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101 records in US in 1995

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Bill· SS. 1452 (104th)open

Taxpayer Protection Lock-box Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995

Taxpayer Protection Lock-box Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to establish a ledger to be known as the "Taxpayer Protection Lock-box Ledger." Requires the ledger to be divided into entries corresponding to the Appropriations Subcommittees. Requires each entry to consist of three parts: (1) the House Lock-box Balance; (2) the Senate Lock-box Balance; and (3) the Joint House-Senate Lock-box Balance. Limits components in an entry of the ledger to amounts credited to it and prohibits negative amounts from being made to the ledger. Sets forth provisions concerning the crediting of amounts of new budget authority and outlays to the applicable entry balance. (Sec. 3) Requires that a running tally of the amendments adopted which reflect increases and decreases of budget authority in the bill as reported be available to Members of Congress during consideration of any appropriations bill. (Sec. 4) Provides for the downward adjustment of allocations of new budget authority and outlays and the most recent suballocations of new budget authority and outlays. (Sec. 5) Requires periodic reporting of ledger statements to be included in reports issued on congressional actions on legislation providing new budget authority or tax expenditures. (Sec. 6) Provides for the downward adjustment of discretionary spending limits for new budget authority and outlays. Waives the requirement that legislation dealing with the congressional budget be handled by the Budget Committees. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to calculate the stimulative effect of revenue reductions. Lists the projected level of revenues for FY 1996 through 2002. Directs the CBO Director to certify the estimates and projections of the OMB Director and conditions that if the Director cannot certify the estimates and projections, he must: (1) notify the Congress and the President of the disagreement; and (2) submit revised estimates. Permits the President on November 1, if the OMB Director determines that a fiscal dividend excess exists from the adjustment, to: (1) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to pay an amount not exceeding the excess level to retire U.S. debt obligations; or (2) submit a legislative proposal to the Congress for reducing taxes by the amount of excess not dedicated for deficit reduction. Provides for an expedited procedure for the introduction and referral to committee of the President's legislative proposal as a bill. Specifies maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 through 2003. Provides for a maximum deficit amount point of order in the House or the Senate.

Bill· HRH.R. 2732 (104th)open

To authorize an agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and a State providing for the continued operation by State employees of national parks in the State during any period in which the National Park Service is unable to maintain the normal level of park operations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to enter into an agreement with a State and its political subdivisions under which: (1) the State and political subdivision employees having the requisite expertise and background will operate components of the National Park System (NPS) in the State during any period in a fiscal year in which the Service is unable to maintain the normal level of park operations; (2) before the time when their services may be required, the Secretary, using available appropriations, will provide any training that such employees may need to perform operations; and (3) the Secretary may accept a monetary donation from a State or its political subdivision to enable the Secretary to operate NPS components during such period. Allows the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations, to reimburse the State and political subdivisions for costs incurred in performance of the agreement. Makes a State or its political subdivision liable to the United States in indemnification for any Federal liability imposed for an act or omission by an employee or political subdivision providing such services.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 291 (104th)passed

Waiving points of order against the further conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2099) making appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1995

Waives points of order against the consideration of the further conference report on H.R. 2099 (Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and certain independent agencies and entities appropriations).

