface estate to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Establishes a Community Assistance Fund, consisting of a specified portion of the Federal share of Coastal Plain revenues, to assist regions impacted by the activities authorized under this Act. Establishes the National Endowment for Fish and Wildlife and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (Sec. 9003) Directs the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project and related assets to the State of Alaska; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project and related assets to the Municipality of Anchorage doing business as Municipal Light and Power, the Chugach Electric Association, Inc., and the Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. (Eklutna Purchasers). Authorizes appropriations to prepare or acquire the Snettisham and Eklutna assets for such sale and transfer. Directs the Secretary to use specified amounts from unobligated balances to fund sale preparation costs. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue rights-of-way with respect to certain Eklutna lands to the Alaska Power Administration for subsequent reassignment to the Eklutna Purchasers; and (2) convey to the State of Alaska (with respect to certain Snettisham lands) improved lands under a certain statutory selection entitlement. Grants the State of Alaska one year within which to select lands authorized under this Act or any Purchase Agreement incorporated or ratified by it, notwithstanding expiration of such right under specified law. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must: (1) complete the business of and close out the Alaska Power Administration (APA); (2) report to the Congress documenting the Snettisham and Eklutna sales; and (3) return to the Treasury unobligated balances of funds appropriated for the (APA). Part 2: Helium Privatization - Helium Privatization Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. (Sec. 9013) Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. (Sec. 9014) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. (Sec. 9015) Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. (Sec. 9017) Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the Helium Operations of the Bureau of Mines. (Sec. 9018) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Texas Plains Girl Scout Council for consideration of one dollar specified lands in Potter County, Texas, reserving easements to the United States for pipeline rights-of-way. Subtitle B: Water and Power - Part 1: Power Marketing Administration - Power Administration Act - Repeals specified proscriptions against the use of Federal funds: (1) to study or prepare for transferring the Federal Power Administrations out of Federal ownership or control; (2) to study "market rate" or other noncost methods for the pricing of hydroelectric power by the Federal public power authorities; and (3) to change the employment levels of the Federal Power Marketing Administrations determined necessary to carry out their statutory responsibilities. Directs the Secretaries of Energy, of the Interior, and of the Army to retain a private sector advisor with respect to selling all facilities and related appurtenances used to generate the electric power marketed by the Southeastern, Southwestern and Western Area Power Administrations. (Sec. 9203) Restructures the capital investment costs of the Bonneville Power Administration in order to arrive at new principal amounts bearing interest rates at the Treasury rate for the old capital investment. Amends the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act to provide that payments made by Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to the tribes pursuant to a certain settlement agreement shall be a credit that reduces the Administrator's payments to the Treasury by specified amounts. Requires contract provisions governing the sale of Bonneville Power Administration assets to reflect the restructured principal amounts and interest rates. Requires Department of Energy studies and a report to the Congress on: (1) the possible impact on the Bonneville Power Administration customer base of increased rates for electric power sales; and (2) Bonneville Power Administration costs of compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Part 2: Reclamation - Amends the Central Utah Project Completion Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of a certain repayment contract between the United States and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District under terms similar to a certain supplemental contract that provided for the prepayment of the Jordan Aqueduct. Requires the District to exercise its right to prepayment by the end of FY 2002. (Sec. 9212) Treats the city of Folsom, California, as a Central Valley Project contractor as of November 1, 1990, in order to consider it eligible to be a transferee of Central Valley Project water earmarked for municipal and industrial purposes. (Sec. 9213) Sly Park Unit Conveyance Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) sell the Sly Park Unit to the El Dorado Irrigation District (California) for a specified price; (2) transfer and assign certain water rights to such District; and (3) convey all Federal interest in the Sly Park Unit to the District. States that the Congress specifically finds that such sale and water rights conveyance is not subject to environmental or endangered species review under specified environmental protection laws. (Sec. 9214) Amends specified Federal law to raise from $30,000 to $8 million the annual charge to San Francisco and other municipalities or water districts granted water rights-of-way from the Hetch Hetchy Dam. Makes annual operation of Yosemite National Park (currently, the building and maintenance of roads and trails in Yosemite and other California national parks) the highest priority use of the proceeds from such charges, with the remainder of any funds to be used for operations of the other California national parks. Subtitle C: National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands - Part I: Concession Reform - Visitor Facilities and Services Enhancement Act of 1995 - Defines "Secretary concerned" for purposes of this Part as: (1) the Secretary of Interior with respect to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the Forest Service; and (3) the Secretary of the Army with respect to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Sec. 9304) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, under specified conditions, to enter into: (1) a concessioner service agreement (agreement) and issue either a competitive or noncompetitive offering for concessioner services, facilities, or activities (requires a lease to be issued if the concessioner develops or uses fixed facilities on Federal lands); or (2) a license for concession services when the Secretary determines there is no need to limit the number of concessioners providing such services. Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) designation by the Secretaries concerned of a lead agency concerning concessions which conduct a single operation on lands or waters under multiple jurisdictions; (2) such lead agency to be that agency under whose jurisdiction the concessioner generates the greatest amount of gross receipts, unless otherwise agreed; and (3) such designated agency to issue one authorization and collect one fee under this Act for the operation. Exempts: (1) leases or licenses of entire areas to States or other political subdivisions; and (2) any third party agreement insured by such entities concerning such areas. (Sec. 9305) Requires the Secretary concerned to: (1) enter into and reissue an agreement with the person who submits the best proposal through a competitive process as defined in this Act; and (2) prepare a solicitation and prospectus which describes the concession service opportunity and publish announcements of the availability of such solicitation, prospectus, and opportunity in appropriate locations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) factors and minimum standards used to determine the best proposal; (2) the selection process; (3) the categorical exclusion provided by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to temporary extensions and similar reissuance of agreements to provide concession services similar in nature and amount to concessions services provided under the previous authorization; and (4) modification of agreements. (Sec. 9306) Requires the Secretary concerned: (1) for the duration of an agreement, to develop a program of annual evaluations of the concessioners operating under the agreement who are providing visitor services in areas under the Secretary's jurisdiction; (2) to seek broad public input from concessioners, State agencies, and other interested persons in developing such program; and (3) to review the performance of each concessioner at least semiannually and to assign each concessioner an overall rating for each year. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to suspend, revoke, or terminate a concession authorization if a concessioner, after being notified that its performance is unsatisfactory, fails to correct the conditions identified as required. Sets forth provisions providing for performance incentives for incumbent concessioners and a renewal penalty for a concessioner whose annual performance is found to be unsatisfactory. (Sec. 9307) Limits concessioners to construction or financing of construction of public facilities on Federal lands that are to be used by the concessioner under the terms of its agreement or facilities necessary for the concessioner to administer such public facilities on Federal land. Provides that a concessioner required or authorized by an agreement to construct any structure, improvement, or fixture on Federal lands shall have an investment interest therein, to the extent provided by the agreement and this Part. Prohibits such investment interest from being extinguished by the expiration of the agreement. Allows the investment interest to be assigned, transferred, encumbered, or relinquished. Sets forth limitations on such interest. Requires the agreement to specify which new improvements, if any, shall become Government property upon its expiration. Bars a concessioner from obtaining an investment interest in any building which is wholly owned by the Government. Provides that the title to the land on which such structure, improvement, or fixture is placed shall be owned by the United States. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) require the new concessioner to buy the investment interest of the existing concessioner not selected as the best qualified applicant at the time of reissuance of an agreement; and (2) compensate the concessioner in an amount equal to the value of the concessioner's investment interest in facilities that are discontinued or closed by reason of the Secretary's decision. Sets forth a formula for determining the value of an investment interest of any capital improvement at the end of the agreement period. (Sec. 9308) Establishes a ten-year term for an agreement. Allows the Secretary concerned to issue such agreement for less than ten years but at least for five years if the Secretary determines that the average annual gross receipts over its life would be less than $100,000. Requires the Secretary to issue the agreement for longer than ten years if the Secretary determines that it is in the public interest or necessary due to the extent of investment and associated financing requirements and to meet the obligations assumed. Limits the term of an agreement to 30 years and the term of a concession license to two years. Allows the Secretary to agree to temporary extensions of agreements for up to two years on a noncompetitive basis to avoid interruption of services to the public. (Sec. 9309) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) rates and charges (requires, for agreements only, rates and charges to the public to be set by the concessioner, subject to the concerned 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 area in which the concessioner operates); and (2) the transfer or assignment of such agreements, with the Secretary's approval. Prohibits the transfer of a concession license. (Sec. 9311) Requires the Secretary concerned to establish a fee for the privilege of providing concession services. Allows such fee to include: (1) an annual cash payment for the privilege of providing concession services; (2) the amount required for capital improvements required pursuant to this Act; (3) fees for rental or lease of Government-owned facilities or lands occupied by the concessioner; or (4) expenditures for maintenance of, or improvements to, such Government-owned facilities. Directs the Secretary concerned to establish a minimum fee for each of such components. Provides that the final fee shall be the amount bid by the selected applicant under the competitive selection process, with the exception that the Secretary concerned: (1) shall base the final fee for simultaneous authorizations for river runners, outfitters, or guide concession operations of substantially similar services in a specific geographic area on historical data, where available, as well as on industry- specific and other available market data; or (2) may establish a charge per user day. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) adjustments of fees; and (2) a concession license fee (such fee shall at least cover the program's administrative costs and may not be changed over the term of the license). (Sec. 9312) Requires a concessioner to establish a concession improvement account if the agreement requires the individual to make capital improvements or occupy Government-owned facilities. Specifies provisions concerning such account with respect to: (1) terms and conditions; (2) disbursements; (3) records; (4) an annual financial statement; and (5) transfer of a remaining balance (upon the termination of a concession authorization or upon the transfer of an agreement). Requires the Secretary concerned to: (1) deposit up to a specified amount of receipts from concession services fees and the rental of Government-owned facilities for a fiscal year in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts for the National Park Service for FY 1997 through 2002; (2) deposit receipts exceeding such specified amounts into concession improvement accounts to be distributed to each concessioner for expenditures on visitor services and facilities; and (3) develop a schedule of anticipated receipts to be deposited into the Treasury for other agencies covered under this Part and to submit such schedule to appropriate congressional committees within 18 months of this Act's enactment. Requires the Inspector General of the Department concerned, beginning with FY 1998, to biennially audit and report to specified congressional committees on such generated concession fees. (Sec. 9313) Requires the Board of Contract Appeals (Board) within each Department to adjudicate disputes between the Government and concessioners arising under this Part. Sets forth dispute procedures which: (1) permit agency decisions to be appealed to the Board after one level of administrative review; (2) demand an expedited procedure for consideration of appeals to suspend, revoke, or terminate a concession authorization; (3) allow a person to seek judicial review of decisions made by the Board; and (4) exclude the expiration of a concession authorization from appeal. Excludes disputes arising under this Part from the jurisdiction of the General Accounting Office to review bid protests under the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. (Sec. 9314) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year of each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the concession authorization involved. (Sec. 9315) Provides that the following laws and regulations shall not apply to agreements and concession licenses under this Part: (1) Title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949; (2) the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act; (3) the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994; (4) the Brooks Automatic Data Processing Act; (5) provisions of Federal law relating to U.S. armed forces general and miscellaneous procurement; (6) the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and any unspecified laws providing authority to promulgate regulations in FAR; (7) the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and (8) the Service Contract Act of 1965. Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965 and provisions of Federal law concerning: (1) the use and occupation of national forest lands for hotels, resorts, summer homes, stores, and facilities for industrial, commercial, educational, or public use; (2) the use of Forest Service appropriations for operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of motor and other equipment; and (3) the rental of fire control equipment to non-Federal agencies. Provides that the provisions of this Part shall supersede the provisions of the following Acts as they pertain to concessions management: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; (2) the Refuge Recreation Act; and (3) the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from leasing lands, including structures or facilities thereon, at water resource development projects for commercial concessions purposes. Provides that: (1) the right of renewal explicitly provided for by any concession contract affected by the repealing, superseding, or amending of the provisions of an Act referred to in this Part shall be preserved for a single renewal of a contract following the enactment of this Part; (2) nothing in this Part shall be construed to change the value of existing capital improvements or possessory interests as identified in concession contracts entered into before this Act's enactment nor to amend, supersede, or otherwise effect any provision of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act relating to revenue-producing visitor services; and (3) no provision of this Part shall apply to any ski area permittee operating on lands administered by the Forest Service. Sets forth procedures for the reissuance of existing concessioner contracts which: (1) have expired before or within five years of this Act's enactment; and (2) are entered into before, and projected to terminate five years or more after, such enactment. Part 2: National Forest Ski Areas - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, within five years after the enactment of this Part, to offer to sell at least 40 ski areas to the qualifying ski area operator. Provides that, for purposes of such sale, lands are qualifying concession lands if they are: (1) subject to a lease on this Act's enactment date for use as a ski area with improvements with a fair market value greater than $2,000,000; and (2) located either adjacent to the boundary of the Federal lands or adjacent to other significant private in holdings. Requires the Secretary to provide for an independent appraisal of the lands and interests to be transferred. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer, by sale or exchange, additional National Forest System lands for purposes of adding such lands to, and operating them as part of, such ski areas. Sets forth provisions for the use of proceeds generated through the sales. (Sec. 9322) 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. Provides that the terms of any existing ski area permit in effect on this Act's enactment that specify a different fee calculation method shall prevail unless the permit holder notifies the Forest Service that the individual agrees to adopt the specified formula. Requires the Forest Service to encourage such permit holder to consider adopting the new formula in order to reduce administrative costs. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) minimum rental fees; (2) time for payment; (3) requirements for reports by the Secretary to specified congressional committees analyzing whether the ski area permit system legislated by this Act is returning fair market value rental to the United States, together with any recommendations the Secretary may have for modifications in the system; (4) transition of the new ski area permit fee; (5) applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to reissuance of ski area permits; and (6) withdrawal of ski areas from operation of mining laws. Part 3: Domestic Livestock Grazing - Sets forth applicable regulations for domestic livestock grazing on Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands. (Sec. 9332) Establishes: (1) a basic grazing fee formula based upon the three-year average of the value of livestock production (exclusive of certain progeny) and the ten-year average of certain Treasury bill rates; and (2) a 15-year permit tenure. (Sec. 9335) Exempts grazing activities in conformance with land use plans from further documentation required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Part 4: Regional Disposal Facility of Southwestern Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact - Provides for the transfer of specified Federal land in California (Ward Valley site) to the State of California for use as a low level radioactive waste disposal site. Subtitle D: Territories - Part 1: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands - Terminates certain annual grants to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Part 2: Territorial Administrative Cessation Act - Territorial Administrative Cessation Act - Abolishes the Office of Territorial and International Affairs of the Department of the Interior. Subtitle E: Minerals - Part 1: Hardrock Mining - States that unless specified patent transition procedures are met, patents will be issued upon payment of the fair market value of the Federal interest in the land, exclusive of, and without regard to: (1) the mineral interests it contains; or (2) its use for mineral activities. Subjects such patents to a Federal royalty. (Sec. 9503) Subjects the production and sale of locatable minerals from an unpatented mining claim to a royalty of 3.5 percent on the net proceeds. Cites royalty exclusions. States that the royalty obligation only accrues upon the sale of mining claim products, not upon their stockpiling for future processing. Defines net proceeds and gross yield for purposes of determining royalty obligations. Excludes from gross yield profits or losses incurred in connection with forward sales, futures or commodity options trading, or any other price hedging or speculative transaction. Delineates limitations and allocations of net proceeds, gross yield, and allowable costs. Requires assessment of interest on unpaid royalties. Declares that the owner of a mining claim under this Act is not under an implied covenant to undertake activity as a result of the obligation to pay a royalty. Emphasizes that any such activity is in the sole discretion of the claim owner. (Sec. 9504) Amends specified Federal law to provide that all deposits of mineral materials, including block pumice, shall be subject only to the disposal guidelines of the Materials Act of 1947. Amends specified mining law to open lands with valuable mineral deposits to leasing by the Secretary of the Interior conditioned upon: (1) minimum royalty payments of two percent of the gross value of their output; and (2) advance payment of 25 cents per acre for the first year, 50 cents per acre for the second through the fifth year, and one dollar per acre thereafter. Credits such rental against royalties. Conditions leases also upon a minimum annual production or payment of a minimum royalty, except during certain emergency production interruptions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant prospecting permits conferring the exclusive right to prospect for mineral materials in specified Federal lands. Entitles a permittee who has discovered valuable minerals to a lease at a minimum royalty of two percent of the quantity or gross value of the output of the mineral materials at the point of shipment to market. Amends Federal law regarding unpatented mining claims to reserve in the United States the right to manage and dispose of the mineral material surface resources prior to issuance of a mining claim patent. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Amends Federal mining law to authorize the Secretary to contract for the disposal of mineral materials. Restricts the maximum royalty for the gross value of the output of sodium compounds to five and one- half percent subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 9505) Mandates an annual maintenance fee, payable in advance, for each unpatented mining claim or site until a patent has been issued therefor. Provides that the owner of each unpatented mining claim or site shall pay a location fee in lieu of the initial annual $100 maintenance fee per mining claim or site for the assessment year which includes the date of site or claim location. Exempts from annual maintenance requirements owners who certify that governmental actions, including actions of an Indian tribal authority, have denied access to their claims or sites. Sets forth an annual maintenance fee schedule which ranges from $100 for each of the first three years to $500 per year after the fifteenth year. Identifies annual labor activities which may be credited dollar for dollar towards up to 75 percent of the annual maintenance fee payable. Permits application to future maintenance fees of excess amounts expended for annual labor performed over such percentage limitation. Specifies work qualifying as annual labor. Requires that each maintenance fee payment be accompanied by a statement identifying the pertinent claim or site, which shall be in lieu of any annual mining filing requirements. Confers the right of exclusive possession upon the owner of any unpatented mining claim or site in compliance with this Act. Requires the owner of each unpatented mining claim or site to pay a location fee of $25 per claim at the time the notice or certificate of location is filed. Reduces the annual claim maintenance fee payments for unpatented mining claim or site by the amount of royalty paid during the prior assessment year for such site or for any contiguous claim or site. Exempts from these requirements any oil shale claims subject to claim maintenance fees under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) to: (1) repeal the filing requirements for mining claim recordation; and (2) declare that failure to file a timely notice or certificate of location shall constitute forfeiture of the mining claim and render the claim null and void. Repeals the fee requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. Instructs the Secretary to review the fee structure periodically and report on it to the Congress. Part 2: Federal Oil and Gas Royalties - Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (FOGRMA) to place primary liability for lease obligations upon either the person to whom the United States issues a lease, or the current owner of operating rights, but not both. (Sec. 9513) Bars a judicial action relating to an obligation that is not commenced within six years from the date on which the obligation falls due. Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) the period of limitations; (2) adjustments and refunds; and (3) recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 9516) Authorizes the Secretary to waive royalty interest. Prescribes requirements for Federal payment of interest on inadvertent (but not on deliberate) excessive overpayments of royalties. Provides for estimated royalty payments. Prescribes royalty reporting and payment requirements with respect to volume allocation of oil and gas production for Federal leases in unit or communitization agreements and for those not in such agreements. (Sec. 9517) Amends FOGRMA to prohibit assessments for late payments or underpayments. Restricts assessments to erroneous reports only (but permits the imposition of penalties or interest for late payments or underpayment). (Sec. 9518) Prescribes guidelines under which a lessee may make prepayments in lieu of royalty payments for a marginal property which is not cost-effective for the Secretary to administer. Instructs the Secretary to provide accounting, reporting, and auditing relief that will encourage lessees to continue to produce and develop such properties. (Sec. 9519) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Mineral Leasing Act to permit any oil or gas royalty or net profit due the United States to be taken in kind at the Secretary's option. States that delivery of royalty in kind satisfies the lessee's royalty obligation and relieves the lessee of reporting and recordkeeping obligations. Amends OCSLA guidelines governing Federal gas sales to the public to permit the Secretary to sell gas by competitive bidding or private sale (removing the proscription against selling gas to the public at less than fair market value). (Sec. 9520) Amends FOGRMA to require the Secretary to streamline and simplify current royalty management requirements and practices, including reporting, instruction, audits and collections. (Sec. 9521) Amends FOGRMA to repeal the current statute of limitations governing the recovery of penalties. Amends OCSLA to repeal the guidelines governing refunds or credit granted to a lessee for excess payments. (Sec. 9522) Revises the Secretary's authority to delegate to the States all authority and responsibility to conduct audits and inspections with respect to all Federal lands within their borders to include production and royalty accounting duties and specified royalty collections. Authorizes a State to request that the Secretary sell the revenue stream from certain Federal leases on marginal properties. (Sec. 9523) Amends FOGRMA to replace the knowing and willful standard for violations which incur a civil penalty to a standard of willful misconduct or gross negligence (a higher and more difficult standard to prove). (Sec. 9524) Excludes Indian lands and privately owned minerals from the purview of this Act. Subtitle F: Indian Gaming - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to increase fee-based funding for the National Indian Gaming Commission from class II gaming activities. Prohibits authorization of appropriations for Commission operations. Subtitle G: Consultation - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to state that the limitation of resources commitment between a Federal agency and a permit or license applicant shall only apply to site-specific projects or activities. Subtitle H: Mapping - Department of the Interior Surveying and Mapping Efficiency and Economic Opportunity Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a mapping and surveying contracting program. Provides for: (1) a published inventory of Department of the Interior mapping and surveying activities; and (2) increased use of private services. Title X: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure - Subtitle A: Water Resources - Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from modifying any concession service agreement, concession license, or similar instrument except to the extent permitted under law before enactment of this Act. (Sec. 10002) Authorizes the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess and collect fees from persons subject to radiological emergency preparedness regulations. Terminates such assessment authority on September 30, 2002. Subtitle B: Ocean Shipping Reform - Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1995 - Chapter 1: Ocean Shipping Reform - Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to include as one of its purposes the granting of authority to carriers and shippers to develop transportation arrangements to meet their specific needs. (Sec. 10212) Redefines the term "conference," with respect to an association of ocean carriers permitted, pursuant to an approved agreement, to engage in concerted activity, to change "common tariff," which they all utilize, to "common schedule of transportation rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices." Defines ocean freight forwarder and shippers' association. (Sec. 10213) Revises the scope of the Shipping Act of 1984, with respect to certain agreements by or among ocean common carriers, to: (1) substitute "ocean freight forwarders" for "non-vessel-operating common carriers" in exclusive, preferential, or cooperative working arrangements with ocean common carriers covered by the Act; and (2) cover agreements that discuss any matter related to ocean transportation contracts, and enter ocean transportation contracts and agreements related to those contracts. Repeals coverage of agreements to regulate or prohibit the use of service contracts. (Sec. 10214) Revises provisions relating to independent actions on certain matters by members of a shipping conference agreement. (Sec. 10216) Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act to repeal the automated tariff filing and information system provisions of such Act. Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to revise provisions relating to: (1) schedules of transportation rates, terms, and conditions of common carriers and conferences for transportation services not governed by an ocean transportation contract; (2) ocean transportation contracts between one or more common carriers and a conference and one or more shippers; and (3) prohibited acts by persons or common carriers with respect to the provision of ocean transportation services. (Sec. 10219) Revises provisions for actions that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) may take against foreign carriers whose practices in a foreign country result in conditions that adversely affect U.S. carriers in the oceanborne trade, and do not exist for foreign carriers of that country in the United States. (Sec. 10220) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to request the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke any clearance required for a common carrier vessel if such carrier fails to supply certain information in a FMC investigation or adjudicatory proceeding. (Sec. 10224) Revises certain license and bond requirements with respect to ocean freight forwarders. (Sec. 10227) Requires marine terminal operators to make available to the public any schedules of rates, regulations, and practices, including limitations of liability, pertaining to receiving, delivering, handling, or storing property at its marine terminal. Chapter 2: Controlled Carriers Amendments - Revises provisions concerning the unjustness and unreasonableness of controlled carrier rates. (Sec. 10231) Declares that the rate standards, information submissions, remedies, reviews, and penalties under the Shipping Act of 1984 shall apply to ocean common carriers that are not controlled, but which have been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be structurally or financially affiliated with nontransportation entities or organizations (government or private) in such a way as to affect their pricing or marketplace behavior in an unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive way that disadvantages them. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that would govern how price and other information is to be submitted by controlled and non-controlled carriers when such information would be needed to determine whether prices charged by them are unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive. (Sec. 10232) Directs the Secretary to develop, and submit to the Congress, a negotiation strategy to persuade foreign governments to divest themselves of ownership and control of ocean common carriers. (Sec. 10233) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on: (1) actions taken under the Foreign Shipping Practices Act and certain sections of the Shipping Act of 1984 and this Act; and (2) the effect on U.S. maritime employment of laws, rules, regulations, policies, or practices of foreign governments, or any practices of foreign carriers or other persons providing maritime services in a foreign country that result in the existence of conditions that adversely affect the operations of U.S. carriers in U.S. oceanborne trade. Chapter 3: Elimination of the Federal Maritime Commission - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the Congress a plan to eliminate the FMC no later than October 1, 1997. (Sec. 10241) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Entitles this subtitle the Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995 (the Act, for purposes of this subtitle). Chapter 2: Conversion of Joliet Army Ammunition Plant to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie - Ratifies the proposals generally identified by the land use plan approved by the Joliet Arsenal Citizen Planning Commission on May 30, 1995. Transfers the portion of land from the Joliet Arsenal constituting the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to the Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Agriculture shall both maintain security for designated portions of the Area. (Sec. 10312) Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) transfer the designated portions of Arsenal land to the Secretary of Agriculture within six months of the Act's enactment; and (2) retain jurisdiction over any real property at the Arsenal which may be used for actions required under any environmental law to remediate contamination or conditions of noncompliance. (Sec. 10313) States that any liability or responsibility of the Secretary of the Army under environmental laws shall not transfer with the transfer of Arsenal property. Orders any Federal department or agency with hazardous materials at the Arsenal to pay for the cost of cleanup. (Sec. 10314) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Prairie on the date of transfer of portions of the Arsenal to be managed for National Forest Service purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with appropriate Federal, State, and local governments, private organizations, and corporations in the management of the Prairie. (Sec. 10315) Prohibits the construction of roads through the Prairie. Specifies terms and conditions for special use authorizations for agricultural purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to charge user fees and to waive such fees for certain individuals. (Sec. 10316) Provides special disposal rules for certain land parcels at the Arsenal. Chapter 3: Other Real Property Disposals Involving Joliet Army Ammunition Plant - Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer certain land parcels at the Arsenal to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for use as a national cemetery. (Sec. 10322) Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer a portion of the Arsenal to Will County, Illinois, for use as a landfill. Permits the United States to maintain a reversionary interest in the property for a five-year period, to be exercised if the County fails to meet the transfer conditions. (Sec. 10323) Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer a portion of land at the Arsenal to the State of Illinois for economic redevelopment purposes. Conditions the receipt of the land upon the Illinois Governor establishing a redevelopment authority to oversee the economic development. Permits the United States to retain a 20- year reversionary interest in such land. Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that this subtitle does not alter any requirements to be carried out in compliance with existing environmental laws. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends through FY 2002 the current tonnage duties imposed upon foreign vessels entering into U.S. ports. (Sec. 10402) Directs the Administrator of General Services to: (1) sell all U.S. rights and interest to the land and related improvements at Governors Island, New York; (2) sell the air rights to the land adjacent to Union Station in Washington, D.C.; and (3) issue regulations requiring each executive agency to collect fees for the use of all parking facilities provided for such agency at Federal expense. Title XI: Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Extension of Temporary Authorities - Extends through FY 2002: (1) the requirement that non- service disabled veterans having incomes above a specified level make copayments in exchange for hospital and medical care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department, for purposes of this title); (2) the authority for collection of a $2 copayment from veterans earning above a minimum income level for prescription medication furnished for outpatient treatment of a non-service- connected condition; (3) certain Department veterans' medical care cost recovery authority; (4) the authority under Federal veterans' benefits' provisions and the Internal Revenue Code to verify a veteran's income for purposes of eligibility for needs-based benefits; (5) a pension payment limitation of $90 monthly to Medicaid-eligible veterans and surviving spouses who have no dependents and who are in Medicaid-participating nursing homes; (6) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge and collect a home loan fee for housing loans which are guaranteed by the Department; and (7) the procedures applicable upon the default of such guaranteed loans. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Increases from $2 to $3 the prescription drug copayment required from certain veterans. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to waive such copayments or the collection of any indebtedness for failure to make such copayments. (Sec. 11022) Directs the Secretary, as of December 1, 1995, to round out to the next lower whole dollar any cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation rates. Prohibits any such rates from being increased during FY 1997 through 2002 by a percentage which is more than the percentage increase for benefits under title II (Old age, survivors and disability insurance) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 11023) Revises the Government's liability standard for injuries or death resulting from Department treatment to allow compensation to be awarded for the additional disability in the same manner as if the disability or death were service-connected. Provides proximate cause requirements. (Sec. 11024) Extends through FY 1996 (currently, December 31, 1995) the authority of the Secretary to guarantee the real estate mortgage investment conduits used to market pools of veterans' loans. (Sec. 11025) Authorizes the Department to collect veterans' home loan guaranty debts in the same manner as all other debts arising under Department programs. Requires the Department to provide affected individuals with notice and an opportunity to seek a waiver, or challenge the validity, of such debt before collection. Subtitle C: Health Care Eligibility Reform - Revises provisions concerning a veteran's eligibility for hospital care and medical services to: (1) allow such care to be provided only to the extent that amounts for such care and services are provided in advance in appropriations Acts; (2) provide full eligibility for both hospital and outpatient care for service-disabled veterans, low-income veterans, former prisoners of war, and veterans of World War I; and (3) provide such eligibility for veterans who were exposed to a toxic substance, radiation, or environmental hazard during the performance of duty. (Sec. 11032) Extends through December 31, 1998, the authority to provide priority hospital care and medical services for certain Persian Gulf veterans. (Sec. 11033) Makes certain veterans eligible for prosthetic devices as long as they are receiving ongoing care through the Department. (Currently, hospitalization is required before such veterans are so eligible.) (Sec. 11034) Directs the Secretary, in managing the provision of hospital care and medical services, to establish and operate a system of annual patient enrollment, with specified patient priorities. Requires the system to be managed to assure the provision to enrollees of timely and quality care. Requires the Secretary to establish and manage Department health care programs in a manner which promotes cost-effective delivery of health care services in the most clinically appropriate setting. Requires the Department to maintain its capacity to provide for the specialized needs of certain disabled veterans, while not reducing its current capacity to provide services to other veterans. (Sec. 11035) Amends the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 to repeal a provision which terminates the authority of the Secretary to enter into health care resource sharing agreements with the Department of Defense on October 1, 1996. Entitles the United States to recover from primary insurance providers the cost of care or services provided under such Act through a Department medical facility. (Sec. 11036) Repeals a statement of congressional purpose with respect to the Department's sharing of specialized medical facilities, equipment, and information. Expands such sharing to include all health care resources and to allow health care providers, plans, or insurers or other entities or individuals to participate in such sharing arrangements. Increases the authorized payment terms with respect to shared resources. (Currently, only reciprocal reimbursement is permitted.) Allows the Secretary to enter into such arrangements for the treatment of non-veterans only in limited circumstances. (Sec. 11037) Exempts from Department medical personnel limitations all positions held by persons involved in providing health-care resources under sharing agreements. Title XII: Trade - Subtitle A: Technical Corrections and Miscellaneous Trade Provisions - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that interest on claims be accrued from the date of such claim for the reliquidation (refund) of excess duties paid on entries of North American Free Trade (NAFTA) products. (Sec. 12002) Amends Federal customs law to repeal the requirement that certain vessels departing from a foreign port, or which visited a hovering vessel, carry a certificate for the importation into the United States of alcoholic spirits. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into contracts with collection services to recoup expenses associated with recovering indebtedness owed to the Government under the customs laws. (Sec. 12003) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to require certain customs fees charged against merchandise imported from a foreign trade zone to be applied only to the value of the privileged or nonprivileged part of such merchandise. Declares that the similar application of such customs fees to imported U.S. agricultural products processed and packed in a foreign trade zone shall be effective to entries made on or after certain dates. (Sec. 12005) Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act and the Andean Trade Preference Act to declare that duty reductions for certain leather-related products shall not apply to textile and apparel articles subject to textile agreements. (Sec. 12007) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the United States Customs Service to extend the time for filing a drawback (refund) claim for duties for up to 18 months (one year if a major disaster occurs) if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 12008) Directs the Customs Service to provide for the liquidation or reliquidation (refund) of certain entries made at New York, New York, in accordance with the results of an administrative review, during the period from May 1, 1984, through March 31, 1985, by the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce (case number A-580-008). (Sec. 12009) Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment, through February 1, 1999, of the personal effects of, and other equipment imported and used by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in the 1988 Goodwill Games. (Sec. 12012) Provides for the electronic transmission of data to the U.S. Customs Service with respect to the duty-free treatment of imported civil aircraft pursuant to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. (Sec. 12013) Amends the Customs and Trade Act of 1990 to extend, through December 31, 1994, the temporary exemption from duty of the cost of certain foreign repairs made to U.S. vessels. (Sec. 12014) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to revise the prohibition against the charging of fees for certain customs services to include services provided in connection with the arrival of any passenger on board a commercial vessel traveling only between ports which are within the customs territory of the United States. Declares that such exemption shall not apply in the case of the arrival of any passenger on board a commercial vessel whose journey originates and terminates at the same place in the United States if there are no intervening stops. Requires that passengers on commercial vessels making a single voyage involving two or more U.S. ports be charged a fee only once. (Sec. 12016) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that certain marking requirements with respect to imported articles and containers shall not apply to: (1) certain metal forgings and hand tools made from such forgings; (2) certain coffee and tea products; and (3) spice products. (Sec. 12017) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to liquidate or reliquidate as duty-free a certain entry of warp knitting machines. Requires a refund of duties and interest paid with respect to such entry. (Sec. 12018) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative to identify trade liberalization priorities annually from calendar years 1996 through 2000. Subtitle B: Generalized System of Preferences - GSP Renewal Act of 1995 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Authorizes the President to designate a country as a least-developed beneficiary developing country for extension of trade preferences under the GSP. (Sec. 12102) Makes Austria, Finland, and Sweden eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country. Declares that, for purposes of designating a beneficiary developing country, a country may be found to not provide protection of intellectual property rights, notwithstanding the fact that it may be in compliance with the specific obligations of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Authorizes the President to withdraw or suspend duty-free treatment for the products of a country based on consideration of specified factors and comments received from the public. Requires the President to: (1) withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary developing country if it is determined that changed circumstances would bar its designation as a beneficiary developing country; and (2) terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary developing country if he or she determines that such country has become a "high income" country. Requires the President to notify the Congress before designating or terminating a country as a beneficiary developing country. Revises requirements for the designation of articles as eligible for preferential treatment. Authorizes the President to designate additional articles as eligible articles for countries designated as least-developed beneficiary developing countries if, after receiving advice from the International Trade Commission, it is determined that such articles are not import-sensitive. Prohibits an article that has been denied designation as an eligible article from being reconsidered for such designation for a three year period. Prohibits, with respect to the President's withdrawing, suspending, or limiting the duty-free treatment of an eligible article, the establishment of a duty rate for such article other than the rate which would apply but for this Act. Requires the President to terminate the duty-free treatment for an article from a beneficiary developing country (except least-developed beneficiary developing countries) whenever it is determined that such country has exported, directly or indirectly, to the United States during any calendar year a quantity of an eligible article: (1) having an appraised value in excess of $75 million (increased by $5 million on January 1 each calendar year after 1995); or (2) equal to or exceeding 50 percent of the appraised value of the total imports of such article into the United States during the calendar year. Authorizes waiver of such competitive need limitation in the national economic interest if any U.S. industry is unlikely to be adversely affected by it. Prohibits any action under this Act from affecting any tariff duty imposed by the Legislature of Puerto Rico under the Tariff Act of 1930 on coffee imported into Puerto Rico. Requires the President to report to the Congress on: (1) the operation of this Act; and (2) the status of internationally recognized worker rights within each beneficiary developing country. (Sec. 12103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to liquidate or reliquidate and refund any duties that were paid on any entry: (1) of any article to which duty-free treatment under the GSP of the Trade Act of 1974 would have applied if such entry had been made on July 31, 1995; and (2) that was made after July 31, 1995, and before enactment of this Act. Requires buffalo leather from Thailand that is entered into the United States under certain entry numbers to be liquidated