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Bill· SS. 2093 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Water Program Funding Title II: Toxic Pollution Prevention and Control Title III: Nonpoint Pollution Control and Watershed Planning Title IV: Municipal Pollution Control Title V: Permit Program and Enforcement Title VI: Program Management Title VII: Wetlands Title VIII: Coastal Protection Title IX: Innovative Technology Title X: Interstate Water Quality Programs Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act of 1994 - Title I: Water Program Funding - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to expand the list of projects for which State water pollution control revolving fund monies are available. (Sec. 101) Authorizes States to: (1) reduce amounts required for matching contributions to capitalization grants for water pollution control revolving funds by an amount equal to the amount of technical assistance provided to publicly owned treatment works or subsurface sewage disposal systems that serve 10,000 or fewer individuals; and (2) forgive an amount of loan principal for disadvantaged communities with respect to loans for water pollution control activities. Revises the allotment formula for revolving funds and extends the authorization of appropriations for such funds through FY 2000. Increases amounts authorized to be appropriated for FY 1996 through 2000 subject to certain on-budget deficit estimates. Reserves funds for a grant to implement a plan for the elimination of discharges to Onondaga Lake, New York. (Sec. 102) Extends the authorization of appropriations for specified pollution control programs through FY 2000. Title II: Toxic Pollution Prevention and Control - Adds to the list of requirements for effluent limitation guidelines that the Administrator: (1) in determining the best practicable control technology and best measures available, give highest priority to source reduction measures; (2) identify control measures to limit the release of pollutants associated with wastewater to other environmental media; and (3) prohibit specific control measures that are likely to have a significant adverse effect on any environmental medium. (Sec. 201) Revises provisions concerning pretreatment standards to require the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for the introduction of pollutants (currently, pollutants which are not susceptible to treatment or would interfere with the operation of the treatment works) into publicly owned treatment works. (Sec. 202) Directs the Administrator to publish a water quality criteria plan every five years. Requires the initial plan to contain at least eight sediment quality criteria. Directs the Administrator to: (1) require pesticide registrants to provide information sufficient to publish criteria unless the pesticide will not enter water in more than de minimis amounts; and (2) ensure that information necessary to publish criteria for chemical substances that are the subject of a premanufacture notice pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act is submitted unless certain conditions are met. Requires the Administrator to publish guidance concerning contaminant levels in finfish and shellfish for use by States in the issuance of finfish and shellfish consumption advisories to protect recreational and subsistence fishers. Prohibits sediment quality criteria published under this Act from being: (1) used as a standard for determining appropriate cleanup levels or for whether cleanup should be undertaken; or (2) deemed an applicable requirement for remediation unless the Administrator determines criteria appropriate for such use. Requires States to report triennially to the Administrator on the designated uses of waters. Deems all waters for which a use has not been designated to be designated as fishable and swimmable, unless a State establishes an alternative use. Directs States to adopt pollutant specific standards for any pollutant for which criteria are published if the discharge of such pollutant could interfere with designated water uses. Requires States to implement antidegradation policies. Directs States to implement programs to protect outstanding national resource waters. Requires permitting authorities to conduct antidegradation reviews for a water prior to issuing a permit to a point source authorizing any new or expanded discharge of a pollutant. (Sec. 203) Directs the Administrator to review and revise the list of toxic pollutants subject to this Act at least every five years. Authorizes persons to petition the Administrator to establish effluent standards. Requires the Administrator to offer to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of pollution found in navigable waters on the development of aquatic life, wildlife, or humans. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish a list of substances anticipated to cause significant and widespread adverse effects on the development of aquatic life, wildlife, or humans; (2) publish a comprehensive strategy to control, prevent, and remediate water pollution or sediment contamination associated with listed substances; and (3) report to specified congressional committees on an estimate of the costs and benefits of each action proposed under the strategy. (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Administrator to impose pretreatment requirements on industrial users that introduce pollutants into publicly owned treatment works. Prohibits the introduction of hazardous wastes into publicly owned treatment works unless certain conditions are met. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance for: (1) toxic reduction action plans (one of the conditions to be met if introducing hazardous wastes) to be implemented by certain commercial users that are not subject to categorical pretreatment standards and that introduce toxic pollutants or hazardous wastes into treatment works; and (2) technical assistance to small communities to assist in minimizing the introduction of toxic pollutants and hazardous wastes from commercial sources into treatment works. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations revising the definition and applicability of certain local limits under Federal regulations as may be necessary to protect health and the environment with respect to hazardous wastes discharged to publicly owned treatment works. Requires revised limits to address all points from which hazardous wastes may be released from a treatment works to the environment. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on actual discharges of hazardous wastes to treatment works to determine quantities, the sources of the discharges, the releases from various release points, and resulting threats to health and the environment. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes a publicly owned treatment works to apply to the Administrator for the designation of the treatment works as a publicly owned industrial treatment works. Provides for approval of the application if: (1) greater than 75 percent of the wastewater received is from one or more industrial sources; (2) the works was specifically designed to treat pollutants associated with such sources; (3) the works consistently complies with applicable effluent limitations that are as stringent as those that would apply if the works were an industrial facility; (4) sludge from the works meets requirements for beneficial reuse; and (5) the works has imposed controls on all pollutants received from such sources as necessary to protect health and the environment. (Sec. 205) Amends the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 to require facilities that are subject to toxic chemical release reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 and whose reports total releases and transfers of toxic chemicals in excess of 200,000 pounds annually to prepare pollution prevention plans. Deems small businesses to be in compliance with such requirement if they retain a pollution prevention opportunities assessment manual and checklist. Requires facilities to include pollution prevention progress reports with each annual filing of toxic chemical release reports. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish an integrated pollution prevention information network; (2) develop industry-specific pollution prevention opportunities assessment manuals and checklists for industrial categories with respect to which the lack of information is an impediment to pollution prevention by small businesses; and (3) establish a program to promote local voluntary programs to prevent pollution and promote energy conservation. (Sec. 206) Requires the Administrator to establish an integrated| permit pilot program at up to ten demonstration sites that: (1) combines all applicable Federal environmental requirements (with exceptions) into a single integrated permit; and (2) provides the sites the opportunity to demonstrate innovative and alternative methods of compliance with such requirements. Permits the Administrator, with the consent of the State in which a demonstration site is located, to temporarily waive Federal environmental statutory and regulatory requirements (with exceptions, including limitations of emissions) for such sites. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance grants to applicant organizations and local communities in the vicinity of demonstration sites. Requires demonstration projects to terminate within ten years of this Act's enactment. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Nonpoint Pollution Control and Watershed Planning - Requires States to conduct and report to the Administrator on programs to monitor the quality of navigable waters and aquatic sediment. (Sec. 301) Establishes the Intergovernmental Task Force on Monitoring Water Quality to coordinate Federal and State water and sediment quality monitoring programs. (Sec. 302) Revises provisions concerning State assessments of nonpoint source pollution. Requires States to submit to the Administrator every five years a list of navigable waters that cannot, without additional action to control nonpoint source pollution, be anticipated to attain or maintain: (1) water and sediment quality standards; and (2) in the case of a parameter with respect to which no water or sediment quality standard is in effect, water and sediment quality that supports the designated use. Authorizes States to include within such list other waters that are: (1) threatened with impairment; (2) outstanding national resource waters; or (3) groundwater threatened with nonpoint source pollution. Requires States to delineate land areas of the watersheds of listed waters. Revises requirements for State nonpoint source management programs. Requires such programs to be submitted for approval every five years. Authorizes States to select alternative management practices that are not identified in the national program guidance if such practices are as effective in controlling nonpoint source pollution. Permits alternative requirements with respect to specific sources with the Administrator's approval and subject to other conditions. Considers approved coastal nonpoint pollution control programs to meet the requirements for such programs. Requires the Administrator to implement programs for States that fail to do so. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance for nonpoint source management programs, taking into account certain regional variations and land and water management practices. Authorizes the Administrator to list new sources in the guidance if they are likely to contribute to pollution preventing the attainment of water or sediment quality standards. Authorizes sources located in watershed areas of listed waters to implement site-specific water quality plans in lieu of management measures outlined in the national guidance. Provides that certain existing plans implemented under conservation compliance and agricultural water protection programs under the Food Security Act of 1985 satisfy site-specific plan requirements subject to certain conditions. Requires the Administrator to establish a formula for the allocation of sums based on certain factors related to nonpoint source pollution. Sets forth limitations on funding. Withholds up to 50 percent of funds from States that fail to implement nonpoint source programs. Authorizes (current law requires) the Administrator to make grants to States for groundwater protection activities that will advance nonpoint source pollution control. Extends the authorization to carry out nonpoint source programs through FY 2000. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants: (1) for certain education and outreach activities regarding nonpoint pollution source control; and (2) to the CleanMarina Program to support the reduction of pollution from marina facilities and recreational boating activities. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the implementation of nonpoint source water pollution control measures on Federal lands and for the prevention of water pollution resulting from highway construction. Directs the Administrator to review and approve each plan for the construction of an animal waste management facility. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and education concerning the design of such facilities. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design, operation, and management of publicly owned subsurface sewage organizations. (Sec. 303) Authorizes State Governors to designate waters and associated land areas as watershed management units. Makes certain watershed planning activities eligible for assistance. Authorizes State Governors to submit watershed management plans to the Administrator for approval. Makes approved plan activities eligible for Federal assistance. Provides for extensions of discharge permits in watershed planning units, subject to certain conditions. Title IV: Municipal Pollution Control - Requires permits issued for discharges from combined storm and sanitary sewers to conform with combined sewer overflow control policy under Federal regulations published by the Administrator in January 1993. (Sec. 401) Authorizes the issuance of permits for compliance with a long-term control plan for a term of up to 15 years. (Sec. 402) Applies permit requirements to stormwater discharges associated with commercial activity. Exempts sources of discharges composed entirely of stormwater from municipal storm sewer systems, with certain exceptions, from permit requirements (currently, such exemption is only available prior to October 1, 1994). Provides that permits issued for discharges from municipal storm sewers composed entirely of stormwater shall not require compliance with numeric effluent limitations and water quality standards shall not be applied as effluent limitations. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a consolidated permit for discharges from a storm sewer system owned by a municipality and the stormwater discharges from industrial or commercial sources owned by the same municipality. Requires the Administrator to establish permit requirements for stormwater discharges from commercial and light industrial sources. Directs the Administrator to list each municipal storm sewer system the discharge from which is the sole or principal cause for the failure of receiving waters affected by the discharge to achieve a designated use or other water quality standard. Requires such systems to obtain discharge permits. Requires a revised list at least every five years. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain commercial and light industrial stormwater discharges from permit requirements. (Sec. 403) Requires EPA to be the primary coordinator for all Federal policies related to municipal, commercial, residential, and industrial water conservation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Army Corps of Engineers, to provide technical assistance and take specified actions to encourage water conservation. Directs the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse on water conservation. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Permit Program and Enforcement - Requires fees for discharge permits to be used for point source elements of the water quality program and sewage sludge use and disposal and pretreatment programs. Establishes a Federal Water Pollution Control Permit Fund. (Sec. 502) Requires a permit applicant, in the case of a new discharge resulting from facility construction, to apply for a permit prior to the commencement of construction. Modifies permit application requirements. (Sec. 503) Revises enforcement and penalty provisions. Title VI: Program Management - Requires the Administrator to conduct research with respect to the harmful effects on the health and habitat of fish, shellfish, and wildlife caused by water pollutants. (Sec. 601) Authorizes appropriations for research programs. (Sec. 603) Establishes employee protection provisions to apply to cases where employees refuse to perform duties that would constitute violations of the Clean Water Act. (Sec. 606) Increases the amount required to be reserved for assistance to Indian tribes for the construction of treatment works and nonpoint source pollution control programs. Permits State revolving funds to be used for assistance to Indian tribes. Requires the Administrator to issue permits for discharges to navigable waters on Federal Indian reservations unless the Indian tribe has been delegated permit issuance authority. (Sec. 607) Requires the Administrator to establish a national water quality education program as well as specified volunteer awards programs related to water pollution control. (Sec. 608) Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) an Arid West Water Quality Research Project; and (2) an Arid West Water Quality Research Board. Requires the project to: (1) be located at the EPA monitoring laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada; (2) develop data for water quality criteria documents for species and environments appropriate for ephemeral and effluent-dependent streams; and (3) conduct additional research. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to convene a working group to: (1) recommend revisions to methodology used to develop water quality criteria to include criteria appropriate for ephemeral and effluent-dependent streams; and (2) make recommendations for additional scientific research and other information needed for the development of water quality criteria that can be adapted by States to reflect special regional and site-specific characteristics, especially with respect to the arid West. Direct the Administrator to: (1) revise such methodology in accordance with the recommendations; and (2) publish at least two criteria documents addressing such streams. Requires the Administrator to promote the environmentally beneficial use of reclaimed water and the development of appropriate water quality criteria and standards for ephemeral and effluent-dependent streams: (1) that have a limited ability to maintain traditional water resources; and (2) with respect to which the discharge of reclaimed water to otherwise arid or semiarid environments can also support limited aquatic and riparian habitat that would otherwise not exist. Authorizes States to establish an alternative use for ephemeral and effluent-dependent streams if such streams cannot attain current designated uses because of natural, ephemeral, intermittent, or low flow conditions or water levels. Permits revised or new interim water quality criteria for such streams. (Sec. 610) Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Army Corps of Engineers, to establish a grant program to provide assistance to States and political subdivisions for the construction of environmental education facilities. Requires facilities to be used to enhance public awareness of the importance of aquatic, marine, and other natural resources and to serve as a clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 611) Requires certain water pollution control plans prepared by States, localities, and other nonfederal entities pursuant to the Clean Water Act to evaluate the acquisition of lands or interests as a means of meeting the goals of such plans. Permits the use of funding under the Clean Water Act for such acquisitions if: (1) the lands or interests are acquired from willing sellers and held in perpetuity in public ownership; and (2) the plan finds the acquisition to be effective and appropriate. Makes acquired lands available for public recreational purposes to the extent possible considering the environmental sensitivity and suitability of the lands. (Sec. 612) Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) an Environmental Financial Advisory Board to provide expert advice on issues affecting the costs and financing of environmental activities at the Federal, State, and local levels; and (2) Environmental Finance Centers in each of the ten Federal regions. Authorizes the Centers to: (1) provide training of State and local officials; (2) publish materials relating to financing of environmental infrastructure; (3) conduct conferences and advisory panels on specific environmental finance issues; (4) establish information services; (5) generate case studies and reports; (6) develop surveys of financial issues and needs of State and local governments; (7) identify financial programs and alternative financing mechanisms for training purposes; (8) hold public meetings; and (9) collaborate and exchange information. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 613) Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a comprehensive research program concerning U.S. lakes; and (2) appoint a Lake Research Advisory Committee. Requires States to designate the use of each publicly-owned lake consistent with the following uses: (1) public drinking water supply; (2) swimming and related body contact recreation; and (3) resource protection. Directs the Administrator to publish: (1) water quality criteria for freshwater lakes; and (2) guidance to assist States in the adoption of lake water quality standards for contaminants for which criteria documents have been published. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the clean lakes program through FY 2000. Revises requirements for lake water quality demonstration programs. Adds to the priority list for such programs China Lake, Maine, Flathead Lake, Montana, and Candlewood Lake, Connecticut. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on phosphates in detergent products. Directs the Administrator to implement a national education program on lake quality and protection. Provides for a Lake Watch Program and a Lake Watch Award. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to require the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to undertake a program to prevent the dissemination of Eurasian Milfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum), a type of aquatic weed. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the importation of such species into the United States. (Sec. 614) Applies certain Federal wage standards to contract employees working on projects (currently, treatment works) financed under the Clean Water Act. (Sec. 615) Requires the Administrator to consult with any Federal agency having jurisdiction over food processing activities prior to the promulgation of any requirements for an effluent guideline, new source performance standard, pretreatment standard, process change, or use restriction which will affect food processing activities to ensure that the guideline, standard, change, or restriction will not adversely affect food safety or the integrity and wholesomeness of a food product. (Sec. 616) Revises provisions concerning training grants and contracts to require the Administrator to implement a national program to train individuals in the operation of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment works and other water pollution control facilities. Provides for grants to institutions of higher education and State agencies to support such programs. Requires chief operators of publicly owned treatment works that have discharge permits and such additional personnel as may be designated by a State to be certified as proficient. Directs the Administrator to issue certification guidelines. Authorizes appropriations for training and scholarship programs. Title VII: Wetlands - Prohibits the Administrator and the Secretary of the Army from taking private property for public |use without just compensation. (Sec. 702) Prohibits the issuance of revisions to or clarifications of the guidelines for identifying and delineating wetlands under the Clean Water Act until the National Academy of Sciences has completed a specified wetlands study. Provides for the continued use of the 1987 Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual until such guidelines are issued. Requires wetlands located on agricultural and associated nonagricultural lands to be delineated by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with a specified January 1994 memorandum. Directs the Secretary to delineate wetlands on rangelands using the 1987 manual. Authorizes the Administrator to issue guidelines to identify and delineate wetlands. Earmarks funding for: (1) wetlands delineation training programs; and (2) assistance to private landowners who lack financial capacity to identify or delineate wetlands in order to apply for dredge or fill permits or avoid impacts to wetlands. Provides for a public information program on Federal regulations, permitting requirements, and wetlands delineation. (Sec. 704) Sets forth permit decision deadlines and administrative appeal procedures, including procedures for landowners to appeal regulatory jurisdiction determinations. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the issuance of general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for any category of activities involving discharges of dredge or fill material if the activities are similar in nature and will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects when performed separately and cumulatively. (Sec. 706) Exempts prior converted croplands and certain waters and activities from regulation under dredged and fill permit provisions. (Sec. 707) Provides for the establishment of mitigation banks (wetlands restoration projects that provide compensation credits to offset foreseeable wetlands losses from future discharges of dredged or fill material into navigable waters if compensatory mitigation is not practicable). (Sec. 710) Authorizes funding to States for wetlands conservation and watershed management planning. Requires the Administrator to carry out a wetlands and watershed management research program. Establishes a committee to coordinate Federal, State, and local government wetlands policies. Provides for the development of a National Cooperative Wetlands Restoration Strategy. Requires the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator to establish a wetlands restoration pilot program. (Sec. 711) Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to administer wetlands programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Coastal Protection - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the national estuary program through FY 2000. Revises requirements for estuary management conferences and conservation plans and provisions regarding research and grants. Adds Charlotte Harbor, Florida, to the list of estuaries to be given priority consideration. (Sec. 802) Directs the Administrator to revise water quality for pathogens. Requires the Administrator to revise the aquatic life criteria for each pollutant with respect to which such criteria for freshwater have been published and revise such criteria to address aquatic life in marine waters. Directs each State with coastal recreation waters to adopt water quality standards for pathogens. Requires the Administrator to establish numeric water quality standards for marine waters that: (1) are not located within the jurisdiction of a State; and (2) are located within 200 miles seaward of the landward boundary of the territorial seas. (Sec. 803) Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a national program to provide information, education, and technical assistance to owners of land bordering marine water; (2) establish the Ocean Watch Program to encourage nonprofit citizens groups to engage in activities to assess and protect marine and ocean waters; and (3) provide an annual Ocean Watch Award. (Sec. 804) Make it unlawful to discharge sewage: (1) into certain designated waters; and (2) that has not been treated by a marine sanitation device. Makes the construction of marine pumpout stations provided for in plans approved under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 eligible for State revolving fund assistance. Makes it unlawful for the owner or operator of a marina that has a docking or mooring capacity for more than 500 vessels: (1) beginning on January 1, 2000, to fail to provide pumpout stations and waste reception facilities for marine sanitation devices unless a plan developed under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 expressly waives such requirement; and (2) to fail to comply with a plan pursuant to such Act. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to carry out an information and education program to encourage compliance with marine sanitation device requirements and foster understanding concerning water quality and pollution prevention. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 805) Revises provisions concerning the issuance of permits with respect to ocean discharges. Prohibits permits for such discharges if: (1) a discharge may cause or contribute to the violation of water and sediment quality standards; or (2) discharge alternatives were not adequately evaluated. Directs the Administrator to: (1) biennially list marine waters that do not and are not likely to support the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and allow for recreational activities in and on the waters; and (2) take actions to prevent the further degradation of water and sediment quality of a priority marine water. (Sec. 806) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide financial assistance to local governments for the construction of facilities for the control of overflows from combined storm and sanitary sewers to marine waters. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 807) Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters, during periods of use by the public, for compliance with standards. Requires notification of local governments and the public of water quality standards violations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable materials constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Authorizes grants to States for carrying out such requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for a research program to develop better indicators for detecting harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Title IX: Innovative Technology - Requires the Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate practices, methods, technologies, or processes that may be effective in the prevention and control of sources of water pollution or aquatic habitat degradation or loss. Authorizes grants for such projects. Permits the Administrator, as part of such program, to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements with State permitting authorities and the managers of Federal facilities for the demonstration of innovative and alternative approaches for the prevention and control of point and nonpoint sources of water pollution at properties owned by the Federal Government; and (2) select proposals for funding agreements for projects to demonstrate comprehensive and innovative technologies for the prevention, control, or remediation of acid, metal-contaminated, or other mine water pollution that results from active, inactive, or abandoned hard rock mining operations. (Sec. 901) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 902) Authorizes the Administrator, with State consent, to temporarily waive permit limitations for certain point sources for purposes of encouraging the development and testing of certain innovative production or pollution prevention processes, pollution control technologies, or recycling methods. Limits waivers to 90 days and provides for extensions. (Sec. 903) Provides for limited waivers from national categorical pretreatment standards under certain conditions for facilities that apply innovative production or pollution prevention processes, pollution control technologies, or recycling methods. Limits waivers to 90 days and provides for extensions. (Sec. 904) Directs the Administrator to establish a program to verify, evaluate, and disseminate: (1) performance and cost information on technologies, processes, techniques, and management measures appropriate for controlling water pollution; and (2) information on the properties and toxicity of substitute chemicals. Requires the Administrator to establish and update a list of technologies and alternative chemicals verified under the program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 905) Authorizes States to submit programs to assist small business sources of water pollution to the Administrator for approval. Requires the Administrator to establish a small business source assistance program within EPA. Title X: Interstate Water Quality Programs - Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Program to: (1) protect the coastal and marine waters and natural habitats of the Gulf; (2) protect human health and the food supply; and (3) ensure the recreational use of the Gulf in ways consistent with the economic well being of the region. (Sec. 1001) Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Commission to make recommendations to the President on Program goals. Provides for a Management and Restoration Plan for the Gulf. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress on the environmental quality of the Gulf and impact of Gulf environmental problems on economic conditions. Authorizes grants to Gulf States to further the implementation of the Plan. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Administrator to develop a Great Lakes testing manual that implements the national guidance for the disposal of sediment material into U.S. waters. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the general condition of Confined Disposal Facilities (CDFs) located in the Great Lakes basin and to identify each facility that is causing or is at risk of causing an exceedance of water or sediment quality standards or interfering with protection of designated uses. Directs the Administrator to publish a ranking of at least 15 priority harbors within the Great Lakes system for development of long-term sediment management strategies for harbor maintenance. Makes it unlawful, with respect to such harbors, to discharge sediment dredged from the harbors at any location in the open waters of the Great Lakes or any CDF or to establish, expand, or modify any CDF that receives sediment from the harbors unless specified conditions are met. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of the Army to jointly issue guidelines for the development of sediment management strategies for such harbors. Provides for sediment management working groups for each site subject to routine navigational dredging. Requires all dredging and disposal operations to be consistent with such strategies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop tributary sediment models for each major river system that deposits sediment into a Great Lakes federally authorized commercial harbor, channel harbor, channel maintenance project site, or area of concern; (2) develop an analytical method to project the effectiveness of sediment source reduction approaches; and (3) use such method to conduct sediment load reduction analyses to estimate the effectiveness of such approaches. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Great Lakes National Program Office to conduct demonstration projects of promising technologies to remedy contaminated sediments. Replaces provisions concerning the Great Lakes Research Office to establish a Great Lakes Research Council. Revises provisions regarding Lakewide Management Plans to require the Administrator to publish the final plans for: (1) Lake Michigan and Lake Superior by January 1, 1995; and (2) Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario by January 1, 1998. Raises the ceiling on, and extends the authorization of, appropriations for a health research report regarding the Great Lakes. Directs the Administrator to seek the cooperation of Canada in developing a binational program to restore and protect water and sediment quality within the watershed area of Lake Superior. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Great Lakes program through FY 2000. (Sec. 1003) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue the Chesapeake Bay Program; and (2) maintain a Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Establishes a Chesapeake Bay Federal Agencies Committee to coordinate Federal activities relating to the restoration of the Bay. Requires Federal agencies to report to the President on activities planned and undertaken, and resources provided, to meet responsibilities under the Program. Directs Federal agencies that own or operate facilities within the Bay watershed to assess the facilities to ensure compliance with the Program and include a plan for addressing such impacts in the report to the President. Requires the Administrator to establish a habitat restoration program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes technical and financial assistance to public and nonprofit agencies to carry out such program. Directs the Administrator to develop a basinwide toxic reduction strategy, as well as research and monitoring to improve understanding of intermedia transfers of toxic pollutants and the ultimate fate of the pollutants within the Bay ecosystem. Authorizes financial assistance for specified activities. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Program through FY 2000. (Sec. 1004) Requires the Administrator to continue the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Watershed Program and to establish a Tri-State Implementation Council to implement the management plan developed for the Program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1005) Establishes a Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. Authorizes grants to the Council and to the St. Croix International Waterway Commission. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1006) Directs the Administrator to establish a Mississippi River Program within EPA to carry out specified activities to protect and restore the Mississippi River. Establishes the Mississippi River Program Office. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to report on the environmental quality and and ecosystem health of the Mississippi River and the impact on economic viability, human health, and ecological health of plants and animals. Directs the Administrator to design a strategy for developing a monitoring program to assess the environmental quality of such ecosystem. Requires the Governors of the Mississippi River States, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator to form a Mississippi River States Council to: (1) assist in collecting assessment and monitoring data; (2) ratify a Management, Protection, and Restoration Plan and (3) facilitate coordination on issues related to restoration of environmental quality. Authorizes grants for the development and implementation of the Plan. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1007) Extends the authorization for, and raises the ceiling on, appropriations to implement the Long Island Sound program. Designates the Connecticut River and the watershed of such river in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut as a multistate watershed. Requires the New England Interstate Water Pollution Commission to coordinate State and interstate management efforts. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1008) Directs the Administrator to make grants to maintain the Narragansett Bay Project and to implement a comprehensive conservation and management plan. Authorizes grants to carry out the Project. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1009) Requires the Administrator to establish an Executive Council of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Restoration Program to coordinate the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1010) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Lake Champlain program.
Bill· SS. 2081 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1994
Environmental Infrastructure Financing Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow qualified recycling facilities to issue tax-exempt private activity bonds.
Bill· HRH.R. 4346 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1994
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from transporting across State lines any chemical munition that is part of the chemical weapons stockpile. Directs the Secretary to transport to the nearest chemical munitions stockpile facility any chemical munitions discovered or that otherwise come under the Secretary's control and that do not constitute part of the stockpile.
Bill· SS. 2058 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title XXI (sic): Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Title XXI (sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years after 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1994 for such contributions. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1994 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural planning and design activities, and construction of facilities. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in the preceding titles of this Act on October 1, 1997, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1998, whichever is later. Extends certain FY 1991 and 1992 military construction projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4335 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994
Authorizes certain U.S.-flag fishing and fish processing vessels to be sold or chartered to foreign citizens and transferred to foreign registry without approval of the Secretary of Transportation. Provides that such authority does not apply to vessels that have been sold or chartered to foreign citizens and later documented under U.S. laws after enactment of this Act. Provides that vessels sold and chartered to foreign citizens and transferred to foreign registry shall not be prohibited from engaging in coastwise trade. Sets forth certain limitations on such trade by such vessels.
Bill· HRH.R. 4320 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1994
Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Requires such assistance to be in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects affecting the Bay's estuary. Permits assistance for a project only if it is publicly owned and will be publicly operated and maintained. Sets forth requirements for local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of total project costs. Requires the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs to be 100 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one project in each of the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4316 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994
Education Infrastructure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible local educational agencies to meet the National Education Goals through repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary or secondary school libraries, media centers, or facilities, used for academic or vocational instruction, including certain authorized activities. Sets forth requirements for: (1) priorities in selection of applications; (2) maintenance of effort, supplementation of non-Federal funds, and general limitations; (3) minority small business participation as project contractors or subcontractors, and payment of wages in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act; and (4) Federal evaluation. Authorizes the comprehensive regional centers to provide technical assistance to such projects. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4305 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994
Amends Federal transportation law to establish a National Transportation System (NTS) that will move people and goods in a way that promotes mobility, economic productivity, congestion relief, energy conservation, and air quality improvement. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress the designation of the NTS. Prohibits proposed new routes or facilities that are in nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide, or segments of the National Highway System (NHS), from being included in the NTS until they have been included in a metropolitan or State long-range plan transportation improvement program conforming to a State implementation plan developed pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to pay 80 percent of the development and implementation costs of the NTS. Requires a metropolitan or State long-range plan to identify, at a minimum, transportation facilities, including, among others, airport, port, inland waterway, and railroad, that function as an integrated metropolitan or State transportation system, giving emphasis to facilities that serve important national and regional transportation functions. Requires such transportation systems to serve as the NTS in such metropolitan area or State, unless the Secretary determines it would not be in the public interest or promote the goals of the NTS. Directs the Secretary to set-aside a specified percentage of NHS funds for grants for the developmental costs of the NTS. Directs States to set-aside a specified percentage of their NHS apportionment to provide intermodal connections to the NHS or connections between the NHS and the NTS. Prohibits the use of State set-asides for projects that add new capacity for single-occupant passenger vehicles (other than for facilities which are part of a system that reduces their use). Sets forth formulae for the apportionment of NHS funds to certain urbanized and rural areas.