Bill· HRH.R. 2712 (104th)open

Northwest California Forest Health and Economic Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Areas in the King Range National Conservation Area to be Administered by the Bureau of Land Management Title II: Acquisition of Headwaters Forest Title III: Elkhorn Ridge Timber Sale Title IV: Smith River National Recreation Area Title V: Contract Out Demonstration of Resource Management Activities Title VI: Hoopa Valley Reservation Title VII: Adaptive Management of Timber Resources for Old Growth Dependent Species Title VIII: Del Norte County Unified School District Land Conveyance Northwest California Forest Health and Economic Recovery Act - Title I: Designation of Wilderness Areas in the King Range National Conservation Area to be Administered by the Bureau of Land Management - King Range Wilderness Act of 1995 - Designates specified lands in California as the King Range Wilderness. Finds and directs that: (1) all public lands in the King Range National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been adequately studied for wilderness designation pursuant to the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act of 1976; and (2) those public lands within such Area managed by BLM not designated as wilderness by this title are no longer subject to specified requirements of such Act but shall be managed for the full range of nonwilderness multiple uses. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) administration of wilderness areas; (2) future acquisitions; and (3) disposition under mining laws. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to assure access to the wilderness areas by Native Americans for traditional cultural and religious purposes. Title II: Acquisition of Headwaters Forest - Headwaters Forest Acquisition and Protection Act - Directs the Secretary to: (1) acquire specified lands in Humboldt County, California (Headwaters Forest Addition) from the Pacific Lumber Company (and corporations owned and controlled by it) with the Company's consent; and (2) refrain from designating any other timberland owned by the Company in such county as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and give the Company credit for the habitat value of the Addition when issuing incidental take permits under that Act. Requires the designation of the Addition as a National Biological Diversity Reserve to be taken into account for purposes of planning for Federal lands in such county under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (FRRRPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with the Company for a written agreement providing for the acquisition of the Addition at its appraised fair market value in exchange for certain land containing harvestable and marketable timber harvesting rights (and other property to the extent the appraised fair market value of the Headwaters Forest exceeds that of the land containing such rights). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the conclusive effect of the acquisition agreement; (2) the effect of failure to reach agreement; and (3) special rules applicable to the negotiation, execution, delivery, and consummation of the acquisition agreement. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) areas of priority in determining which property and property rights to transfer to the Company under this title; (2) marketable timber harvesting rights; (3) other property; (4) a special rule for Federal transfers; and (5) payments to local governments. Designates specified lands as the Headwaters Forest Wilderness and as a National Biological Diversity Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept donations of property for use in acquiring the Addition; and (2) convey such property to the owners without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Elkhorn Ridge Timber Sale - Authorizes the Secretary, acting through BLM, to substitute, without competition, a contract for timber identified for harvest located on public lands administered by BLM in California for the terminated Elkhorn Ridge Timber Sale contract. Title IV: Smith River National Recreation Area - Sets the amount of timber offered for sale each year from the prescribed timber management area, with respect to the Smith River National Recreation Area, at between two and five million board feet. Specifies that administration of the other seven management areas of such Area in a manner consistent with the land and resource management plan for the Six Rivers National Forest (Six Rivers) shall be deemed sufficient protection of species habitat for purposes of the FRRRPA and ESA. Title V: Contract Out Demonstration of Resource Management Activities - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a demonstration program to contract out to the private sector certain resource management activities at Six Rivers, utilizing private sector skills in communities adversely affected by reductions in the timber sale program for the National Forest System (NFS). Includes among the types of activities to be contracted out: (1) preparation of analyses required under Option 9 of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Habitat for Late Successional and Old Growth Forests Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl and of environmental assessments required in connection with timber sales in Six Rivers; and (2) performance of resource field work, and of forest plan implementation monitoring. Directs such Secretary to use employees of the Forest Service to conduct forest planning and set resource management outputs for Six Rivers, including timber sale levels. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) funding; and (2) submission to the Congress of an annual report and evaluation of the program. Title VI: Hoopa Valley Reservation - Hoopa Valley Reservation South Boundary Correction Act - Directs that all rights of the United States in specified lands be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and be part of the Hoopa Valley Reservation. Directs the Secretary, acting through BLM, to survey and monument that portion of the boundary of the Hoopa Valley Reservation established by the addition of lands made by this title. Title VII: Adaptive Management of Timber Resources for Old Growth Dependent Species - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to the Congress and implement a research plan, including supporting environmental documents, that provides for the implementation and evaluation of controlled silvicultural treatments in late successional and old growth timber stands in specified units of the NFS (the Hayfork Adaptive Management Area of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Six Rivers National Forest, and the Lower Trinity and Mad River Ranger Districts in the Six Rivers National Forest)(NFS units) for the purpose of testing the effect of selected partial-cut harvesting of late successional and old growth timber on old growth dependent species, such as the northern spotted owl. Directs the Secretary to prepare and implement such plan using the Pacific Southwest Research Branch of the Forest Service. Requires that administrative and resource management activities historically provided in the NFS units by the National Forest Systems Branch be conducted by private contractors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select private contractors on the basis of the skills necessary to perform the anticipated task, with special consideration given to local contractors that reside in communities adversely affected by reductions in the timber sale program for the NFS; and (2) use at least 75 percent of the funds calculated based on a specified formula for payments to private contractors for planning, implementation of, and monitoring the plan. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the schedule for silvicultural treatments; (2) the use of receipts generated from the sale of forest products resulting from silvicultural treatments under the plan; and (3) monitoring activities. Title VIII: Del Norte County Unified School District Land Conveyance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Del Norte County Unified School District of Del Norte County, California, all rights of the United States in specified property, without consideration, except as required by this title. Makes such conveyance subject to the following conditions: (1) that such School District covenant that the property conveyed will be used primarily for educational or recreational purposes for a minimum of 25 years after the date of conveyance; (2) that Del Norte County shall be provided, for no consideration, an easement for county road number 318 which crosses the Northeast corner of the property conveyed; (3) that the Pacific Power and Light Company shall be provided, for no consideration, an easement for utility equipment as necessary to maintain the level of service provided by the utility equipment on the property as of the conveyance date; and (4) that the United States shall be provided, for no consideration, an easement to provide access to the United States property that is south of the property conveyed. Requires the School District, if the covenant is breached, to pay monetary damages to the United States in an amount equal to the fair market value of the property conveyed as of the time such covenant was breached or forfeit to the United States all rights in the property conveyed. Makes such conveyance subject to such additional terms and conditions as such Secretary and the School District agree are necessary to protect U.S. interests.

Bill· HRH.R. 2713 (104th)referred

Enhanced Enterprise Zones Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Tax Incentives Title II: Regulatory Flexibility Title III: Resident Management and Homeownership Incentives Enhanced Enterprise Zones Act of 1995 - Title I: Federal Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any qualified capital gain recognized on the sale or exchange of a qualified zone asset held for more than five years. Includes as a zone asset: (1) stock in an enterprise zone business; (2) business property used in an empowerment zone or enterprise community; or (3) a partnership interest in an enterprize zone business. Allows a taxpayer to elect to deduct the amount paid for the purchase of enterprise zone stock. (Sec. 102) Allows a credit for a portion of qualified rehabilitation expenditures for buildings meeting certain requirements, including being in an empowerment zone or enterprise community. Title II: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law relating to Government organization and employees to modify the definition of "small entity" (for purposes of provisions concerning the analysis of regulatory functions) with regard to enterprise zone businesses, governmental units that nominate areas as empowerment zones or enterprise communities, and certain not-for-profit enterprises operating in such zones or communities. (Sec. 202) Authorizes an agency to waive or modify rules as the rules pertain to activities in such zones or communities. Title III: Resident Management and Homeownership Incentives - Amends Federal law to authorize grants to nonprofit organizations for: (1) enterprise zone homeownership opportunity programs to promote homeownership in enterprise zones; and (2) the development of resident management corporations in enterprise zones. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2707 (104th)referred

