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501 records in US in 1995
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Indian Tribal Government Unemployment Compensation Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat employment by federally recognized tribal governments, for unemployment compensation tax purposes, in the same manner as employment by State or local units of government or nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Health Trust Fund for Mothers and Children Title II: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children Program Title III: Financing Provisions Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children Act of 1995 - Title I: National Health Trust Fund for Mothers and Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish the National Health Trust Fund for Mothers and Children (Health Fund) to ensure affordable, comprehensive, high quality health care coverage for children and all uninsured pregnant women. Appropriates to the Health Fund the amount of estimated Federal savings resulting from enactment of this Act: (1) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; and (2) attributable to duplication of services or functions under any other Federal health program. Appropriates a limited amount of the taxes imposed by this Act on tobacco products for activities to prevent the use of other tobacco products by children and to coordinate Federal and State tobacco initiatives. Title II: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that participating States establish programs to ensure that eligible children and pregnant women are enrolled in health plans. Mandates allocations to participating States. Requires trust funds in each participating State. Provides for State contributions. Requires unallocated Federal and State trust funds to remain available. Provides for responses to insufficient Federal funds. Allows States with insufficient funds to petition for additional Federal funding or loans. Declares eligible for coverage U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, regardless of income, who are children under seven years or uninsured pregnant women. Regulates coverage for children receiving benefits under specified Federal programs. Prohibits (except for title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act) coverage for women receiving benefits under specified Federal programs. Regulates enrolling systems. Allows choice of certified plans. Prohibits waiting periods. Prohibits preexisting condition exclusions for children obtaining coverage under this Act and for children and women obtaining coverage elsewhere when their coverage under this Act terminates. Requires that benefits under this Act be better than average Medicaid benefits but not better than the most generous State's Medicaid benefits. Prohibits copayments for preventive services. Requires that coverage for children and women cover at least ambulatory care, laboratory services, prescription drugs, inpatient care, mental health and substance abuse services, and limited investigational treatments. Requires that coverage for children also include preventive services, rehabilitative services, durable medical equipment, long-term and chronic health care services, special health care services for children with disabilities or chronic health conditions, occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy, and speech-language pathology services. Requires that coverage for women also include maternity care, inpatient hospital and nonhospital delivery, and other pregnancy- or nonpregnancy-related health conditions. Prohibits, for the first two years after implementation of this title, duration or scope limitations. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that employer-based, self-insured, and other health plans not participating in the program under this title be encouraged to provide benefits similar to those under this title. Requires premiums or copayments. Prohibits deductibles. Allows States to develop State-specific cost sharing requirements. Prohibits cost sharing for low income families. Allows States to provide additional premium or copayment subsidies for low income families. Makes families responsible for paying the family portion of the premium (to a specified maximum) and States responsible for paying the premium subsidy plus any family portion exceeding the maximum limit. Requires that all families, regardless of income, receive premium subsidies. Makes families responsible for premiums for plans more expensive than the least expensive plan and for premiums for additional benefit packages chosen. Sets forth a formula for subsidy calculation. Regulates the amount of copayments. Prohibits copayments for preventive services. Sets maximum annual family contribution limits. Requires that States: (1) have five-year strategic plans, quality assessment and improvement programs, utilization review programs, and fraud and abuse prevention and control programs; and (2) meet certain health information system requirements. Allows a State with an existing health care program providing coverage similar to that under this Act to submit a proposal to expand the services provided or to expand coverage for children up to age 21. Allows a State with a waiver under specified provisions of the Social Security Act to be participating States and to propose to expand services. Mandates a one-time program development grant to a State on approval of its participation application. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if sufficient funding and public support exists, to implement guidelines to expand the categories of eligible individuals nationally to include additional groups of children up to 21 years old. Allows a State to expand the State program if sufficient funds are in the State fund. Requires Federal matching funds if a State deposits additional funds in its State fund for the expansion. Provides for Federal administration (directly or through a non-State government organization) if a participating State fails to meet the requirements of this title. Limits State administration expenditures. Requires each State to annually prepare a quality assessment and improvement plan. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Mothers' and Children's Health. Mandates development of national quality assessment and improvement program guidelines and national utilization review program guidelines for use by certified plans. Establishes a National Health Information System for Mothers and Children and, as a part of that System, a National Childhood Immunization Database. Establishes a program for preventing, monitoring, and investigating fraud related to this title's program. Requires States to have statewide systems for preventing, monitoring, and investigating fraud and abuse. Allows the statewide systems to be integrated with the State's Medicaid fraud and abuse control systems. Directs the Secretary to submit a proposal to the Congress for civil and criminal penalties for fraud and abuse related to this title. Prohibits any individual or entity guilty of fraud or abuse from participating in the Federal or a State program for a specified time. Establishes a program of grants to improve the access of children and pregnant women to health services, strengthen public health functions, enhance health-related research, and support other activities that improve the health of children and pregnant women. Requires matching non-Federal funds. Mandates a five year strategic plan outlining the national priorities for maternal and child health and reviewing existing Federal programs. Mandates Federal and State integration and coordination with similar activities. Requires using a maximum percentage of the amount deposited in the Health Fund for grants under this paragraph. Sets forth the responsibilities of families, certified plans, employers, States, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Agriculture under this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to impose a temporary annual maintenance of effort fee on any employer who terminates dependent health care coverage for children under seven years old after enactment of this title. Prohibits employers from: (1) dropping employee-dependent children until six months after a State fully implements a State program; (2) selectively dropping health care coverage for employee-dependent children with higher than average utilization or health care costs; or (3) dropping pregnancy-related health care benefits for their employees and dependents after enactment of this Act. Automatically enrolls in the State program under this title children under seven years of age, and pregnant women, who are enrolled in Medicaid. Requires that all Medicaid benefits be received under the State program under this title, but allows a State, in some circumstances, to elect not to shift long-term and chronic care services for children with disabilities or chronic health conditions to this program. Requires States that so elect to develop health care coordination plans. Requires biennial reviews of Federal and State programs providing health services to children under seven years old and pregnant women to ensure integration and coordination with services under this title. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if Federal functions are duplicated by this title, to submit recommendations to the Congress regarding the elimination or reduction of the programs. Directs the Secretary and participating States to ensure that Federal payments under title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act and matching State funds under this title are retained within existing programs to meet specified requirements. Makes available from the Health Fund such sums as necessary to carry out this title in each fiscal year. Authorizes to be appropriated with respect to programs and activities required to be carried out by the Secretary and by the Attorney General under this title, such sums as necessary for specified fiscal years. Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person knowingly to purchase, sell, distribute, or smuggle in the United States tobacco products designed for consumption beyond the territorial jurisdiction of U.S. internal revenue laws. Mandates a fine and authorizes confiscation of equipment and vehicles for violations. Title III: Financing Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase taxes imposed on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes. Provides for the treatment of floor stocks and foreign trade zones. Allows a person who is engaged in business as a manufacturer of roll-your-own tobacco or as an importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes to continue to engage in such business pending final action on an application to engage in the business. Establishes the Tobacco Alternatives Trust Fund (Tobacco Fund). Transfers to the Tobacco Fund a specified percentage of the net increase in revenues received attributable to amendments made by this title, as estimated. Makes amounts in the Tobacco Fund available, as provided in appropriations Acts, for grants to States for: (1) direct payments to tobacco farmers and workers; (2) assistance to farmers in converting from tobacco to other crops; (3) infrastructure and business-related financing in areas with significant numbers of tobacco-related jobs; (4) job training for tobacco farmers and workers; and (5) other economic development projects in areas with significant numbers of tobacco-related jobs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop an allocation formula. Terminates the provisions of this paragraph on a specified date. Allows individuals to designate that a portion of any overpayment of taxes (under provisions relating to normal income taxes and surtaxes) and a cash contribution be paid to the Health Fund. Treats designated amounts as refunded and makes them nondeductible. Terminates the provisions of this paragraph if all designations fall below a specified level.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Long-Term Investment Incentive Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow noncorporate taxpayers to deduct specified percentages of qualified two-year, three-year, or four-year capital gain. Provides for the treatment of trusts and estates. Reduces, for these provisions, the net capital gain by the amount a taxpayer takes into account as investment income under specified provisions. Provides for the treatment of collectibles and of certain sales of interests in partnerships, S corporations, or trusts. Sets forth special rules for pass-thru entities. Allows the deduction to be used in computing adjusted gross income. Revises requirements regarding the maximum capital gains rate. Provides for the treatment of regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and common trust funds. Revises requirements regarding the maximum capital gains rate, including imposing a surcharge on net short-term capital gains.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reductions in Government Overregulation Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process Subtitle B: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments Subtitle F: Federal Home Loan Bank Amendments Title II: Streamlining Government Regulations Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Lender Liability Financial Institutions Regulatory Relief Act of 1995 - Title I: Reductions in Government Overregulation - Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to transfer regulatory authority from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board). Eliminates redundant regulators by adding certain administrative enforcement provisions. (Sec. 102) Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and RESPA to provide for comparability of terms. (Sec. 103) Provides for increased regulatory flexibility and exemptive authority for the Board under TILA. (Sec. 104) Amends RESPA to repeal requirements that for certain federally related mortgage loans the lender disclose: (1) that it has previously assigned, sold, or transferred the servicing of such loans, or, during the most recent three-year period, a specified percentage of them; and (2) in the case of a lender who does not service federally related loans, a present intent to assign, sell or transfer them. Repeals the mandate for model disclosure statements. Excises from the definition of "federally related mortgage loan" any loan secured by a subordinate lien on residential real property (thereby removing second mortgages from RESPA restrictions). Directs the Board to ensure that regulations pertaining to business credit exemption from RESPA jurisdiction include all business credit exempted from TILA. (Sec. 105) Permits alternative disclosures for adjustable rate home mortgages which state that a monthly payment may increase or decrease significantly due to annual percentage rate increases. (Current law requires table illustrations of how a rate increase or decrease affects monthly payments.) Grants creditors the option of disclosing, in any variable interest rate residential mortgage transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling with greater than a one-year term, either a statement that the monthly payment may change substantially, or an historical example illustrating the effects of interest rate changes implemented according to the loan program. (Sec. 106) Excludes from the determination of finance charges (thereby exempting them from TILA disclosure requirements) those fees imposed by unaffiliated third parties that are neither expressly required nor retained by the creditor (including settlement agents, attorneys, and escrow and title companies). Exempts from the required computation of finance charge: (1) certain taxes on security instruments or evidences of indebtedness (if they are otherwise itemized and disclosed); and (2) fees for preparation of loan documents, as well as appraisal fees related to pest infestations, premises and structural inspections, and flood hazards. (Sec. 107) Denies the right of rescission to certain refinancings or consolidations of debt that are secured by a lien on a consumer's principal dwelling. (Sec. 108) Permits finance charge disclosures for certain consumer credit transactions to vary within a specified accuracy tolerance range. Sets disclosure accuracy guidelines for per diem interest rates. (Sec. 109) Amends TILA to establish certain limitations on liability, including: (1) limitations on liability for disclosures relating to certain fees and charges other than finance charges; and (2) an exemption from liability for finance charge disclosures within specified tolerance limits. (Sec. 111) Sets forth a limitation on the rescission period under TILA. (Sec. 112) Revises TILA provisions for the calculation of actual damages. (Sec. 113) States that the servicer of a consumer obligation arising from a consumer credit transaction shall not be treated as an assignee of an obligation unless the servicer owns it. (Sec. 114) Revises certain TILA provisions for recovery of fees. (Sec. 115) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to repeal the mandate for homeownership debt counseling availability notification. (Sec. 116) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to increase the maximum asset-size of institutions exempt from its purview from $10 million to $50 million. Authorizes the Board to exempt from the Act's disclosure requirements institutions whose asset-size is over $50 million if the burden of compliance outweighs the usefulness of the requisite information, unless it is reasonable to believe that the institution is not fulfilling its obligations to serve the housing needs of the communities and neighborhoods in which it is located. Declares that a depository institution shall be deemed to have satisfied the public availability notification requirements for its mortgage loan transactions if its branch offices provide notice of the availability upon request of the information from the home office. Subtitle B: 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 burdens, recordkeeping, or reporting when examining financial institutions. (Sec. 122) Exempts a regulated financial institution from the examination requirements of, or any regulations issued under, CRA if: (1) its main office (and each branch) is located in a local government unit, outside a metropolitan statistical area, with a population of not more than 30,000; and (2) the institution and its parent bank holding company have aggregate assets of not more than $100 million. (Sec. 123) Provides for self-certification of CRA compliance by certain "satisfactory" or "outstanding" financial institutions with assets of $250 million or less, subject to certain public notice requirements. (Sec. 124) Sets forth community input and conclusive rating requirements, including requirements for publication of exam schedule, opportunity for comment, evaluation by the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency of how the institution meets community needs, and procedures for requests for reconsideration of the resulting rating. (Sec. 125) Defines a "special purpose bank" as one that does not generally accept retail deposits, such as a credit card bank or a trust bank. Mandates that, in conducting assessments of financial institutions, the appropriate Federal regulatory agency: (1) take into consideration the nature of the businesses of special purpose banks; and (2) develop standards under which they may be deemed to comply with CRA requirements that are consistent with the specific nature of such businesses. (Sec. 126) Gives institutions credit, for purposes of satisfying CRA requirements, for investments in, and loans, to minority or women's depository institutions and joint ventures or other entities or projects providing benefits to distressed communities, whether such institutions or communities are located within or outside of the regulated financial institution's service area. (Sec. 127) Prohibits regulations requiring certain additional recordkeeping and reporting under CRA. (Sec. 128) Applies a requirement of metropolitan area distinctions, with respect to the public section of written institution evaluations, only to institutions that maintain domestic branches in two or more States. (Sec. 129) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to make certain community investment or service reporting requirements inapplicable to members receiving an outstanding or satisfactory grade under specified CRA provisions. Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms - Amends the Truth in Savings Act (TISA) to: (1) repeal the finding of the Congress that uniformity in the disclosure of terms and conditions on which interest is paid and fees are assessed would strengthen consumer ability to verify deposit accounts and make informed decisions; and (2) replace the current purpose requiring clear, uniform disclosure of interest rates and fees, with one requiring depository institutions to pay interest on the daily full amount of principal in interest-bearing consumer deposit accounts at the agreed-upon rate of interest. (Sec. 131) Repeals TISA disclosure requirements pertaining to interest rates and terms of accounts, including: (1) account schedules; (2) disclosure requirements for certain accounts; (3) schedule distribution; (4) clear and conspicuous disclosure in periodic statements of interest earned and charges imposed; (5) guidelines for Board regulations, including model forms and clauses for common disclosures to facilitate compliance; (6) civil liability for non-compliance with disclosure requirements; and (7) preemption of State law disclosure requirements. Excises the following definitions to reflect repeals made by this Act: (1) annual percentage yield; (2) annual rate of simple interest; (3) deposit broker; and (4) multiple rate account. (Sec. 132) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and TILA to identify conditions giving rise to cardholder liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers or unauthorized use of credit cards. (Sec. 134) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to allow depository institutions (including affiliates and subsidiaries) to exchange information without limitation if such information sharing is disclosed and the consumer has opportunity beforehand to direct that the information not be communicated. (Sec. 135) Revises EFTA definitions of: (1) accepted card or other means of access; and (2) account. Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments - Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments of 1995 - States that the purpose of this Act is to combine the adverse action notification requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) with respect to consumer credit applications and to make information which must be furnished more understandable. (Sec. 143) Revises ECOA notification requirements regarding adverse actions against credit applicants. Shields from liability for non-compliance persons who show by a preponderance of the evidence that they maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with such requirements at the time of the alleged violation. (Sec. 144) Revises specified FCRA disclosure requirements for users of consumer reports to eliminate such requirements for credit denials and adverse actions based on reports of persons other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 145) Amends ECOA and the Fair Housing Act to add incentives for self-testing by prohibiting review, examination, or acquisition by: (1) an applicant in any legal proceeding of a creditor's self-procured test or review of its lending activities; or (2) an applicant or aggrieved party of a person's self-procured test or review of its residential real estate or real estate-related activities. (Sec. 146) Provides that creditors shall be deemed in compliance with ECOA nondiscrimination requirements with respect to any credit decision based solely on the use of an empirically derived, demonstrably and statistically sound, credit scoring system if such system does not use: (1) any protected category of applicant; or (2) any criterion so directly associated as to be a functional equivalent of such a category (does not preclude using age as a factor in such a system as otherwise permitted under ECOA). Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments - Consumer Leasing Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) to direct the Board to: (1) write regulations or staff commentary to update and clarify requirements and definitions for lease disclosures, contracts, and other issues related to consumer leasing which would carry out the purposes of the Consumer Leasing Act; and (2) publish model disclosure forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with such disclosure requirements and aid the consumer in understanding the transaction. (Sec. 154) Revises CCPA provisions for consumer lease disclosures to require prior separate leasing disclosures of specified items in a tabular format. (Sec. 155) Revises CCPA provisions relating to consumer lease advertising, repealing special requirements for radio advertisements. Subtitle F: Federal Home Loan Bank Amendments - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) to revise an FHLB system membership eligibility location requirement. (Sec. 162) Revises FHLBA audit provisions to: (1) prohibit the FHFB from participating in the hiring of external auditors by banks; (2) permit the FHFB to establish requirements for external audit contracts and accounting standards; and (3) require all 12 banks to contract for an annual audit with a single provider. Title II: Streamlining Government Regulations - Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act (BHCA) to identify criteria for a well-capitalized and well-managed banking organization under which an acquisition of shares in a nonbanking or another banking organization by a bank holding company, or a merger or consolidation between registered bank holding companies, shall be deemed to be approved. (Current law requires prior Board approval.) (Sec. 203) Amends the FDIA to cite conditions under which prior approval is not required for any merger, consolidation, asset acquisition, or liabilities assumption, involving only insured depository institution subsidiaries of the same depository institution holding company. (Sec. 204) Permits any insured depository institution to participate in optional conversion transactions between members of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (Oakar transactions) without the prior written approval of the responsible agency. Repeals guidelines for agency approval of such transactions (but retains the proscription against transactions which result in the transfer of any insured depository institution's Federal deposit insurance from one Federal deposit insurance fund to the other). (Sec. 205) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to remove from its regulatory purview a bank holding company subject to the BHCA. Revises the definition of "savings and loan holding company" to exclude a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction. Provides that acquisition of a savings association by a bank holding company under BHCA jurisdiction obviates approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. (Sec. 206) Amends the BHCA to repeal the provision that shares transferred by a bank holding company to a transferee under its control are deemed to be under such holding company's control unless the Board determines otherwise and approves the divestiture. (Sec. 207) Amends the Revised Statutes, the Federal Reserve Act (FRA), and the FDIA to delineate conditions under which prior approval is not required for well-capitalized and well-managed banks within their purview to establish and operate a branch or seasonal agency. (Sec. 208) Amends the Revised Statutes and the FDIA to exclude from the definition of "branch" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus removing those entities from such Acts' approval requirements). (Sec. 209) Amends the FRA to exempt well-capitalized and well-managed banks from the approval requirement for investments in bank premises. (Sec. 210) Amends the FDIA to repeal the requirement that the appropriate Federal banking agency be notified prior to the appointment or addition of a new director or senior executive officer if the affected insured depository institution or depository institution holding company has: (1) been chartered less than two years; or (2) undergone a change in control within the preceding two years. (Sec. 211) Repeals the requirement for a hearing in the determination of new nonbanking activities. Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the aggregate minimum per-branch capital requirements imposed upon a national banking association and its branches. (Sec. 222) Amends the FDIA to exclude automated teller machines and bank branches in specified merger or relocation situations from the definition of "bank branch" (thus exempting them from Federal bank closure notification requirements). Makes such exemption retroactive to the enactment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. (Sec. 223) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to exempt management officials of depository institutions or holding companies with small (under 20 percent) market shares from prohibitions against dual service with unaffiliated institutions or companies in the same geographic banking market. Raises from $1 billion to $2 billion the asset-size ceiling beneath which a depository institution or depository holding company may retain directors and management officials performing dual service for nonaffiliated institutions whose total assets do not exceed $1 billion (currently $500 million). Authorizes Federal regulatory agencies to adjust such ceiling annually for cost-of-living increases. Extends a specified grandfather exemption which allows certain management officials to continue dual service despite interlocks prohibitions (thus permitting them to continue their dual service permanently). (Sec. 224) Abolishes the Appraisal Subcommittee established under the Federal Financial Institutions Council Act of 1978, and consolidates its functions with the Financial Institutions Examination Council. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) to revise provisions relating to rosters of State certified or licensed appraisers. Provides for reduction of assessments on appraisers. (Sec. 225) Amends the FRA to exempt from its proscription against preferential lending terms to executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders (insider lending) loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank. Expands the Board's authority to waive the proscription against such preferential terms for certain executive officers and directors of subsidiary banks. Repeals the requirement that: (1) an executive officer indebted to a bank over a certain lawful amount submit a written report of such debt to the board of directors; and (2) a member bank include in its condition of report all loans to executive officers made since its previous report. Amends the FDIA to repeal Federal banking agency authority to require banks to disclose loans made to their executive officers or principal shareholders. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to repeal the requirement that bank executive officers and stockholders who own more than a ten percent controlling interest report to the bank's board of directors those loans made to them by a bank maintaining a correspondent account. (Sec. 226) Amends the FDIA to: (1) expand from 18 to 24 months the discretionary timeframe for mandatory on-site examinations of certain small-sized depository institutions; and (2) allow the appropriate Federal banking agency to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on such small institutions. (Sec. 227) Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to require a Government authority to reimburse a financial institution for assembling or providing the financial records of corporate customers. (Sec. 228) Amends specified Federal monetary law to repeal the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to require financial institutions to identify nonbank financial institution customers. (Sec. 229) Requires each appropriate Federal banking agency to conduct a paperwork reduction review, and eliminate any requirements for unnecessary internal written policies. (Sec. 230) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to repeal the mandate that: (1) insured depository institutions annually include information on small businesses and small farm lending in their reports of condition; and (2) the Board publish annually information on credit availability to small businesses. (Sec. 231) Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to revise the daily confirmation requirement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 concerning hold-in custody repurchase agreements to permit the counterparty to the agreement to waive such confirmation upon receipt of certain disclosures. (Sec. 232) Requires the Financial Institutions Examination Council to review regulations within every ten-year period and report thereon to the Congress. (Sec. 233) Amends the International Lending Supervision Act to change from mandatory to discretionary the duty of each appropriate Federal banking agency to: (1) require a banking institution to maintain a special reserve whenever the quality of its assets has been impaired by protracted inability of debtors in a foreign country to make payments; (2) analyze the results of foreign loan rescheduling negotiations and attendant loan risks; and (3) ensure that bank capital and reserve positions are adequate to accommodate potential losses on foreign loans. Repeals the mandate for Federal banking regulatory agencies to: (1) review foreign country loan risks incurred by domestic banks; and (2) provide direction to such institutions regarding additions to bank-maintained general reserves for potential loan losses arising from such risks. (Sec. 234) Amends FDIA financial management accountability guidelines to: (1) repeal certain internal control evaluation and reporting attestation requirements for independent public accountants; (2) eliminate the use of independent public accountants to detect and report violations of law by an insured depository institution or depository institution holding company; (3) alter the makeup of independent audit committees from being composed entirely of outside directors independent of institution management, to being composed of a majority of independent directors; and (4) require each appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt from independent audit committee requirements any insured depository institution that has encountered hardships in retaining competent directors on such committee. (Sec. 235) Amends the FDIA and the Federal Credit Union Act to: (1) reinstate a showing of irreparable and immediate harm as a prerequisite to attachment of assets by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other injunctive relief; and (2) confer oversight authority on the FDIC to prohibit removal of assets in cease and desist proceedings if it results in immediate and irreparable harm. (Sec. 236) Amends the FDIA to: (1) exclude outside directors from the primary definition of an "institution-affiliated party" but include them in such definition as independent contractors if they have knowingly or recklessly participated in certain prohibited activities; and (2) revise the definition of "deposit broker" to specify any institution that is undercapitalized (currently any institution that is not well capitalized). (Sec. 238) Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to extend the transition period for new regulations. (Sec. 239) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to: (1) change from required to discretionary current criteria governing Board approval of foreign bank applications to establish a U.S. presence; and (2) make the purpose of the Board's review a determination whether application approval would place at risk the safe and sound operation of the domestic banking system. (Sec. 240) Replaces the current requirement that the Board coordinate foreign bank examinations with the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, and the appropriate State bank supervisor with a requirement merely to rely upon their examination reports. Subjects foreign banks to the same on-site examination schedule and examination fee collections as apply to domestic banks. (Sec. 241) Amends TILA to redefine "mortgage" as a consumer credit transaction secured by a subordinate mortgage on the consumer's principal dwelling. Repeals the exclusion of a residential mortgage transaction from such definition (thus permitting its inclusion). (Sec. 242) Prohibits: (1) the Comptroller of the Currency from taking any action (or inaction) which would have the effect of permitting a national bank to provide insurance as principal, agent or broker; and (2) a national bank from engaging in any such activity (except to the extent that it was authorized for national banks as of June 12, 1995). Title III: Lender Liability - Amends the FDIA to prescribe guidelines for lender, fiduciary, and Federal banking and lending agency environmental liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Export and Investment Assistance Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance Title III: Military Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance Title V: General Provisions Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 - Title I: Export and Investment Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) direct loans, loan guarantees, tied-aid grants, insurance, and administrative expenses under Export-Import Bank programs; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation direct and guaranteed loans and administrative expenses; (3) the Trade and Development Agency; and (4) U.S. contributions to the International Finance Corporation and the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs; (3) specified development assistance; (4) the African Development Fund; (5) international disaster relief; (6) debt restructuring; (7) micro and small enterprise development programs; (8) administrative expenses of the worldwide housing guarantees program; (9) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (10) operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General; (11) economic support fund (ESF) assistance; (12) the International Fund for Ireland; (13) economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (14) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (15) the African Development Foundation; (16) the Inter-American Foundation; (l7) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (18) international narcotics control; (19) migration and refugee assistance, including refugee resettlement assistance; (20) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (21) antiterrorism assistance; and (22) the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) abortions or involuntary sterilizations; (2) Zaire; and (3) U.S. private and voluntary organizations which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding from sources other than the U.S. Government. Prohibits ESF assistance to Zaire. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) international military education and training (with a bar on such assistance to Zaire); (2) foreign military financing and direct loans; and (3) international peacekeeping operations. Prohibits foreign military financing for: (1) any non-NATO country participating in the Partnership for Peace Program except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations; and (2) Zaire, Sudan, Peru, Liberia, and Guatemala. Prohibits such assistance to Colombia or Bolivia until the Secretary of State certifies that such funds will be used primarily for counternarcotics activities there. Title IV: Multilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for the U.S. contribution to the: (1) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); (2) International Development Association; (3) Inter-American Development Bank; (4) Asian Development Bank; (5) Asian Development Fund; (6) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (7) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for international programs and organizations. Sets certain restrictions on international organization funding, including prohibiting the use of funds made available to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for activities in China. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth limits on the use of appropriations, including no more than: (1) 15 percent of such appropriations shall be obligated during the last month of availability; (2) $126,500 for official residence expenses of AID; (3) $5,000 for entertainment expenses of AID; (4) $95,000 for representation allowances for AID; (5) $2,000 for entertainment and representation allowances for the Inter-American Foundation; or (6) $4,000 for entertainment expenses for the Peace Corps. (Sec. 502) Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) bilateral funding of international financial institutions; (2) the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology; (3) direct assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Serbia, Sudan, or Syria; (4) assistance to any country whose elected head of government is deposed by military coup; (5) certain transfers between appropriations accounts without consultation with Congress; (6) assistance to any country in default in excess of a year on payments on a U.S. loan (except for Nicaragua and narcotics-related assistance for Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru); and (7) assistance for certain commodities which are in surplus on world markets and could injure U.S. producers of a similar commodity, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors of specified international financial institutions to oppose any assistance for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export if it is in surplus on world markets and such assistance will cause substantial injury to U.S. producers of a similar commodity. (Sec. 516) Prohibits the use of international organization funds for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Libya, Iran, or certain Communist countries. (Sec. 517) Declares it is U.S. policy that funds allocated to Israel from the ESF shall not be less than the annual debt repayment from Israel to the United States. (Sec. 518) Prohibits the use of development assistance funds for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. (Sec. 519) Requires the President to report to the Committees on Appropriations on annual arms sales proposals covering major weapons under the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 520) Prohibits the use of funds for Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Liberia, Nicaragua, Peru, Russia, Sudan, or Zaire, except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 522) Makes funds available to AID for family planning, health, child survival, and AIDS research and control in developing countries. (Sec. 523) Bars funding for indirect assistance to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or China unless the President certifies that the withholding of such funds is contrary to the national interest. (Sec. 524) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend the President's waiver authority with respect to reciprocal leasing through FY 1996. (Sec. 525) Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to notify the Committees on Appropriations before providing excess DOD articles to certain NATO and major non-NATO countries. (Sec. 527) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of each international financial institution, and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Fund for Agriculture Development, to oppose any bilateral assistance to any country that supports terrorism. (Sec. 528) Authorizes the commercial leasing of defense articles to Israel, Egypt, NATO, and major non-NATO allies if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons. (Sec. 529) Prohibits the sale of Stinger missiles to any country bordering the Persian Gulf. (Sec. 530) Authorizes nongovernmental organizations which are grantees or contractors of AID to place funds made available to them under this Act in interest bearing accounts in order to enhance their participation in economic activities under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including endowments and debt-for-development and debt-for- nature exchanges. (Sec. 531) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make funds available for FY 1996 for defense article stockpiles in the Republic of Korea and Thailand. (Sec. 532) Directs the Administrator of the AID to require foreign countries that receive foreign assistance which results in the generation of local currencies to deposit such currencies in a separate account to be used to finance foreign assistance activities. (Sec. 533) Prohibits payments to any international financial institution while the U.S. Executive Director to the institution is compensated at a rate in excess of that for a specified position under the Executive Schedule. (Sec. 534) Bars assistance to any country that is not in compliance with the United Nations sanctions against Iraq, Serbia, or Montenegro unless the President certifies to the Congress that such assistance: (1) is in the national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy people in that country; or (3) will be humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation into the United States of any product of a foreign country that has not prohibited the importation of Iraq's, Serbia's, or Montenegro's products into its customs territory and the export of its products to such countries. (Sec. 535) Authorizes the drawdown of defense articles, services, and training to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos to assist in efforts to locate members of the armed forces and U.S. civilians who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. (Sec. 537) Requires the Committees on Appropriations to be notified of each country that has been approved for cash flow financing for the procurement of defense articles in excess of $100 million. (Sec. 538) Declares that provisions under this or any other Act authorizing appropriations for foreign operations or export financing shall not be construed to prohibit activities authorized by the Peace Corps Act, the Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development Foundation Act. Directs an agency to report to the Committees on Appropriations whenever it is conducting or proposing activities in a country for which such assistance is prohibited. (Sec. 539) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for developing in a foreign country an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of U.S. jobs; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights in such country. (Sec. 540) Authorizes the President, pursuant to a lifting of the United Nations arms embargo against Bosnia-Hercegovina, to transfer defense articles to such country's government without reimbursement if he certifies to the Congress that the transfer of such articles would assist that nation in self-defense and promote the security and stability of the region. (Sec. 541) Declares that funds appropriated under this Act for Haiti, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Cambodia, and for victims of war, displaced children, displaced Burmese, humanitarian assistance for Romania, and humanitarian assistance for the peoples of Bosnia- Hercegovina, Croatia, and Kosova, may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Directs the President to terminate assistance to any country that he determines is cooperating with the military activities of the Khmer Rouge. Authorizes the use of foreign assistance funds to support: (1) tropical forestry and energy programs aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases; and (2) biodiversity conservation activities. Authorizes AID to employ personal services contractors to administer programs for the West Bank and Gaza. (Sec. 542) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to steps the President should take to encourage renunciation of the Arab boycott of Israel. (Sec. 543) Authorizes the use of ESF funds to strengthen the administration of justice in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 544) Declares that restrictions on assistance to foreign countries contained in this Act or any other Act shall not be construed to restrict assistance in support of programs of nongovernmental organizations as long as it is in the national interest of the United States. (Sec. 546) Authorizes for FY 1996 the provision of nonlethal excess defense articles, without regard to certain restrictions, to countries (except Jordan) for which U.S. foreign assistance has been requested and for which receipt of such articles was separately justified for the fiscal year. (Sec. 547) Prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States that were not authorized before the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 548) Sets forth Buy American requirements. (Sec. 549) Prohibits the use of funds to pay any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any U.N. member. (Sec. 551) Prohibits the provision of funds to a private voluntary organization that fails to provide any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of AID. (Sec. 552) Prohibits the provision of funds to any foreign government that provides lethal military equipment to a country that the Secretary of State has determined has a terrorist government, unless the President determines that the furnishing of such assistance is in the national interest. (Sec. 553) Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equal to 110 percent of the total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 554) Prohibits the obligation of any appropriations for the PLO for the West Bank and Gaza unless the President has exercised certain authorities to suspend prohibitions on assistance to the PLO. (Sec. 556) Permits the President to provide a specified amount of commodities and services to the U.N. War Crimes Tribunal if doing so will contribute to a resolution of charges regarding genocide or other violations of international law in the former Yugoslavia. (Sec. 557) Authorizes the use of funds made available to DOD for crating, packing, handling, and transportation of nonlethal excess defense articles transferred to countries eligible to participate in the Partnership for Peace and to receive assistance under the Program of Support for East European Democracy (SEED). (Sec. 558) Authorizes demining equipment used in support of the clearing of landmines for humanitarian purposes to be disposed of on a grant basis in foreign countries. (Sec. 559) Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Committees on Appropriations on: (1) a review of the existing salaries and benefits of International Monetary Fund and World Bank employees; and (2) a review of all benefits paid to dependents of such employees. (Sec. 560) Prohibits the obligation of appropriations to create in Jerusalem a new U.S. agency office for the purpose of conducting U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and Jericho (or any successor Palestinian governing entity) provided for in the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. (Sec. 561) Prohibits certain funds appropriated for Informational Program activities from being obligated to pay for: (1) alcoholic beverages; (2) food (other than food provided at a military installation) not provided in conjunction with Program trips where students do not stay at a military installation: or (3) entertainment expenses. (Sec. 562) Prohibits the use of funds for assistance in support of any country that restricts transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance, except in the national security interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization Title II: General Provisions National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1996 and 1997. Title II: General Provisions - Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to direct NSF to include in its annual report to the President a strategic plan defining its goals, criteria, and procedures. (Sec. 202) Requires NSF to submit to the Congress an annual upgrade and maintenance plan for national research facilities. (Sec. 203) Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to give research facility grant priority to institutions or consortia that have not received such funds in the preceding five years. Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, the Education for Economic Security Act, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993. (Sec. 206) Requires certain research instrumentation and facilities guidelines to be incorporated in NSF grant notices. (Sec. 207) Subjects NSF temporary employees to the same financial disclosure requirements as apply to permanent employees. (Sec. 208) Requires an institution of higher education receiving NSF funds to grant a military-educational leave of absence to a student on active military duty (other than training). (Sec. 209) Prohibits the use of any funds authorized under this Act from being used for any lobbying activity. (Sec. 210) Renames the Critical Technologies Institute as the Science and Technology Policy Institute. (Sec. 211) Requires NSF to consider the impact of a grant on undergraduate and graduate education before its award.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, for taxpayers at least 55 years old, a deduction for the premiums for principal residence real property tax insurance. Allows the deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions Title II: General Provisions Title III: Deficit Reduction Second Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act, 1995 - Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions - Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Agriculture for the: (1) Agricultural Research Service; (2) Cooperative State Research Service; (3) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (4) Rural Development Administration and Farmers Home Administration; (5) Rural Electrification Administration; (6) Foreign Agricultural Service; and (7) market promotion program. Transfers funds to the National Bankruptcy Review Commission from the Working Capital Fund in the Department of Justice. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Justice for: (1) juvenile justice delinquency prevention programs; (2) general administration; (3) legal activities; and (4) the Office of Justice Programs. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Commerce for the: (1) National Institute of Standards and Technology; (2) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (3) National Technical Information Service; (4) Economic Development Administration; and (5) National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Rescinds appropriations made to the Judiciary for courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services. Rescinds appropriations made to the Small Business Administration for the business loans program account. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of State for: (1) diplomatic and consular programs; (2) acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad; and (3) contributions for international peacekeeping activities. Rescinds appropriations made for the: (1) Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; (2) Board for International Broadcasting; and (3) United States Information Agency. Rescinds Department of Defense appropriations made for: (1) nondefense-related research and development programs; and (2) operational support airlift. Rescinds appropriations made for the: (1) Department of the Army Corps of Engineers-Civil; (2) Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Reclamation; (3) Appalachian Regional Commission; and (4) Tennessee Valley Authority Fund. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Energy for: (1) energy supply, research and development activities; (2) atomic energy defense activities; (3) departmental administration; and (4) power marketing administrations. Restructures certain debt relief for Jordan. Rescinds appropriations made to the President for: (1) foreign operations, export financing, and related programs; (2) international financial institutions (International Monetary Fund); (3) the Agency for International Development; (4) peacekeeping operations; and (5) the Trade and Development Agency. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Biological Survey; (4) the National Park Service; (5) the Minerals Management Service; (6) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (7) territorial and international affairs. Rescinds appropriations made to the: (1) Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (2) Department of Energy for fossil energy research and energy conservation; (3) Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (Indian education); (4) Smithsonian Institution; (5) National Gallery of Art; (6) John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (7) Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (8) National Foundation for the Arts and the Humanities (National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities). Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Labor for the: (1) Employment and Training Administration; and (2) Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Health and Human Services for the: (1) Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (3) National Institutes of Health; (4) Assistant Secretary for Health; (5) Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (6) Health Care Financing Administration; (7) Administration for Children and Families; (8) Administration on Aging; and (9) Office of the Secretary. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Education for: (1) education reform; (2) education for the handicapped; (3) school improvement programs; (4) bilingual and immigrant education; (5) vocational and adult education; (6) student financial assistance; (7) higher education; (8) Howard University; (9) college housing and academic facilities loans; and (10) education research, statistics, and improvement. Rescinds appropriations made for: (1) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (2) the Railroad Retirement Board; and (3) certain Department of Labor compliance and enforcement activities. Appropriates funds for payments to widows and heirs of deceased Members of Congress. Rescinds Legislative Branch appropriations made for the: (1) Joint Economic Committee; and (2) Joint Committee on Printing; (3) Office of Technology Assessment; (4) Congressional Budget Office; (5) Architect of the Capitol; (6) Government Printing Office; (7) Botanic Garden; (8) Library of Congress for salaries and expenses and for Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (9) House and Senate committee staff salaries and administrative expenses; and (10) General Accounting Office. Rescinds appropriations made for: (1) North Atlantic Treaty Organization infrastructure; and (2) base realignment and closure account, parts II and III. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Transportation for the: (1) Office of the Secretary; and (2) Coast Guard. Rescinds appropriations made to the Federal Aviation Administration for: (1) operations; (2) facilities and equipment; (3) research and development; and (4) grants-in-aid for airports. Rescinds appropriations made to the Federal Highway Administration for: (1) operating expenses; and (2) Federal-aid highways. Rescinds appropriations made to the Federal Railroad Administration for the: (1) Office of the Administrator; (2) Northeast Corridor Improvement Program; and (3) National Magnetic Levitation Prototype Development Program. Rescinds appropriations made to the Federal Transit Administration for planning and research. Limits obligations for specified Highway Trust Fund projects. Appropriates funds for the Office of Personnel Management for Government payment for annuitants and employee life insurance benefits. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices; (2) the Financial Management Service; (3) the United States Mint; (3) the Bureau of the Public Debt; and (4) the Internal Revenue Service. Rescinds appropriations for the White House Office. Appropriates and rescinds funds for the drug control program special forfeiture fund. Rescinds appropriations made to the: (1) General Services Administration Federal Buildings Fund; (2) Office of Personnel Management. Appropriates funds for the: (1) Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (2) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) Veterans Health Administration; and (2) departmental administration. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for specified housing programs. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the reuse of recaptured budget authority from terminated section 8 contracts. Rescinds appropriations for 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 Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to: (1) prepare and award salvage timber sale contracts on Federal lands (with specified exceptions); and (2) award and release previously offered and unawarded timber sales contracts. Expresses the sense of the Senate in favor of amending the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the ability of persons to avoid taxes by relinquishing their U.S. citizenship. Rescinds appropriations for Federal administrative and travel accounts. Title III: Deficit Reduction - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make specified downward adjustments in discretionary spending limits. Prohibits resultant savings from this Act from being used to offset specified deficit increases.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Sets forth the open rule for the consideration of H.R. 1817 (military construction appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities Title VI: Federal Bureau of Investigation Title VII: Technical Corrections Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) Drug Enforcement Administration; (9) National Reconnaissance Office; and (10) Central Imagery Office. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1996, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1996 when the DCI determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the Senate and House Intelligence Committees (intelligence committees) when such authority is exercised. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1996. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such Staff. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes a specified sum for FY 1996 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to authorize the President to delay the imposition of a sanction related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, or advanced conventional weapons when he determines that to proceed without such delay would seriously risk the compromise of a sensitive intelligence source or method or an ongoing criminal investigation. Directs the President to: (1) terminate such delay when no longer necessary; and (2) promptly report to the intelligence committees the rationale and circumstances that led to the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 304) Forfeits contributions made by the Federal Government to the Thrift Savings Plan under the Federal Employees Retirement System on behalf of a Federal employee, as well as any earnings from such contributions, if the annuity of such employee, or that of any survivor or beneficiary, is forfeited due to conviction for certain crimes against the United States. (Sec. 305) Makes the spouse of a Federal employee whose annuity or retired pay has been forfeited due to conviction for certain national security offenses eligible for spousal benefits if the Attorney General determines that such spouse fully cooperated with the Federal authorities in the investigation and prosecution which resulted in the forfeiture. (Sec. 306) Amends the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993 to include employees of specified Federal agencies who are currently prohibited from engaging in certain political action under a Federal provision which authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to permit such activities under specified circumstances. (Sec. 307) Requires the DCI to submit to the intelligence committees a report describing personnel procedures and recommended legislation for the mandatory retirement of CIA employees due to expiration of time in class comparable to provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as well as termination of specified intelligence employees based on relative performance. (Sec. 308) Allows funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act to be used to provide assistance to a foreign country for counterterrorism efforts if: (1) such assistance protects the property of the U.S. Government or the life and property of any of its citizens; and (2) the appropriate congressional committees are notified at least 15 days in advance. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Extends through FY 1999 the Central Intelligence Agency Voluntary Separation Pay Act. (Sec. 402) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the DCI to establish and maintain a program for FY 1996 through 2001 to utilize the services contributed by not more than 50 annuitants who serve as volunteers in the aid of a systematic or mandatory review for the declassification or downgrading of classified information of the CIA under applicable executive orders. Authorizes the CIA to use available funds for paying costs incidental to the utilization of such services. (Sec. 403) Requires the CIA Inspector General (currently, the DCI) to report to the Attorney General any complaints or allegations of possible violations of law involving a CIA program or operation. Exempts from information nondisclosure requirements a disclosure by the Inspector General to an official of the Department of Justice responsible for determining whether a prosecution should be undertaken. (Sec. 404) Requires the DCI, as well as the heads of all other Federal intelligence departments and agencies, to annually submit to the intelligence committees a report describing all liaison relationships for the preceding year. Title V: Department of Defense Intelligence Activities - Provides to civilian and military personnel assigned to the DIA outside the United States benefits and allowances comparable to those provided to officers and employees of the Foreign Service. (Sec. 502) Extends through 2001 the authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize DOD to conduct commercial activities as security for intelligence collection activities abroad. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to establish an undergraduate training program with respect to civilian employees in the Military Departments' Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System that is similar to the program established by the Secretary for civilian employees of NSA under the National Security Act of 1959. Requires the availability of appropriated funds for such purpose. Title VI: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency (CRA) to furnish to the FBI for counterintelligence purposes the names and addresses of all financial institutions at which a consumer maintains or has maintained an account. Requires an FBI request for such information to be in writing and signed by the FBI Director or his designee and to certify compliance with requirements of this title. Requires the Director, before making such certification, to determine that: (1) the information is necessary for the conduct of an authorized foreign counterintelligence investigation; and (2) there are facts giving reason to believe that the consumer is a foreign power or agent of a foreign power. Outlines information required to be transmitted by a CRA upon a valid certification. Authorizes a court to issue an order ex parte directing the release by a CRA of such information upon proper FBI certification. Provides CRA information confidentiality requirements. Directs the FBI to pay a CRA a fee for reasonable costs associated with the gathering and disclosure of such information. Limits the authorized FBI dissemination of such information. Directs the Attorney General to inform specified congressional committees semiannually concerning all requests made under this title. Provides for damages and disciplinary actions for the unlawful disclosure of such information, with a good-faith exception in the case of a CRA which relies upon an FBI certification. Makes injunctive relief available for compliance with this title. Title VII: Technical Corrections - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to require active duty commissioned officers (currently, commissioned officers) to continue to receive commissioned officer military pay and allowances, except for retired pay, after appointment as a Director or Deputy Director of Central Intelligence. (Sec. 702) Amends the CIA Information Act of 1984 to change the designation of the CIA Office of Security to the Office of Personnel Security.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Safety and Health Improvement and Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to revise provisions for OSHA standards. Requires promulgation and modification of such standards to be based of certain analyses and criteria, including a specified type of regulatory impact analysis, as well as a risk assessment and a cost-benefit analysis which are industry-specific. (Sec. 2) Repeals provisions for separate rules for toxic materials or harmful physical agents. Deems a variance to have been issued as of the date the application for it was filed,if the Secretary has failed to approve or disapprove such application within 90 days of such filing (unless the Secretary of Labor and the applicant agree to a longer period). Sets forth requirements relating to such regulatory impact analyses (both a preliminary and a final one), risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses. Directs the Secretary, within seven years of the effective date of this Act, to review each OSHA standard in effect as of such effective date under specified criteria, and to modify or revoke such standards as appropriate. Allows each person affected by a promulgated OSHA standard to petition the Secretary to modify or revoke such standard pursuant to this review process. Sets forth substantive and procedural requirements relating to such provisions. Repeals the mandate that, in determining the priority for establishing OSHA standards, the Secretary give due regard to: (1) the urgency of the need for such standards for particular industries, trades, crafts, occupations, businesses, workplaces, or work environments; and (2) the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding such need. Directs the Secretary, upon determining that a rule should be promulgated or modified to serve OSHA objectives, to appoint an independent and external peer review panel to review the scientific and economic data which forms the basis for such standard and such data's relevance to industries and workers that would be affected by it. (Sec. 3) Revises provisions for notices of violations and citations. Directs the Secretary to give notices of violations, with specified periods for abatement (at least 30 days, except that a reasonable shorter period may be ordered if the condition constitutes a direct threat to employees). Authorizes the Secretary to issue citations after a follow-up inspection if the violation remains and the abatement period has expired. Provides that such notice of a violation before issuance of a citation shall not be required in cases of alleged violations causing death or serious injury, or constituting an imminent danger, to an employee. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish an office to promote, administer, and coordinate the following worksite-based incentives programs and activities. Exempts from general OSHA inspections workplaces which: (1) the employer certifies have been reviewed under a Federal-State consultation services program or a workplace review provided by a certified person; or (2) the Secretary chooses to certify as having significant involvement of their employees in their safety and health program. Directs the Secretary to establish programs to: (1) certify persons to conduct such reviews; (2) give special recognition (including exemption from random OSHA inspections) to worksites, companies, and other organizations which have implemented particularly effective programs addressing occupational safety and health in the workplace; and (3) provide education, training, and technical assistance to employers and employees in providing safe and healthful workplaces and complying with OSHA requirements. Reserves at least one-half of the annual appropriation under OSHA for such worksite-based incentives programs, effective in the first fiscal year beginning three years after the effective date of this Act. (Sec. 5) Makes certain restrictions under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act inapplicable to employee participation on certain committees, teams, or other arrangements dealing with employers concerning health and safety of working conditions or related matters. (Sec. 6) Revises provisions for inspections. Revises provisions relating to employee requests for inspections to: (1) eliminate such requests by employee representatives; and (2) make a special inspection discretionary rather than mandatory, while having the Secretary make an inquiry with the employer, upon determination that there are reasonable grounds that the alleged violation or danger exists and that the employer has failed to correct it. Requires that certain inspections be conducted by at least one individual who has technical expertise by training or experience in the industry or types of hazards being inspected. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with other Federal agencies and with States to train inspection personnel of agencies which inspect employers to inspect places of employment to determine if employee fire protection is adequate; and (2) establish a system for referral of fire hazards to the Secretary after notification to the employer, if the employer fails to take corrective actions. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting routine inspections of (or enforcing any OSHA standard, rule, regulation, or order with respect to): (1) any person engaged in a farming operation that does not maintain a temporary labor camp and is employing ten or fewer employees; and (2) any employer of not more than 50 employees that has an occupational injury or a lost work day rate less than the national average. Sets forth certain exceptions from such exemption. (Sec. 7) Adds employer defenses of employee misconduct, or alternative safe methods, or other inconsistent or conflicting requirements. (Sec. 8) Revises OSHA penalties. Eliminates provisions relating to willful and repeated violations. Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to: (1) assess all civil penalties, giving due consideration to their appropriateness with respect to specified factors; and (2) not assess a penalty greater than that proposed by the Secretary. Allows reduction of a civil penalty by the cost to the employer of correcting the violation. Authorizes the Secretary to propose that a special assessment penalty of up to ten times greater be applied in the circumstances of employee fatalities, or an excessive history of serious injuries to employees, caused by violations of certain OSHA standards. Prohibits penalties where no standard or regulation exists. Provides for jurisdiction for prosecution under State and local criminal laws. (Sec. 9) Revises enforcement procedures with respect to Commission review of the Secretary's citations or proposed penalties for employers. Revises judicial review provisions to require upholding, if reasonable, of the Commission's conclusions of law with respect to the construction of OSHA, or regulations, rules, standards, or orders adopted under OSHA. Increases Commission membership from three to five, and quorums from two to three members. Requires at least one Commission member to have expertise or experience in mining. Revises provisions for Commission hearings and records to provide that, if the parties so agree, there shall not be required any formal proceedings, including requests for production of documents or requests for admissions, interrogatories, or depositions. (Sec. 10) Repeals OSHA provisions for: (1) the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), thus abolishing it; (2) NIOSH research and related activities; and (3) NIOSH training and employee education activities. (Sec. 11) Repeals OSHA provisions relating to the already terminated National Commission on State Workmen's Compensation Laws. (Sec. 12) Revises OSHA conditions for approval of State plans. Makes certain conditions inapplicable if the State has adopted alternative performance measures to assure that its program is at least as effective as the Federal program in assuring safe and healthful employment and places of employment. (Sec. 13) Revises procedures for discrimination protection for whistle-blowers under OSHA. (Sec. 14) Provides for OSHA coverage of Federal agencies. (Sec. 15) Repeals provisions for separate occupational safety and health programs for Federal agencies. (Sec. 16) Authorizes employers to establish alcohol and substance abuse testing programs where there is a reasonable probability that any employee's safety or health could be endangered because of use of alcohol or a controlled substance in the workplace. Requires such programs to conform to specified Federal guidelines. Allows employer pre-employment testing for alcohol or substance abuse under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to test employees for use of alcohol or controlled substances during any investigation of a work-related fatality or serious injury. (Sec. 17) Repeals titles I, II, III, and V of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (FMSHA). Transfers the functions, responsibilities, and authorities of: (1) the Mine Safety and Health Administration to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health; and (2) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Deems FMSHA standards to have been promulgated under OSHA. Prohibits the Secretary from enforcing any other standards promulgated prior to the effective date of this Act, with respect to activities, conditions, or processes which were subject to FMSHA. Repeals specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Prohibits requirements of a specified part of CFR from being enforced with respect to any sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, or surface limestone mine. Establishes OSHA requirements for mine safety inspections, enforcement orders, and penalties. Requires the National Mine Health and Safety Academy to be: (1) maintained as an agency of the Department of Labor; and (2) responsible for training of mine safety and health inspectors and technical support personnel, and for any other training programs for mine inspectors, mining personnel, or other personnel designated by the Secretary. (Sec. 18) Revises specified OSHA provisions for recordkeeping, reporting, and statistics. (Sec. 19) Adds definitions of the terms "serious injury" and "industry." (Sec. 20) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress regarding activities under OSHA, including recommendations to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve coordination with other Federal laws; and (2) provide for a means for certification of equipment safety, to be conducted by nongovernmental agencies, unless such agencies with professional or technical personnel or materials and equipment are not available.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