or reliquidated as if entered on June 30, 1995. Subtitle C: Trade Adjustment Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise worker training requirements with respect to the payment of trade adjustment assistance to adversely affected workers. Repeals limitations on additional payments of trade readjustment allowances to workers during training periods. (Sec. 12201) Repeals the authority for relocation allowances to adversely affected workers. Extends through FY 2000: (1) the trade adjustment assistance program; and (2) authorization of appropriations for such program. Title XIII: Committee on Ways and Means-Revenue Reconciliation - Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions, Etc. - Part 1: Extensions Through December 31, 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 1997, the: (1) targeted jobs credit; (2) exclusion from gross income of an employee of employer provided educational assistance; (3) credit for increasing research activities; (4) special rule concerning charitable contributions of stock for which market quotations are readily available; and (5) credit for the clinical testing expenses of certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions. Makes additional revisions to provisions concerning the subjects of clauses one, two, and three. Part 2: Permanent Extension of FUTA Exemption for Alien Agricultural Workers - Extends permanently the Federal Unemployment Tax Act exemption for alien agricultural workers. Part 3: Commercial Aviation Fuel - Delays for two years, until September 30, 1997, the scheduled increase in the tax on fuel used in commercial aviation. Imposes a floor stocks tax, subject to stated exceptions, on such fuel held on October 1, 1997. Requires a study of the Federal excise tax burden on each of the various modes of transportation. Part 4: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund Excise Taxes - Extends until September 30, 1996, the current Airport and Airway Trust Fund excise taxes. Subtitle B: Medical Savings Accounts - Permits a deduction for both itemizers and nonitemizers of up to the lesser of $2,500 (for an individual) or the deductible under a catastrophic health plan for amounts paid into a medical savings account. Subtitle C: Pickle-Johnson Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Part 1: Taxpayer Advocate - Establishes in the Internal Revenue Service the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate which shall assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS. Part 2: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Requires that a taxpayer be given 30 days notice and an explanation of the reasons for modifying or terminating an installment agreement. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish procedures for the independent review, for taxpayers requesting such a review, of such terminations. Part 3: Abatement of Interest and Penalties - Expands the authority of the IRS to abate assessments of interest to include delays caused by a managerial act or an unreasonable error. Grants the Tax Court jurisdiction to determine if the failure of the IRS to abate interest was an abuse of discretion. Part 4: Joint Returns - Directs the Secretary to conduct specified studies of joint return-related issues. Part 5: Collection Activities - Permits the Secretary to withdraw a notice of a lien if: (1) the notice was premature; (2) the taxpayer agrees to pay in installments; (3) withdrawal will facilitate collection; or (4) the withdrawal would be in the best interests of the United States. Increases from $1,650 to $2,500 the amount of personal property that is exempt from levy. Increases from $500 to $100,000 the offers-in-compromise amount for which a written opinion is required from the Office of Chief Counsel. Part 6: Information Returns - Permits an individual who has had an information return which was fraudulently filed in his or her name by another to bring a civil action against such other person. Part 7: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Places the burden of proof on the IRS to establish that it was substantially justified in charging a taxpayer with a deficiency. Raises the amount of attorney's fees recoverable per hour by the prevailing party. Part 8: Modification to Recovery of Civil Damages for Unauthorized Collection Actions - Increases the limit from $100,000 to $1,000,000 on the recovery available for unauthorized IRS collection activities. Part 9: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Requires the IRS to issue a notice in writing, with respect to the failure to collect and pay an over tax, to a taxpayer at least 60 days in advance of any demand for a penalty. Requires the IRS, where there is more than one responsible party subject to such penalty, to disclose the name, to one responsible party, of any other responsible party. Exempts volunteer members of tax-exempt organizations from penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax. Part 10: Modifications of Rules Relating to Summonses - Includes any enrolled agent as a third-party recordkeeper with respect to the special procedures for the issuance of summonses. Part 11: Relief from Retroactive Application of Treasury Department Regulations - Provides generally, with exceptions, that no temporary, proposed, or final regulation to the tax code shall apply before its publication in the Federal Register or the date on which any notice substantially describing the expected contents of any such regulation is issued to the public. Part 12: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires a report on a pilot program for appeal of enforcement actions. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1998, as well as the Internal Revenue Code, to extend for five years the authority for certain undercover operations. Allows a credit of up to $6,000 for qualified expenses in connection with an audit under the Tax Compliance Measurement Program. Subtitle D: Additional Technical Corrections - Makes corrections to the following Acts: (1) the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988; (2) the Tax Reform Act of 1986; (3) the Revenue reconciliation Act of 1990; (4) the Deficit reduction act of 1984. Sets forth rules concerning the treatment of certain veterans' reemployment rights for veterans who return to civilian service following military service. Subtitle E: Tax Information Sharing - Extends the authority to disclose certain return information to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Subtitle F: Revenue Increases - Part 1: Provisions Relating to Businesses - Provides, with respect to a corporate shareholder's basis in stock reduced by the nontaxed portion of extraordinary dividends, that if the nontaxed portion of such dividend exceeds such basis, such excess shall be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock for the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received. Requires the organizer of a corporate tax shelter to register the shelter. Sets forth penalties for failure to file. Prohibits a deduction for interest paid on life insurance policies or annuities which cover a company officer or employee. Repeals the Puerto Rico and possessions tax credit for years beginning after December 31, 1995. Revises provisions concerning: (1) the income forecast method of determining depreciation deductions; and (2) transfers of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts. Part 2: Legal Reforms - Specifies that the exclusion from income of damages for personal injuries or sickness does not include punitive damages. Part 3: Treatment of Individuals Who Lose United States Citizenship - Revises provisions concerning expatriation to avoid taxes, including the following changes: (1) applies the provisions to certain long-term residents; (2) permits the Secretary to expand the ten year taxation period to fifteen years; (3) increases the categories of income treated as U.S. source income; (4) giving credit for foreign taxes imposed on U.S. source income; and (5) requiring the filing of certain information by expatriates. Revises the comparable estate and gift tax provisions. Part 4: Reforms Relating to Energy Provisions - Requires wind and closed-loop biomass energy facilities to be placed in service before September 14, 1995, in order to receive a tax credit. Denies a credit for alcohol used to produce ether. Limits the alcohol that is eligible for credit for alcohol used as fuel. Revises provisions concerning energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities. Part 5: Reforms Relating to Nonrecognition Provisions - Revises provisions concerning the involuntary conversion of property into either similar property or money. Prohibits the nonrecognition of gain on the sale of a principal residence: (1) which is attributable to depreciation adjustments; or (2) unless the replacement property is located in the U.S. Part 6: Reforms Relating to Gambling Activities - Subjects to the tax on unrelated business income of charitable organizations income earned by an Indian tribe as a result of any class II or III gaming activity. Requires withholding from winnings of $5,000 or more from bingo or keno. Part 7: Other Reforms - Terminates the low-income housing credit after December 31, 1997. Repeals the: (1) credit for contributions to a community development corporation; (2) credit for purchasers of diesel-powered automobiles and light trucks; and (3) the provision which provides for the exclusion from income of rent from the rental of a vacation home for less than 15 days. Permits any qualified student loan funding corporation to end its status as a qualified scholarship funding corporation. Permits the interest on such a corporation's bond to remain tax-exempt if specified conditions are met. Part 8: Excise Tax on Amounts of Private Excess Benefits - Imposes a 25 percent tax (which shall be paid by the disqualified person) on any transaction from which an economic benefit is provided by a tax-exempt organization directly or indirectly to a disqualified person, if the value of the benefit provided exceeds the value of the consideration. Sets forth additional reporting requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations. Requires an exempt organization to make available a copy of its return. Requires any solicitation of an organization that refers to itself as nonprofit, when it is not exempt from tax, to contain an express statement that it is not exempt from tax. Imposes a penalty for failure to disclose. Subtitle G: Reform of the Earned Income Tax Credit - Repeals the earned income credit for individuals without children. Increases the phaseout rates. Includes in adjusted gross income the following nontaxable items, not previously included, for purposes of determining eligibility for the credit: (1) pension, annuity, and individual retirement plan income; and (2) social security benefits. Denies the credit to individuals not authorized to be in the U.S. Subtitle H: Increase in Public Debt Limit - Increases the statutory limit on the public debt. Subtitle I: Coal Industry Retiree Health Equity - Repeals the reachback provisions of the coal industry's health benefit system. Title XIV: Committee on Ways and Means: Tax Simplification - Tax Simplification Act of 1995 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Individuals - Part 1: Provisions Relating to Rollover of Gain on Sale of Principal Residence - Allows gain to be rolled over from one residence to another in the order the residences are purchased and used, regardless of reasons for the sale of the old residence. Sets forth a two-year residence rule for taxpayers who sell a residence pursuant to a divorce or marital separation for purposes of determining the rollover of gain on the sale of a principal residence. Part 2: Other Provisions - Permits the payment of taxes by any commercially acceptable means deemed appropriate by the Secretary. Establishes a foreign tax credit limitation for individuals whose gross income is from sources outside the United States, consists entirely of qualified passive income, and the amount of creditable foreign taxes does not exceed $200. Excludes certain personal transactions from foreign currency rules. Provides that the amount allowed as a deduction to rural mail carriers for the business expense of a vehicle shall be equal to qualified reimbursements. Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 to repeal the rule on the business use of automobiles by rural mail carriers. Limits the exclusion of combat pay from withholding to the amount excludable from gross income. Subtitle B: Pension Simplification - Part 1: Simplified Distribution Rules - Repeals: (1) the $5,000 the exclusion of employees' death benefits; and (2) the five-year forward income averaging for lump-sum distributions. Establishes a method of taxing annuity payments by taking into account the investment in the contract and the number of anticipated payments. Part 2: Increased Access to Pension Plans - Modifies certain simplified employee pensions with respect to allowable participants and participation requirements. Allows local governments and tax-exempt organizations to maintain cash or deferred arrangements. Part 3: Nondiscrimination Provisions - Redefines the term "highly compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, stock bonus plan, etc. purposes. Makes such an employee one who is a five-percent owner or who has compensation from the employer in excess of $80,000. Repeals the family aggregation rules. Provides alternative methods of satisfying the special nondiscrimination requirements applicable to elective deferrals and employer matching contributions. Modifies the present nondiscrimination test applicable to simplified employee pension plans to provide that the average deferral percentage for nonhighly compensated employees for the preceding year is to be used. Part 4: Miscellaneous Simplification - Revises the definition of a leased employee to mean one whose services are performed under the control of a service recipient, instead of one whose services are historically performed by employees. Establishes a contribution limit for owner-employees of retirement plans. Allows rural cooperative plans which include cash or deferred arrangements to make distributions to participants after attainment of age 59 and one-half. Modifies the treatment of governmental plans with respect to limits on contributions and benefits. Makes the social security retirement age the uniform retirement age for purposes of discrimination testing. Makes uniform the penalty provisions applicable to certain pension reporting requirements. Provides special rules for distributions of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Amends the Uruguay Round Agreements Act to provide a transition rule for computing maximum benefits for qualified plans. Permits a participant and, if applicable, the participant's spouse to waive the minimum period for the joint and survivor annuity explanation before the annuity starting date. Repeals the combined limit for participants in both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan maintained by the same employer. Subtitle C: Treatment of Large Partnerships - Part 1: General Provisions - Establishes special rules for large partnerships (250 or more partners) with respect to: (1) determining the income tax of a partner; (2) computing the taxable income of a large partnership; and (3) treatment of contributed property. Provides that a large partnership does not include one where: (1) substantially all of the activities involve the performance of personal services by individuals owning interests in such partnerships; or (2) 25 percent or more of partnership assets consist of oil or gas properties. Establishes simplified audit procedures for large partnerships. Requires a partner's return to be consistent with the partnership return. Allows partnerships to take adjustments into account through an imputed underpayment procedure or a flow-through-to-partners procedure. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to make adjustments at the partnership level in any partnership item to the extent necessary to have such item treated in the manner required, after notifying the partnership of such adjustment through certified or registered mail. Specifies certain restrictions on such adjustments. Provides for judicial review of such adjustment with the Tax Court, the appropriate district court, or the Court of Federal Claims. Prohibits any adjustments from being made three years after the later of the date on which the return was filed, or the last day for filing such return, except in specified cases. Allows a partnership to file a request for an administrative adjustment of partnership items during such time periods and provides for judicial review where such request is not allowed in full. Requires large partnerships to furnish information returns to partners by the first March 15 following the close of the partnership's tax year. Authorizes the Secretary to require large partnerships, or any other partnership with 250 or more partners, to file their returns on magnetic media. Part II: Provisions Related to Certain Partnership Proceedings - Revises and sets forth new provisions relating to partnership proceedings. Provides for a declaratory judgment procedure in the Tax Court for treatment of non-partnership items with respect to an oversheltered return. Describes an oversheltered return as one which above no taxable income and a net loss from partnership items. Provides for the partnership return to be determinative of the audit procedure to be followed. Suspends the period of limitations for making assessments for a partner who is named in a bankruptcy petition. Provides a special rule for a tax matters partner in bankruptcy. Permits a small partnership to have a C corporation as a partner. Excludes a partial settlement agreement from the one-year limitation on assessment. Provides that if a TEFRA statute extension agreement is entered into, that agreement also extends the statute of limitations for filing refund claims until six months after the expiration of the limitations period for assessments. Provides a prepayment forum and a refund forum for raising the innocent spouse defense in TEFRA cases. Provides that partnership level proceedings include a determination of the applicability of penalties at the partnership level. Allows partners to raise any partner-level defenses in a refund forum. Specifies that an action to enjoin premature assessments of deficiencies attributable to partnership items may be brought in the Tax Court. Permits a party to appear before a court for the sole purpose of asserting that the period of limitations for assessing any tax attributable to partnership items has expired for that person. Provides for the treatment of premature petitions filed by notice partners or five-percent groups. Provides that the amount of the bond to stay assessment and collection should be based on the Tax Court's estimate of the aggregate liability of the parties to the action (and not all of the partners in the partners in the partnership). Suspends interest where there is a delay in computational adjustment resulting from TEFRA settlements. Grants a partner seven years (in lieu of three years) to request an administrative adjustment with respect to bad debts or worthless securities. Subtitle D: Foreign Provisions - Part 1: Modifications to Treatment of Passive Foreign Corporations - Modifies passive foreign investment company provisions and allows a mark-to-market election by a shareholder of such company. Provides, in general, that a corporation shall not be treated with respect to a shareholder as a passive foreign investment company during the qualified portion of such shareholder's holding period with respect to stock in such corporation. Provides, in general, that in the case of marketable stock in a passive foreign investment company which is owned by a U.S. person such person may elect: (1) if the fair market value of such stock exceeds its adjusted basis, to include in gross income an amount equal to the amount of such excess; or (2) if the adjusted basis of such stock exceeds the fair market value of such stock, a deduction equal to the lesser of the amount of the excess or the unreserved inclusions with respect to such stock. Modifies the definition of passive income. Part 2: Treatment of Controlled Foreign Corporations - Provides that if a controlled foreign corporation sells or exchanges stocks in other foreign corporations, then gain recognized on such sale or exchange shall be included in the gross income of such corporation as a dividend to the same extent that it would have been included if such corporation were a U.S. person. Revises provisions concerning: (1) determining pro rata share of gain from certain sales or exchanges of stock in certain foreign corporations; (2) basis adjustments in stock held by lower-tier foreign corporations; (3) determination of previously taxed income in redemptions through use of related corporations; and (4) treatment of branch profits tax exemptions or reductions. Extends the application of the indirect foreign tax credit to certain controlled corporations below the third tier. Repeals Code provisions concerning earnings invested in excess passive assets. Part 3: Other Provisions - Establishes new rules for the translation of certain accrued foreign taxes. Modifies present rules for translating all other foreign taxes. Permits the use of the simplified limitation on the foreign tax credit in determining the alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit. Modifies the excise tax on outbound transfers to avoid income tax. Increases from five to ten percent the threshold for the information reporting by U.S. persons of their ownership of stock in a foreign corporation. Provides for the treatment of a prize or award received by a nonresident alien by reason of participating in an amateur sports competition in the U.S. Subtitle E: Other Income Tax Provisions - Part 1: Provisions Relating to S Corporations - Increases from 35 to 75 the number of eligible S corporation shareholders. Permits an electing small business trust to be a shareholder of an S corporation. Defines electing small business trust. Expands from 60 days to two years the post-death holding period for testamentary trusts in an S corporation. Expands the definition of "post-termination transition period" to include the 120 day period beginning on the date of any determination pursuant to an audit which follows the termination of the corporation's election and which adjusts a subchapter S item of income, loss, or deduction arising during the S period. Permits an S corporation to be a member of an affiliated group, thus permitting it to own the stock of a C corporation. Provides that adjustments for distributions by an S corporation during a taxable year are taken into account before applying the loss limitation for a year. Provides that if: (1) a corporation was an electing small business corporation for any taxable year beginning before January 1, 1983; and (2) such corporation is an S corporation for its first taxable year beginning after December 31, 1995, the amount of such corporation's accumulated earnings and profits (as of the beginning of such first taxable year) shall be reduced by an amount equal to the portion (if any) of such accumulated earnings and profits which were accumulated in any taxable year beginning before January 1, 1983, for which such corporation was an electing small business corporation under subchapter S. Permits the carryover of disallowed losses and deductions under the at-risk rules. Part 2: Provisions Relating to Regulated Investment Companies - Repeals the requirement that less than 30 percent of the gross income of a regulated investment company be derived from the sale or disposition of any of the following which were held for less than three months: (1) stocks or securities; or (2) options, futures, or forward contracts (other than those on foreign currencies). Part 3: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investment Trusts - Revises provisions concerning the requirements for, and the taxation of, a REIT (real estate investment trust) including: (1) rules relating to the determination of ownership (requires compliance with specified regulations and sets penalties for noncompliance); (2) compliance with closely held prohibition provisions (factors in knowledge of being closely held; (3) definition of rents from real property (excludes and defines impermissible tenant service income); (4) the taxation of capital gains (requires shareholders to include such long-term gains as the trust designates); (5) repealing the 30 percent gross income requirement concerning income derived from the sale of stock and other property; (6) lengthening the grace period with respect to foreclosed property; (7) treating income from all hedges that reduce the interest rate risks as qualifying income; (8) revising safe harbor provisions; and (9) permitting a 100 percent REIT-owned corporation to qualify as a subsidiary, regardless of whether it was always owned by the REIT. Part 4: Accounting Provisions - Revises the look-back method for long-term contracts and provides that for purposes of such method, only one rate of interest is to apply for each accrual period. Permits a securities trader to use the mark to market accounting method. Modifies special rules concerning: (1)nuclear decommissioning costs; and (2) crop insurance proceeds and disaster payments. Permits partnerships and S corporations to use a fiscal year on the condition that quarterly payments are made. Sets a quarterly underpayment penalty. Part 5: Tax-Exempt Bond Provisions - Repeals the $100,000 limitation on unspent proceeds under the one-year exception from arbitrage rebate requirements. Exempts earnings on bond proceeds invested in bona fide debt service funds from the arbitrage rebate requirements and the penalty requirement of the 24-month exception if the spending requirements of that exception are otherwise satisfied. Repeals the debt service-based limitation on investment in certain nonpurpose investments. Repeals certain expired provisions. Part 6: Insurance Provisions - Provides for the treatment of life insurance variable contracts on retired lives and sets forth special rules for modified guaranteed contracts. Part 7: Other Provisions - Provides that the taxable year of a partnership closes with respect to a partner whose entire interest in the partnership terminates, whether by death, liquidation, or otherwise. Makes the employer FICA credit for employee tips available whether or not the employee reported such income. Revises provisions concerning: (1) the due date for first quarter estimated tax payments by foundations; and (2) the treatment of dues paid to agricultural or horticultural organizations. Subtitle F: Estates and Trusts - Part 1: Income Tax Provisions - Provides an irrevocable election to treat certain revocable trusts as part of the estate. Makes the separate share rules available to estates. Limits the taxable year of an estate to a year ending on October 31, November 30, or December 31. Repeals certain throwback rules applicable to domestic trusts. Provides for the treatment of, as well as defines, a qualified funeral trust. Part 2: Estate and Gift Tax Provisions - Allows the right of recovery with respect to qualified terminable interest property to be waived in a will only by specific reference. Provides that a transfer from a revocable trust within three years of death does not result in the inclusion of the transfer in the gross estate. Revises the qualified terminable interest rules with respect to a trust and the marital deduction. Provides that a trust created before the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 is treated as satisfying the withholding requirement if its trust instrument require that all trustees be U.S. citizens or domestic corporations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe procedures which provide that executors will have the opportunity to submit subsequent information on a recapture agreement in the filing of an estate tax return. Increases the unified credit of a decedent by the unified credit of a spouse used on a split gift included in the decedent's gross estate. Permits the marital deduction with respect to a defective power of appointment or qualified terminable interest property trust, if there is a qualified reformation of the rust to correct the defect. Prohibits the revaluation of a gift for which the statute of limitations period has passed for purposes of determining the estate tax bracket and the unified credit. Defines trust for the purposes of a qualified domestic trust to include, to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, other arrangements having substantially the same effect as a trust. Part 3: Generation-Skipping Tax Provisions - Provides that if a trust holding property having an inclusion ratio of greater than zero is severed in a qualified severance, at the election of the trustee of such trust, the trusts resulting from such severance shall be treated as separate trusts for purposes of the tax on generation- skipping transfers. Excludes from the definition of taxable termination a direct skip. Sets forth a special rule for persons with a deceased parent for purposes of the generation-skipping transfer tax. Subtitle G: Excise Tax Simplification - Part 1: Provisions Related to Distilled Spirits, Wines, and Beer - Makes refunds available for imported bottled distilled spirits returned to distilled spirits plants. Permits records of exportation to be maintained by the exporter for purposes of canceling or crediting bonds furnished when distilled spirits are removed from bonded premises. Permits distilled spirits plants to maintain records of their activities at locations other than the premises where the operations covered by the records are performed. Allows beer to be transferred without payment of tax from a brewery to a distilled spirits plant to be used in the production of distilled spirits regardless of whether the brewery is contiguous to the distilled spirits plant. Repeals the requirement that wholesale liquor dealers post a sign outside their place of business indicating that they are wholesale liquor dealers. Repeals the requirement that wine returned to bonded premises be unmerchantable in order for tax to be refunded to the proprietor of the bonded wine cellar to which the wine is delivered. Allows the use of ameliorating material (not in excess of 60 percent) in certain wines made exclusively from a fruit or berry with a natural fixed acid of 20 parts per thousand or more. Allows domestically-produced beer to be withdrawn from the place of production without payment of tax for the official or family use of representatives of foreign governments or public international organizations. Allows beer to be removed from a brewery without payment of tax for purposes of destruction. Provides for imported beer to be withdrawn from customs custody for transfer to a brewery without payment of tax. Part 2: Consolidation of Taxes on Aviation Gasoline - Provides for the imposition of entire the aviation gasoline excise tax upon removal from a terminal facility. Part 3: Other Excise Tax Provisions - Authorizes the exemption from registration requirements of certain tax-free sales. Provides certain activities, including the removal of a fifth wheel, will not constitute manufacture with respect to the retail sales tax for a truck or tractor chassis. Repeals expired provisions concerning piggy-back trailers and deep seabed mining. Subtitle H: Administrative Provisions - Part 1: General Provisions - Repeals the authority to disclosure whether a prospective juror has been audited. Provides an explanation of the statute of limitations with respects to the return of a taxpayer. Allows corporations to disregard any letter or notice of assessment or proposed assessment of tax if the deficiency or proposed deficiency is less than $100,000. Permits any Commonwealth to provide for income tax withholding for Federal employees. Part 2: Tax Court Procedures - Provides that an order to refund an overpayment is appealable in the same manner as a decision of the Tax Court. Declares that the Tax Court shall not have jurisdiction over the validity or merits of the credits or offsets that reduce or eliminate the refund to which the taxpayer was otherwise entitled. Provides that a taxpayer who seeks an award of administrative costs must apply for such costs with 90 days of the date on which the taxpayer was determined to be a prevailing party. Provides that a taxpayer who appeals a denial of administrative costs must petition the Tax Court within 90 days after the date that the IRS mails the denial notice. Provides that a taxpayer must file a motion (rather than a petition) to seek a redetermination of interest in the Tax Court. Provides that the net worth limitations applicable to individuals also apply to estates and trusts. Provides that individuals who file a joint tax return shall be treated as one individual for purposes of computing the net worth limitations. Part 3: Authority for Certain Cooperative Agreements - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with State tax authorities for purposes of enhancing joint tax administration. Title XV: Preserving, Protecting, and Strengthening Medicare - States that H.R. 2425 as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives (Medicare Preservation Act of 1995) is hereby enacted into law. Title XVI: Transformation of the Medicaid Program - Medicaid Transformation Act of 1995 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) add a new title XXI (MediGrant Program for Low-Income Individuals and Families); and (2) terminate the current Medicaid program, which the new MediGrant program shall replace. Gives such new program the stated purpose of providing block grants to States to enable them to provide medical assistance to certain eligible low-income individuals and families in a more effective, efficient, and responsive manner. Prescribes general requirements for State Medigrant plans containing certain State-developed strategic objectives and performance goals. Prohibits coverage denials on the basis of a preexisting condition. (Sec. 1601) Outlines major program components, which include: (1) a separate fraud prevention program along with State Medigrant fraud control units; (2) a Medigrant Task Force and associated advisory group with specified duties; (3) funding set-asides for certain targeted population groups, including low-income families, low-income elderly and low-income-disabled, with specified uses for residual funds; (4) payment limitations and prohibitions with regard to abortions and euthanasia services, respectively; (5) State MediGrant fraud control units; (6) quality assurance standards for and certification of certain nursing facilities; and (7) a master manufacturer rebate program with regard to covered outpatient drugs (including extra rebates for single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs). Places limitations on coverage of drugs by States participating in an agreement under such program. Declares that nothing in the new title XXI shall be construed as: (1) creating an entitlement under Federal law in any individual or category of individuals for medical assistance under a MediGrant plan; or (2) making requirements for a State with respect to benefits, provider payments, geographical coverage area, or selection of providers. Declares that no person shall have a cause of action under Federal law against a State in relation to a State's compliance (or failure to comply) with the