Affordable Home Ownership Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995

Affordable Home Onwership Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the volume cap on the State ceiling on tax-exempt private activity bonds applicable to any State to be the greater of: (1) an amount equal to $50 multiplied by the State population; or (2) $250 million. Continues the requirement that any U.S. possession be exempted from the preceding dollar limitation.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 289 (104th)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2076) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1995

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2076 (Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies appropriations).

Bill· SS. 1441 (104th)open

Foreign Relations Revitalization Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

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

Bill· SS. 1439 (104th)referred

Fans Rights Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

Fans Rights Act of 1995 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful by reason of any provision of the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to enforce rules authorizing the membership of the league to decide that a member club of such league shall not be relocated. Sets forth criteria for relocation decisions by leagues, including: (1) fan loyalty; (2) the extent to which the team received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of such support; (3) the adequacy of the stadium in which the team played its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of the stadium, arena authority, or local government to remedy any deficiencies in the facility; and (4) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team. Requires any person seeking to change the home territory of a member team to furnish notice to all interested parties of the proposed change not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the member team is to play in such other location. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that, during the 180-day notice period, a local government, stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof: (1) may prepare and present a proposal to purchase the member team to retain the team in the home territory; and (2) shall be given the opportunity to prepare and present such a proposal. Requires the response of the owner to any offer made to be in writing and delivered in person or by certified mail, stating in detail the reasons for refusal of any bona fide offer. Directs the league to make a determination with respect to the location of such member team's home territory before the expiration of the notice period, after conducting a hearing at which interested parties are afforded an opportunity to present testimony. Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review. Prohibits making or offering to make a payment, or to provide or arrange with others for the provision of other value, to a league or any of its members in connection with a decision regarding the relocation of a member team.

Bill· HRH.R. 2699 (104th)open

Fans Rights Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

Fans Rights Act of 1995 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful by reason of any provision of the antitrust laws for a professional sports league to enforce rules authorizing the membership of the league to decide that a member club of such league shall not be relocated. Sets forth criteria for relocation decisions by leagues, including: (1) fan loyalty; (2) the extent to which the team received public financial support by means of any publicly financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other form of such support; (3) the adequacy of the stadium in which the team played its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of the stadium, arena authority, or local government to remedy any deficiencies in the facility; and (4) whether the team has incurred net operating losses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to threaten the continued financial viability of the team. Requires any person seeking to change the home territory of a member team to furnish notice to all interested parties of the proposed change not later than 180 days before the commencement of the season in which the member team is to play in such other location. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that, during the 180-day notice period, a local government, stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof: (1) may prepare and present a proposal to purchase the member team to retain the team in the home territory; and (2) shall be given the opportunity to prepare and present such a proposal. Requires the response of the owner to any offer made to be in writing and delivered in person or by certified mail, stating in detail the reasons for refusal of any bona fide offer. Directs the league to make a determination with respect to the location of such member team's home territory before the expiration of the notice period, after conducting a hearing at which interested parties are afforded an opportunity to present testimony. Sets forth provisions regarding judicial review. Prohibits making or offering to make a payment, or to provide or arrange with others for the provision of other value, to a league or any of its members in connection with a decision regarding the relocation of a member team.

Bill· HRH.R. 2692 (104th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for deductible contributions to medical finance accounts and to reform the earned income credit.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Medical Finance Accounts Title II: Reform of the Earned Income Credit Title I: Medical Finance Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction in an amount equal to the aggregate amount paid in cash by such an individual to the individual's medical finance account. Limits the amount allowable as a deduction to not exceed the greater of: (1) $3,000 ($5,000 for married individuals and dependents); or (2) for individuals with a catastrophic health plan, the deductible or the excess of the limitation for the taxable year and each of the preceding four taxable years over the sum of amounts allowed as a deduction for such years. Imposes a ten percent penalty on any amount not used for qualified medical expenses, except for amounts paid or distributed to an account holder who becomes disabled or dies. Disallows the deduction in cases of rollovers and transfers at death. Allows a deduction whether or not the individual itemizes other deductions. Excludes medical finance accounts from estate tax. Title II: Reform of the Earned Income Credit - Denies the earned income credit (EIC) to individuals not authorized to be employed in the United States. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions allowing the EIC for individuals without children. (Sec. 204) Prescribes a specified formula for the modification of the phaseout amount and sets forth specified credit and phaseout percentages and amounts. Increases the amount allowable as a credit for low-income families having two or more qualifying children. Provides for a phaseout of the EIC for taxpayers whose applicable income exceeds $14,000 ($17,000 for joint returns). Requires married individuals to file joint returns. (Sec. 205) Revises provisions concerning: (1) EIC denial on the basis of disqualified income; and (2) modification of the definition of adjusted gross income for EIC purposes. (Sec. 207) Increases the amount of penalty for return preparers with respect to understatement of income tax liability by the income tax preparer, other assessable penalties, and aiding and abetting understatement of tax liability.