District of Columbia Sports Arena Financing Act of 1995 - Authorizes an agency or instrumentality to borrow funds to develop and construct a sports arena in the District of Columbia if it is granted such authority by the District government. Prohibits such debt from: (1) being considered a general obligation debt of the District for any purpose; (2) constituting the lending of the public credit for private undertakings for purposes of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act; and (3) being a pledge of, or involve the full faith and credit of, the District. Permits the District and such agency or instrumentality to pledge as security for any borrowing undertaken pursuant to this Act any District revenues which are attributable to the sports arena tax. Excludes such pledged revenues from the formula used to calculate the annual aggregate limit on the District's debt. Allows the following activities to be carried out without the enactment of appropriations by the Congress: (1) proceeds of any borrowing conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) pledging of revenues as security for such borrowing; and (3) payment of principal, interest, or other costs associated with such borrowing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) social security should be maintained; and (2) reforms should be made not to pay for tax cuts or meet short-term budget targets, but only to strengthen and preserve the long-term integrity of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Program Title II: Community-Based Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grants Title III: Family Violence Prevention and Services Title IV: Adoption Opportunities Title V: Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1986 Title VI: Reauthorization of Various Programs Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments of 1995 - Title I: General Program - Revises the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to replace provisions directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect with provisions authorizing the Secretary to establish an Office on Child Abuse and Neglect to execute and coordinate functions and activities under the Act. (Sec. 104) Replaces provisions directing the Secretary to appoint the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect with provisions authorizing the Secretary to appoint an advisory board to submit to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees a report or interim report containing: (1) recommendations on coordinating Federal, State, and local child abuse and neglect activities with similar activities pertaining to family violence prevention; (2) specific modifications needed in Federal and State laws and programs to reduce the number of unfounded or unsubstantiated reports of child abuse or neglect; and (3) recommendations for modifications needed to facilitate coordinated national data collection. (Sec. 105) Repeals a provision establishing the Interagency Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. (Sec. 106) Revises provisions regarding the National Clearinghouse for Information Relating to Child Abuse to direct the Secretary, through the Department of HHS or by one or more contracts, to establish such a clearinghouse. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a continuing interdisciplinary program of research to provide information needed to better protect children from abuse or neglect and to improve the well- being of abused or neglected children, with at least a portion of such research being field initiated; and (2) conduct specified research, including research on the incidence of substantiated and unsubstantiated reported child abuse cases. Repeals provisions requiring the publication and dissemination of information regarding child abuse and neglect by the Secretary. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private agencies or organizations for time limited, research based demonstration programs and projects for specified purposes, including: (1) the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel in relevant fields who are engaged in the field of prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect; (2) the establishment or maintenance of a national network of mutual support and self-help programs to strengthen families in partnership with their communities; and (3) other innovative programs and projects. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preferred placement for children removed from their homes; and (2) project evaluation. (Sec. 109) Repeals certain discretionary program provisions and requires that the Secretary make grants to assist States in improving their child protective service systems in specified ways. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance and education grants; (2) eligibility requirements; (3) restrictions relating to child welfare services; and (4) annual State data reports. (Sec. 110) Repeals provisions regarding technical assistance to States for child abuse prevention and treatment programs. (Sec. 111) Defines "child abuse and neglect" to mean, at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death or serious physical, sexual, or emotional harm, or presents an imminent risk of serious harm (but excludes harm resulting primarily from the parent or caretaker's lack of financial resources or from causes linked to such lack of resources). (Sec. 112) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 through 2000 to carry out child abuse and neglect program activities, including specified allocations for discretionary activities and demonstration projects. (Sec. 113) Specifies that nothing in such Act shall be construed: (1) to require that a parent or legal guardian provide a child any medical service or treatment, nor require a State to find abuse or neglect in cases in which a parent or legal guardian treats a child's health condition solely or partially by spiritual or non-medical means; and (2) as precluding a State from intervening to protect a child or find abuse or neglect in a case involving the failure or refusal to provide a medical service or treatment where such failure or refusal will lead to imminent risk of severe harm to the child. Title II: Community-Based Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grants - Revises provisions of the Act regarding community-based child abuse and neglect prevention grants. Directs the Secretary to make grants on a formula basis to the entity designated by the State as the lead entity for the purpose of: (1) developing, operating, expanding, and enhancing statewide networks of community-based, prevention-focused, family resource and support programs that provide specified services (statewide networks); (2) fostering the development of a continuum of preventive services for children and families through State and community-based collaborations and partnerships; (3) financing the start-up, maintenance, expansion, or redesign of specific family resource and support program services identified as an unmet need; (4) maximizing funding for specified activities for establishing, operating, or expanding a statewide network; and (5) financing specified public information activities. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility for grants; (2) grant amounts; (3) existing and continuation grants; (4) application requirements; (5) local program requirements; and (6) performance measures. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to support the activities of the State network to: (1) create, operate, and maintain a peer review process, an information clearinghouse, and a computerized communication system between lead entities; (2) fund a yearly symposium on State system change efforts that result from the operation of the statewide networks; and (3) fund State-to-State technical assistance through biannual conferences. Authorizes appropriations for such grant programs for FY 1996 through 1998. Repeals the Temporary Child Care for Children with Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986 and provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act regarding family support centers. Title III: Family Violence Prevention and Services - Revises the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to prohibit a grant to an entity other than a State or an Indian tribe unless the entity provides for a non-Federal matching local share: (1) of not less than 20 percent with respect to an entity operating an existing program; and (2) of not less than 35 percent with respect to an entity intending to operate a new program. (Sec. 303) Directs that each State be allotted not less than one percent of amounts available for grants for the fiscal year in which the allotment is made or $400,000 (currently, $200,000), whichever is the lesser amount. (Sec. 304) Requires that, of amounts appropriated for family violence prevention and services in a fiscal year, not less than: (1) 70 (currently, 80) percent be used for making grants to States; and (2) ten percent be used by the Secretary for making grants for State domestic violence coalitions. Directs that Federal funds made available to a State be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public funds expended. Title IV: Adoption Opportunities - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary to study: (1) the nature, scope, and effects of the placement of children in kinship care arrangements, pre-adoptive, or adoptive homes; and (2) the efficacy of States contracting with public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or sectarian institutions to recruit potential adoptive and foster families and to provide assistance in the placement of children for adoption. Requires each State entering into an agreement regarding grants for improving State efforts to increase the placement of foster care children legally free for adoption to submit an application that describes the manner in which the State will use funds during the three fiscal years subsequent to the date of the application to accomplish the purposes of the Act. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) technical assistance and resource and referral information to assist State or local governments with termination of parental rights issues, recruiting and retaining adoptive families, placing children with special needs, and providing pre- and post-placement services; and (2) other assistance to help State and local governments replicate successful adoption-related projects from other areas in the United States. (Sec. 404) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1996 and 1997. Title V: Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1986 - Reauthorizes the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 through FY 2000. Title VI: Reauthorization of Various Programs - Reauthorizes through FY 1997: (1) the Missing Children's Assistance Act (directs that not more than five percent of the amount appropriated for a fiscal year be used to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of specified programs and activities established and operated under the Act); and (2) activities under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs Title II: Marine Research Title III: Program Support Title IV: Streamlining of Operations Title V: Miscellaneous National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research and public warning and forecast; (2) construction, repair, and modification regarding new and existing weather forecast offices; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program; (6) satellite observing systems; (7) environmental data and information services. Repeals provisions of the Weather Service Modernization Act relating to: (1) restructuring of NWS field offices; (2) a Weather Service Modernization Transition Committee; and (3) a requirement, in developing a National Implementation Plan, to consult with that Committee and with public entities responsible for providing or using weather services. Title II: Marine Research - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) observation and prediction; (4) the Circulatory Survey Program; (5) ocean and earth science; (6) estuarine and coastal assessment; (7) the National Status and Trends Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and the Hazardous Materials Response Program; (8) the Damage Assessment Program; and (9) the Coastal Ocean Program. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for marine prediction research. Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to: (1) program or project grants and contracts; (2) fellowships; and (3) administration of the National Sea Grant College Program. Revises the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources." Title III: Program Support - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) central administrative support; and (3) retired pay. Authorizes contracts for data or days-at-sea to fulfill NOAA missions of marine research, climate research, fisheries research, and mapping and charting services. Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) marine services; (2) aircraft services; and (3) facilities repairs and renovations. Title IV: Streamlining of Operations - Prohibits appropriating funds for 19 specified programs, centers, and activities, including: (1) the National Undersea Research Program; (2) the Fleet Modernization, Shipbuilding, and Construction Account; (3) the Agriculture and Fruit Frost Program; and (4) Regional Climate Centers. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees certifying that all 19 will be terminated by a specified date. Repeals provisions of: (1) the National Sea Grant College Program Act relating to marine policy fellowships; and (2) the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the sea grant international program. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. (Sec. 402) Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year after FY 1996 for carrying out programs for which funds are authorized by this Act. Limits the total dollar amounts: (1) authorized to be appropriated for FY 1996 by this or any other Act for NOAA for all activities associated with operations, research, and facilities; and (2) authorized to be used for NOAA travel and related expenses. (Sec. 403) Limits the number of commissioned officers on the active list of NOAA and decreases that limit in succeeding fiscal years, reaching zero after FY 1998. Authorizes related separations without separation pay. Title V: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, damage, or interfere with any National Data Buoy Center weather data buoy. Provides for civil monetary penalties and rewards. (Sec. 502) Makes the Secretary of Commerce, through the NWS, responsible for: (1) forecasts, serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuance of storm warnings; (3) collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Prohibits the NWS from competing (or assisting other entities in competing) with the private sector when a service is or can be provided by commercial enterprise unless the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service and the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Removes existing provisions relating to the duties of the Secretary regarding weather forecasting. Modifies provisions relating to NWS appropriations and estimates. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees detailing all NWS activities not conforming to this paragraph and outlining a timetable for their termination. (Sec. 503) Provides for the disposition of all amounts received relating to the allision of the vessel Zachery into the NOAA vessel Discoverer.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Family Medical Savings and Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual covered under a catastrophic coverage health plan a tax deduction for contributions to a medical savings account. Defines an eligible individual as one who is covered under a catastrophic health plan at any time during such month and is not covered by any other health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add use in diesel-powered boats to the list of nontaxable uses for diesel fuel, effective on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits imposing a penalty on a person who sells or holds for sale dyed fuel for use in, or uses dyed fuel in, any diesel-powered boat and pays the tax imposed on such sale or use, effective on the date of the enactment of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Agricultural Water Conservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for water conservation system expenses, if used on farm land having an extreme drought or a water shortage and meeting other requirements. Limits the amount of the credit and allows unused credit to be carried to the succeeding taxable year. Reduces by the amount of the credit any basis increase that would otherwise occur.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for up to $5,000 (up to $6,250 respecting a foster child) of qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Sets forth a formula for reduction of such credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $60,000. Denies such a credit for any expense for which a deduction or credit is allowable under another Code provision. Defines "qualified adoption expenses" as reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other lawful expenses directly related to legal adoption of a child, but not any expenses paid from any funds received under a Federal, State, or local program. Disqualifies for such a credit any expenses in connection with the adoption of a child of the taxpayer's spouse.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
Mixed-Blood Ute Indian Tax Status Act - Amends Federal law to exempt from Federal or State tax the distribution of rents and royalties from U.S. trust held real estate or related oil, gas, or mineral interests paid to mixed-blood members of the Ute Tribe, or their Ute heirs or legatees. Exempts the Ute Distribution Corporation from Federal and State corporate income taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
American Farm and Ranch Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, if elected by the executor, the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement, except for any debt-financed portion. Provides for the treatment of any retained development right. Adds references to such property to provisions controlling the basis of property acquired from a decedent. Prohibits treating the transfer by gift of land subject to a qualified conservation easement as a transfer of property by gift for purposes of provisions relating to gift taxes. Amends provisions relating to the valuation of certain farm and other real property to prohibit a qualified conservation contribution (as defined in provisions relating to charitable contributions) from being deemed a disposition unless it is subject to a conservation easement. Declares that, if property is otherwise qualified real property, being subject to a conservation easement does not disqualify it. Allows a contribution to be treated as exclusively for conservation purposes if the surface estate and mineral interests have been and remain separated (currently, if the surface estate and mineral interests were separated before June 13, 1976, and remain separated) and if the probability of surface mining is so remote as to be negligible.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to mortgage revenue bonds to modify the requirements to be a qualified veteran. Establishes State subcap and State overall cap restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Food Stamp Program Title II: Child Nutrition Programs Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates Subtitle B: Grant Programs Subtitle C: Other Amendments Title III: Reauthorization Nutrition Assistance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Food Stamp Program - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (Act) to establish a maximum 24-month food stamp program (program) authorization period. (Sec. 103) Authorizes States to establish additional criteria for separate household determinations. (Sec. 104) Revises thrifty food plan adjustment requirements. (Sec. 105) Revises the definition of "homeless individual" to limit the length of time a person may temporarily live in another person's residence. (Sec. 106) Revises household income exclusion provisions regarding: (1) students; and (2) Federal energy assistance. (Sec. 108) Revises household income deduction provisions regarding: (1) standard deductions; (2) earned income; (3) dependent care; (4) child support payments; (5) homeless shelter assistance; (6) excess medical expenses; and (7) excess shelter expenses. (Sec. 109) Eliminates specified excludable auto value increases. (Sec. 110) Revises the scope of sponsor-attributed income and resources regarding alien program eligibility. (Sec. 111) Revises work requirement and employment and training provisions. Extends employment and training funding authorizations. (Sec. 114) Authorizes comparable program disqualification based upon welfare or public assistance disqualification. (Sec. 115) Requires at State option: (1) cooperation with child support agencies in order to maintain program eligibility; and (2) program disqualification for child support arrears. (Sec. 117) Disqualifies permanently an individual who participates in the program in two or more States. (Sec. 118) Defines "work program." (Sec. 120) Eliminates annual minimum allotment adjustments. (Sec. 122) Authorizes a combined allotment for expedited households. (Sec. 123) Authorizes program reductions for failure to comply with a public assistance reduction requirement. (Sec. 124) Authorizes program assistance for households residing in a homeless shelter or drug or alcohol treatment center. (Sec. 125) Revises: (1) food stamp office operating provisions; and (2) expedited coupon service requirements. (Sec. 126) Eliminates certain certification personnel training requirements. (Sec. 128) Authorizes a family to withdraw a fair hearing request. (Sec. 129) Permits States to use income and eligibility verification systems other than the system used in part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 130) Directs program overissuances to be collected by: (1) allotment reduction; (2) unemployment compensation withholding; or (3) Federal pay or Federal income tax refund recovery. (Sec. 131) Terminates Federal matching requirements for program informational activities. (Sec. 133) Authorizes States to use funds otherwise available to a participating household for a work supplementation or support program. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 134) Authorizes waiver of program requirements as necessary to conduct related pilot projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 137) Authorizes States to carry out private sector employment initiatives. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 138) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) program operations; and (2) Puerto Rico block grants. (Sec. 140) Authorizes States to carry out a Simplified Food Stamp Program in lieu of existing program requirements. Sets forth Program provisions. Title II: Child Nutrition Programs - Subtitle A: Reimbursement Rates - Amends the National School Lunch Act to terminate the additional lunch payment for schools with high percentages of free or reduced price lunches. (Sec. 202) Revises annual adjustment provisions for: (1) value of food assistance; and (2) lunches, breakfasts, and supplements. (Sec. 204) Revises service institution payment provisions for the summer food service program for children. (Sec. 205) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise annual adjustment provisions for: (1) the special milk program; and (2) the school breakfast program. Subtitle B: Grant Programs - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to: (1) terminate school breakfast startup grants; and (2) reduce annual authorizations of appropriations for nutrition education and training programs. Subtitle C: Other Amendments - Amends the National School Lunch Act to revise provisions regarding day care home reimbursements. Obligates funds for family or group day care homes assistance. Title III: Reauthorization - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for the commodity distribution program. (Sec. 302) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to extend and authorize appropriations for the emergency food assistance program. (Sec. 303) Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the soup kitchens program. (Sec. 304) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend authority for reprocessing of agricultural commodities into food products.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1995