Bill· SS. 2053 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Handgun Controls Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes Title III: Dealer Responsibility Title IV: Theft of Firearms Title V: Armed Felons Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants Title VII: Ammunition Handgun Control and Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: National Handgun Controls - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor: (1) has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license that meets specified minimum requirements by examining such license and a valid identification document containing a photograph of the transferee and by contracting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license to confirm that such license has not been revoked; and (2) has provided to such officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a completed State handgun registration form. Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license and prohibits such an individual from receiving a handgun or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth: (1) minimum requirements to constitute a valid State handgun license; (2) procedures with respect to the issuance of such a license; and (3) penalties for violations of this title. Directs the Attorney General to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any licensed dealer: (1) during any 30-day period, from selling two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual; or (2) from selling a handgun to an unlicensed individual who purchased a handgun during the 30-day period ending on the date of the sale. Permits the exchange of a handgun for a handgun. Prohibits an unlicensed individual from purchasing two or more handguns during any 30-day period. (Sec. 103) Prohibits engaging in the business of dealing in handguns without specific authorization. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize a licensed dealer (or applicant) to engage in the business of dealing in firearms if the dealer (or applicant) demonstrates that there is significant unmet lawful demand for handguns in the market area served by the dealer. Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes - Requires each licensee to provide all record information required to be kept, or such lesser information as the Secretary may specify, as may be required for determining the disposition of a firearm in the course of a law enforcement investigation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) to centralize all records of receipt and disposition of firearms obtained by the BATF, and maintain such records in whatever manner will enable their most efficient use in law enforcement investigations. (Sec. 203) Restates provisions regarding the interstate transportation of firearms to prohibit an unlicensed individual from transporting a firearm from one State into another State. (Sec. 204) Prohibits an unlicensed individual from receiving a firearm with intent to transfer the firearm for profit. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Requires each licensed manufacturer to maintain records of the ballistics of handgun barrels made by the manufacturer and the serial numbers of such barrels and to make such records available to the Secretary. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to establish in the BATF a National Firearms Tracing Center which shall be operated for the purpose of tracing the chain of possession of firearms and ammunition used in crimes. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Dealer Responsibility - Requires compliance with State and local firearms licensing laws before issuance of a Federal firearms license. (Sec. 302) Requires that the background investigation of an applicant for a Federal firearms license include: (1) checking the applicant's fingerprints against all appropriate compilations of criminal records; and (2) inspection (by the Secretary) of the place at which the applicant is to conduct business pursuant to the license. Requires the applicant to have a business premises (currently, premises) from which he conduct such business. Extends the period for approving or denying the application. (Sec. 303) Increases license fees for dealer of firearms, destructive devices, or ammunition. (Sec. 304) Increases penalties for knowingly making false statements in connection with, or violating recordkeeping requirements concerning, firearms. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary to inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed dealer without reasonable cause or warrant as necessary to ensure compliance with Federal firearms provisions, to further a criminal investigation, or to determine the disposition of one or more particular firearms. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling or delivering any handgun to any person who is not a licensed dealer at any place other than the location specified on the license of the transferor. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) require a licensed dealer identified as the source of three or more firearms recovered by law enforcement officials in criminal investigations during a one-year period, or whom the Secretary has reason to believe is a source of firearms used in crimes, to produce any or all records of the acquisition and disposition of firearms; and (2) continue to impose such requirement until the Secretary determines that the dealer is not a source of firearms used in crimes. (Sec. 308) Authorizes any person suffering physical injury arising from a crime of violence in which a firearm that has been transferred by a licensed dealer to a convicted felon or a minor was used, to bring an action against the dealer who transferred the firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the recipient was prohibited from receiving it. Specifies that the defendant shall be held liable in tort, without regard to fault or proof of defect, for all direct and consequential damages arising from the crime of violence, with exceptions. Permits the court to award punitive damages. (Sec. 309) Requires: (1) a common or contract carrier that transports or delivers firearms in interstate or foreign commerce not less frequently than monthly to obtain from the Secretary a list of licensed dealers; and (2) the Secretary to provide to any such carrier, upon request and without charge, a list of licensed dealers and their license numbers. Prohibits knowingly delivering to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce (currently, to persons other than licensed dealers) any package or other container in which there is a firearm or ammunition without: (1) written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped, with exceptions (as under current law); and (2) written notice of the dealer's license number if the intended recipient of the package or container is a licensed dealer. Specifies that a common or contract carrier shall be considered to have cause to believe that a shipment of firearms would violate Federal firearms provisions if it fails to verify that the intended recipient is a licensed dealer. Title IV: Theft of Firearms - Requires each licensee to report to the Secretary and to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the premises specified on the license is located any theft of firearms from the licensee by the close of business on the licensee's first business day after discovering the theft. (Sec. 402) Sets penalties for the theft of firearms or explosives and for such thefts from a licensee. (Sec. 404) Requires licensed dealers to provide for security against theft of firearms from their business premises in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Makes it a requirement for a dealer's license that the applicant has provided for such security against theft. (Sec. 405) Prohibits the receipt, possession, concealment, storing, bartering, selling, disposition, or pledging or accepting as security for a loan of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition which has moved in interstate or foreign commerce, either before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen. Title V: Armed Felons - Bars: (1) an individual from applying for, and the Secretary from granting, relief from disabilities imposed by Federal firearms prohibitions; and (2) any person whose application for relief from such disabilities is denied by the Secretary from filing for judicial review of such denial. Requires the Secretary, when granting such relief, to include within the notice of action published in the Federal Register: (1) the name of the person; (2) the disability with respect to which the relief is granted (and, if the disability was imposed by reason of a criminal conviction of the person, the crime for which and court in which the person was convicted); and (3) the reason for the action. Revises Federal firearms provisions regarding the definition of "conviction" to specify that a State conviction that has been expunged or set aside, or for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored, shall not be considered to be a conviction for purposes of such provisions if: (1) it expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive, and possess firearms; and (2) the granting State authority has expressly determined that the circumstances regarding the conviction and the person's record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Makes such provision inapplicable to a conviction for a violent felony or serious drug offense. (Sec. 503) Applies an enhanced penalty for the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 504) Sets: (1) penalties for violation of Federal firearms laws in aid of drug trafficking; and (2) mandatory penalties for firearms possession by violent felons and serious drug offenders with previous convictions. Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants - Prohibits the disposal of firearms or ammunition to, or the receipt of firearms or ammunition by, persons convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order. Title VII: Ammunition - Requires a Federal license to deal in ammunition, with exceptions. Makes applicable to ammunition certain penalties imposed for firearms violations, including the interstate transportation of firearms and the possession of firearms in Federal facilities. (Sec. 702) Defines "armor piercing ammunition" to include a jacketed: (1) hollow point projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which is designed to produce, upon impact, evenly spaced sharp or barb-like projections that extend beyond the diameter of the unfired projectile; and (2) projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
Bill· HRH.R. 4300 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Handgun Controls Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes Title III: Dealer Responsibility Title IV: Theft of Firearms Title V: Armed Felons Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants Title VII: Ammunition Handgun Control and Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: National Handgun Controls - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor: (1) has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license that meets specified minimum requirements by examining such license and a valid identification document containing a photograph of the transferee and by contracting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license to confirm that such license has not been revoked; and (2) has provided to such officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a completed State handgun registration form. Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual not possessing a Federal firearms license unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license and prohibits such an individual from receiving a handgun or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth: (1) minimum requirements to constitute a valid State handgun license; (2) procedures with respect to the issuance of such a license; and (3) penalties for violations of this title. Directs the Attorney General to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Prohibits any licensed dealer: (1) during any 30-day period, from selling two or more handguns to an unlicensed individual; or (2) from selling a handgun to an unlicensed who purchased a handgun during the 30-day period ending on the date of the sale. Permits the exchange of a handgun for a handgun. Prohibits an unlicensed individual from purchasing two or more handguns during any 30-day period. (Sec. 103) Prohibits engaging in the business of dealing in handguns without specific authorization. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize a licensed dealer (or applicant) to engage in the business of dealing in firearms if the dealer (or applicant) demonstrates that there is significant unmet lawful demand for handguns in the market area served by the dealer. Title II: Tracing of Guns Used in Crimes - Requires each licensee to provide all record information required to be kept, or such lesser information as the Secretary may specify, as may be required for determining the disposition of a firearm in the course of a law enforcement investigation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) to centralize all records of receipt and disposition of firearms obtained by the BATF, and maintain such records in whatever manner will enable their most efficient use in law enforcement investigations. (Sec. 203) Restates provisions regarding the interstate transportation of firearms to prohibit an unlicensed individual from transporting a firearm from one State into another State. (Sec. 204) Prohibits an unlicensed individual from receiving a firearm with intent to transfer the firearm for profit. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Requires each licensed manufacturer to maintain records of the ballistics of handgun barrels made by the manufacturer and the serial numbers of such barrels and to make such records available to the Secretary. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to establish in the BATF a National Firearms Tracing Center which shall be operated for the purpose of tracing the chain of possession of firearms and ammunition used in crimes. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Dealer Responsibility - Requires compliance with State and local firearms licensing laws before issuance of a Federal firearms license. (Sec. 302) Requires that the background investigation of an applicant for a Federal firearms license include: (1) checking the applicant's fingerprints against all appropriate compilations of criminal records; and (2) inspection (by the Secretary) of the place at which the applicant is to conduct business pursuant to the license. Requires the applicant to have a business premises (currently, premises) from which he conduct such business. Extends the period for approving or denying the application. (Sec. 303) Increases license fees for dealer of firearms, destructive devices, or ammunition. (Sec. 304) Increases penalties for knowingly making false statements in connection with, or violating recordkeeping requirements concerning, firearms. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary to inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed dealer without reasonable cause or warrant as necessary to ensure compliance with Federal firearms provisions, to further a criminal investigation, or to determine the disposition of one or more particular firearms. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling or delivering any handgun to any person who is not a licensed dealer at any place other than the location specified on the license of the transferor. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) require a licensed dealer identified as the source of three or more firearms recovered by law enforcement officials in criminal investigations during a one-year period, or whom the Secretary has reason to believe is a source of firearms used in crimes, to produce any or all records of the acquisition and disposition of firearms; and (2) continue to impose such requirement until the Secretary determines that the dealer is not a source of firearms used in crimes. (Sec. 308) Authorizes any person suffering physical injury arising from a crime of violence in which a firearm that has been transferred by a licensed dealer to a convicted felon or a minor was used, to bring an action against the dealer who transferred the firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the recipient was prohibited from receiving it. Specifies that the defendant shall be held liable in tort, without regard to fault or proof of defect, for all direct and consequential damages arising from the crime of violence, with exceptions. Permits the court to award punitive damages. (Sec. 309) Requires: (1) a common or contract carrier that transports or delivers firearms in interstate or foreign commerce not less frequently than monthly to obtain from the Secretary a list of licensed dealers; and (2) the Secretary to provide to any such carrier, upon request and without charge, a list of licensed dealers and their license numbers. Prohibits knowingly delivering to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce (currently, to persons other than licensed dealers) any package or other container in which there is a firearm or ammunition without: (1) written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped, with exceptions (as under current law); and (2) written notice of the dealer's license number if the intended recipient of the package or container is a licensed dealer. Specifies that a common or contract carrier shall be considered to have cause to believe that a shipment of firearms would violate Federal firearms provisions if it fails to verify that the intended recipient is a licensed dealer. Title IV: Theft of Firearms - Requires each licensee to report to the Secretary and to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the premises specified on the license is located any theft of firearms from the licensee by the close of business on the licensee's first business day after discovering the theft. (Sec. 402) Sets penalties for the theft of firearms or explosives and for such thefts from a licensee. (Sec. 404) Requires licensed dealers to provide for security against theft of firearms from their business premises in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Makes it a requirement for a dealer's license that the applicant has provided for such security against theft. (Sec. 405) Prohibits the receipt, possession, concealment, storing, bartering, selling, disposition, or pledging or accepting as security for a loan of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition which has moved in interstate or foreign commerce, either before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen. Title V: Armed Felons - Bars: (1) an individual from applying for, and the Secretary from granting, relief from disabilities imposed by Federal firearms prohibitions; and (2) any person whose application for relief from such disabilities is denied by the Secretary from filing for judicial review of such denial. Requires the Secretary, when granting such relief, to include within the notice of action published in the Federal Register: (1) the name of the person; (2) the disability with respect to which the relief is granted (and, if the disability was imposed by reason of a criminal conviction of the person, the crime for which and court in which the person was convicted); and (3) the reason for the action. Revises Federal firearms provisions regarding the definition of "conviction" to specify that a State conviction that has been expunged or set aside, or for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored, shall not be considered to be a conviction for purposes of such provisions if: (1) it expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive, and possess firearms; and (2) the granting State authority has expressly determined that the circumstances regarding the conviction and the person's record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Makes such provision inapplicable to a conviction for a violent felony or serious drug offense. (Sec. 503) Applies an enhanced penalty for the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 504) Sets: (1) penalties for violation of Federal firearms laws in aid of drug trafficking; and (2) mandatory penalties for firearms possession by violent felons and serious drug offenders with previous convictions. Title VI: Violent Misdemeanants - Prohibits the disposal of firearms or ammunition to, or the receipt of firearms or ammunition by, persons convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order. Title VII: Ammunition - Requires a Federal license to deal in ammunition, with exceptions. Makes applicable to ammunition certain penalties imposed for firearms violations, including the interstate transportation of firearms and the possession of firearms in Federal facilities. (Sec. 702) Defines "armor piercing ammunition" to include a jacketed: (1) hollow point projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which is designed to produce, upon impact, evenly spaced sharp or barb-like projections that extend beyond the diameter of the unfired projectile; and (2) projectile that may be used in a handgun, the jacket of which has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
Bill· HRH.R. 4302 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Army Title II: Navy Title III: Air Force Title IV: Defense Agencies Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title VII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title II: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title I. Title III: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title I. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years after 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1994 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1994 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural planning and design activities, and construction of facilities. Title VII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI of this Act on October 1, 1997, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1998, whichever is later. Extends certain FY 1991 and 1992 military construction projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4280 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to amend a specified bumper standard to ensure that it is identical to the one in effect on January 1, 1982.
Bill· SS. 2034 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Education Infrastructure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible local educational agencies to meet the National Education Goals through repair, renovation, alteration, and construction of public elementary or secondary school libraries, media centers, or facilities, used for academic or vocational instruction, including certain authorized activities. Sets forth requirements for: (1) maintenance of effort, supplementation of non-Federal funds, and general limitations; (2) minority small business participation as project contractors or subcontractors, and payment of wages in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act; and (3) Federal evaluation. Authorizes the comprehensive regional centers to provide technical assistance to such projects. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4263 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Small Business and Minority Small Business Procurement Opportunities Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) develop plans to coordinate and promote the use of the Federal Acquisition Computer Network by small businesses that incorporate outreach efforts by various agencies and organizations; and (2) inform and provide consistent and comprehensive training on the Network for small businesses. Requires each Federal contract for the procurement of goods and services not in excess of $100,000 to be reserved exclusively for small businesses unless the contracting officer is unable to obtain competitive offers from two or more small businesses. Requires the contracting officer to provide for fast payment terms for such small businesses whenever possible. Directs the President to annually establish Government-wide goals for procurement contracts awarded to small businesses and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (small and minority businesses). Requires the goal for small businesses to be at least 20 percent of the total value of all prime contracts awarded in a fiscal year. Requires the goal for minority businesses to be at least five percent of the total value of such prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year. Requires the head of each Federal agency to establish a specific goal within such five percent goal for awarding contracts and subcontracts to historically Black colleges and universities and other minority institutions (including Hispanic-serving institutions). Outlines administrative procedures with respect to the attainment of such goals, including the provision of appropriate technical and infrastructure assistance when necessary. Authorizes the use of advance payments and less than full and open competitive procedures when determined appropriate and in furtherance of the attainment of the contract goals. Requires appropriate regulations by the SBA. Provides civil and criminal penalties for the misrepresentation of a business as a minority business. Requires an agency head, upon request, to determine whether the use of small disadvantaged business set asides by a contracting activity of such agency has caused a particular industry category to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts awarded to attain the goal established for such contracting activity. Requires appropriate corrective action upon a positive finding. Requires the SBA to annually report to the Congress on the progress of each executive agency toward attaining the small and minority business contracting goals. Makes such contracting goal provisions applicable for FY 1994 through 2000. Allows certain procurement solicitation notice requirements of the Act to be waived by the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy after consultation with the SBA Administrator in conducting innovative and alternative procurement test programs under the Federal Acquisition Improvement Act of 1994.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 241 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) continued Federal commitment to the railroad retirement system is essential to assure the integrity of railroad retirees' benefits; and (2) preservation of such system's present structure, including the administrative framework of the Railroad Retirement Board, is necessary to fulfill the Federal Government's time-honored responsibility.
Bill· SS. 2027 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
Haitian Restoration of Democracy Act of 1994 - Supports the restoration of democracy in Haiti and the return to office of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the elected President of Haiti. Urges the President to: (1) facilitate the return to Haiti of a full contingent of human rights observers; and (2) subject to the request of Aristide, effect the deployment of a multinational border patrol between the Dominican Republic and Haiti to halt cross-border violations of sanctions against Haiti imposed by the United States and other countries. Supports multilateral socieconomic and peacekeeping assistance to Haiti upon the return to power of the democratically-elected President and the removal of Haiti's military high command. Prohibits any U.S. officer or employee from attempting to amend, reinterpret, or nullify the Governors Island Agreement (except with regard to the October 1993 deadline for the return to power of Aristide). Requires the President to notify the Haitian Government of the intention to terminate the bilateral migrant interdiction agreement effected in 1991. Prohibits the return to Haiti of any Haitian national or habitual resident without the individual's consent, unless the President determines, in a manner that incorporates procedural safeguards consistent with internationally endorsed standards, that such individual is not a refugee. Makes exceptions to such prohibition if an individual was involved in persecution of another person or is a felon who constitutes a danger to the United States. Imposes sanctions against Haiti, including prohibitions on: (1) credits or loans; (2) imports and exports; (3) contracts; and (4) air transport activities. Prohibits U.S. assistance to other countries that are not cooperating with sanctions against Haiti. Imposes sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act against such countries. Terminates sanctions when the President certifies to the Congress that the democratically-elected President has been reinstated and Haiti's military high command has met its obligations under the Governors Island Agreement. Grants eligible Haitians temporary protected status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Excludes certain Haitians connected with the military, the military coup, and terrorist activities from admission into the United States. Blocks assets of such individuals that are in the United States.