Bill· SS. 1434 (104th)open

Biennial Budgeting Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995

Biennial Budgeting Act of 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to issue four-year projections of congressional budget action. (Current projections are on a five-year basis.) Amends provisions relating to the reconciliation process to: (1) increase from 20 to 100 hours the time of debate permitted in the Senate with respect to reconciliation measures; and (2) make it out of order in both the House and the Senate to consider any reconciliation legislation changing any provision of law other than one relating to new budget or spending authority, revenues, or the public debt limit. Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to conform to the biennial framework. Sets forth effective date provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 2684 (104th)open

Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995

Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age. Retains the current limit on substantial gainful activity earnings applicable to individuals under age 65 who are eligible for disability benefits based on blindness. (Sec. 3) Establishes a Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account for OASDI disability benefits in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to estimate annually the present value of savings to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund which will accrue for all years as a result of cessation of benefit payments resulting from continuing disability reviews carried out pursuant to specified requirements during the fiscal year. Directs the Managing Trustee to: (1) transfer to the Account from amounts otherwise in the Trust Fund an amount equal to the estimated savings certified by the Chief Actuary; and (2) make available to the Commissioner of Social Security from funds in the Account an amount certified by the Chief Actuary as currently required to meet expenditures necessary to provide for required continuing disability reviews (including expenditures for the cost of staffing, training, purchase of medical and other evidence, and processing related to appeals and overpayments and related indirect costs). Includes under required information in a specified annual report a final accounting of amounts transferred to the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund during the year, the amount made available from such Account during such year pursuant to certifications made by the Chief Actuary of the SSA and expenditures made by the Commissioner of Social Security for the specified purposes during the year, including a comparison of the number of continuing disability reviews conducted during the year with the estimated number of continuing disability reviews upon which the estimate of such expenditures was made. Terminates the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account at the end of FY 2002, and provides that any balance in such Account shall revert to funds otherwise available in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Provides for appointment by the Commissioner of a Chief Actuary in the SSA. (Sec. 4) Bases entitlement of stepchildren to child's insurance benefits solely on their actual dependency on stepparent support. Repeals the requirement that the stepchild actually be living with the stepparent. Requires termination of any child's insurance benefits based on the wages and self-employment income of the stepparent six months after the Commissioner is formally notified of the natural parent's divorce from the stepparent. (Sec. 5) Extends the length of time required for recomputation of benefits after normal retirement age. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the role of the SSA in processing attorney's fees. Prohibits any person, agent, or attorney from charging in excess of $4,000 (or, if the Commissioner approves, a higher fee) for services performed in connection with any claim before the Commissioner. Directs a court, in determining a reasonable fee, to take into consideration the amount of the fee, if any, that an attorney may charge the claimant for services (eliminating the current limitation of such fee to 25 percent of the total past-due benefits to which a judgment entitles the claimant). (Sec. 7) Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be disabled for OASDI purposes, or for supplemental security income (SSI) purposes under title XVI of the Act (thus denying them benefits), if alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. (Continues disability benefits based on a separate disabling condition to individuals also disabled by drug addiction or alcoholism.) Requires the payment of OASDI or SSI benefits based on disability to a representative payee if such payment would serve the interest of an individual who also has an alcoholism or drug addiction condition that prevents the individual from managing such benefits. Requires the Commissioner to refer such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the approved State plan for substance abuse treatment services. Appropriates additional specified amounts to supplement State and Tribal alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs funded under the Public Health Service Act. Requires State or Tribal governments receiving such an allotment to consider as priorities activities relating to the treatment of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. (Sec. 8) Permits members of the clergy to file to revoke their exemption from social security tax coverage under the Internal Revenue Code.