provisions of this title or of a MediGrant plan. Sets forth various miscellaneous provisions, including those regarding plan administration with advisory committee assistance with regard to plan development, revision, and evaluation and for the submittal and approval of plan amendments. Details premium and cost- sharing under the new program. Provides additional payment exclusions for nonemergency medical services for unlawful aliens. Requires annual plan audits under the program. Mandates State enactment of certain described laws with regard to medical child support for States with an approved MediGrant plan. Details the process for States to withdraw from the new MediGrant program. Provides sanctions for substantial noncompliance by a plan with the requirements of this title. Terminates the current Medicare program for the distribution of pediatric vaccines. Title XVII: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Subtitle A: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Abolishes the Department of Commerce (DOC) as of September 30, 1996, (or six months after enactment of this Act, whichever is earlier), and transfers its functions and employees to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (Sec. 17103) Declares that the Director of OMB, through the Office of Programs Resolution, shall be responsible for the administration and wind-up of any outstanding affairs of the DOC. (Sec. 17104) Establishes the Office of Programs Resolution in the OMB. (Sec. 17109) Directs the OMB to privatize each DOC function transferred to it that is designated for privatization under subtitle B. (Sec. 17110) Amends Federal law to require each affected agency to establish an agencywide priority placement program to facilitate employment placement for employees separated from service due to a reduction in force (RIF) resulting from this Act. (Sec. 17111) Limits annual expenditures for any function transferred but not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1995 expenditures. Subtitle B: Disposition of Various Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to abolish the Economic Development Administration of the DOC and transfer its functions to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). (Sec. 17201) Authorizes the Administrator (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to make direct and supplementary grants to States and other entities for public works and development facilities projects. Authorizes the Administrator to provide special economic development and adjustment assistance through grants to help State and local areas meet special needs arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment arising from economic dislocation (including defense base closures and realignments) and economic adjustment problems resulting from severe economic conditions. Authorizes the Administrator also to provide technical assistance, market research, and information to alleviate conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment to areas with a substantial need. Authorizes the Administrator to make direct grants to States, cities, or other political subdivisions, or sub-State planning and development organizations to pay up to 50 percent of the cost for economic development planning. Sets forth eligibility requirements for such assistance, including submission of an investment strategy by eligible recipients. Authorizes the Administrator to designate economic development districts and economic development centers for economic development assistance provided certain criteria are met. Sets forth administrative provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a plan for consolidating Federal economic development programs. (Sec. 17202) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Renames the National Institute of Standards and Technology the National Bureau of Standards, and transfers it to the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST) established by this Act. Transfers all functions of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to the Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for privatization. (Sec. 17203) Transfers, on an interim basis, all functions of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to the Bureau of the Census to the Director of OMB. Transfers, after the interim period, the the Bureau of the Census to the Department of Labor. (Sec. 17204) Transfers the functions of the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Secretary of Labor, and consolidate its functions with those of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this section to 75 percent of FY 1995 expenditures. (Sec. 17205) Terminates specified functions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Transfers: (1) all NTIA laboratories to the Director of OMB for privatization; and (2) all functions of NTIA concerning research and analysis of the electromagnetic spectrum to the Director of the National Bureau of Standards. Transfers all other remaining functions of NTIA to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Abolishes the NTIA. (Sec. 17206) Prohibits the appropriation of funds for specified National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) programs and accounts. Transfers NOAA aeronautical mapping and charting functions to the Defense Mapping Agency. Directs such agency to terminate any functions that are performed by the private sector. Transfers NOAA functions relating to mapping, charting, and geodesy to the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Requires the Director to terminate functions performed by the private sector. Transfers all functions and assets of NOAA that were performed by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System (NESDIS) and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) to the NIST. Transfers all functions of the National Weather Service (NWS) to NIST. Limits the number of NOAA commissioned officer for FY 1996. Terminates the Corps after FY 1996. Abolishes the Office of the NOAA Corps of Operations and the Commissioned Personnel Center, effective September 30, 1996. Directs the Administrator of NIST to enter into contracts for the use of vessels to conduct oceanographic research and fisheries research, monitoring, enforcement, and management, and to acquire other data necessary to carry out NOAA missions. Directs the Administrator to transfer excess vessels to the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Transfers to the NIST all functions of: (1) the National Marine Fisheries Service; and (2) the National Ocean Service. Transfers coastal nonpoint pollution control functions of the Secretary of Commerce to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (Sec. 17207) Establishes the NIST as an independent Federal agency to be administered by an Administrator of Science and Technology. Transfers to the NIST all functions of: (1) NOAA; (2) the National Bureau of Standards; and (3) the Office of Space Commerce. Terminates specified NOAA agencies and positions. Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1995 expenditures. (Sec. 17208) Terminates specified DOC agencies and programs, including the Minority Business Development Administration, the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration, the Advanced Technology Program, the Manufacturing Extension Programs, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology METRIC Program. Imposes a terminal moratorium on such agency and program activities. Subtitle C: Office of United States Trade Representative - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Sets forth specified definitions. Chapter 2: Office of United States Trade Representative - Subchapter A: Establishment - Establishes an independent Office of the United States Trade Representative (Office) (currently part of the Executive Office of the President), to be headed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Declares that the Office shall be the successor to the Department of Commerce for purposes of protocol. (Sec. 17312) Directs the USTR, in addition to current duties, to: (1) establish a national export strategy; (2) promote new opportunities for U.S. products and services to compete in the world marketplace; (3) assist small businesses in developing export markets; (4) consult and cooperate with State and local governments and other interested parties on international trade matters; (5) promote cooperation among business, labor, and Government to improve industrial performance and the ability of U.S. industries to compete in international markets; and (6) monitor and enforce foreign government compliance with international trade agreements to protect U.S. interests. Makes the USTR a member of the National Security Council and the National Economic Council, as well as chairperson of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Council and Deputy Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies. Subchapter B: Officers - Establishes the officers of the Office, including a Deputy Administrator, two Deputy USTRs, and a Director General for Export Promotion. Subchapter C: Transfers to the Office - Transfers to the USTR all functions of: (1) the current USTR and the Office of the USTR in the Executive Office of the President; (2) specified officers and employees of the Department of Commerce; and (3) the Secretary of Commerce relating to the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Transfers all functions of: (1) the Director of the Trade and Development Agency to the Director General for Export Promotion; and (2) the Trade and Development Agency to the Office of the Director General for Export Promotion. (Sec. 17334) Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to revise the composition of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including making the USTR Chairman of the Board. Directs the United States and Foreign Commercial Service to provide such services as the Director General for Export Promotion determines necessary to assist the Bank in its lending, loan guarantee, and insurance activities. (Sec. 17335) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise the composition of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, including making the USTR Chairman of the Board. (Sec. 17336) Directs the President to transmit to the Congress a comprehensive plan to consolidate Federal nonagricultural export promotion and export financing activities and transfer them to the Office. (Sec. 17337) Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to terminate at the end of FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the United States Section of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Secretariat; and (2) the U.S. contribution to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. Transfers functions of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to: (1) the USTR; and (2) the International Trade Commission (ITC) (as they relate to the assessment of the impact of textile imports on domestic industry). Abolishes the CITA. Subchapter D: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions, including establishment of a working capital fund. Subchapter E: Related Agencies - Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to revise the composition of the Interagency Trade Organization to replace the Secretary of Commerce with representatives of such other Federal agencies as the USTR shall designate. (Sec. 17362) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to include the USTR in the National Security Council. (Sec. 17363) Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the U.S. executive director of the International Monetary Fund to consult with the USTR with respect to trade matters under consideration by the Fund. Subchapter F: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Trade Act of 1974. (Sec. 17371) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the USTR (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system with respect to certain personnel. Subchapter G: Miscellaneous - Sets forth effective dates. (Sec. 17382) Provides for interim appointments and personnel as well as funding reductions. Subtitle D: Patent and Trademark Office Corporation - Patent and Trademark Office Corporation Act of 1995 - Chapter 1: Patent and Trademark Office - Establishes the Patent and Trademark Office as a wholly owned Government corporation. Requires the Office to maintain an office in the district in which its principal office is located. Authorizes the Office to retain and use all of its revenues and receipts in carrying out its functions, subject to provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. (Sec. 17413) Vests management of the Office in the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, who shall be appointed by the President for a five-year term. Directs the Commissioner to designate a Deputy Commissioner for Patents, a Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and an Inspector General. Exempts the Office from any administratively or statutorily imposed limitation on positions or personnel. Provides that Office employees shall not be subject to provisions governing Federal employees, with specified exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding retirement, health benefits, life insurance, the Employees' Compensation Fund, and a requirement that the Office offer a specified minimum number of life and health insurance policies. Directs the Office to: (1) develop labor relations and employee relations programs with the objective of improving productivity and efficiency, based on specified guidelines; and (2) adopt all labor agreements which are in effect as of the day before the effective date of this Act, with respect to such Office. Sets forth provisions regarding personnel, accumulated leave, termination rights, continuation in office of certain officers, competitive status, and savings provisions. (Sec. 17414) Requires the Office to have a Management Advisory Board to review and report annually to the President and specified congressional committees on the Office's policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees and to advise the Commissioner. (Sec. 17415) Repeals provisions subjecting the Commissioner's performance to the direction or approval of the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 17416) Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to revise the composition of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to include the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for Patents, the Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks, and appointed members. (Sec. 17417) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revised membership of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences; (2) suits by, and against, the Office; (3) annual report disclosure of the purposes for which receipts were spent; (4) the Commissioner's discretion to designate officers or employees of the Office to conduct hearings relating to suspension or exclusion from practice of certain individuals; (5) receipts, expenditures, and borrowing authority of the Office; (6) annual audit requirements; and (7) the transfer to the Office of Department of Commerce functions, powers, duties, funds, and property related to the authority and functions which are vested in the Office by this subtitle. Chapter 2: Effective Date; Technical Amendments - Makes this subtitle effective six months after its enactment. (Sec. 17432) Makes technical and conforming amendments. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions. Title XVIII: Welfare Reform - Provides that H.R. 4 (Personal Responsibility Act of 1995) as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives is enacted with certain technical amendments deeming State plan submissions under new SSA title IV part A (Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) to be acceptance of certain grant limitations. (Sec. 18001) Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY 1996 through 2002. Makes certain technical amendments to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 pertaining to a limitation on State obligation allotments for FY 1996 through 2000, with similar technical changes under the National School Lunch Act. Title XIX: Contract With America-Tax Relief - Enacts Title VI (Contract With America Tax Relief Act of 1995) of H.R. 1215 (Tax Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act of 1995) of the 104th Congress as passed by the House of Representatives with modifications, including: (1) striking subtitle E (Social Security Earnings Test); (2) striking part III (Alternative Minimum Tax Relief) of subtitle C (Job Creation and Wage Enhancement); and (3) striking the redesignated subtitle F (Tax Reduction Contingent on Deficit Reduction) and inserting in its place a revised subtitle F (with the same name). Provides, under such revised subtitle F, for the: (1) definition of the term net modified chapter 1 liability and provides for the determination of such amount; (2) lowering of the 50 percent capital gains deduction for taxpayers other than corporation to 34.5 percent and of the 31.9 percent alternative capital gains tax for corporations to 25 percent; and (3) revision of provisions affecting the American Dream Savings Account, the alternative minimum tax, and the estate and gift tax. Title XX: Budget Enforcement - Seven-Year Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide for the enforcement of deficit reduction by extending and reducing the discretionary spending limits and permanently extending the pay-as-you-go requirements. Prohibits Medicare savings from being used to account for tax reductions. Sets forth special rules applicable to Department of Defense sequestration. Provides for the treatment of direct student loans.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 108 (104th)enacted