Expatriation Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define the specific circumstances in which an individual is deemed to have relinquished U.S. citizenship to avoid taxes, and is therefore subject to special expatriate tax rules for ten years after leaving the United States. Expands the scope of taxable income of such a former citizen to include: (1) gains made on specified exchanges of property where no gain is recognized; and (2) income deriving from investments in foreign corporations at least 50 percent owned (measured as either total combined voting power of all classes of voting stock or total value of shares) by the individual. Revises requirements for taxation of the estate of, and gifts from, such a former citizen to conform to this Act. Grants a tax credit against the income, estate, and gift taxes of a former citizen when those taxes have already been paid to the individual's new country of residence. Requires an individual losing citizenship to report specified information to assist in assessing tax liability. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees on the degree of, and potential improvements in, the compliance of former citizens with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Earned Income Tax Credit Fraud Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "eligible individual," for earned income credit (EIC) provisions, to exclude any individual who does not include on their return their taxpayer identification number (TIN) and, if married, the TIN of their spouse. Adds to the definition of "mathematical or clerical error," for provisions relating to restrictions applicable to deficiencies and petitions to Tax Court, references to omission of a TIN required by provisions relating to credit for families with younger children or to the EIC. Removes individuals without children from eligibility for the EIC. Modifies credit and phaseout percentages. Terminates, on a specified date, provisions providing for inflation adjustments in the earned income amount and the phaseout amount. Adds to the types of income that, if their aggregate exceeds a specified amount, will deny EIC: (1) capital gain net income; (2) certain income from passive activities; and (3) amounts includible in gross income under provisions relating to beneficiaries of estates and trusts. Lowers the aggregate limit. Modifies the definition of adjusted gross income for purposes of the maximum limit on EIC. Mandates a study and report to specified congressional committees on the Federal tax treatment of child support payments to determine whether changes are necessary. Prohibits considering EIC as an allowable credit, for provisions requiring that excess credits be considered overpayments, unless the EIC can be verified by comparing it with information returns filed by employees of the individual claiming the credit or with self-employment returns. Applies this paragraph to any advanced payment of the EIC under specified provisions. Mandates a study and report to specified congressional committees on the delays (if any) that would result in the processing of Federal income tax returns because of the amendment made by this paragraph. Prohibits approving the application of any person to be an electronic return originator unless the applicant provides fingerprints and credit information. Applies these requirements to originators whose applications were approved before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1995 - States that the standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders require that such plans provide for coverage of services essential to the effective treatment of such disorders in a specified manner. Sets forth the criteria under which an employer plan may meet such standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax of up to 25 percent of the amounts received by the carrier or under the plan for coverage if a carrier or an employer health benefit plan fails to comply with the standards relating to the nondiscriminatory treatment of neurobiological disorders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Reforms Title II: Operational Reforms Title III: Employee Protection Reforms Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities Title V: Financial Reforms Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations AMTRAK Reform and Privatization Act of 1995 - Title I: Procurement Reforms - Amends Federal transportation law to revise provisions regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) to authorize AMTRAK, in order to realize demonstrable economic benefits, to contract out work normally performed by an employee of a bargaining unit covered by a contract between a labor organization and AMTRAK or a rail carrier that provided intercity rail passenger transportation on October 30, 1970. (Currently, AMTRAK may not contract out such work if it results in the layoff of a bargaining unit employee.) (Sec. 102) Prohibits AMTRAK from submitting a bid for the performance of services under a contract for an amount less than the cost to it of performing such services (below-cost competition) with respect to any activity, except the provision of intercity rail passenger transportation, commuter rail passenger transportation, or mail or express transportation. Authorizes an aggrieved individual to commence a civil action in a U.S. district court for violations of such prohibition. Repeals general AMTRAK authority to maintain and rehabilitate rail passenger equipment, and the mandate to maintain a regional maintenance plan including specified components. Authorizes AMTRAK, with a specified exception, to enter into a contract with a motor carrier of passengers for the intercity transportation over regular routes only if certain requirements are met. Title II: Operational Reforms - Repeals AMTRAK's mandate: (1) to provide intercity rail passenger transportation within the basic system (unless such transportation is provided by specified others); and (2) to continue to carry out a specified plan to improve such transportation. (Sec. 201) Requires AMTRAK to give 180 days' notice (currently, 90 days) of its intention to discontinue rail service over a route to States, regional or local authorities, or other persons so that they will have an opportunity to agree to share or assume the cost of any part of the train, route, or service to be discontinued. Repeals AMTRAK's mandates for: (1) cost and performance reviews of AMTRAK routes in the basic system; and (2) provision of special commuter transportation. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) AMTRAK's mandate to increase mail and express transportation revenues, and its authority to provide auto-ferry transportation; (2) route and service criteria with respect to route discontinuances and route additions; (3) additional qualifying routes; (4) certain requests to AMTRAK by State, regional, or local authorities or other persons to provide rail passenger transportation or keep a train, route, or service that AMTRAK intends to discontinue; and (5) authority for the AMTRAK Commuter (thus abolishing it as an AMTRAK subsidiary). Declares that State and local laws that impair the provision of mail, express, and auto-ferry transportation shall not apply to AMTRAK or a rail carrier providing such services. Exempts certain commuter authorities from paying a tax or fee to the same extent that AMTRAK is exempt. (Sec. 207) Provides for the reimbursement of costs to commuter rail carriers that provide transportation over certain rights-of-way and facilities on the Northeast Corridor. Excludes from such reimbursable costs any AMTRAK general or administrative costs, corporate overhead costs, or return on investment costs for assets paid for with Federal or State funds. Encourages AMTRAK to make agreements with the private sector and undertake initiatives that promote the potential privatization of its operations. (Sec. 208) Declares that a State shall have access to AMTRAK's records, accounts, and other necessary documents used to determine the amount of any State payment to AMTRAK. Title III: Employee Protection Reforms - Repeals certain requirements for fair and equitable employee protective arrangements in the event of a discontinuance of intercity rail passenger service; but requires their incorporation into the collective bargaining contracts between AMTRAK and any labor organizations. Provides that all notices to employees regarding any change in arrangements affecting rates of pay, rules, and working conditions shall be deemed served and effective upon enactment of this Act. Requires the National Mediation Board to complete all disputes with respect to any change within 270 days after enactment of this Act. Title IV: Use of Railroad Facilities - Prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) from permitting any cross-subsidization among intercity rail passenger, commuter rail passenger, and rail freight transportation if the facilities for which compensation is sought are owned or provided by a commuter authority or a regional transportation authority. (Sec. 402) Limits to $250,000, or three times the amount of economic damages, the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in a claim for personal injury, death, or damage to property in connection with the provision of rail passenger transportation. Title V: Financial Reforms - Repeals authority and requirements for AMTRAK stock capitalization. (Sec. 501) Requires AMTRAK to redeem all previously issued common stock at the fair market value as of the day before enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to surrender all rights held in AMTRAK preferred stock. Relinquishes all U.S. rights in notes or mortgages entered into with AMTRAK dated October 5, 1983. (Sec. 503) Repeals composition and term requirements for the Board of Directors of AMTRAK. Declares that nothing in such repeal shall be construed to require any change in the membership of such Board upon enactment of this Act. (Sec. 506) Exempts AMTRAK (and AMTRAK subsidiary) passengers and customers from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority directly or indirectly on any persons traveling in intercity rail passenger transportation or mail or express transportation provided by AMTRAK or a rail carrier subsidiary of AMTRAK, or on the carriage of such persons, mail, or express, or on the sale of any such transportation, or on the gross receipts derived from such activities, from any fee, head charge, or other charge imposed by a State or local taxing authority. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Establishes a Temporary Rail Advisory Council to: (1) evaluate AMTRAK's performance; and (2) suggest strategies for further cost containment and productivity improvements, including strategies for further reduction in Federal operating subsidies and eventual privatization of AMTRAK operations. (Sec. 604) Extends from October 15, 1996, to October 15, 2001, the deadline for retrofitting of certain intercity rail passenger cars with human waste disposal systems that provide for waste discharge at a servicing facility only. (Sec. 605) Repeals the authority or mandate for: (1) assistance for upgrading rail facilities that pose a hazard; (2) the rail safety system program; (3) a plan for demonstrating new technology in rail passenger equipment; and (4) a program master plan for a Boston-New York main line. (Sec. 609) Requires AMTRAK to construct an electrification system between Boston, Massachusetts, and New Haven, Connecticut, to accommodate the installation of a third mainline track between Davisville and Central Falls, Rhode Island, to be used for double- stack freight service to and from the Port of Davisville. (Sec. 610) Declares that AMTRAK shall not be subject to certain requirements under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 until October 15, 2001. (Sec. 612) Amends the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 to repeal the mandate for determination of a costing methodology with respect to certain Northeast Corridor cost disputes. (Sec. 614) Amends the Conrail Privatization Act to repeal a specified provision regarding composition of the Board of Directors of the Consolidated Rail Corporation. (Sec. 615) Grants congressional consent to States with an interest in a specific form, route, or corridor of intercity passenger rail service, including high speed rail service, to enter into interstate compacts to promote such service. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for AMTRAK for: (1) capital expenditures, operating expenses, and certain mandatory payments; (2) construction expenses to convert the James A. Farley Post Office, New York City, into a train station and commercial center, and for the redevelopment of the Pennsylvania Station, New York City; and (3) guarantee of obligations to improve railroad facilities or equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service Part A: Initial Organization Part B: Organization of Area Health Boards Part C: General Provisions Regarding Health Boards Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services Part A: Patients' Rights in Health Care Delivery Part B: Eligibility for, Nature of, and Scope of Services Provided by the Service Part C: Health Care Facilities and Delivery of Health Care Services Title III: Health Labor Force Part A: Job Categories and Certification Part B: Education of Health Workers Part C: Employment and Labor-Management Relations Within the Service Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards Part A: Advocacy, Grievance Procedures, and Trusteeships Part B: Occupational Safety and Health Programs Part C: Health and Health Care Delivery Research Part D: Health Planning, Distribution of Drugs and Other Medical Supplies, and Miscellaneous Functions Title V: Financing of the Service Part A: Health Service Taxes Part B: Health Service Trust Fund Part C: Preparation of Plans and Budgets Part D: Allocation and Distribution of Funds Part E: General Provisions Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions United States Health Service Act - Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service - Part A: Initial Organization - Establishes, as an independent entity within the executive branch, the United States Health Service (Service). Vests authority of the Service in the appropriate National Health Board and area health boards. Grants the Service the power of eminent domain. Directs the President to appoint individuals to serve as members of the Interim National Health Board of the Service. Declares that the members of the Interim National Board shall serve until the National Health Board holds its initial meeting in accordance with certain provisions of this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Interim National Board. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Organization of Area Health Boards - Requires the Interim National Board to establish health care delivery regions throughout the United States which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures regarding election and appointment of members and certain officers of: (1) interim national, interim regional, and interim district health boards; and (2) initial and subsequent national, regional, district, and community health boards. Part C: General Provisions Regarding Health Boards - Sets forth the membership and terms of office of health boards. Provides for recall of board members for specified reasons and for filling vacancies on health boards. Sets forth procedures for the establishment by the National Board of guidelines and standards required by or in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. Requires each regional board to provide orientation, education, and technical assistance to district and community boards. Requires the appropriate national board to provide such assistance to regional boards. Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services - Part A: Patients' Rights in Health Care Delivery - Requires the Service to ensure that every user is given the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services without charge and without discrimination. Sets forth a list of other basic health rights. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1973 to entitle certain employees to health leave compensation, subject to specified exceptions which exist in current law as exceptions to minimum wage and maximum hours provisions. Part B: Eligibility for, Nature of, and Scope of Services Provided by the Service - Declares all individuals, while within the United States, to be eligible to receive health care and supplemental services under this Act. Excludes personal comfort or cosmetic services unless they are necessary for health-related reasons. Requires the Service to provide in the United States specified services in or through facilities established by the Service. Prohibits the Service from providing such services in a region, district, or community other than under the auspices of a regional, district, or community board established in accordance with this Act. Requires the Service to provide specified supplemental services in or through health care facilities established by the Service. Provides for reimbursement by the Service of the cost of emergency health care services under certain circumstances. Part C: Health Care Facilities and Delivery of Health Care Services - Requires each community board to establish and maintain such health care facilities as are necessary for efficient and effective delivery of comprehensive primary health care services, specialized health care services, special services, and community-oriented health measures which are provided, as much as possible, through a single comprehensive health center. Requires each district board to establish and maintain in its district a general hospital, such other health care facilities as are necessary, and such health care services of a specialized nature as may be provided most effectively and efficiently at the district level. Requires each regional board to establish and maintain: (1) a regional medical facility for highly specialized health care services; (2) health care and supplemental services for individuals whose needs cannot be met by community or district boards; and (3) such other facilities as are necessary. Requires each area health board to: (1) hire health workers; (2) purchase or lease necessary premises; and (3) seek to minimize fragmentation and duplication in delivery of health care. Requires each regional board to provide for affiliation and coordination within its region and with adjacent regions. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for distribution and coordination of the delivery of health care services and plan and facilitate the transition to the new distribution of facilities and workers. Requires regional boards, if a community or district board fails to provide health services, to provide the services. Requires each health board to establish policies and organizational plans consistent with provisions of this Act. Requires such boards, in establishing, implementing, and modifying such policies and plans, to seek participation of affected workers and users. Provides for a health board, if it determines that it cannot itself effectively manage the operation of all facilities, to establish a health care facility board or boards. Specifies elements to be provided for in the policies and organizational plans established by health boards. Prohibits a health board, on and after three years after the effective date of health services, from permitting its health care facilities to be used for the private delivery of health services. Prohibits individuals employed by a health board from engaging in the private delivery of health services. Requires each health board to ensure that health facilities it operates which provide outpatient services are open during hours which permit all users to make use of such services. Sets forth requirements for facilities providing inpatient services for 30 continuous days or longer. Requires each health board to provide that, at least once each year, the inpatients of facilities providing inpatient services for 30 continuous days or longer shall elect, from among themselves and representatives of certain user associations, a review committee of not less than three members. Provides for recall and proxies with respect to such committees. Requires various health boards to conduct regular inspections of specified facilities. Requires area health boards to provide: (1) contraception information and materials; (2) evaluation and treatment for venereal diseases and diseases of the reproductive organs; (3) information and counseling regarding pregnancy, child bearing, and possible genetically induced anomalies; (4) pregnancy testing; (5) prenatal services; (6) abortion services; and (7) counseling by women for specified services and counseling by men for specified services. Requires all such services to be delivered without coercion or harassment, with confidentiality, and without prior approval of individuals other than the individual receiving the services. Requires that individuals be permitted to be accompanied by a person of their choice during the provision of such services, subject to exception. Sets forth restrictions and requirements for informed consent regarding: (1) treatments or procedures which could affect an individual's reproductive capacity; and (2) mastectomy or other breast cancer treatment. Requires that women giving birth have the right to choose from a complete range of childbirth options. Title III: Health Labor Force - Part A: Job Categories and Certification - Declares that, notwithstanding State laws to the contrary, the Service shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of its employees. Requires each area health board to insure that work is performed by certified health workers. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for classification, certification, and employment of health workers. Requires that such guidelines: (1) permit alternative approaches to healing, when such approaches have not been shown to be injurious to health; (2) have both flexibility and uniformity to meet stated objectives; and (3) require that each health worker employed by a community board work part of the time in a facility operated by a district or regional board and each health worker employed by a district or regional board work part of the time in a health care facility operated by a community board. States that each regional board, for job categories requiring advanced specialty training, shall establish certification standards. Part B: Education of Health Workers - Requires each regional board, in consultation with community and district boards, to establish a health team school (school) to provide initial and continuing basic education in health care delivery and initial and continuing advanced education in health care specialties and health science specialty fields. Requires that the schools be funded exclusively by the Service, prohibits them from charging or accepting tuition or fees, and requires them to provide each student with an allowance for living expenses, educational supplies, and any child care. Requires each regional board to establish and implement for the school: (1) admissions policies with certain required elements; (2) curriculum policies with stated elements; (3) faculty hiring procedures which will create a faculty which approximates the population of the region by race, sex, and language; and (4) a governance plan for the management of its school which gives significant decision making powers to staff and students. Prohibits enrolling any individual unless the individual agrees to perform health care services as an employee of the Service, in a job category for which training is being provided, for a period of time equal to the period of enrollment, but not less than two years, and subject to other terms and conditions. Entitles the Service, if an individual fails to start or fails to complete such service, to recover damages. Mandates that each area board periodically assess the ratio of the health workers employed by the board in each job category to the number of residents in the area. Gives priority in hiring individuals obligated to perform service to health worker shortage areas and, as a second level of priority, to the regional, district, or community board for the region, district, or community in which the program was completed. States that the National Board shall establish a program to match the preferences graduates have for locations with the needs and preferences of various boards. Requires the National Board to make payments of principal and interest on certain loans incurred by individuals for an educational program in health care delivery, health care specialties, or health science fields which is outstanding on the day that individual begins to work for the Service. Establishes a schedule for such payments. Part C: Employment and Labor-Management Relations Within the Service - Requires health boards to employ, classify, and fix the salaries and benefits of all employees of the Service. States that health boards shall give hiring preference to individuals employed as health workers before enactment of this Act. Requires the National Board to ensure that all such individuals desiring employment in the Service find appropriate employment in the Service. Places restrictions on hiring relating to the: (1) ratio of health workers to residents; and (2) existence of a health worker shortage area in the same region. Declares that employees of the Service are covered by specified Federal laws. Requires compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment to be the same on the effective date of health services as for Federal Government employees until changed by the Service. Prohibits changes in fringe benefits which result in a program which is less favorable to employees of the Service than fringe benefits for employees of the Federal Government on the effective date of health services. Declares that the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act shall apply to the Service and its employees, subject to specified exceptions. Declares that provisions of Federal law relating to participation in a strike shall not apply to employees of the Service. Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to include the Service in the definition of the term "employer" under that Act. Provides that the remedies provided by stated Federal laws regarding jurisdiction and tort claims shall be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding. Declares that assault or battery arising out of negligence in various health care functions is not an exception under specified Federal law to tort claims and jurisdiction provisions of Federal law. Authorizes the National Board to hold harmless or provide liability insurance for any employee of the Service under certain circumstances. Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards - Part A: Advocacy, Grievance Procedures, and Trusteeships - Requires each area health board to establish a program of health advocacy with specified elements. Requires the National Board to establish a health rights legal services program, for users and health workers, providing specified elements. Requires each appropriate regional board to provide that any user, health worker, user association, or specified health board may commence grievance proceedings before specified health boards with respect to alleged violations of this Act. Provides for review of adverse decisions. Authorizes, in certain circumstances, the entity before which a grievance proceeding is commenced or reviewed to: (1) set aside an election of a community board and require a new election; and (2) if not involving a community board, require that a new election be conducted or a new appointment be made. Requires such entity to transfer such functions as necessary to the appropriate higher health board until a new election is conducted or a new appointment is made. Authorizes a health board which receives functions under such a transfer to appoint a trustee or trustee committee to carry out transferred functions. Part B: Occupational Safety and Health Programs - Requires the National Board to oversee occupational safety and health programs conducted at the regional level and to participate in the establishment and administration of occupational safety and health standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, with the advice and comments of regional occupational safety and health action councils established under this Act. Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to substitute references to the National Health Board for references to the Secretary of Health and Human Services throughout such Act, with one specified exception. Adds references to the National Health Board to existing provisions in such Act regarding promulgation, modification, and revocation of safety and health standards. Requires the National Board to establish guidelines for: (1) its participation in the establishment and administration of safety and health standards; (2) the election of community occupational safety and health action councils; (3) the establishment of regional occupational safety and health programs; (4) the establishment and operation of work place health facilities; and (5) the provision of assistance by various health boards to various safety and health councils, and to work place safety and health committees. Requires each community board to provide for the operation of a community occupational safety and health action council (COSHAC). Gives a formula for election of the members of COSHACs. Specifies the duties of each COSHAC. Requires each regional board to establish an occupational health and safety program for its region with specified elements, including staffing and supporting the operation of the regional occupational safety and health action council (ROSHAC). Specifies the responsibilities of each ROSHAC. Requires the employer in each work place to establish and maintain a health facility in or near the work place to meet occupational and emergency health care needs of employees, to be operated either by the community board or by the employer, and the cost, in either case, to be borne by the employer. Grants employees in each work place having 25 or more employees the right to establish work place occupational safety and health committees. Grants the members of such committees rights to engage in certain activities relating to inspections without loss of pay or other job rights. Authorizes employees to monitor conditions and to remove themselves from the site of any hazard without loss of pay or other job rights. Requires employers to minimize hazards and furnish employees with or reimburse employees for needed equipment or clothing. Specifies rights of employees regarding: (1) inspection of medical records maintained by their employers; (2) provision to employees of copies of all reports, studies, and data concerning health and safety in that work place; and (3) the seeking, through collective bargaining, of standards more restrictive than those established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Part C: Health and Health Care Delivery Research - Requires the Service to conduct a program of research concerning health and health care delivery. Transfers the National Institutes of Health from the Department of Health and Human Services to the National Health Board. States that the National Board shall establish five new national institutes: Epidemiology, Evaluative Clinical Research, Health Care Services, Pharmacy and Medical Supply, and Sociology of Health and Health Care. Specifies the duties of each such institute. Part D: Health Planning, Distribution of Drugs and Other Medical Supplies, and Miscellaneous Functions - Requires each area board to collect data on supply and demand regarding health workers and health care delivery. Requires each regional board to coordinate the planning and administration of health care delivery, health worker education, and health research in its region. Requires the National Board to formulate one-year and five-year national plans and budgets. Requires the National Board, after consultation with regional boards, to publish, and regularly update, a National Pharmacy and Medical Supply Formulary. Specifies the contents of the Formulary. Requires each regional board to establish a program for the purchase and distribution of drugs and other medical supplies. Authorizes the National Board to establish and operate drug and medical supply manufacturing facilities in certain circumstances. Title V: Financing of the Service - Part A: Health Service Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add a new part imposing on individuals and corporations an additional tax of specified percentages of the normal tax and surtax imposed by a specified section of such code. Ends the income tax exclusion from gross income of amounts paid by third parties for medical care. Excludes from gross income employer contributions to accident or health plans to the extent that such contributions do not provide for health care available to such employees under the Health Service Act. Prohibits income tax deductions for: (1) health care expenses as a trade or business expense; and (2) contributions to certain medical and hospital facilities. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to: (1) medical and dental expenses; (2) hospital insurance tax imposed on employment and self-employment income; and (3) receipts for railroad employees. Declares that no contractual or other nonstatutory obligation of any employer to pay or provide for health care for present or former employees and their dependents and survivors shall apply on or after the effective date of health services under this Act to the extent such individuals are eligible to receive such services under this Act. Prohibits Federal, State, or private workers' compensation programs from paying for or providing any health care on or after the effective date of health services under this Act to the extent such care is available under this Act. Part B: Health Service Trust Fund - Creates in the Treasury the Health Service Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Appropriates to the Trust Fund amounts equal to 100 percent of the expected net receipts from specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Appropriates to the Trust Fund a Government contribution equal to 40 percent of the amount appropriated under such 100 percent provision. Transfers to the Trust Fund all assets and liabilities of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Creates the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund. Requires the investment of specified portions of the Trust Fund. Extends the purposes for which obligations of the United States may be issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act, to authorize the issuance at par of public debt obligations for purchase by the Trust Fund. Part C: Preparation of Plans and Budgets - Requires the National Board to annually fix the maximum amount of funds which may be expended from the Trust Fund during the fiscal year. Specifies criteria to be considered in determining such amount's maximum value. Authorizes the National Board to refix such maximum amount in certain circumstances. Authorizes the National Board to exceed such maximum amount as necessary because of epidemic, disaster, or other occurrence which was not and could not have been planned for. Authorizes the National Board to allocate, in addition to such maximum amount, funds borrowed under specified provisions of this Act. Requires each community, district, and regional board to annually submit fiscal year and five-year plans and budgets to the next higher level health board. Part D: Allocation and Distribution of Funds - Requires the National Board to annually transmit to regional boards a national health budget dividing the total funds available into funds for ordinary operating expenses, preventive health measures, capital expenses, research expenses, and special operating expenses. Requires funds for ordinary operating expenses, preventive health measures, and research expenses to be allocated to the regional boards on the basis of population. Requires funds for capital expenses to be allocated according to stated criteria. Declares the budget submitted to the regional boards by the National Board to be adopted upon the approval by a majority of the regional boards. Sets forth requirements, similar to those for the national health budget, for preparation and adoption of regional and district budgets. Defines "special operating expenses" to mean operating expenses associated with: (1) care and treatment for users 65 years of age and older; (2) care and treatment of persons confined to full-time residential institutions, including nursing homes and facilities for the treatment of mental illness; (3) the special health care needs of low-income users; (4) the special health care needs of rural users; (5) special health care needs arising from environmental or occupational health conditions; (6) special health care needs arising from unexpected occurrences, including epidemics and natural disasters; and (7) the conduct of environmental health inspection and monitoring services. Sets forth rules for allocation of special operating expenses. Requires funds allocated under the national health budget to be distributed by the National Board from the Trust Fund. Prohibits health boards from requesting or receiving funds from any other source. Mandates annual financial statements by area health boards. Part E: General Provisions - Authorizes the National Board to borrow money and to issue and sell obligations as necessary for this Act, but only in amounts specified in appropriations Acts. Limits the aggregate amount of such obligations outstanding at any one time. Authorizes the National Board to pledge the assets of the Trust Fund and pledge its revenues and receipts for various purposes related to such obligations. Authorizes the National Board to enter into a variety of covenants as necessary or desirable to enhance the marketability of such obligations. Declares that such obligations: (1) shall be negotiable or nonnegotiable, bearer or registered; (2) shall contain a recital that they are issued under a specified provision of this Act; (3) shall be lawful investments; (4) shall be exempt from State taxes; and (5) shall not, subject to exception, be obligations of the U.S. Government. Requires the National Board to advise the Secretary of the Treasury of the proposed sale of obligations. Authorizes such Secretary to elect to purchase the obligations. Authorizes the National Board, if the Secretary elects not to buy such obligations, to issue and sell them to a party or parties other than the Secretary, upon notice to the Secretary and consultation regarding various terms and conditions. Empowers the National Board to require the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations of the Service. Prohibits any required purchase which would result in a holding by the Secretary in excess of a specified amount. Makes obligations issued by the Service obligations of the U.S. Government under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for the purpose of any purchase of the obligations of the Service, to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act. Extends the purposes of such Act to include any purchases of the obligations of the Service under this part. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals, on the effective date of health services, the Public Health Service Act, except for specified provisions relating to: (1) its short title and definitions; (2) licensing, quarantine, and inspections authority; and (3) safety of public water systems. Delays, until four years after the effective date of health services, repeal of portions of the Public Health Service Act regarding provision of assistance to educational institutions and their students, in areas which have not established health team schools under part A of title III of this Act. Repeals specified provisions of the Social Security Act relating to maternal and child health, Medicare, Medicaid, professional standards review, entitlement to hospital insurance benefits, uniform health reporting systems, limitation on Federal participation for capital expenditures, the program for determining qualification for certain health care personnel, disclosure of ownership and related information, disclosure of certain convictions, and payments to States for health care and supplemental services. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law relating to health insurance for Federal employees, medical benefits and programs relating to veterans, and the civilian health and medical program of the uniformed services. Repeals the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970, the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, and a specified provision of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 relating to medical treatment of narcotic addiction. Repeals Federal law relating to hospitals, community hospitals, and other health facilities for Indians. Repeals the District of Columbia Medical Facilities Construction Act of 1968 and the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act of 1970. Repeals specified provisions of the National Housing Act relating to mortgage insurance for nursing homes, hospitals, and group practice facilities. Repeals the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963, the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970, the National Arthritis Act of 1974, and the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act. Repeals specified provisions of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act relating to grant, demonstration, and research programs for lead-based paint poisoning prevention. Repeals the Act of March 2, 1897, relating to tea importation. Repeals specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 relating to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Requires the President to prepare and submit to the Congress legislation to repeal or amend provisions of laws which are inconsistent with this Act, including the transfers of authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under specified provisions of Federal law, to the Service. Sets forth various requirements regarding review and reporting to the President and the Congress concerning how the Service is carrying out the purposes of the various programs authorized to be conducted by provisions repealed by this Act. Transfers to the Health Service Trust Fund amounts appropriated to carry out the purposes of any law repealed by this Act. Provides transition rules regarding contracts entered into or rights or obligations arising before the effective date of such repeals. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 to require that each budget submitted by the President set forth items relating to the Health Service Trust Fund separately from other operations of the Government. Declares that, if any provisions of this Act are declared invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-exempt financing of transportation facilities used in connection with the transport of cargo to or from docks and wharves.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an environmental remediation credit program that allows businesses a credit for 40 percent of the costs incurred for: (1) environmental remediation with respect to any qualified contaminated site; and (2) an approved environmental remediation plan. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate States for participation in the credit program. Establishes the overall credit limitation and provides for its allocation among eligible States. Allows the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for qualified contaminated site remediation, with limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for interest paid or incurred on any qualified education loan during the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for which interest payments are required to be made. Limits such credit to $300. Allows such tax credit to parents only if the dependent is a student and a personal exemption is claimed for such dependent student. Reduces interest by the amount bearing the same ratio to the interest as the excess of adjusted gross income over the applicable dollar amount bears to the phaseout range. Establishes applicable dollar amounts and phaseout ranges. Excludes interest paid on education loans from the definition of "personal interest" (thus, allowing a deduction to be taken) unless a credit or deduction with respect to such interest is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a deduction for personal income taxes paid to a State (or political subdivision thereof) which taxes nonresidents on income derived from a Federal area used for Federal military defense purposes which includes portions of Kentucky and Tennessee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 1530 (national defense authorization).
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax credit of up to $100 ($200 for a joint return) of the value of certain charitable contributions to any tax-exempt, U.S. organization that spends at least 70 percent of aggregate expenditures assisting the poor. Requires that: (1) taxpayers identify each such contribution and the recipient on the individual's tax return; and (2) such charities provide copies of their annual return to such individuals upon request. Repeals the earned income credit for individuals without children, as well as certain increases in such credit for individuals with children.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Entrepreneurial New and Small Business Capital Formation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recognize, if elected by the taxpayer, gain (other than ordinary income) on the sale of any eligible small business investment only to the extent the amount realized exceeds the cost of any other small business investment purchased by the taxpayer during the previous six months. Applies to the amendments made by this Act rules (from provisions relating to a 50 percent exclusion for gain from certain small business stock) relating to stock conversion, pass-through entities, transfers, and short positions. Mandates basis reductions for unrecognized gain. Treats a loss on an eligible small business investment, if the loss would otherwise be from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, as an ordinary loss.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include, for taxpayers with certain types of income over a specified base amount, a percentage of social security benefits in gross income. (Current law includes those amounts plus an additional amount.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 20 percent tax on the taxable earned income of every individual. Bases such amount on the standard, charitable gifts, and residence interest deductions. (Replaces current income tax procedures for individuals.) Increases the basic standard deduction and includes an additional standard deduction (limited to dependents only), with inflation adjustments. Limits the deduction for interest paid on a home mortgage to the amount of acquisition indebtedness, with limitations. Replaces the current tax on corporations with a tax on every person engaged in a business activity equal to 20 percent of the business taxable income of such person. Makes the person engaged in the business activity liable for the tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the disclosure of any tax information to a State that is taxing the retirement income of an individual who is neither a resident nor a domiciliary of that State (pension source tax).
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Choice in Welfare Tax Credit Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax credit of up to $100 ($200 for a joint return) of the value of certain charitable contributions to any tax-exempt, U.S. organization that spends at least 70 percent of aggregate expenditures assisting the poor. Requires that: (1) taxpayers identify each such contribution and the recipient on the individual's tax return; and (2) such charities provide copies of their annual return to such individuals upon request. Repeals the earned income credit for individuals without children, as well as certain increases in such credit for individuals with children.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to: (1) add as a purpose of such Act to encourage long-term planning and research to meet future water management, quality, and supply challenges; (2) require, in grants made under such Act, that non-Federal funds match grant funds on at least a two to one basis; (3) extend through FY 2000 the general authorization of appropriations and the authorization of appropriations for additional research on regional water problems; (4) direct the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate with other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities in the research of water resources problems and issues; (5) empower the Secretary with certain administrative authority to carry out the Act; and (6) direct the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on coordination efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1995
Tax Fairness for Farmers, Ranchers, and Small Businesses Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a limited, one-time exclusion from gross income of up to $500,000 ($250,000 in a separate return of a married individual) of the gain from a single sale or exchange to a qualified buyer of qualified property. Defines "qualified property" as property that has been used by a seller over 55 years of age, or a family member, in farming or in a closely held business throughout the ten year period ending on the sale or exchange date. Defines "qualified buyer" as a buyer who is a lineal descendant of the seller, or a beginning farmer or rancher. Requires the seller to pay recapture taxes if within ten years after the sale or exchange the property is no longer used for the same farming or business purpose, unless the buyer is bankrupt or the initial income exclusion failed to reduce the seller's net tax. Increases from 30 percent to 100 percent the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Allows the carryover of unused personal exemptions and standard deductions for an individual whose income for the previous three years is at least 50 percent derived from engaging in continuous and substantial farming. Eliminates the possession tax credit granted income from sources within one of the U.S. territorial possessions. Alters the tax liability of a U.S. citizen who relinquishes his or her citizenship by considering certain property held at the time of relinquishment as sold at fair market value in order to tax any gain on that property. Requires that this additional taxed income: (1) be offset by a $600,000 exclusion from gross income; and (2) not include the value of U.S. real property (other than stock of a U.S. real property holding corporation), or any interest in certain specified domestic or (up to $500,000) foreign retirement and pension plans.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1995
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans. Provides that retirement benefits of ministers are not subject to the tax on net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1995
National Family Enterprise Preservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified estate and gift tax credit by creating: (1) an additional estate tax credit measured by the value of inherited family enterprise property (up to $121,800); (2) an additional gift tax credit equal to the value of gifts of family enterprise property (up to $121,800) minus the sum value of such tax credits for preceding calendar periods; and (3) an additional gift tax exclusion equal to the value of gifts of family enterprise property (up to $10,000). Includes in a decedent's estate the value of family enterprise property, reduced by 50 percent or by $1 million, whichever is less. Defines family enterprise property as an interest in real or personal property used for farming, business, or any other trade that is at least 80 percent owned by either: (1) five or fewer individuals who have not formed a limited partnership; or (2) members of the same family. Imposes an additional estate tax on a taxpayer who: (1) inherits family enterprise property; (2) qualifies for an estate tax credit; and (3) disposes of that property within ten years of the decedent's death, and before the death of another individual with an interest in the property. Defines the additional estate tax as past estate tax liability attributable to the taxpayer for interest in the family enterprise property (for which he received an estate tax credit) reduced by five percent for every year after the decedent's death that the taxpayer participated in the management of the family enterprise property. Increases from $750,000 to $1 million the amount of aggregate reduction permitted in the fair market value of certain farm, etc. real property taken into account for determining the gross estate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1995
National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers and retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements identical to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the ten-cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the provider (not the purchaser) of a pre-need funeral trust as the trust owner (liable for income tax due on interest earned by the trust), provided that certain specified conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
National Spaceport Act - Establishes in the Department of Transportation a National Spaceport Office to administer a grant program of State-run spaceports. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax-exempt bond financing for spaceports. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Office on October 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Sets forth the rule for further consideration of H.R. 1561 (consolidating the foreign affairs agencies, authorizing appropriations for the Department of State, and reducing foreign assistance).
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Sets forth the rule for the consideration H.R. 1535 (revising tax rules on expatriation and to modify the basis rules for nonresident aliens becoming citizens or residents).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1995
International Tax Simplification and Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine the degree and nature of the direct and indirect investment (share holding) of a domestic corporation in one or more foreign corporations that is required for both the domestic and the foreign corporations to receive a foreign tax credit for indirectly paying another corporation's foreign income taxes. (Sec. 3) Requires that, with specified exceptions, accrued translated foreign taxes are to be adjusted according to an average exchange rate for the period during which foreign taxes were paid. Makes a special rule for taxes not paid within two years. (Sec. 5) Defines "foreign personal holding company income" as excluding any income when: (1) it derives from sources within the country where the controlled corporation was formed; and (2) the corporation's predominate activity is banking, financing, or similar business, or the income was made on the sale or exchange of specified stock or securities derived from investments by a qualifying insurance company. Declares that the investment income of a person related to a corporation shall be subject to the "look-thru" treatment. Limits "foreign based company services income" by excluding income from services directly related to the conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business if: (1) that business is the corporation's predominate activity; and (2) the corporation's income is derived from sources within the country where the corporation was formed. (Sec. 6) Extends the number of periods to which excess foreign taxes for a given year may be carried. (Sec. 7) Declares that under certain specified circumstances: (1) a portion of dividends earned by a taxpaying corporation on investments in noncontrolled foreign 902 corporations shall be treated as income in a separate category; and (2) generally such dividends shall not be treated as are other dividends. (Sec. 8) Declares that, for the taxation of foreign based company income, the countries in the European Union are treated as one. (Sec. 9) Declares that certain specified statutes do not apply to a taxpayer who is a United States shareholder with respect to a foreign controlled corporation. (Sec. 10) Permits a taxpayer calculating a deductible expense on the basis of assets to use the adjusted bases of assets. (Sec. 11) Permits a taxpayer who sustains an overall domestic loss to recharacterize a specified portion of taxable income in succeeding taxable years as income from outside the United States. Defines (1) "domestic loss" as the amount deductions exceed gross income from in the United States, and (2) "overall domestic loss" as any domestic loss that offsets taxable income from outside the United States not including any loss for a year in which the taxpayer does not choose to recharacterize his income. (Sec. 12) Raises the sum of foreign base company income plus gross insurance income required (de minimis rule) for a taxpayer to treat any portion of gross income as foreign base income or gross insurance income. (Sec. 13) Increases the deduction allowed for specified research and experimental expenditures. (Sec. 14) Requires the filing of a tax return by a U.S. person who: (1) owns ten percent of a foreign corporation's stock (up from five percent); or (2) is an officer or director of a foreign corporation the stock of which is at least ten percent owned by a U.S. person (up from five percent). (Sec. 15) Requires that earnings and profits of any foreign corporation be determined according to the United States' generally accepted accounting principles.