Bill· SS. 1432 (104th)open

Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995

Senior Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1995 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Benefits) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide, through adjustments in the monthly exempt amount, for increases in the amounts of allowable earnings under the Social Security earnings limit for individuals who have attained retirement age. Retains the current limit on substantial gainful activity earnings applicable to individuals under age 65 who are eligible for disability benefits based on blindness. (Sec. 3) Establishes a Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account for OASDI disability benefits in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to estimate annually the present value of savings to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund which will accrue for all years as a result of cessation of benefit payments resulting from continuing disability reviews carried out pursuant to specified requirements during the fiscal year. Directs the Managing Trustee to: (1) transfer to the Account from amounts otherwise in the Trust Fund an amount equal to the estimated savings certified by the Chief Actuary; and (2) make available to the Commissioner of Social Security from funds in the Account an amount certified by the Chief Actuary as currently required to meet expenditures necessary to provide for required continuing disability reviews (including expenditures for the cost of staffing, training, purchase of medical and other evidence, and processing related to appeals and overpayments and related indirect costs). Includes under required information in a specified annual report a final accounting of amounts transferred to the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund during the year, the amount made available from such Account during such year pursuant to certifications made by the Chief Actuary of the SSA and expenditures made by the Commissioner of Social Security for the specified purposes during the year, including a comparison of the number of continuing disability reviews conducted during the year with the estimated number of continuing disability reviews upon which the estimate of such expenditures was made. Terminates the Continuing Disability Review Administration Revolving Account at the end of FY 2002, and provides that any balance in such Account shall revert to funds otherwise available in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Provides for appointment by the Commissioner of a Chief Actuary in the SSA. (Sec. 4) Bases entitlement of stepchildren to child's insurance benefits solely on their actual dependency on stepparent support. Repeals the requirement that the stepchild actually be living with the stepparent. Requires termination of any child's insurance benefits based on the wages and self-employment income of the stepparent six months after the Commissioner is formally notified of the natural parent's divorce from the stepparent. (Sec. 5) Extends the length of time required for recomputation of benefits after normal retirement age. (Sec. 6) Eliminates the role of the SSA in processing attorney fees. Prohibits any person, agent, or attorney from charging in excess of $4,000 (or, if the Commissioner approves, a higher fee) for services performed in connection with any claim before the Commissioner. Directs a court, in determining a reasonable fee, to take into consideration the amount of the fee, if any, that an attorney may charge the claimant for services (eliminating the current limitation of such fee to 25 percent of the total past-due benefits to which a judgment entitles the claimant). (Sec. 7) Provides that an individual shall not be considered to be disabled for OASDI purposes, or for supplemental security income (SSI) purposes under title XVI of the Act (thus denying them benefits), if alcoholism or drug addiction would be a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. (Continues disability benefits based on a separate disabling condition to individuals also disabled by drug addiction or alcoholism.) Requires the payment of OASDI or SSI benefits based on disability to a representative payee if such payment would serve the interest of an individual who also has an alcoholism or drug addiction condition that prevents the individual from managing such benefits. Requires the Commissioner to refer such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the approved State plan for substance abuse treatment services. Appropriates additional specified amounts to supplement State and Tribal alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs funded under the Public Health Service Act. Requires State or Tribal governments receiving such an allotment to consider as priorities activities relating to the treatment of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. (Sec. 8) Permits members of the clergy to file to revoke their exemption from social security tax coverage under the Internal Revenue Code.

Bill· SS. 1428 (104th)referred

Federal Shutdown Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995

Federal Shutdown Equity Act - Amends specified Federal laws relating to compensation for Members of Congress and for the President to prohibit any such compensation from being paid for any period during FY 1996 during which appropriations for the compensation of Federal employees have lapsed, until all regular appropriations laws have been enacted or a continuing appropriations resolution has become law covering those regular appropriations bills that have not been enacted (thus providing for comparable treatment of Federal employees and Members of Congress and the President during any fiscal hiatus during FY 1996).

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 128 (104th)open

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1995

Appropriates funds for FY 1996 for such amounts as may be necessary under the authority and conditions provided in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1995 (the Act) for continuing the Federal payment to the District of Columbia and the Federal contribution to the District of Columbia Retirement Funds. Appropriates out of the general fund, enterprise funds, and other non-Federal funds of the District for FY 1996 such necessary amounts under the authority and conditions provided in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1995 for continuing the operations of the District government and other activities chargeable against District revenues that were conducted in FY 1995 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996. Prohibits obligations or expenditures of such funds until the Mayor of the District provides written notification to the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. Requires the pertinent project or activity to be continued at a rate not exceeding the lowest of the current rate, the rate under the 1996 Act as passed by the House of Representatives, or the rate under the 1996 Act as passed by the Senate. Limits the total operating expenses for the District for FY 1996 to $4.994 million. Prohibits obligations or expenditures from being made pursuant to this Act until: (1) the Mayor of the District has provided to the Authority a proposed allocation of any reductions required because of such limitation; and (2) the Authority has reviewed and approved such allocations. (Sec. 2) Provides that appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this Act shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) the enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this Act; (2) the enactment of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996 without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) September 30, 1996. (Sec. 3) Specifies additional requirements and limitations with respect to appropriations made available or authority granted under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2676 (104th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the nonrecognition of gain for sale of stock to certain farmers' cooperatives, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the nonrecognition of gain on sales of stock of a qualified refiner or processor to an eligible farmer's cooperative. Sets forth provisions concerning the determination as to whether any stock in the domestic corporation is a qualified security.

Bill· HRH.R. 2664 (104th)open

To revise the effective date for military retiree cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.