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1995

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 1996 for continuing projects and activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, conducted in 1995 and for which appropriations or other authority would have been available in the following Acts: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1966; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (3) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996; (4) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996; (5) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1996; (6) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996; (7) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (8) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996; (9) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996; (10) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1996; (11) the Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 1996; (12) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996; and (13) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996. Sets the rates of such funding. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. (Sec. 112) Requires that whenever the rate for operations for any continuing project or activity provided for which there is a budget request would result in a furlough of Government employees, that rate for operations may be increased to a level that would enable the furlough to be avoided. (Sec. 113) Requires, with exceptions, that for those programs that had high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of funding at the beginning of FY 1995 because of distributions of funding to States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, similar distributions of funds for FY 1996 shall not be made and no grants shall be awarded for such programs funded by this resolution that would impinge on final funding prerogatives. (Sec. 115) Requires that the rate of operations for any continuing project or activity that have not been increased shall be reduced by five percent but shall not be reduced below the minimum level defined or below the level that would result in a furlough. (Sec. 116) Provides that section 132 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act of 1988 (which provides that amounts appropriated for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia shall not be subject to apportionment) shall not apply for this joint resolution. Provides for including in the apportionment for the Federal Payment to the District of Columbia an additional $217 million. (Sec. 117) Requires that the authority and conditions for the application of appropriations of the Office of Technology Assessment, as contained in House Report 104-212, shall be followed when applying the funding made available by this joint resolution. (Sec. 120) Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission's Salaries and Expenses account to include, in addition to direct appropriations, the amount it collects under the fee rate and offsetting collection authority. (Sec. 121) Requires that funding be made available for the necessary expenses of the Bureau of Mines for: (1) continuing limited health and safety and related research, materials partnerships, and minerals information activities; (2) mineral assessments in Alaska; and (3) terminating all other activities of the Bureau of Mines. (Sec. 122) Requires, with certain exceptions, that funds for the Environmental Protection Agency shall be made available in the appropriation accounts which are provided in H.R. 2099 as reported on September 13, 1995.

Bill· SS. 1206 (104th)referred

Adoption Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Adoption Assistance Title II: Adoption Assistance for Federal Employees Title III: Exclusion of Adoption Assistance Adoption Assistance Act - Title I: General Adoption Assistance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year. Provides a limitation based on modified adjusted gross income. Title II: Adoption Assistance for Federal Employees - Requires the head of each agency to establish a program under which any employee of such agency (including a Postal Service employee) who adopts a child shall be provided a limited reimbursement for adoption expenses. Prohibits denial of an application for reimbursement on the basis of the marital status of the individual. Title III: Exclusion of Adoption Assistance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income employee or military adoption assistance benefits received by an employee for adoption assistance.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 190 (104th)passed

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2020) making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1995

Sets forth the open rule for consideration of H.R. 2020 (FY 1996 appropriations for the Department of Treasury, U.S. Postal Service, Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies).

Law· HRH.R. 2020 (104th)enacted

Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Governmentwide General Provisions Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1996 - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1996. Sets forth provisions on the uses of such appropriations. Title II: Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1996. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 - (1) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Federal Election Commission; (3) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (4) the General Services Administration; (5) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (6) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (7) the National Archives and Records Administration; (8) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (9) the Office of Government Ethics; (10) the Office of Personnel Management; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Counsel; and (13) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 515) Requires entities appropriated funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 522) Establishes in the Treasury the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund into which shall be deposited all receipts from Mint operations and programs and from which Mint expenses shall be paid. (Sec. 524) Prohibits Act funds being available to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefit program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Title VI: Governmentwide General Provisions - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 608) Authorizes Federal agencies to receive and use funds resulting from the sale of materials recovered through recycling or waste prevention programs. (Sec. 624) Requires all Federal departments, agencies, or instrumentalities to have and administer a written policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual harassment and that all of its workplaces are not in violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Sec. 625) Requires the President to certify to the Congress annually that no persons with responsibility for administering the Executive Office of the President's Drug-Free Workplace Plan are themselves subject to a program of individual random drug testing. (Sec. 627) Establishes the Commission on Federal Mandates which shall report on Federal mandates as specified in provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.

Bill· HRH.R. 1963 (104th)open

Postmark Prompt Payment Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995

Postmark Prompt Payment Act of 1995 - Deems any payment delivered by the Postal Service to be received by the payee on the date of the U.S. postmark stamped on the envelope or other cover in which such payment is mailed. Exempts any payment: (1) other than a payment on a bill, invoice, or statement of account due; (2) which is required by law, regulation, or contract to be delivered by any method other than by mail; or (3) which is subject to any other provision of Federal law specifying how a postmark date shall be used in determining the date on which such payment shall be deemed to have been delivered or made. Applies the provisions of this Act only if: (1) the postmark date falls on or before the prescribed date for making the payment; and (2) the payment was, on or before such date, deposited in the mail in the United States in an envelope or under other appropriate cover, postage prepaid, and properly addressed to the payee.