Law· SS. 2024 (103rd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Airport Improvement Program Title II: Airport-Air Carrier Disputes Regarding Airport Fees Airport Improvement Program Temporary Extension Act of 1994 - Title I: Airport Improvement Program - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1994 for airport development and planning projects. Sets forth a formula for the reduction of funds not apportioned in any fiscal year for primary airports, cargo service airports, and Alaskan airports. Requires such reduced amounts to be credited to a discretionary fund. Extends the obligational authority of the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to make grants for airport development and planning projects through June 30, 1994. Prohibits the Secretary from incurring obligations in excess of $800 million for such grants. (Sec. 102) Limits to a specified percentage the apportionment for primary and cargo service airports if the Congress enacts a law limiting the apportionment for airport development and planning to less than $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. (Sec. 103) Sets forth mandates that not less than: (1) five percent (currently, ten percent) of the funds for airport development and planning be distributed for reliever airports; nor (2) 15 percent (currently, 2.5 percent) of such funds be distributed for nonprimary commercial service airports and certain noncommercial service public airports. Title II: Airport-Air Carrier Disputes Regarding Airport Fees - Authorizes air carriers to file with the Secretary complaints alleging the unreasonableness of increased fees imposed upon them by airport operators. Permits airport operators and affected air carriers to submit comments and any related materials to the Secretary with respect to such complaints.
Bill· HRH.R. 4246 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
Panama Canal Commission Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission (the Commission), to make expenditures, contracts, and commitments for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Panama Canal for FY 1995 from the Panama Canal Revolving Fund. Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to permit the use of Commission funds to defray the cost of education services provided by schools in the United States to: (1) Commission employees who are U.S. citizens; and (2) persons who were receiving such services at the expense of the Canal Zone Government.
Bill· HRH.R. 4239 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1994
Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, to establish a program of training and technical assistance to assist foreign countries in: (1) developing and strengthening laws and regulations to protect intellectual property; and (2) developing the infrastructure necessary to implement and enforce such laws and regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4244 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1994
Transportation Employee Equitable Treatment Act of 1994 - Amends Federal maritime law to prohibit an individual who is employed as a master, seaman, or pilot of a vessel in more than one State or local government jurisdiction from being liable for the payment of income taxes in a State or local government jurisdiction other than the one where he or she resides.
Bill· SS. 2020 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994
Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Requires such assistance to be in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects affecting the Bay's estuary. Permits assistance for a project only if it is publicly owned and will be publicly operated and maintained. Sets forth requirements for local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of total project costs. Requires the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs to be 100 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one project in each of the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2014 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
United States-Flag Passenger Vessel Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to permit a vessel to transport passengers in coastwise trade only if: (1) the vessel meets certain requirements under the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 and the Shipping Act, 1916 for engaging in such trade; and (2) for a vessel that is at least five net tons, it is documented with a coastwise endorsement. Sets forth a civil penalty of $1,000 per passenger transported in violation of this Act. Sets forth terminable exceptions to such requirements for certain ineligible vessels.
Bill· HRH.R. 4202 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Insurance Provisions Subtitle B: Promoting Development of Voluntary Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Subtitle C: Federal Preemption Subtitle D: Rules of Construction Regarding Abortion Services; Inseverability Title II: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Limitations on Employer Deduction for Health Care Coverage for Employees and on Employee Exclusion for Employer-Provided Health Care Coverage Subtitle B: Credits for Contributions to Medical Savings Accounts, for Purchase of High Deductible Umbrella Insurance, and for Routine Preventive Care Subtitle C: Repeal of Medical Expense Deduction Subtitle D: Veterans Medical Benefits and Services Unaffected Title III: Savings In Medicare and Medicaid Programs Subtitle A: Medicare Program Subtitle B: Medicaid Program Title IV: Containing Health Care Costs Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services Subtitle D: Limitation on Funding for Abortions Title VI: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle A: Standardization of Claims Processing Subtitle B: Electronic Medical Data Standards Subtitle C: Development and Distribution of Comparative Value Information Subtitle D: Preemption of State Quill Pen Laws Title VII: Anti-Fraud and Anti-Rationing Subtitle A: Criminal Prosecution of Health Care Fraud Subtitle B: Coordination of Health Care Anti-Fraud and Abuse Activities Subtitle C: Protection Against Rationing of Treatment Health Savings and Security Act of 1994 - Title I: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Insurance Provisions - Part 1: Requirements for Tax-Favored Health Plans - Authorizes a State to establish or operate a managed health care plan. (Sec. 102) Requires such a plan to provide for all medically necessary acute medical care (including physician services; inpatient, outpatient, and emergency hospital services and appropriate alternatives to hospitalization; and inpatient and outpatient prescription drugs), to not exclude coverage for selected illnesses or selected treatments if consistent with medically accepted practices, and to meet applicable cost-sharing requirements of this Act. Requires that such plan, in the case of a high deductible umbrella insurance plan, provide a deductible amount for benefits provided in any plan year which is at least $1,500 (but not to exceed $3,000) for items and services furnished to a family (composed of one or more individuals) enrolled under the plan in a year. Specifies that a health insurance plan may not require the payment of any copayment or coinsurance for an item or service for which coverage is required after an individual or a family has incurred out-of-pocket expenses equal to a specified limit for a plan year. (Sec. 103) Requires that such a plan provide: (1) for a variation in premium rates only on the basis of age, sex, geography, and family enrollment, individual and group coverage, and in the case of group coverage, on the basis of the number of individuals covered within the group; (2) for a charge of the same premium rates to new applicants and existing policyholders with the same age, sex, geographic characteristics, and family enrollment; and (3) that the highest premium for the plan for a particular class of family enrollment and geographic characteristics may not exceed four times the lowest premium for such plan for the same enrollment and geographic characteristics. Permits incentive discounts of not more than ten percent for participating in an approved program to promote healthy behavior, prevent or delay the onset of illness, or provide for screening or early detection of illness. (Sec. 104) Requires that such plan: (1) provide guaranteed issue at standard rates to all applicants; and (2) not exclude from coverage, or limit coverage for, any preexisting condition, with exceptions. (Sec. 105) Requires that such plan provide the policyholder with a contractual right to renew the coverage which stipulates that the insurer cannot cancel or refuse to renew the coverage except for cases of nonpayment of premiums, or fraud or misrepresentation, by the policyholder. (Sec. 106) Sets forth restrictions on agent compensation and broker activities. Part 2: Certification of High Deductible Umbrella Insurance Plans and Managed Care Health Plans - Requires each State to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a report on steps the State is taking to implement and enforce a regulatory program with respect to high deductible umbrella insurance plans and managed care health plans by a specified deadline. Directs the Secretary, upon determining that a State has failed to submit a report by the deadline or that the State has not implemented and provided adequate enforcement of the regulatory program, to give the State 60 days to submit such report or implement and enforce such program. Sets forth procedures for Federal enforcement if such failure has not been corrected. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to develop State regulatory program standards, in the form of model Acts and model regulations, which include: (1) procedures for certifying that the requirements of part 1 of this subtitle have been met by a health insurance plan applying for certification as a high deductible umbrella insurance plan or a managed care health plan; (2) specified requirements regarding marketing practices and reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms with respect to such a plan; (3) requirements regarding solvency standards and guaranty funds for carriers of such plans; and (4) reporting requirements under which carriers report to the Internal Revenue Service regarding the acquisition and termination by individuals of coverage under such plans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for high deductible umbrella insurance plans and managed care health plans made available to individuals for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models to determine if they provide for an effective reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism. Requires each State to establish one or more reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms consistent with such a model. Permits a State to establish and maintain such a mechanism jointly with other States. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism if a State has failed to establish or maintain such a mechanism. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the providing of any high deductible umbrella insurance plan or managed care health plan which covers any individual in a Federal reinsurance State. Directs that the tax imposed equal the applicable percentage of the amount received by the insurer for providing such plan in such Federal reinsurance State. Makes the insurer liable for payment of the tax. Subtitle B: Promoting Development of Voluntary Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Directs the Secretary to establish standards relating to the establishment of health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs), qualifications for qualified health carriers, and the roles of States under this subtitle. Sets forth provisions regarding deadlines, revision of standards, application of standards through States, the Federal role, and implementation of the standards. (Sec. 122) Requires each State to establish boundaries for HPPC areas in the State. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the establishment of one or more State-chartered, nonprofit private corporations to serve as an HPPC for each HPPC area for the benefit of small employers and eligible individuals in the area. Specifies that a carrier may not form, underwrite, or possess a majority vote of an HPPC, but may administer an HPPC. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the establishment by each HPPC of bylaws; (2) the election of members of its board of directors; (3) limitation of liability for good faith actions taken by any member of the board, its employees, or agent in the performance of duties of HPPCs; (4) appointment of officers and an executive director; (5) reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements; and (6) general authorities and limits on the authority of HPPCs. (Sec. 124) Requires each HPPC to: (1) enter into contracts and hold policies with qualified health carriers which elect to offer HPPC plans to members; (2) provide for the enrollment of eligible employees of small employers and eligible individuals in HPPC plans of qualified health carriers offered by the HPPC; (3) provide to its members and eligible employees of small employer members comparison sheets with clear standardized information on each qualified health carrier and each HPPC plan offered by a qualified health carrier; (4) establish requirements for participation of small employers and eligible individuals as HPPC members consistent with any standards established by the Secretary and to maintain eligibility records; and (5) establish dispute resolution procedures to resolve disputes between the HPPC and its members or qualified health carriers. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) contracts with members; (2) contracts with plans; (3) overhead allowance; (4) uniform administrative and accounting procedures; and (5) contracts for administrative services. (Sec. 125) Requires each State to establish a process whereby a carrier that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the State insurance commissioner that it has the capability to fulfill specified requirements (with regard to licensure, administrative capacity, access, grievance procedures, utilization management procedures, quality, information, and data elements) is designated as a qualified health carrier. Sets forth the functions of qualified health carriers. Requires that coverage under an HPPC plan offered by a qualified health carrier be available to any member of the HPPC at the anniversary date of each member's coverage under an HPPC plan, with exceptions and subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 126) Requires each: (1) HPPC to use efficient and standardized means to notify small employers of the availability of plans through the HPPC and to notify the State insurance commissioner of any marketing practices or materials that it finds contrary to the fair marketing of qualified health carriers and HPPC plans; and (2) State insurance commissioner to monitor compliance with marketing requirements. (Sec. 127) Requires: (1) each HPPC to submit specified data to the State on a quarterly basis; and (2) the Secretary to establish uniform standards for data that an HPPC collects from qualified health carriers and providers and disseminates. (Sec. 128) Requires each State to: (1) assure compliance of HPPCs, small employers, and eligible employees and individuals with the requirements of this subtitle and to conduct reviews at least annually on the performance of each HPPC in assuring access to health coverage to small employers and eligible individuals in the HPPC area; (2) receive, review, and act on appeals of unresolved disputes between an HPPC and a member; (3) analyze information collected from qualified health carriers and other sources and report findings that assist consumers, HPPCs, qualified health carriers, or health care providers in improving the delivery or purchase of cost-effective health care; (4) prepare and make available to HPPCs and employers located in the State (and to eligible individuals upon request) information, in comparative form, concerning the HPPC plans in the State and HPPCs operating in the State; (5) report to the Secretary annually on the impact of the reform under this subtitle in expanding the availability and affordability of health coverage to eligible employees and individuals; and (6) supervise HPPCs to ensure that actions that affect market competition accomplish the objectives of this title, so as to provide State and Federal protection to HPPCs and HPPC boards of directors against Federal and State antitrust laws. Subtitle C: Federal Preemption - Bars applicability of any provision of State or local law that: (1) in the case of a group health plan, requires the coverage of one or more specific benefits, services, or categories of health care, or services of any class or type of provider of health care; and (2) prohibits two or more employers from obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 143) Preempts and makes unenforceable specified State law restrictions with respect to reimbursement rates or selective contracting, differential financial incentives, and utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. (Sec. 144) Specifies that nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to invalidate any State law that has the effect of preventing the denial of lifesaving medical treatment pending transfer to another health care provider. Subtitle D: Rules of Construction Regarding Abortion Services; Inseverability - Specifies that: (1) nothing in this title or title II may be construed to require any health plan to include any abortion services or to condition tax deductibility on the inclusion of such services; and (2) if such provision is judicially determined to be invalid all the provisions of this title and title II shall be deemed to be invalid. Title II: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Subtitle A: Limitations on Employer Deduction for Health Care Coverage for Employees and on Employee Exclusion for Employer-Provided Health Care Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a deduction: (1) for health care coverage for employees under a high deductible umbrella insurance plan or a managed health care plan; (2) for contribution to a medical savings account for an employee; or (3) for payment of permitted coverage. Prohibits such deduction from exceeding the health care tax benefit limitation imposed on individuals receiving coverage under a tax-qualified health care plan. (Sec. 202) Excludes from the gross income of an employee only coverage under a tax-qualified health care plan, contributions to a medical savings account, or permitted coverage payments. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the provision of health benefits under cafeteria plans. Subtitle B: Credits for Contributions to Medical Savings Accounts, for Purchase of High Deduction Umbrella Insurance, and for Routine Preventive Care - Allows individuals a tax credit (with limitation) for a percentage of contributions to a medical savings account. Makes such account tax-exempt and excludes other employer payments from the individual's tax base. (Sec. 212) Allows individuals a tax credit for a percentage of the amount paid for coverage under a tax-qualified health care plan. Requires the establishment of a program to provide health insurance certificates for low-income individuals eligible for such credit. (Sec. 213) Allows certain individuals a tax credit for a percentage of the amount paid for routine preventive care for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents. Subtitle C: Repeal of Medical Expense Deduction - Repeals the deduction for medical, dental, etc., expenses. Subtitle D: Veterans Medical Benefits and Services Unaffected - Declares that nothing in this title affects veterans' medical benefits and services. Title III: Savings in Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Subtitle A: Medicare Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an annual tax on the Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) premiums of high-income and certain other individuals covered by such part. (Sec. 302) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) impose a co-payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (2) eliminate mandatory assignment for test payment and billing; and (3) provide for annual indexing of the part B deductible. Subtitle B: Medicaid Program - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) cap Federal payments for acute medical services; (2) discontinue reimbursement standards for inpatient hospital services; (3) provide for optional enrollment of low-income individuals under high deductible umbrella insurance plans and managed care plans (with reduced payment adjustments for States providing such enrollment); (4) allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services; and (5) prohibit Medicaid funding of abortions not necessary to prevent the death of the mother. Title IV: Containing Health Care Costs - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liablity Reform - Part 1: General Provisions - Makes this subtitle applicable with respect to any medical malpractice liability claim and action brought in any State or Federal court, with exceptions (such as a claim or action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death). Sets forth provisions regarding preemption, effect on sovereign immunity and choice of law or venue, and Federal court jurisdiction. Part 2: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform - Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in any: (1) State court during a calendar year unless the medical malpractice liability claim that is the subject of the action has been initially resolved under a State's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system certified for the year by the Secretary or under the alternative Federal system established by this Act; and (2) Federal court during a calendar year unless such claim that is the subject of the action has been initially resolved under such ADR system in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States, which shall occur after the completion of the administrative claim process. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under the ADR process established by the Attorney General. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) procedures for filing actions; and (2) the legal effect of uncontested ADR decisions. (Sec. 412) Sets a $250,000 limit on noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and the members of the claimant's family for losses resulting from the injury which is the subject of a medical malpractice liability action. Prohibits the award of punitive or exemplary damages in such an action: (1) unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the injury suffered was the direct result of conduct manifesting a malicious, wanton, willful, or excessively reckless disregard of the safety of others; and (2) against the manufacturer of a medical product. Requires that: (1) any punitive or exemplary damages awarded in a medical malpractice liability action be paid to the State in which the action is brought or, in a case brought in Federal court, in the State in which the health care services that caused the injury that is the subject of the action were provided; and (2) such State use such amounts to carry out activities to assure the safety and quality of health care services provided in the State. Prohibits a defendant, in any medical malpractice liability action in which the damages awarded for future economic loss exceed $100,000, from being required to pay such damages in a single, lump-sum payment, but permits periodic payments based on when the damages are found likely to occur, as determined by the court. Authorizes a court to waive the application of such provision if it is not in the best interests of the plaintiff to receive periodic payments. (Sec. 413) Directs the court in a medical malpractice liability action to require the party that contested an ADR ruling with respect to the medical malpractice liability claim that is the subject of the action to: (1) pay attorney fees and other costs, with exceptions; and (2) post a performance bond, subject to waiver by the court upon determining that the posting of such a bond is not necessary to ensure that the party pay the costs incurred by the opposing party under the action. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on attorney's fees paid; and (2) recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 414) Allows a defendant to be held severally but not jointly liable in a medical malpractice action for noneconomic damages, and only for those damages directly attributable to the person's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the injury. (Sec. 415) Establishes a seven-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice liability claims beginning on the date the alleged injury occurred. (Sec. 416) Prohibits a defendant in a medical malpractice liability action from being found to have acted negligently unless the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable. (Sec. 417) Prohibits the trier of fact, in the case of a medical malpractice liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby where the health care professional against whom the claim is brought did not previously treat the individual alleged to have been injured for the pregnancy, from finding that the defendant committed malpractice and assessing damages unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Specifies that a health care professional shall be considered to have previously treated an individual for a pregnancy if the professional is a member of a group practice whose members previously treated the individual for the pregnancy or is providing services to the individual during labor or the delivery pursuant to an agreement with another health care professional. Part 3: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Sets requirements for a State's ADR system, including that the system: (1) apply to all medical malpractice liability claims under the jurisdiction of the courts of that State; (2) require that a written opinion resolving the dispute be issued within six months of receipt of notice of the claim by each party against whom the claim is filed; (3) require that individuals who hear and resolve claims under the system meet specified qualifications; (4) be approved by the State or local governments; (5) with respect to a State system consisting of multiple dispute resolution procedures, permit the parties to a dispute to select the procedure to be used (and, if they do not agree, assign a particular procedure); (6) transmit to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers any findings that such professional or provider committed malpractice, with exceptions; and (7) transmit to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research information on disputes resolved in a manner that assures that the identity of the parties to a dispute shall not be revealed. Makes the provisions of part 2 (malpractice liability standards) applicable with respect to claims brought under a State or alternative Federal ADR system in the same manner as such provisions apply to medical malpractice liability actions brought in the State. (Sec. 422) Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine, by October 1 of each year (beginning with 1995), whether a State's ADR system meets the requirements of this part for the following calendar year, and certify such system if it does; and (2) establish an alternative Federal ADR system for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims during a calendar year in States that do not have in effect an alternative ADR system certified for the year. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) requirements for the alternative Federal ADR system; and (2) the treatment of States with the alternative system in effect. (Sec. 423) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report describing and evaluating State ADR systems operated pursuant to this part and the alternative Federal system. Part 4: Other Provisions Relating to Medical Malpractice Liability - Permits a State agency responsible for the conduct of disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements to permit State or county professional societies to participate in the licensing of such practitioner and to review any health care malpractice action, claim, allegation, or other information concerning the practice patterns of any such practitioner. (Sec. 432) Requires the Secretary to conduct a study analyzing the existence and effectiveness of incentives adopted by State and local governments, insurers, medical societies, and other entities to encourage physicians (whether practicing or retired) to volunteer to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 433) Directs each State to require each: (1) health care professional and provider in the State to participate in a risk management program to prevent, and provide early warning of, practices which may injure or otherwise endanger a patient; and (2) entity which provides health care professional or provider liability insurance in the State to establish risk management programs based on available data or sanction such programs provided by other entities and to require each such professional or provider, as a condition of maintaining insurance, to participate in at least one such program every three years. (Sec. 434) Requires the Secretary to make grants: (1) for basic research in the prevention of, and compensation for, injuries resulting from health care professional or provider malpractice and for research of the outcomes of health care procedures; (2) to assist States in improving their ability to license and discipline health care professionals; and (3) to States and local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and health professional schools for educating the public about the appropriate use of health care and realistic expectations of medical intervention and about the resources and role of health care professional licensing and disciplinary boards in investigating claims of incompetence or malpractice, and for developing programs of faculty training and curricula for educating health are professionals in quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws - Exempts from the antitrust laws specified "safe harbor" activities listed in, or designated by the Attorney General pursuant to, this subtitle. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of attorney's fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt. (Sec. 452) Lists as safe harbors specified: (1) activities relating to health care services of combinations of health care providers with market share below a specified threshold; (2) activities of medical self-regulatory entities relating to standard setting or enforcement activities not conducted for purposes of financial gain; (3) participation of a health care provider in a written survey of the prices of services, reimbursement levels, or the compensation and benefits of employees and personnel; (4) activities relating to health care joint ventures for high technology and costly equipment and services; (5) activities relating to hospital mergers; (6) joint purchasing arrangements; and (7) negotiations. (Sec. 453) Directs the Attorney General to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors and to review and report on proposed safe harbors. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes. (Sec. 454) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and to assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth procedures regarding applications for, revocation of, and review of determinations regarding, such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information. (Sec. 455) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures. (Sec. 456) Directs the Attorney General to periodically review the safe harbors and certificates of review. (Sec. 458) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy. Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish and administer a program to provide allotments to enable States to provide grants for the creation or enhancement of community-based primary health care entities that provide services to low-income or medically underserved populations. Directs the Secretary to award grants to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other entities and organizations for the purpose of providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by an FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to provide for a study to examine the relationship and interaction between community health centers and hospitals in providing services to individuals residing in medically underserved areas, ensuring that the National Rural Research Centers participate in such study. (Sec. 502) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a qualified primary health services provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who provides full time primary health services in a health professional shortage area, subject to specified requirements) a credit against tax for a period of 60 consecutive calendar months from the time the taxpayer becomes a qualified provider. Sets forth rules regarding the recapture of credit and the expensing of medical equipment. Excludes National Health Service Corps loan repayments from gross income. Provides a deduction for student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas. (Sec. 503) Amends the SSA to include rural emergency access care hospital services among the benefits provided under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program for the Aged and Disabled. (Sec. 504) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to assist States in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. (Sec. 505) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct a demonstration project under which public and private entities may apply for waivers of provisions of the SSA in order to operate rural health networks which improve the access of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to, and the quality and outcomes of, health care services; and (2) grant waivers to operate rural health networks under the demonstration project to a number of public and private entities. Directs the Secretary to award grants to public and private entities which have received a waiver for planning, developing, and operation of rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to provide for the establishment of demonstration projects: (1) in up to seven States for the purpose of testing and evaluating mechanisms to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice through the use of funds otherwise available for direct graduate medical education costs under the SSA; and (2) for up to seven health care training consortia for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to award grants to such consortia for developing and evaluating such projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 512) Amends the SSA to count residency training time in nonhospital-owned facilities in determining full-time equivalent residents for direct graduate medical education payments, and for certain indirect medical education payments, under Medicare. (Sec. 513) Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase: (1) National Health Service Corps funding; and (2) health professions funding for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to enable public and nonprofit private entities to meet the cost of providing traineeships for individuals in baccalaureate and advanced-degree programs to educate such individuals to serve in and prepare for practice as physician assistants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 516) Directs the Secretary to award grants to States or nonprofit entities to fund not less than ten demonstration projects to enable such States or entities to evaluate: (1) State mechanisms, including changes in the scope of practice laws, to enhance the delivery of primary care by nurse practitioners or physician assistants; (2) the feasibility of and most effective means of training subspecialists to deliver primary care as primary care providers; and (3) State mechanisms to increase the supply or improve the distribution of primary care providers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to enable States to plan and implement coordinated, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive primary health care and social service programs targeted to pregnant women and infants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 522) Authorizes frontier States (including Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana) to: (1) implement proposals to offer preventive services, including mobile preventive health centers, which may be located on aircraft, watercraft, or other forms of transportation; and (2) participate in demonstration projects to improve recruitment, retention, and training of rural providers, including nurse partitioners and physician assistants. Subtitle D: Limitation on Funding for Abortions - Specifies that: (1) nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize funding for any abortion, except to prevent the death of the mother; and (2) the provision of abortion services by a State or other entity shall not be regarded as a condition for participation in any grant or benefit authorized in this title. Title VI: Administrative Cost Savings - Subtitle A: Standardization of Claims Processing - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to: (1) data elements for use in paper and electronic claims processing under health insurance plans, as well as for use in utilization review and management of care; (2) uniform claims forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. Directs the Secretary, in adopting such standards, to take into account the recommendations of current task forces, consult with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and seek to make the standards consistent with any uniform clinical data sets which have been adopted and are widely recognized. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) deadlines for promulgation; and (2) application of the standards. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary to provide for the periodic review and revision of such standards. Subtitle B: Electronic Medical Data Standards - Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data, including confidentiality standards. Authorizes the Secretary to periodically revise the standards and to promulgate (and periodically revise) standards for providers that are not hospitals. (Sec. 612) Requires each hospital, as of January 1, 1996 to: (1) maintain clinical data included in the set of comprehensive data elements in electronic form on all inpatients; (2) upon request of the Secretary or a utilization and quality control peer review organization, transmit electronically the data set; and (3) upon request of the Secretary or a fiscal intermediary or carrier, transmit electronically any data with respect to a claim from such data set in accordance with specified standards. Grants the Secretary waiver authority under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide that each hospital of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall comply with requirements of this subtitle as if it were participating in the Medicare program. Grants such Secretary waiver authority under specified circumstances. (Sec. 613) Authorizes, effective January 1, 2000, a Federal agency to require a provider to transmit required data elements electronically in accordance with applicable presentation or transmission standards. (Sec. 614) Prohibits a health insurance plan, if standards for data elements are promulgated with respect to a class of provider, from requiring for the purpose of utilization review or as a condition of providing benefits under the plan that a provider in the class: (1) provide any data element not in the set of comprehensive data elements specified under such standards; or (2) transmit or present any such data element in a manner inconsistent with the applicable transmission or presentation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil monetary penalty on any health insurance plan (with exceptions) that fails to comply with such provision. (Sec. 615) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission in collection and use of data and operation of data systems to monitor and advise the Secretary concerning the standards established under this subtitle and operational concerns about the implementation of such standards. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Development and Distribution of Comparative Value Information - Directs the Secretary to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program (to assure the availability of comparative value information to purchasers of health care in each State) that meets specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to enable each State to plan the development of, and initiate the implementation of its health care value information program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 622) Directs the Secretary, if a State has failed to develop or implement such program, to implement a comparable program in the State. (Sec. 623) Requires the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to promptly develop and make available to States and to providers and consumers of health care services relevant to health care value information. Subtitle D: Preemption of State Quill Pen Laws - Provides that, effective January 1, 1996, no effect shall be given to any State law provision that requires medical or health insurance records (including billing information) to be maintained in written rather than electronic form. Title VII: Anti-Fraud and Anti-Rationing - Subtitle A: Criminal Prosecution of Health Care Fraud - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for health care fraud. (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Attorney General, in special circumstances, to make payments of up to $10,000 to a person who furnishes information unknown to the Government relating to a possible prosecution for health care fraud, subject to specified limitations. Subtitle B: Coordination of Health Care Anti-Fraud and Abuse Activities - Amends the SSA to apply Federal health anti-fraud and abuse sanctions to all fraud and abuse against any health insurance plan. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify opportunities for the satisfaction of community service obligations that a court may impose upon the conviction of a criminal ofense involving Medicare or State health care programs; and (2) make information concerning such opportunities available to Federal and State law enforcement officers and State and local health care officials. Subtitle C: Protection Against Rationing of Treatment - Prohibits a health care provider or health insurance plan from denying medical treatment or insurance coverage that a patient is otherwise qualified to receive against the wishes of a patient (or if the patient is incompetent, against the wishes of the patient's guardian) on the basis of the patient's present or predicted age, disability, degree of medical need, or quality of life. (Sec. 722) Makes specified remedies and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applicable to any person who is denied medical treatment or insurance coverage, or who has reasonable grounds for believing that such person is about to be subjected to such denial, in violation of this subtitle. Permits an individual subjected to such denial (or a person who would be entitled to bring a cause of action for the individual's wrongful death) to obtain damages.
Bill· HRH.R. 4184 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
Full Employment Opportunity and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to establish a public works and public service job training program. Sets forth provisions for allotment to States, allocation to service delivery areas, program conduct and project requirements, individual eligibility, wages, benefits, and supportive services, waiver of education requirements, and linkages to other programs. Requires that private industry councils include representatives of the State apprenticeship council.
Bill· HRH.R. 4203 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Aviation Investment Act of 1994 Title II: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 Amendments Title III: Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 Amendments Title IV: General Provisions Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title I: Aviation Investment Act of 1994 - Aviation Investment Act of 1994 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that it is in the national interest to encourage projects that employ innovative technology that promotes safety, capacity, and efficiency improvements in air transportation. (Sec. 103) Makes the acquisition or installation by a public-use airport of explosive detection devices and universal access systems an "airport development" activity. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) FY 1994 through 1997 for airport development and airport planning projects; (2) FY 1996 through 1997 for airport improvement projects; and (3) FY 1995 through 1997 for research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the appropriation of the balance of available funds in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for costs incurred by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in operating the aviation system in a safe and efficient manner. (Sec. 109) Extends through FY 1997 the requirement that any obligation or expenditure of amounts appropriated from the Trust Fund for navigation services and facilities be expressly authorized by amendment of specified law. (Sec. 110) Declares that, if the Congress limits the apportionment for airport development and airport planning projects in any fiscal year to less than $1.9 billion, the total apportionment for primary and cargo service airports shall not exceed 44 percent of such amount. (Sec. 111) Requires not less than five percent (currently, ten percent) of funds for airport development and airport planning to be distributed to reliever airports. Requires not less than 1.5 (currently, 2.5 percent) of such funds to be distributed to: (1) nonprimary commercial service airports; and (2) certain noncommercial service public airports. Makes permanent the set-aside of airport development and airport planning funds for the development of current and former military airports. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to designate one or more military airports to receive such funds. Requires the Secretary in making such designations to consider only those military airports listed in the reports issued by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission whose conversion would enhance civil airport and air traffic control system capacity. Authorizes the Secretary to designate military airport set-aside participation to obtain grants to operate and repair airport facilities during the transition to civil operations. Limits participants who receive such funds to $250,000 apiece. (Sec. 113) Reduces from two to one the minimum number of airports that may benefit from a State's project application for airport development or airport planning projects. (Sec. 114) Allows as a project cost reimbursable by the U.S. Government airport development and airport planning costs incurred: (1) not more than two years before a project grant agreement was executed; (2) after September 30, 1993; (3) in accordance with an approved airport layout plan and applicable statutory requirements; and (4) after the Secretary's approval. (Sec. 115) Allows the unlimited use of discretionary funds for terminal development at commercial service airports enplaning no more than .05 percent of the total U.S. enplanements (small airports) annually. (Sec. 116) Declares that nothing in such Act shall be construed to prohibit the obligation of amounts for airport development and planning projects pursuant to a letter of intent in the same fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued. (Sec. 117) Extends the State block grant pilot program for airport development and planning through September 30, 1997. Authorizes such program to provide funding for integrated airport system planning. Requires such planning to include at least one primary airport enplanning 0.25 percent or more of the total number of passengers enplanned annually at all commercial services airports. (Sec. 118) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for land use compatibility planning projects that make the use of land areas around airports compatible with aircraft operations. (Sec. 119) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to contract with the Center for Aviation Research and Education of the National Association of State Aviation Officials for the collection of airport safety data. (Sec. 120) Revises the term "integrated airport system planning" to include, among other things, the role which airports play in the transportation system in a specific area. Mandates that not less than one percent (currently, one-half of one percent) of airport development and airport planning funds be distributed during each fiscal year to planning agencies for integrated airport system planning. Sets forth certain requirements for the approval of a grant to a planning agency for integrated airport system planning. (Sec. 121) Authorizes the Secretary, in a manner that advances the overall infrastructure needs of the aviation sector of the nation's economy, to enter into innovative financing agreements that produce a greater amount of investment in airport development per dollar of Federal expenditure than generally prevails in the existing Federal airport improvement program. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 Amendments - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into cooperative agreements on a cost-shared basis with Federal and non-Federal entities to promote aviation research, engineering, and development, including the development of prototypes and demonstration models. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to provide safety-related training and operational services for foreign aviation authorities with or without reimbursement, if it promotes aviation safety or U.S. aviation interests. Requires reimbursed air travel, to the extent practicable, to be provided on U.S. air carriers. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to collect fees for providing the following aviation services outside the United States: any test, authorization, certificate, permit, rating, evaluation, approval, inspection, or review. (Sec. 204) Revises the mandatory features of a fee proposal the Secretary must find when granting a public agency controlling a commercial service airport the authority to impose a passenger facility fee to finance specific projects. Requires the application for such authority to include adequate justification for each of the specific projects. Title III: Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 Amendments - Amends the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 to revise and make uniform the Federal share of costs for airport noise compatibility projects. (Sec. 302) Provides for projects to soundproof residential buildings if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 303) Repeals a certain annual reporting requirement concerning the status of the implementation of collision avoidance systems in the national air traffic control system. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires compensation received by the United States from the transfer of the San Jacinto Disposal Area to the City of Galveston, Texas, to include compensation to the FAA for costs to replace existing airway facilities on such area. (Sec. 402) Amends the Aviation Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 to provide certain waiver authority with respect to foreign air carriers. (Sec. 403) Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to repeal a provision requiring local government approval of airport development projects for general aviation airports that are located astride a line separating two counties within a single State. Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain aviation-related taxes and trust fund spending authority.