Bill· HRH.R. 2666 (104th)referred

Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 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 Title VI: Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1995 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; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Title II: Bilateral Economic Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for the U.S. contribution to: (1) the Agency for International Development (AID) for child survival and disease programs, specified development assistance (including for the Inter-American Foundation and development assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa), specified projects aimed at reunification of Cyprus, democracy and humanitarian activities in Burma, private and voluntary cooperative development organizations obtaining less than 20 percent of their funding for international activities from sources other than the U.S. Government, international disaster relief, emergency humanitarian assistance to the former Yugoslavia, debt restructuring, direct loans and loan guarantees for micro and small enterprise development programs, administrative expenses of the worldwide housing guarantees program, the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, operating expenses of AID and the AID Office of Inspector General, economic support fund (ESF) assistance, the International Fund for Ireland, economic assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, and assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union (including the establishment of a Trans-Caucasus Enterprise fund); (2) the Peace Corps (but with a prohibition on the use of such funds for abortions); (3) international narcotics control; (4) migration and refugee assistance, including refugee resettlement assistance; (5) the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; (6) antiterrorism assistance; and (7) the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund. Bars the use of development assistance funds for: (1) abortions or involuntary sterilizations; and (2) U.S. private and voluntary organizations, except those which obtain less than 20 percent of annual funding for international activities from sources other than the U.S. Government. Permits humanitarian assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan, if the President determines that nongovernmental assistance is not adequate to address the suffering of refugees and internally displaced persons. Title III: Military Assistance - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for: (1) international military education and training, but bars such assistance to Zaire and Guatemala and allows funding to Indonesia only for expanded military education and training; (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) International Financial Corporation; (4)Inter-American Development Bank; (5) Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund; (6) Asian Development Bank; (7) Asian Development Fund; (8) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and (8) North American Development Bank. Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for international programs and organizations. Limits certain callable subscriptions. 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. Prohibits foreign assistance funds to the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) unless the President makes a certain certification to the Committees on Appropriations. 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. 518A) Bars the use of funds for population assistance activities for any foreign private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organization until such organization certifies that it will not perform abortions in any foreign country, except where the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of forcible rape or incest. Bars the use of funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) the UNFPA will terminate all family planning activities in China no later than March 1996; or (2) during the twelve months preceding such certification, there have been no abortions as a result of coercion associated with the family planning policies of the national government or other governmental entities within China. (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, the 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. 531B) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make funds available for FY 1996 and FY 1997 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-Herzegovina, 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-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosova, may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law. Directs the President to terminate assistance to any country that the President 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 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) Amends provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, with respect to nuclear non-proliferation conditions on assistance to Pakistan, to prohibit military assistance equipment or technology to be furnished to Pakistan unless there is certification that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device, except for any assistance or transfer provided for: (1) international narcotics control; (2) facilitating military-to-military contact, humanitarian, and civic projects; (3) peacekeeping and other multilateral operations, except for lethal military equipment provided on a lease or loan basis only; and (4) antiterrorism assistance or any provision of law available for antiterrorism assistance. Maintains restrictions on contracts for the delivery of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. Allows military equipment, technology, and defense services, except for F-16 aircraft, to be transferred to Pakistan with respect to contracts entered into before October 1, 1990. (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. (Sec. 563) Directs the President to withhold funds made available under this Act equal to the sum of assistance and credits, if any, provided by a foreign, country, or any entity in that country, in support of the completion of the Cuban nuclear facility at Juragua, near Cienfuegos, Cuba, with specified exceptions. (Sec. 564) Bars funding to Haiti if the Government of Haiti is controlled by a regime holding power through means other than the democratic elections to be held in 1995. (Sec. 566) Limits ESF assistance to Turkey. (Sec. 566A) Limits the use of funds for the North American Development Bank only for purposes set out in the binational agreement establishing the bank. (Sec. 567) Bars the use of funds for International Narcotics Control or Crop Substitution in Burma. (Sec. 568) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe to an increase in the authorized capital stock of the Asian Development Bank (the fourth general capital increase). Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 569) Authorizes appropriations for the International Development Association (the tenth replenishment). (Sec. 570) Authorizes the President to reduce amounts owed to the United States by eligible countries as a result of: (1) housing guarantees made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or (2) credits extended or guarantees issued under the Arms Export Control Act. Permits such authority only: (1) to implement multilateral official debt relief and referendum agreements known as the Paris Club Agreed Minutes; and (2) with respect to countries with heavy debt burdens that are eligible to borrow from the International Development Association, but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IDA-only countries). Prescribes additional conditions for the exercise of such authority. (Sec. 572) Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown for Jordan of defense articles and services from DOD, and military education and training up to a specified dollar amount provided certain conditions are met. (Sec. 576) Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to require that an additional report be made in 1996 respecting conditions in Hong Kong of interest to the United States and directs that such report include detailed information on the status of, and other developments affecting, implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong, including the: (1) Basic Law and its consistency with the Joint Declaration; (2) openness and fairness of elections to the legislature; (3) openness and fairness of election of the chief executive and the executive's accountability to the legislature; (4) treatment of political parties; (5) independence of the judiciary and its ability to exercise the power of final judgement over Hong Kong; (6) Bill of Rights. (Sec. 579) Amends the Import-Export Bank Act of 1945 to extend funding for the Tied-Aid Credit Program through FY 1997. Authorizes appropriations to the Tied-Aid Credit Fund for FY 1996 and 1997. (Sec. 581) Amends the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 to extend the Au Pair Program. (Sec. 583) Bars assistance to Haiti until the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Haitian Government is conducting thorough investigations of extrajudicial and political killings; and (2) the Government is cooperating with the United States authorities in the investigations of such killings. Excludes from the limitation provision of humanitarian or electoral assistance. Permits the President to waive the requirements of the limitation if he determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the waiver is: (1) in the national interest; or (2) necessary to assure the safe and timely withdrawal of American forces from Haiti. (Sec. 584) Prescribes that funding for activities in the internationally-recognized borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, other than refugee and disaster assistance and assistance for the restoration of infrastructure, including power grids, water supplies and natural gas, be limited only to activities in the territory of the Bosniac-Croat Federation. (Sec. 585) Amends the NATO Participation Act of 1994 to authorize the President to: (1) evaluate the degree to which any country emerging from communist domination which has expressed interest in joining NATO meets the specified criteria; and (2) to designate one or more of these countries as eligible to receive assistance under the program to facilitate an eligible country's transition to NATO membership. Permits the President at any time to designate other such European countries for assistance under the program and, at the time of designation, to determine and report to the House Committees on International Relations and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations that each country so designated meets the criteria. Title VI: Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1995 - Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1995 - Declares the sense of the Congress specifying additional steps the PLO must take to demonstrate an irrevocable denunciation of terrorism and ensure a peaceful settlement of the Middle East dispute. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the President to suspend specified provisions of law which prohibit the U.S. share of foreign and United Nations assistance to the PLO, the receipt or expenditure of PLO funds, and PLO membership in the International Monetary Fund, upon certification to specified congressional committees that: (1) such waiver is in the national interest; (2) the PLO continues to abide by commitments made in letters to Israel and the Foreign Minister of Norway and under the Declaration of Principles signed in September 1993; and (3) specified funds provided under this Act and other Acts have been used for the purposes for which they were intended. Makes such suspensions effective for up to six months.