Bill· HRH.R. 1826 (104th)open

To repeal the authorization of transitional appropriations for the United States Postal Service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995

Repeals provisions of Federal law authorizing appropriations to the Postal Service Fund (Fund) to insure a sound financial transition for the Postal Service and a consistent rate policy. Provides that liabilities of the former Post Office Department to the Employees' Compensation Fund shall be liabilities of the Postal Service payable out of the Fund.

Bill· SS. 908 (104th)open

Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995

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

Law· HRH.R. 1606 (104th)enacted

An Act to designate the United States Post Office building located at 24 Corliss Street Providence, Rhode Island, as the "Harry Kizirian Post Office Building", to amend chapter 2 of title 39, United States Code, to adjust the salary of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1995

Designates the United States Post Office building located at 24 Corliss Street, Providence, Rhode Island, as the Harry Kizirian Post Office Building.

Bill· HRH.R. 1516 (104th)open

Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Balancing the Budget Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1995 - Title I: Balancing the Budget - Part A: Purpose - Repeals parts C (Emergency Powers to Eliminate Deficits in Excess of Maximum Deficit Amount), D (Budgetary Treatment of Social Security Trust Funds), and E (Miscellaneous and Related Provisions) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Part B: The Deficit Elimination Act of 1995 - Sets, for FY 1996 through 2002: (1) deficit reduction targets for direct spending and receipts legislation; and (2) discretionary funding limits, measured in terms of new budget authority. Permits adjustments, whenever appropriate, to discretionary funding limits to reflect the following: (1) changes in concepts; (2) changes in inflation; (3) expiring housing contracts; (4) emergencies; (5) new limits for 2002 and thereafter; and (6) transportation trust funds. Makes provisions: (1) for balancing the budget in 2002; and (2) preventing deficits after 2002. Provides for: (1) a spin-off law, if required, to balance the budget in 2002 and to prevent deficits after 2002; and (2) targeted sequestration if a spin-off law is in effect for a year on the date of the final sequestration report for that year. (Sec. 106) Establishes a scorecard for: (1) FY 1996 through 2002 upon which shall be entered the estimated increase or decrease in the deficit; (2) FY 2003 and thereafter upon which shall be entered the estimated increase or decrease in the deficit or surplus; and (3) years after 1996 upon which shall be entered the amount of discretionary appropriations. (Sec. 109) Provides that the amount to be sequestered: (1) for a budget year in which a spin-off law is not in effect shall be the amount (if any) by which the sum of all budget-year entries on the direct spending and receipts scorecard is greater than zero; and (2) if any, shall be increased whenever the average out-year change in direct spending and receipts, combined, achieved during that budget- year session would result in higher deficits than if that average change had equaled the amount targeted for the budget year, with that budget-year target being the amount that the sequestration preview report for the budget year shows was needed to bring the budget-year entries on the direct spending and receipts scorecard to zero. Provides that: (1) within 15 days after the Congress adjourns to end a session and on the same day as a sequestration, if any, under sec. 110 there shall be a sequestration to reduce the amount of receipts in the current policy baseline sum by the sum of the amounts specified in subsection (1) and (2), unless that sum is less than $500 million; and (2) the amount to be sequestered shall be achieved by reducing each non-exempt direct spending account by the uniform percentage necessary to achieve 80 percent of that sum and increasing receipts to achieve the other 20 percent of that sum through tax sequestration surtaxes as enacted under sec. 113 of this Act. (Sec. 110) Provides for an across-the-board reduction of discretionary programs , if there is a sequestration. (Sec. 111) Describes and lists programs and activities which shall be exempt from sequestration. (Sec. 112) Sets forth general and special sequestration rules, including provisions concerning sequestration and: (1) the non-jobs portion of AFDC; (2) the jobs portion of AFDC; (3) the Child Support Enforcement Program; (4) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (5) the Conservation Reserve Program; (6) extended unemployment compensation; (7) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (8) the Federal Housing Finance Board; (9) Federal pay; (10) Federal insurance programs; (11) Medicaid; (12) Medicare; (13) the Postal Service Fund; (14) power marketing administration funds and the TVA; and (15) veterans' housing loans. (Sec. 113) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the imposition of tax sequestration surtaxes on individuals and corporations. (Sec. 114) Requires both OMB and CBO to prepare both sequestration preview and final reports. Directs the Board of Estimates (established by sec. 119) to choose one of each of the reports as the official report. Directs the President, on the day that the Board chooses the final sequestration report, to issue an order fully implementing without change all required sequestrations and tax actions. (Sec. 115) Provides for the determination of the current policy baseline and the baseline assuming deficit reduction. (Sec. 117) Establishes in the Treasury a Stabilization Reserve Fund in order to accumulate balances during years of comparative prosperity, which balances may later be used to cover the loss of receipts and the increase in outlays that occur during times of comparative economic distress. (Sec. 118) Provides for the suspension of sequestration procedures: (1) upon the declaration of war; and (2) during periods of low economic growth. Sets forth procedures for the consideration of a low growth joint resolution by the Congress. (Sec. 119) Establishes a Board of Review to report to the President and the Congress concerning the selection of the OMB and CBO sequestration preview and final reports. (Sec. 120) Provides for expedited judicial review in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for any Member of Congress or other individual seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief with respect to provisions of this Act. Permits review, by the Supreme Court, of any order of such court issued pursuant to provisions of the previous sentence. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth technical and conforming amendments to; (1) the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974; (2) the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990; (3) the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Standing Rules of the Senate; and (4) other Federal law provisions concerning, among other things, the President's budget and the public debt limit.

Bill· HRH.R. 1464 (104th)referred

To amend title 39, United States Code, to require the Postal Service to accept a change-of-address order from a commercial mail receiving agency and to forward mail to the new address.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995

Authorizes an addressee or commercial mail receiving agency to file a change-of-address order with the Postal Service upon termination of an agency relationship between the addressee and the agency. Requires the Postal Service to forward mail to the addressee which is marked for forwarding by the commercial mail receiving agency in the same manner as, and subject to the same terms and conditions as apply to, mail forwarded directly by the Postal Service to such addressee.

Bill· SS. 617 (104th)open

Second Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act, 1995

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions Title II: General Provisions Second Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act, 1995 - Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions - Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the Agricultural Research Service, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Commodity Credit Corporation, and the Food and Nutrition Service. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Agriculture for the Office of the Secretary, Agricultural Research Service, the Cooperative State Research Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Rural Development Administration and Farmers Home Administration, the Alcohol Fuels Credit Guarantee Program Account, the Rural Electrification Administration, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the Foreign Agricultural Service. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the National Bankruptcy Review Commission and the United States Information Agency. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Department of Justice for the Immigration and Naturalization Service and Office of Justice Programs; (2) the Department of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy, the National Technical Information Service, and the Economic Development Administration; (3) the Judiciary for the United States Court of International Trade and for defender services; (4) the Small Business Administration; (5) the Department of State; (6) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; (7) the Board for International Broadcasting; and (8) the United States Information Agency. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Corps of Engineers-Civil; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior; (3) the Department of Energy; (4) the Appalachian Regional Commission; and (5) the Tennessee Valley Authority. Rescinds funds appropriated to the President for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and territorial and international affairs; (2) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (3) the Department of Energy for fossil energy research and development, naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, and energy conservation; (4) the Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Rescinds appropriations made to the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Financing Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration on Aging, and the Office of the Secretary. Rescinds appropriations made to specified Department of Education programs, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Railroad Retirement Board. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to decrease the appropriated funds for FY 1995 for the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Rescinds funds made available to the Legislative Branch for: (1) the payments to widows and heirs of deceased Members of Congress; (2) Joint Economic Committee and the Joint Committee on Printing; (3) the Office of Technology Assessment for salaries and expenses; (4) the Congressional Budget Office for salaries and expenses; (5) the Architect of the Capitol for capitol buildings and grounds; (6) the Government Printing Office for congressional printing and binding and salaries and expenses; (7) the Botanic Garden for salaries and expenses; (8)the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses; and (9) the General Accounting Office for salaries and expenses. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of Defense for: (1) military construction; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and (3) Base Realignment and Closure Account, Parts II and III. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for: (1) the Office of the Secretary; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration; (4) the Federal Highway Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; and (7) the Federal Transit Administration. Reduces certain obligation limitations for DOT. (Sec. 901) Rescinds funds from the DOT working capital fund. (Sec. 902) Cancels a specified amount for DOT civilian and military compensation and benefits permanently. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the General Services Administration and the Office of Personnel Management. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of the Treasury for departmental offices, the Financial Management Service, the United States Mint, the Bureau of the Public Debt, and the Internal Revenue Service. Rescinds funds made available to the Executive Office of the President for the White House Office and Federal drug control programs. Rescinds funds made available to the General Services Administration for the Federal Buildings Fund and the Office of Personnel Management for salaries and expenses. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster relief and the National Flood Insurance Fund. Rescinds funds made available to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care and major projects construction; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing programs. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) permit a public housing agency to use modernization assistance for any eligible activity, including demolition, replacement housing, and temporary relocation assistance, authorized by this or other applicable appropriations Acts; (2) permit replacement units to be built on the site of the original demolished public housing unit only if the number of replacement units is significantly less than the number of units demolished; (3) repeal provisions prohibiting public housing projects from transferring title unless there is Federal funding assistance providing for a unit for unit replacement for each transfer; and (4) permit the reuse of any budget authority that is recaptured on account of termination of a housing assistance payments contract only for one or more the following, tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance. Rescinds funds made available to the: (1) Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (2) Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; (3) Corporation for National and Community Service; (4) Environmental Protection Agency; (5) National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (6) National Science Foundation; and (7) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Title II: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) prepare, offer, and award contracts for salvage timber sales from Federal lands; and (2) perform the appropriate revegetation and tree planting operations in the salvage area. Subjects such sales to judicial review only in the United States district court for the district in which the affected Federal lands are located. Permits such an action only if made within 15 days after the initial advertisement of the challenged timber sale. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1995 and other Federal law provisions concerning overtime for criminal investigators. (Sec. 2006) Prohibits the use of funds available in FY 1995 appropriations being used for specified purposes by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 26 (104th)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.

Bill· HRH.R. 883 (104th)referred

Free Trade With Cuba Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. (Sec. 3) Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Declares that any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals the Cuban Democracy Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. (Sec. 4) Authorizes common carriers to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. (Sec. 5) Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. (Sec. 6) Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. (Sec. 7) Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.

Bill· HRH.R. 467 (104th)referred

To amend title 39, United States Code, to exempt veterans' organizations from regulations prohibiting the solicitation of contributions on postal property.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995

Requires the Postal Service to ensure that nothing in its regulations prevents a veterans' organization from soliciting contributions on postal property so long as those activities do not impede or disturb: (1) postal employees in the performance of their duties; or (2) the general public in transacting business or obtaining services.

Bill· HRH.R. 434 (104th)referred

Postal Privacy Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1995

Postal Privacy Act of 1995 - Authorizes the Postal Service to permit its officers or employees to disclose the names and addresses of postal patrons if such disclosure: (1) consists of information relating to a change of address that was obtained on a Postal Service form which informed the patron of how the information would be disclosed and provided a means for the patron to deny disclosure; (2) has not been denied; and (3) would contribute to the efficiency of postal operations.

Bill· HRH.R. 210 (104th)referred

To provide for the privatization of the United States Postal Service.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995

Provides for the transfer of the United States Postal Service to a private corporation. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress: (1) a comprehensive plan providing for the transfer of property subject to this Act; and (2) recommendations for legislation as necessary. Establishes the Postal Privatization Commission to: (1) carry out functions relating to the issuance of securities to postal employees; and (2) consult with the President on the transfer.