Bill· HRH.R. 4183 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1994
Infrastructure Jobs Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to State and local governments for infrastructure projects in distressed areas. Provides for direct grants for construction and improvement and for completion of planning. Provides for supplemental grants for other Federal grant programs and for State and local programs. Sets forth general grant requirements and requires the Secretary to prescribe appropriate rules, regulations, and procedures. Sets forth formulas for allocation of funds. Sets aside two and one-half percent for Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages. Provides public works project priorities, with the highest priority for projects of local governments. Provides an additional priority for areas of high unemployment (six percent or more). Authorizes appropriations.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 199 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1994
Honors: (1) the service of former members and civilian employees who served aboard the Coast Guard cutters U.S.C.G.C. Mendota and U.S.C.G.C. Pontchartrain during World War II; and (2) the contributions made by the past and present employees of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, to the successful discharge by the Coast Guard of its many duties.
Bill· SS. 2002 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1994
Amtrak Investment Act of 1994 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish as one of the goals for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) management of its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service. (Sec. 4) Requires AMTRAK to include in its annual report on its operations to the President and to the Congress projections of anticipated and realized benefits of proposed and previously funded projects. (Sec. 5) Requires applications by a State, agency, or person for the institution of rail passenger service, or the retention of a route, train, or service which AMTRAK intends to discontinue, to include a statement that it agrees to pay in each year of service specified percentages of the long-term avoidable losses for each year (currently, short-term avoidable losses) of the operation of such service. Authorizes AMTRAK for each year of service to contribute specified percentages to such losses. Requires such State, agency, or person, with respect to the renewal of such service, to provide a statement that it agrees to pay at least 65 percent of the long-term avoidable losses of operating such service and at least 50 percent of the associated capital costs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review AMTRAK's state-assisted rail passenger services program and report the results, including recommendations for revising such program, to the Congress. (Sec. 6) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct AMTRAK to make any capital improvements for the Northeast Corridor improvement project necessary for reliable, high-speed rail passenger service and enhancement of capacity for intercity and commuter passenger service. (Sec. 7) Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) AMTRAK operating expenses; (2) State requested rail passenger service; (3) capital investment projects; (4) construction expenses to convert the James A. Farley Post Office, New York City, into a train station and commercial center and for redevelopment of the Pennsylvania Station, New York City; (5) capital expenditures for the Northeast Corridor improvement project; and (6) certain mandatory payments.
Bill· HRH.R. 4142 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act - Prohibits foreign assistance funds from being used to provide assistance to any country for any portion of a fiscal year during which the country prohibits or restricts the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance to any other country. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the President determines and notifies the Congress that providing assistance: (1) is in the national interest; or (2) will benefit directly non-military personnel who are in immediate danger resulting from a natural or manmade disaster (provided that such assistance is humanitarian assistance distributed directly to such personnel or through international relief organizations).
Bill· HRH.R. 4129 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Credit for Rural Business Enterprises Title II: Credit for Rural Infrastructure Title III: Credit for Rural Housing Rural Credit and Development Act of 1994 - Title I: Credit for Rural Business Enterprises - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to permit farm credit banks and production credit associations to purchase loans and loan interests from non-Farm Credit System institutions. Enlarges the scope of farm-related business for credit availability purposes. Authorizes banks for cooperatives to provide loans and other financial services to entities providing certain farm-related services or products under specified conditions. Title II: Credit for Rural Infrastructure - Authorizes Farm Credit banks to make community facility loans. Authorizes banks for cooperatives to finance utility-related services. Title III: Credit for Rural Housing - Enlarges rural housing credit availability by: (1) increasing eligible population areas; (2) increasing farm credit bank and production credit association loan portfolios for non-farmer rural housing loans; and (3) authorizing loans to rural residents for personal, family, or household needs other than housing finance.
Bill· HRH.R. 4114 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1994
Governors Island Reinforcement Act of 1994 - Sets forth trade, assistance, and air transport sanctions against Haiti, and against other nations not cooperating with U.S. or international sanctions. Terminates such sanctions upon the reinstatement of the democratically elected President of Haiti and the military's meeting its obligation under the Governors Island Agreement. States congressional support for: (1) the return of human rights observers to Haiti; (2) the creation of a multinational border patrol between Haiti and the Dominican Republic; and (3) socioeconomic and peacekeeping assistance to Haiti. Directs the President to terminate the bilateral migrant interdiction agreement with Haiti. Provides for the nonrefoulement of Haitians by the United States. Grants temporary protected status under the Immigration and Nationality Act to qualifying Haitians. Excludes from U.S. admission, and blocks U.S. assets of, certain Haitians connected with the military or related activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4111 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1994
Amtrak Investment Act of 1994 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish as one of the goals for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) management of its capital investment in such a way as to provide its customers with world class service. (Sec. 4) Requires AMTRAK to include in its annual report on its operations to the President and to the Congress projections of anticipated and realized benefits of proposed and previously funded projects. (Sec. 5) Requires applications by a State, agency, or person for the institution of rail passenger service, or the retention of a route, train, or service which AMTRAK intends to discontinue, to include a statement that it agrees to pay in each year of service specified percentages of the long-term avoidable losses for each year (currently, short-term avoidable losses) of the operation of such service. Authorizes AMTRAK for each year of service to contribute specified percentages to such losses. Requires such State, agency, or person, with respect to the renewal of such service, to provide a statement that it agrees to pay at least 65 percent of the long-term avoidable losses of operating such service and at least 50 percent of the associated capital costs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review AMTRAK's state-assisted rail passenger services program and report the results, including recommendations for revising such program, to the Congress. (Sec. 6) Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct AMTRAK to make any capital improvements for the Northeast Corridor improvement project necessary for reliable, high-speed rail passenger service and enhancement of capacity for intercity and commuter passenger service. (Sec. 7) Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) AMTRAK operating expenses; (2) State requested rail passenger service; (3) capital investment projects; (4) construction expenses to convert the James A. Farley Post Office, New York City, into a train station and commercial center and for redevelopment of the Pennsylvania Station, New York City; (5) capital expenditures for the Northeast Corridor improvement project; and (6) certain mandatory payments.
Bill· SS. 1942 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
Local Rail Freight Assistance Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Department of Transportation Act with respect to local rail service assistance to authorize appropriations for FY 1995 through 1997.
Bill· SS. 1945 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Maritime Administration Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 Title I: Maritime Administration Authorization of Appropriations - Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Transportation for FY 1995 for certain maritime programs, costs, and expenses. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to require a request from the Secretary of Defense (currently, the Secretary of the Navy) to the Secretary of Transportation for use of the National Defense Reserve Fleet for defense readiness, testing, sealift, and deployment functions. Requires a report from the Secretary of Transportation to the Congress on the condition of U.S. public ports to be submitted each even-numbered year (currently, every year). Title II: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - Maritime Security and Trade Act of 1994 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to allow the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a contractor operating either a liner vessel or a bulk cargo vessel and receiving an operating-differential subsidy (ODS) to construct, reconstruct, or acquire a replacement vessel of over five thousand deadweight tons that would reach the end of its subsidizable life prior to the expiration of the contractor's ODS contract. Requires foreign-built vessels so acquired to be less than five years of age at the time of documentation. Requires any necessary vessel repairs or alterations to be performed in privately owned U.S. shipyards. Prohibits the Secretary, after the date of enactment of this Act, from entering into any new contract for an ODS. Provides transition provisions for ODS contracts in effect before such date while prohibiting any contract renewals or extensions. Directs the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a fleet of active, militarily useful, privately owned liner vessels to maintain an American presence in international commercial shipping and meet national defense and other security requirements. Requires the vessel owner or operator to enter into an operating agreement (OA) with the Secretary which requires operation exclusively in the foreign trade. Limits the total cost of such OAs for FY 1995 through 2004. Appropriates funds for such OAs. Requires certain vessel certifications in order to qualify for annual payments under such OAs. Prohibits any such vessel from being under an ODS contract at the time. Provides a priority for the Secretary in entering into such OAs. Makes such OAs effective for up to ten years, requiring termination no later than the end of FY 2004. Requires all vessels entered into an OA to enroll in an Emergency Preparedness Program as established under this Act. Requires vessel owners and operators entered into an OA, in time of war or national emergency or when otherwise decided by the President, to make available commercial transportation resources pursuant to an Emergency Preparedness Program established by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits an owner or operator from receiving any payment under an OA under this Act if such owner or operator or a related party owns or operates a vessel engaged in the transportation of cargo in a noncontiguous trade, with specified waivers. Provides for waiver applications, hearings, and determinations. Provides waivers for owners and operators currently operating in noncontiguous trade, especially with respect to noncontiguous trade with Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska, limiting the annual capacity of such permitted trade. Requires each person granted a waiver to report annually to the Secretary setting forth the service authorized by the waiver. Provides a supplemental duty of 15 cents per ton (not to exceed in the aggregate 75 cents per ton in any one year) for foreign vessels entering a U.S. port during FY 1995 through 2004. Provides certain exceptions to a prohibition against any contractor receiving an ODS from owning or operating any foreign-flag vessels which compete with any American-flag service. Redefines "privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels" for purposes of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. States that provisions of such Act requiring the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the shipment of cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the United States shall be deemed fulfilled if the actual ocean transportation is achieved by a combination of U.S. and foreign-flag feeder vessels and the distance achieved by the U.S. flag vessel during such transportation is greater than that achieved by the foreign-flag feeder vessel. Provides a 25-year limitation on certain restrictions and requirements applicable to vessels constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned with the aid of a construction-differential subsidy.
Bill· HRH.R. 4058 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
Towing Safety Act - Amends Federal law to subject towing vessels to certain safety inspection requirements. Exempts a vessel from such requirements if it is: (1) used for towing disabled vessels; or (2) not used to pull, push, or haul alongside a barge that is subject to inspection. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe regulations requiring the installation of certain navigational and safety equipment on towing vessels. (Sec. 3) Requires certain passenger vessels subject to inspection to maintain a minimum number of licensed masters and mates. Authorizes the Secretary to classify merchant seamen licenses and certificates of registry based on, among other factors, barge tonnage, and barge number or configuration. Authorizes the issuance of a license as a master or mate of a towing vessel only to an individual who has demonstrated proficiency in: (1) using certain navigational and safety equipment; and (2) operating such vessel, or has completed a Coast Guard-approved towing vessel simulator course. Sets forth conforming licensing requirements. Requires individuals employed on merchant vessels of at least five (currently, 100) gross tons to have a a merchant mariner's document authorizing service in the capacity for which the individual is employed. Exempts from such licensing requirements individuals employed on small passenger vessels or uninspected passenger vessels. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations which exempt employment categories from such licensing requirements. Authorizes: (1) such regulations to exempt an employment category from such licensing requirements only if the responsibilities of such employed individual do not relate to the safe operation of a merchant vessel; and (2) the employment of unlicensed individuals upon such vessel for a 60-day period. Requires a specified percentage of the new crew employed on passenger vessels of at least 100 gross tons to be able seamen. Includes "able seaman-towing vessel" as a classification authorized for endorsement as able seamen. Declares that an individual may be rated as "able seaman-towing vessel" if he has at least 18 months' service on deck on board towing vessels operating in U.S. navigable waters, including the Great Lakes. (Sec. 4) Requires marine casualties to be reported as soon as practicable, but in no case later than within five days. (Currently, within five days.) Increases penalties for an individual in charge of a vessel for failing to report a casualty. Creates a presumption of liability for individuals in charge of a vessel who unreasonably fail to provide assistance to an individual in danger of being lost as a result of a collision between two or more vessels.
Bill· HRH.R. 4037 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1994
National Highway System Designation Act of 1994 - Designates the National Highway System (HNS), as submitted by the Secretary of Transportation, within the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a State, to add new NHS segments (including intermodal connections) and to delete existing route segments and connections if the total NHS miles do not exceed 165,000 miles. Requires: (1) the State to establish that the requested route changes have been indentified cooperatively with local officials through the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes; and (2) the Secretary to determine that the requested changes meet criteria established for, and enhance the national transportation characteristics of, the NHS.
Bill· HRH.R. 4003 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Maritime Administration Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 Title I: Maritime Administration Authorization of Appropriations - Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Transportation for FY 1995 for certain maritime programs, costs, and expenses. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to require a request from the Secretary of Defense (currently, the Secretary of the Navy) to the Secretary of Transportation for use of the National Defense Reserve Fleet for defense readiness, testing, sealift, and deployment functions. Requires a report from the Secretary of Transportation to the Congress on the condition of U.S. public ports to be submitted each even-numbered year (currently, every year). Title II: Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 - Maritime Security and Trade Act of 1994 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to allow the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a contractor operating either a liner vessel or a bulk cargo vessel and receiving an operating-differential subsidy (ODS) to construct, reconstruct, or acquire a replacement vessel of over five thousand deadweight tons that would reach the end of its subsidizable life prior to the expiration of the contractor's ODS contract. Requires foreign-built vessels so acquired to be less than five years of age at the time of documentation. Requires any necessary vessel repairs or alterations to be performed in privately owned U.S. shipyards. Prohibits the Secretary, after the date of enactment of this Act, from entering into any new contract for an ODS. Provides transition provisions for ODS contracts in effect before such date while prohibiting any contract renewals or extensions. Directs the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a fleet of active, militarily useful, privately owned liner vessels to maintain an American presence in international commercial shipping and meet national defense and other security requirements. Requires the vessel owner or operator to enter into an operating agreement (OA) with the Secretary which requires operation exclusively in the foreign trade. Limits the total cost of such OAs for FY 1995 through 2004. Appropriates funds for such OAs. Requires certain vessel certifications in order to qualify for annual payments under such OAs. Prohibits any such vessel from being under an ODS contract at the time. Provides a priority for the Secretary in entering into such OAs. Makes such OAs effective for up to ten years, requiring termination no later than the end of FY 2004. Requires all vessels entered into an OA to enroll in an Emergency Preparedness Program as established under this Act. Requires vessel owners and operators entered into an OA, in time of war or national emergency or when otherwise decided by the President, to make available commercial transportation resources pursuant to an Emergency Preparedness Program established by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Prohibits an owner or operator from receiving any payment under an OA under this Act if such owner or operator or a related party owns or operates a vessel engaged in the transportation of cargo in a noncontiguous trade, with specified waivers. Provides for waiver applications, hearings, and determinations. Provides waivers for owners and operators currently operating in noncontiguous trade, especially with respect to noncontiguous trade with Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska, limiting the annual capacity of such permitted trade. Requires each person granted a waiver to report annually to the Secretary setting forth the service authorized by the waiver. Provides a supplemental duty of 15 cents per ton (not to exceed in the aggregate 75 cents per ton in any one year) for foreign vessels entering a U.S. port during FY 1995 through 2004. Provides certain exceptions to a prohibition against any contractor receiving an ODS from owning or operating any foreign-flag vessels which compete with any American-flag service. Redefines "privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels" for purposes of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. States that provisions of such Act requiring the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the shipment of cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the United States shall be deemed fulfilled if the actual ocean transportation is achieved by a combination of U.S. and foreign-flag feeder vessels and the distance achieved by the U.S. flag vessel during such transportation is greater than that achieved by the foreign-flag feeder vessel. Provides a 25-year limitation on certain restrictions and requirements applicable to vessels constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned with the aid of a construction-differential subsidy.