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

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

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 280 (104th)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2099) making appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2099 (Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development appropriations).

Bill· SS. 1421 (104th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat as a zone business an otherwise qualified business dissected by a census tract boundary line of a designated empowerment zone or enterprise community.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as an enterprise zone business any trade or business which would qualify as an enterprise zone business if the location of such trade or business was not dissected by an empowerment zone boundary.

Bill· HRH.R. 2661 (104th)open

District of Columbia Fiscal Protection Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

District of Columbia Fiscal Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to allow a District of Columbia government officer or employee, from the first day of a fiscal year until the date of enactment of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for that fiscal year, to obligate or expend amounts out of the general fund, enterprise funds, and other non-Federal funds of the District under the authority and conditions provided in such Act for continuing the District government's operations and other activities chargeable in whole or in part against the District revenues that were conducted in the previous fiscal year and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in the Act. Prohibits such obligations or expenditures from being made in a control year (as defined in the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995) until the Mayor of the District provides written notification to the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. Limits the amount made available for obligation or expenditure for a project or activity for a fiscal year under this Act to the lowest of: (1) the amount or authority provided in the previous fiscal year; (2) the amount or authority made available for the fiscal year under such Act as passed by the House of Representatives; or (3) the amount made available for the fiscal year under such Act as passed by the Senate. (Sec. 3) Provides that for each fiscal year for which the annual Federal payment is authorized and for which there has not been enacted legislation appropriating the payment by the beginning of the fiscal year, there shall be appropriated to the District on the first day of each month which occurs during the period pending such enactment an amount equal to one-twelfth of the lowest of: (1) the amount appropriated as the annual Federal payment in the Act for the previous fiscal year; (2) the amount proposed to be appropriated as the annual Federal payment in the Act for the fiscal year as passed by the House; or (3) the amount proposed for such payment in the Act as passed by the Senate.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 123 (104th)enacted

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

Makes further continuing appropriations for FY 1996 for such amounts as may be necessary for the following activities: (1) necessary for the expenses of Medicare contractors under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act under the account heading "Program management" under the Health Care Financing Administration in the Department of Health and Human Services; (2) funded under the account heading "Limitation on administrative expenses" under the Social Security Administration; and (3) necessary to process and provide for veterans' compensation, pension payments, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payments, and to provide veterans' medical care under the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sets the amount of such funding. (Sec. 105) Provides that, unless otherwise provided for in this joint resolution or in the applicable appropriations Act, appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this joint resolution shall be available until whichever of the following occurs first: (1) enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) the enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) September 30, 1996.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 124 (104th)referred

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

Appropriates funds for the District of Columbia for FY 1996 for: (1) such amounts as may be necessary under the authority and conditions provided in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1995 for continuing the Federal payment to the District of Columbia and the Federal contribution to the District of Columbia Retirement Funds; and (2) an additional $15 million above the amount otherwise made available to be included in the apportionment for the Federal payment to the District for purposes of certain capital construction loan repayments. Appropriates out of the general fund, enterprise funds, and other non-Federal funds of the District for FY 1996 such necessary amounts under the authority and conditions provided in such Act for continuing the operations of the District government and other activities chargeable against District revenues that were conducted in FY 1995 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996. Prohibits obligations or expenditures of such funds until the Mayor of the District provides written notification to the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. Permits such obligations and expenditures beyond December 15, 1995. Requires the pertinent project or activity to be continued at a rate not exceeding the lowest of the current rate, the rate under the 1996 Act as passed by the House of Representatives, or the rate under the 1996 Act as passed by the Senate. (Sec. 2) Provides that appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this Act shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) the enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this Act; (2) the enactment of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1996 without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) December 15, 1995. (Sec. 3) Specifies additional requirements and limitations with respect to appropriations made available or authority granted under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2647 (104th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax subsidies for large producers of ethanol used as a fuel.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the credit for large producers of ethanol used as a fuel after 1997. Disallows the credit for alcohol used to produce any ether. Exempts from tax liquids sold for use or used in an off-highway business use. Repeals the reduced rate on ethanol fuel produced from natural gas. Provides for the tax treatment of fuel alcohol in the same manner as other motor fuels. Repeals the reduced rates on alcohol fuels. Exempts partially, in the case of methanol or ethanol, the rate of tax determined under the Highway Trust Fund financing rate. Imposes a floor stock tax on fuel alcohol held by any individual on a specified date and makes such individual liable for such tax. Exempts fuel alcohol held by any individual for any use to the extent a credit or refund of the tax imposed under current law is allowed. Prohibits the imposition of tax on fuel alcohol held in the tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat and for certain amounts of fuel.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 272 (104th)passed

Authorizing a specified correction in the form of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2491) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 105 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1996, and waiving points of order against the corrected conference report.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1995

Vacates the proceedings of November 15, 1995, by which the conference report on H.R. 2491 (budget reconciliation) was presented to the House of Representatives and ordered printed so that the managers on the part of the House may present the conference report in the form actually ordered reported to the House as a product of the meeting and actually to be presented in the Senate, corrected as specified. Validates the existing signatures of the conference committee as authorizing the presentation of such conference report to the House in corrected form. Waives all points of order against the consideration of the corrected conference report.

Bill· SS. 1414 (104th)referred

A bill to ensure that payments during fiscal year 1996 of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of such veterans, and of other veterans benefits are made regardless of Government financial shortfalls.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995

Provides that in any case during FY 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for the payment of veterans' benefits, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that such payments are made in accordance with regular procedures and schedules. Appropriates necessary amounts for such purpose. Requires applicable accounts to be charged for such payments when regular appropriations become available for such purpose. Requires such payments to be made also in any case during such fiscal year in which certain functions of the Government are delayed, deferred, or canceled due to a limitation on the Government's ability to borrow funds.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 122 (104th)enacted

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

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995

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

Bill· HRH.R. 2632 (104th)referred

To ensure that payments during fiscal year 1996 of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and payments of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of such veterans are made regardless of Government financial shortfalls.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995

Provides that in any case during FY 1996 in which appropriations are not otherwise available for the payment of veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that such payments are made in accordance with regular procedures and schedules. Appropriates necessary amounts for such purpose. Requires applicable accounts to be charged for such payments when regular appropriations become available. Requires such payments to be made also in any case during such fiscal year in which certain functions of the Government are delayed, deferred, or canceled due to a limitation on the Government's ability to borrow funds.

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

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

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995

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

Bill· HRH.R. 2617 (104th)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt small issues from the restrictions on the deduction by financial institutions for interest, to disregard certain amounts of capital expenditures in applying $10,000,000 limit on such issues, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt any qualified small issue bond from the restrictions on the deduction by financial institutions for interest. Disregards $10 million of capital expenditures in applying the $10 million limitation on the face amount of qualified small issue bonds. Excludes any qualified small issue bond from the limitation on use for land acquisition. Repeals the percentage limitation on directly related and ancillary facilities which may be financed by qualified small issue bonds. Repeals the de minimis limitation applicable to financing of office space by qualified small issue bonds and specifies that an office shall not be treated as manufacturing property unless: (1) the office is located on the premises of a manufacturing facility; and (2) not more than a de minimis amount of the functions performed at such office is not directly related to the day-to-day operations at such facility.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 264 (104th)referred

To amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to require greater disclosure of gifts.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995

Amends rule XLIV (financial disclosure) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each report filed with the Clerk of the House under title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 for calendar year 1996 or any subsequent calendar year to disclose any gift (including a meal) with a fair market value in excess of $50 (other than personal hospitality of an individual or any gift received from a relative) as adjusted under such Act. Amends rule XLIII (Code of Official Conduct) to allow a House Member, officer, or employee to accept: (1) a gift with a fair market value of $50 (currently, $100) or less; and (2) an offer of free attendance for such individual and his or her spouse or dependent at a widely attended convention, conference, symposium, forum, panel discussion, dinner, viewing, reception, or similar event provided by the sponsor of the event if the individual participates in the event as a speaker or a panel participant by presenting information related to the Congress or matters before the Congress or by performing a ceremonial function appropriate to his or her official position, or if attendance at the event is appropriate to the performance of the official duties or representative function of the individual. Includes within the definition of "free attendance" waiver of all or part of a conference or other fee, the provision of lodging or transportation or the provision of food, refreshments, entertainment, and instructional materials furnished to all attendees as an integral part of the event. Excludes entertainment collateral to the event and food or refreshments taken other than in a group setting with substantially all other attendees. Permits such an individual, spouse, or dependent to accept a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at a charity event if: (1) the event is sponsored by a tax-exempt organization; (2) all expenses are paid by the sponsoring organization and not by another corporation or individual; (3) the proceeds to charity from the event exceed the costs of the event; and (4) the participation contributes in a tangible way to the success of the event.

Bill· HRH.R. 2599 (104th)referred

Budget Enforcement Simplification Trust Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1995

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

Law· HRH.R. 2589 (104th)enacted

To extend authorities under the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1994 until December 31, 1995, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1995

Amends the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of 1994, as contained in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, and as amended by other Federal law, to extend, from November 1, 1995, through December 31, 1995, the President's authority to suspend specified prohibitions against foreign and United Nations assistance to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the receipt or expenditure of PLO funds, and PLO membership in the International Monetary Fund, upon certification to specified congressional committees that: (1) such waiver is in the national interest; and (2) the PLO continues to abide by commitments made in letters to Israel and the Foreign Minister of Norway and under the Declaration of Principles signed in September 1993.

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