Bill· HRH.R. 3993 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1994
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit, and establish penalties for: (1) employing or inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, intending that such depiction will be imported into the United States or into waters within 12 miles of the coast of the United States; and (2) knowingly receiving, transporting, distributing, selling, or possessing with intent to transport, sell, or distribute such depiction, with such intent. Repeals the caps on fines for sexual exploitation of children. Subjects individuals who violate prohibitions against sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual abuse to a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years, or both, and a fine or from five to 15 years, or both, if such individual has a prior conviction of sexual abuse. Sets forth: (1) analogous provisions with respect to certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual exploitation of minors; and (2) penalties for conspiring and attempting to violate such provisions. Makes violation of this Act a predicate offense to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. Sets penalties for travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 18. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State that has not yet done so should enact legislation prohibiting the production, distribution, receipt, or simple possession of materials depicting a person under age 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct and providing for a maximum imprisonment of at least one year and the forfeiture of assets used in the commission or support of, or gained from, such offenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3967 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1994
Helium Act of 1994 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act.
Bill· SS. 1887 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
National Highway System Designation Act of 1994 - Designates the most recent National Highway System as submitted by the Secretary of Transportation to be the National Highway System (NHS). Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a State, to add a new route segment to the NHS (including a new intermodal connection) or delete an existing route segment if the total mileage of the NHS, including any route segment or connection proposed to be added, does not exceed 165,000 miles. Requires each State making a request for a change in the NHS to establish that each change has been identified by the State, in cooperation with local officials, pursuant to applicable transportation planning activities for metropolitan areas and statewide planning processes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such a request upon determining that the change meets the criteria established for, and enhances the national transportation characteristics of, the NHS.
Bill· SS. 1882 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers Title IV: Prohibited Weapons Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not licensed to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) the transferor has verified that the transferee possess a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license; (2) the transferor has provided to the chief officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a State handgun registration form; and (3) seven days have elapsed since the transferor contacted the chief officer of the State that issued the license or the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement issued within the previous ten days by the chief officer of the State in which the transferee resides stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or any member of the transferee's household. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual who is not a licensed dealer unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification; and (2) any such individual from receiving transfer of a handguns or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State handgun licenses; (2) State handgun registration forms; and (3) State handgun safety certificates (issued after the applicant has completed a course and passed an examination in handgun safety). Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession - Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a firearm to, or possession of a firearm by, a person convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order; and (2) the transfer of a handgun (or handgun ammunition) to an individual under age 21 or of a firearm other than a handgun (or ammunition) to an individual under age 16, and the possession of such weapon (or ammunition) by such individuals, respectively, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the storage or leaving of a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition, at any place to which a juvenile is likely to gain access at a time when the juvenile is not under the personal supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing the firearm. Requires each licensed dealer to post conspicuously at each of the dealer's places of business a warning that it is a Federal crime to store or leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and its ammunition, where an unsupervised juvenile can gain access. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a person from possessing more than 20 firearms or more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition unless the person is a licensed dealer or has been issued an arsenal license. Direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue such a license if specified conditions are met, including the payment of a $300 fee for a three-year license period. Subjects the holder of such a license to all requirements pertaining to licensed dealers. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply to the Secretary for restoration of firearm privileges under certain circumstances. Specifies that a conviction shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of Federal firearms provisions if: (1) it has been expunged or set aside or a named person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored; and (2) the authority that grants such action expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive and possess firearms and expressly determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief is not contrary to the public interest. Makes this provision inapplicable to a conviction of a serious drug offense or violent felony. Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers - Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) transferring or receiving a transfer of more than one handgun during any 30-day period; or (2) transferring a handgun to another person who has received transfer of another handgun during the previous 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 302) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition of licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 303) Increases: (1) license application fees; and (2) the length of time before which the Secretary must approve or deny an application. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, for ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements, to inspect a firearms licensee's inventory and records three times during any 12-month period or at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation (currently, once during any 12-month period). (Sec. 306) Requires an applicant, for approval as a licensed dealer, to certify that the business is covered by an insurance policy providing personal injury protection to any person injured while engaged in lawful activity by a handgun obtained through the negligence of the applicant, to a limit of $100,000 for loss sustained by any such person as a result of bodily injury or death. (Sec, 307) Establishes licensing and recordkeeping requirements for ammunition dealers. (Sec. 308) Prohibits a licensed dealer from employing any person in a position in which the person would have unsupervised access to firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) in the case of access to handguns or handgun ammunition, the person has a valid State handgun license; and (2) in the case of access to firearms other than handguns or ammunition other than handgun ammunition, the person is at least age 18, the licensee has contacted the national system designated by the Attorney General pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the system has notified the licensee that the possession of a firearm by the person would not violate Federal, State, or local law, and the licensee has verified the identity of the person by examining a valid photograph identification. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 309) Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm from any motorized or towed vehicle or at a location other than that specified on the license. (Sec. 310) Requires each licensee to: (1) respond immediately to a request by the Secretary for information contained in required records relevant to a criminal investigation; and (2) report the theft or loss of a firearm from inventory within 24 hours after discovery to the Secretary, the chief officer, and appropriate local authorities. (Sec. 312) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include its component parts. (Sec. 313) Prohibits any common or contract carrier from delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm or ammunition without examining the Federal firearms or ammunition license of the recipient and obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who transfers any firearm or ammunition in violation of Federal law liable for all damages proximately caused by such transfer. Permits an action to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a firearm or ammunition transferred in violation of Federal law, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of costs and punitive damages. Title IV: Prohibited Weapons - Prohibits the manufacture, transfer, or possession of "prohibited weapons," defined as firearm mufflers or silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, semiautomatic assault weapons, Saturday-night-special handguns, nonsporting ammunition, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon," "Saturday-night-special handgun," and "large-capacity ammunition feeding device." Categorizes various brands of weapons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a prohibited weapon within the definition of "firearm." Requires the serial number of any prohibited weapon manufactured after the date of enactment to clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects persons using or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to the same enhanced penalty as for such use or possession of a short-barreled shotgun. (Sec. 402) Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture or import of a firearm that does not incorporate a device that: (1) prevents a child of less than age seven from discharging the firearm; (2) prevents a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicates whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Sets penalties for violations.
Bill· SS. 1883 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Title III: Assistance for Public Broadcasting Facilities Title IV: National Telecommunications and Information Administration Title V: National Endowment for Children's Educational Television Title VI: Peacesat Program National Telecommunications and Information Administration Authorization Act of 1994 - Title I: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, in order to facilitate the development of the national telecommunications and information infrastructure (NTII), to establish and maintain as separate Federal assistance programs: (1) a program for NTII projects which enhance the delivery of diverse social services to the public and support the formulation of a nationwide infrastructure of various information technologies; and (2) a program for public broadcasting projects which extend the delivery of public broadcasting services to as many U.S. citizens as possible, increase the provision of such services for minorities, native Americans, and women, and strengthen the capability of existing public broadcasting entities to provide public broadcasting services to the public. Title II: Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to add provisions concerning Federal assistance for telecommunications and information infrastructure development through matching grants. Directs such grants to be used to: (1) expand telecommunications networks or systems for health care providers, educational institutions, research facilities, libraries, museums, State and local governments, public safety services, and other social service and public information providers; (2) enhance the ability of such entities to access existing and new sources of information; (3) improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of social services to urban and rural citizens; (4) support telecommunications demonstration projects in the delivery of social services; and (5) increase the productivity, personal growth, and quality of life for U.S. citizens through efficient access to information. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) grant criteria; (2) application requirements; (3) NTII training and planning activities; (4) required regulations; (5) special consideration for certain meritorious applications; (6) the recovery of grant funds for failed projects or activities; (7) recordkeeping requirements for grant recipients; (8) the collection and dissemination of information through clearinghouses; and (9) the authorization of appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1994 through 1998 for grant purposes. Title III: Assistance for Public Broadcasting Facilities - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) change "telecommunications" references to "broadcasting"; (2) extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for Federal assistance for public broadcasting facilities and programs; (3) delete a current requirement of a five-year plan for each public broadcasting facility construction project; (4) require special consideration in the award of such construction grants to native Americans and populations traditionally underserved in the ownership and operation of public broadcasting entities; (5) revise provisions concerning the waiting period before the authorized recovery of funds for failed public broadcasting projects or programs; (6) allow for Federal matching grant funds with respect to grants awarded to a consortium of Indian post-secondary educational institutions; and (7) amend or add definitions under such Act. Title IV: National Telecommunications and Information Administration - Amends the National Telecommunication and Information Administration Organization Act to increase and extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations under such Act. Title V: National Endowment for Children's Educational Television - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television. Title VI: Peacesat Program - Extends the authorization of appropriations for activities of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration through FY 1995.
Bill· HRH.R. 3926 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1994
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make specified funds available to certain States and the District of Columbia for road repairs and emergency road resurfacing required due to the severity of the 1993-1994 winter. Provides restrictions. Authorizes appropriations. Rescinds 15 percent of the FY 1994 amounts appropriated for travel expenses for officers or employees of the executive branch, excluding the Postal Service and the Departments of Defense, the Treasury, Justice, and Veterans Affairs.
Bill· HRH.R. 3932 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers Title IV: Prohibited Weapons Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not licensed to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) the transferor has verified that the transferee possess a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license; (2) the transferor has provided to the chief officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a State handgun registration form; and (3) seven days have elapsed since the transferor contacted the chief officer of the State that issued the license or the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement issued within the previous ten days by the chief officer of the State in which the transferee resides stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or any member of the transferee's household. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual who is not a licensed dealer unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification; and (2) any such individual from receiving transfer of a handguns or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State handgun licenses; (2) State handgun registration forms; and (3) State handgun safety certificates (issued after the applicant has completed a course and passed an examination in handgun safety). Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession - Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a firearm to, or possession of a firearm by, a person convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order; and (2) the transfer of a handgun (or handgun ammunition) to an individual under age 21 or of a firearm other than a handgun (or ammunition) to an individual under age 16, and the possession of such weapon (or ammunition) by such individuals, respectively, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the storage or leaving of a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition, at any place to which a juvenile is likely to gain access at a time when the juvenile is not under the personal supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing the firearm. Requires each licensed dealer to post conspicuously at each of the dealer's places of business a warning that it is a Federal crime to store or leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and its ammunition, where an unsupervised juvenile can gain access. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a person from possessing more than 20 firearms or more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition unless the person is a licensed dealer or has been issued an arsenal license. Direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue such a license if specified conditions are met, including the payment of a $300 fee for a three-year license period. Subjects the holder of such a license to all requirements pertaining to licensed dealers. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply to the Secretary for restoration of firearm privileges under certain circumstances. Specifies that a conviction shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of Federal firearms provisions if: (1) it has been expunged or set aside or a named person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored; and (2) the authority that grants such action expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive and possess firearms and expressly determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief is not contrary to the public interest. Makes this provision inapplicable to a conviction of a serious drug offense or violent felony. Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers - Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) transferring or receiving a transfer of more than one handgun during any 30-day period; or (2) transferring a handgun to another person who has received transfer of another handgun during the previous 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 302) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition of licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 303) Increases: (1) license application fees; and (2) the length of time before which the Secretary must approve or deny an application. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, for ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements, to inspect a firearms licensee's inventory and records three times during any 12-month period or at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation (currently, once during any 12-month period). (Sec. 306) Requires an applicant, for approval as a licensed dealer, to certify that the business is covered by an insurance policy providing personal injury protection to any person injured while engaged in lawful activity by a handgun obtained through the negligence of the applicant, to a limit of $100,000 for loss sustained by any such person as a result of bodily injury or death. (Sec, 307) Establishes licensing and recordkeeping requirements for ammunition dealers. (Sec. 308) Prohibits a licensed dealer from employing any person in a position in which the person would have unsupervised access to firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) in the case of access to handguns or handgun ammunition, the person has a valid State handgun license; and (2) in the case of access to firearms other than handguns or ammunition other than handgun ammunition, the person is at least age 18, the licensee has contacted the national system designated by the Attorney General pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the system has notified the licensee that the possession of a firearm by the person would not violate Federal, State, or local law, and the licensee has verified the identity of the person by examining a valid photograph identification. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 309) Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm from any motorized or towed vehicle or at a location other than that specified on the license. (Sec. 310) Requires each licensee to: (1) respond immediately to a request by the Secretary for information contained in required records relevant to a criminal investigation; and (2) report the theft or loss of a firearm from inventory within 24 hours after discovery to the Secretary, the chief officer, and appropriate local authorities. (Sec. 312) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include its component parts. (Sec. 313) Prohibits any common or contract carrier from delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm or ammunition without examining the Federal firearms or ammunition license of the recipient and obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who transfers any firearm or ammunition in violation of Federal law liable for all damages proximately caused by such transfer. Permits an action to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a firearm or ammunition transferred in violation of Federal law, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of costs and punitive damages. Title IV: Prohibited Weapons - Prohibits the manufacture, transfer, or possession of "prohibited weapons," defined as firearm mufflers or silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, semiautomatic assault weapons, Saturday-night-special handguns, nonsporting ammunition, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon," "Saturday-night-special handgun," and "large-capacity ammunition feeding device." Categorizes various brands of weapons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a prohibited weapon within the definition of "firearm." Requires the serial number of any prohibited weapon manufactured after the date of enactment to clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects persons using or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to the same enhanced penalty as for such use or possession of a short-barreled shotgun. (Sec. 402) Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture or import of a firearm that does not incorporate a device that: (1) prevents a child of less than age seven from discharging the firearm; (2) prevents a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicates whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 403) Increases the tax on handguns and handguns ammunition. Establishes in the Treasury a Health Care Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equivalent to such taxes. Makes Trust Fund sums available only for grants to assist hospitals, trauma centers, or other health care providers that have incurred substantial uncompensated costs in providing medical care to gunshot victims, subject to specified limitations. Makes such a provider eligible to apply for such a grant for any calendar year if it is in compliance with Federal and State certification and licensing requirements, is a non-profit entity, and has incurred substantial uncompensated costs during the previous calendar year in providing medical care to gunshot victims. Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives - Establishes special tax rules for gun exchange programs contributions. (Sec. 502) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop a written model program for business-sponsored gun exchange programs; and (2) make such model available to States, local governments, and businesses.
Bill· SS. 1878 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers Title IV: Prohibited Weapons Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1994 - Title I: Handgun Licensing and Registration - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a handgun to an individual not licensed to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) the transferor has verified that the transferee possess a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification and by contacting the chief law enforcement officer of the State that issued the license; (2) the transferor has provided to the chief officer of the State in which the transfer is to take place a State handgun registration form; and (3) seven days have elapsed since the transferor contacted the chief officer of the State that issued the license or the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement issued within the previous ten days by the chief officer of the State in which the transferee resides stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or any member of the transferee's household. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of handgun ammunition to an individual who is not a licensed dealer unless the transferor has verified that the transferee possesses a valid State handgun license by examining the license and a valid photograph identification; and (2) any such individual from receiving transfer of a handguns or handgun ammunition unless the individual possesses a valid State handgun license. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) State handgun licenses; (2) State handgun registration forms; and (3) State handgun safety certificates (issued after the applicant has completed a course and passed an examination in handgun safety). Sets penalties for violations. Directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to make a grant to each State for the initial startup costs associated with establishing a system of licensing and registration. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Restrictions on Firearm Possession - Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a firearm to, or possession of a firearm by, a person convicted of a violent crime or subject to a protection order; and (2) the transfer of a handgun (or handgun ammunition) to an individual under age 21 or of a firearm other than a handgun (or ammunition) to an individual under age 16, and the possession of such weapon (or ammunition) by such individuals, respectively, with exceptions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 203) Prohibits the storage or leaving of a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition, at any place to which a juvenile is likely to gain access at a time when the juvenile is not under the personal supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing the firearm. Requires each licensed dealer to post conspicuously at each of the dealer's places of business a warning that it is a Federal crime to store or leave a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and its ammunition, where an unsupervised juvenile can gain access. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 204) Prohibits a person from possessing more than 20 firearms or more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition unless the person is a licensed dealer or has been issued an arsenal license. Direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue such a license if specified conditions are met, including the payment of a $300 fee for a three-year license period. Subjects the holder of such a license to all requirements pertaining to licensed dealers. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 205) Repeals provisions authorizing persons prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply to the Secretary for restoration of firearm privileges under certain circumstances. Specifies that a conviction shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of Federal firearms provisions if: (1) it has been expunged or set aside or a named person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored; and (2) the authority that grants such action expressly authorizes the person to ship, transport, receive and possess firearms and expressly determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner that is dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief is not contrary to the public interest. Makes this provision inapplicable to a conviction of a serious drug offense or violent felony. Title III: Restrictions on Gun Sellers - Prohibits (with exceptions): (1) transferring or receiving a transfer of more than one handgun during any 30-day period; or (2) transferring a handgun to another person who has received transfer of another handgun during the previous 30-day period. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 302) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition of licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 303) Increases: (1) license application fees; and (2) the length of time before which the Secretary must approve or deny an application. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary, for ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements, to inspect a firearms licensee's inventory and records three times during any 12-month period or at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation (currently, once during any 12-month period). (Sec. 306) Requires an applicant, for approval as a licensed dealer, to certify that the business is covered by an insurance policy providing personal injury protection to any person injured while engaged in lawful activity by a handgun obtained through the negligence of the applicant, to a limit of $100,000 for loss sustained by any such person as a result of bodily injury or death. (Sec, 307) Establishes licensing and recordkeeping requirements for ammunition dealers. (Sec. 308) Prohibits a licensed dealer from employing any person in a position in which the person would have unsupervised access to firearms or ammunition, unless: (1) in the case of access to handguns or handgun ammunition, the person has a valid State handgun license; and (2) in the case of access to firearms other than handguns or ammunition other than handgun ammunition, the person is at least age 18, the licensee has contacted the national system designated by the Attorney General pursuant to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the system has notified the licensee that the possession of a firearm by the person would not violate Federal, State, or local law, and the licensee has verified the identity of the person by examining a valid photograph identification. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 309) Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm from any motorized or towed vehicle or at a location other than that specified on the license. (Sec. 310) Requires each licensee to: (1) respond immediately to a request by the Secretary for information contained in required records relevant to a criminal investigation; and (2) report the theft or loss of a firearm from inventory within 24 hours after discovery to the Secretary, the chief officer, and appropriate local authorities. (Sec. 312) Expands the definition of a "firearm" to include its component parts. (Sec. 313) Prohibits any common or contract carrier from delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm or ammunition without examining the Federal firearms or ammunition license of the recipient and obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt. (Sec. 314) Makes any person who transfers any firearm or ammunition in violation of Federal law liable for all damages proximately caused by such transfer. Permits an action to be brought in a U.S. district court by, or on behalf of, any person who suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a firearm or ammunition transferred in violation of Federal law, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of costs and punitive damages. Title IV: Prohibited Weapons - Prohibits the manufacture, transfer, or possession of "prohibited weapons," defined as firearm mufflers or silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, semiautomatic assault weapons, Saturday-night-special handguns, nonsporting ammunition, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon," "Saturday-night-special handgun," and "large-capacity ammunition feeding device." Categorizes various brands of weapons. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a prohibited weapon within the definition of "firearm." Requires the serial number of any prohibited weapon manufactured after the date of enactment to clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects persons using or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime to the same enhanced penalty as for such use or possession of a short-barreled shotgun. (Sec. 402) Prohibits (with exceptions) the manufacture or import of a firearm that does not incorporate a device that: (1) prevents a child of less than age seven from discharging the firearm; (2) prevents a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicates whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 403) Increases the tax on handguns and handguns ammunition. Establishes in the Treasury a Health Care Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equivalent to such taxes. Makes Trust Fund sums available only for grants to assist hospitals, trauma centers, or other health care providers that have incurred substantial uncompensated costs in providing medical care to gunshot victims, subject to specified limitations. Makes such a provider eligible to apply for such a grant for any calendar year if it is in compliance with Federal and State certification and licensing requirements, is a non-profit entity, and has incurred substantial uncompensated costs during the previous calendar year in providing medical care to gunshot victims. Title V: Gun Exchange Tax Incentives - Establishes special tax rules for gun exchange programs contributions. (Sec. 502) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) develop a written model program for business-sponsored gun exchange programs; and (2) make such model available to States, local governments, and businesses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3902 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Amends the Clean Air Act to treat an ozone nonattainment area as a rural transport area if sources of volatile organic compounds (and, where relevant, nitrogen oxide) emissions within an area do not result in more than 35 percent of the ozone concentrations measured in the area or in other areas. (Rural transport areas must meet requirements applicable to marginal nonattainment areas.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3887 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey the vessel USS SPHINX to the Rio Grande Military Museum for use as a military museum if certain conditions are met.
Bill· SS. 1856 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Sustainable Development Title II: Building Democracy Title III: Promoting Peace Title IV: Providing Humanitarian Assistance Title V: Promoting Growth Through Trade and Investment Title VI: Advancing Diplomacy Title VII: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports Title VIII: General Provisions Title IX: Technical and Conforming Provisions Peace, Prosperity, and Democracy Act of 1994 - Repeals the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (with the exception of a few provisions) as well other specified foreign relations and assistance Acts. Sets forth revised foreign assistance policy provisions. Title I: Sustainable Development - Chapter 1: Sustainable Development Authorities - Sets forth policy for sustainable development programs and voluntary cooperation in development. (Sec. 1103) Encourages the President to establish a formal and continuing partnership with private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and credit unions which have experience working in developing countries, and with colleges and universities, to carry out the objectives of this title. Authorizes the President to use funds in support of this title for: (1) schools and libraries outside the United States that are sponsored by U.S. citizens and that serve as study and demonstration centers for the ideas and practices of the United States; and (2) hospital centers for medical education and research outside the United States that are sponsored by U.S. citizens. (Sec. 1104) Permits the President to provide assistance for credit programs in furtherance of the following sustainable objectives: (1) micro- and small enterprise development; (2) shelter, urban services, and environmental infrastructure; and (3) other programs to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Chapter 2: Development Fund for Africa - Makes funds under chapter 1 available for programs for Subsaharan Africa. Chapter 3: Role of Related Programs - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding: (1) the role of international financial institutions; (2) the Peace Corps; (3) the African Development and Inter-American Foundations; and (4) specified non-emergency food assistance programs. Title II: Building Democracy - Sets forth policy regarding the promotion of democracy. Chapter 1: Promoting Democracy - Subchapter A: Countries in Transition - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for countries: (1) that have recently emerged or are in the process of emerging as democratic societies; (2) that have recently emerged or are emerging from civil strife and either have a democratically-elected government or are making progress toward developing such a government; or (3) where democratic progress or institutions are threatened. (Sec. 2102) Declares that programs under this subchapter should be designed to facilitate the trend toward more open, just, and democratic societies. Permits such assistance to military and law enforcement forces to: (1) orient militaries or law enforcement agencies to their respective roles in a democratic order; (2) enhance the accountability of law enforcement agencies to civil justice institutions; (3) promote demilitarization of society; and (4) meet security challenges on a transitional basis that threaten to impede or reverse democratic reforms or institutions. Subchapter B: Independent States of the Former Soviet Union - Makes funds available for assistance to the independent states of the former Soviet Union as authorized and appropriated to the President each fiscal year. Subchapter C: Central and Eastern Europe - Sets forth policy towards democracy and free enterprise in Central and Eastern Europe. (Sec. 2302) Makes funds available for assistance for Central and Eastern Europe as authorized and appropriated to the President each fiscal year. Chapter 2: Information and Exchange - Sets forth policy with respect to programs administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Title III: Promoting Peace - Chapter 1: Peacekeeping and Related Programs - Sets forth policy concerning peacekeeping and related programs. (Sec. 3102) Authorizes the President to: (1) pay assessed and other contributions and expenses of international peacekeeping activities; and (2) furnish assistance to foreign countries and international and regional organizations and arrangements for peacekeeping. (Sec. 3103) Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of up to $100 million (currently, $75 million) worth of defense articles and services in unforeseen emergencies. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to reimburse the applicable appropriation, fund, or account. Chapter 2: Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund - Authorizes assistance to be provided for specified activities to facilitate the dismantlement and nonproliferation of nuclear, biological, chemical, and conventional weapons. Chapter 3: Regional Peace, Security and Defense Cooperation - Authorizes assistance to be provided to: (1) support peace and the development of democratic institutions and to meet economic, political, and security needs in the Near East; (2) meet immediate threats to international peace and security posed by regional and internal conflicts through collective defense efforts; and (3) enhance the ability of countries willing to share the burden of collective security efforts to maintain international peace and security. (Sec. 3303) Declares that the President, in providing such assistance, should take into account the desirability of shifting resources away from the provision of defense articles to economic development purposes as rapidly as is warranted by the easing of threats to regional peace and the need to maintain ongoing defense relations. Chapter 4: International Narcotics Trafficking, Terrorism and Crime Prevention - Authorizes assistance to be provided to: (1) control narcotics and other controlled substances; (2) enhance the rule of law and the ability of law enforcement and defense personnel to combat international criminal activity; (3) enhance anti-terrorism skills of foreign law enforcement and defense personnel; (4) provide anti-crime, -terrorism, and -narcotics assistance to friendly countries; and (5) promote international criminal justice. (Sec. 3403) Incorporates certain existing anti-narcotics assistance and agreement authorities. (Sec. 3404) Prohibits Department of State employees from engaging in the training of law enforcement personnel for anti-terrorism programs, with a specified exception. (Sec. 3405) Makes provisions of law which prohibit assistance to countries in arrears on certain loan commitments to the United States inapplicable with respect to narcotics control assistance. Title IV: Providing Humanitarian Assistance - Chapter 1: Refugee Assistance - Lists purposes of refugee assistance. Incorporates existing provisions of law that provide for the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. Chapter 2: Disaster Assistance - Incorporates existing provisions of law that authorize international disaster assistance. Expands the source of funding from which the disaster account can borrow. Authorizes funds to be used to respond rapidly to reconstruction and institution-building needs arising from natural or manmade disasters. Chapter 3: Emergency Food Assistance - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding emergency food assistance. Title V: Promoting Growth Through Trade and Investment - Chapter 1: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the purpose and guidelines of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Raises the ceiling on: (1) per capita income of countries required to receive preferential consideration for OPIC projects; and (2) the maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance issued. (Sec. 5104) Authorizes OPIC to commit investment financing for direct lending in an amount of up to $5 billion for FY 1995 through 1999. Extends OPIC's authority to carry out investment insurance and financing through FY 1999. (Sec. 5201) Directs the Corporation to refuse to insure, reinsure, or finance an investment for purposes of establishing in a foreign country any export processing zone or area in which the tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws of that country do not apply to activities carried out in the area unless the assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States. Chapter 2: Trade and Development Agency - Incorporates certain existing provisions of law regarding the Trade and Development Agency. Chapter 3: Role of Related Programs - Sets forth policy regarding food security and Export-Import Bank programs. Title VI: Advancing Diplomacy - Sets forth policy regarding the advancement of diplomacy. Title VII: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports - Chapter 1: Special Authorities - Revises existing provisions regarding the President's authority to transfer funds between foreign assistance accounts. (Sec. 7102) Sets forth presidential special waiver authorities similar to those under existing law. Raises annual ceilings on the amounts that can be authorized for arms sales or leases or foreign assistance or for the use of foreign currencies under such authorities. (Sec. 7103) Raises the annual ceiling on the amount the President can use for unanticipated contingencies. (Sec. 7104) Provides for assistance for certain law enforcement functions. (Sec. 7106) Provides that restrictions contained in any Act with respect to assistance for a country shall not be construed to restrict assistance in support of programs of nongovernmental or international organizations. (Sec. 7108) Authorizes the functions of this Act to be performed without regard to specified provisions of the Neutrality Act of 1939. (Sec. 7110) Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the President's authority to conduct reimbursable programs. (Sec. 7111) Raises the ceiling on the amount of defense and services authorized to be drawn down in unforeseen emergencies or special circumstances. (Sec. 7113) Authorizes the use of sustainable development assistance funds to support development education programs. (Sec. 7114) Authorizes assistance to nongovernmental organizations to strengthen their capacity to carry out development programs. (Sec. 7115) Permits the use of certain funds under this Act to support activities of international tribunals, commissions, or panels to investigate or prosecute persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international humanitarian law. Authorizes the President to draw down Federal property or services for such purposes. Chapter 2: Restrictions on Assistance - Incorporates and revises certain existing provisions to prohibit assistance to: (1) Communist countries; (2) human rights violators; (3) countries whose governments have expropriated U.S. property; (4) countries whose elected head of government is deposed by a military coup; (5) terrorist or major illicit drug producing or transit countries; and (6) countries in arrears to the U.S. Government for more than one year on any interest or principal on a loan or credit extended under this Act, the Arms Export Control Act, or the former authorities of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 7201) Provides for waivers of such restrictions if the President submits a certain report and the assistance: (1) is important to the national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy; (3) is for refugees and displaced persons; or (4) will promote human rights and democracy. Requires the President to designate Communist countries. Prohibits the following with respect to human rights violators: (1) sales of defense articles and services and the issuance of export licenses under the Arms Export Control Act; and (2) the issuance of export licenses required for crime control and detection equipment under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Bars assistance under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, and the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to terrorist countries. Prohibits arms sales under the Arms Export Control Act, the provision of agricultural commodities other than food under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, and assistance under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to major illicit drug producing and transit countries. (Sec. 7202) 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 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 areas, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of workers' rights. (Sec. 7203) Incorporates existing prohibitions on the use of funds to coerce a person to practice abortions or to perform, or undergo, involuntary sterilization. (Sec. 7204) Declares that the President, in determining whether to provide assistance under this Act, should take into consideration whether assistance would be furnished to support an activity that is specifically designed to increase exports of any agricultural, textile, or apparel commodity from a developing country where such exports: (1) would be in direct competition with U.S. exports; and (2) can reasonably be expected to cause substantial injury to U.S. exporters of the same or a similar commodity. (Sec. 7205) Incorporates restrictions on nuclear enrichment and reprocessing transfers and illegal nuclear exports similar to those under existing law. Retains a requirement that conditions assistance for Pakistan on a certification that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device. (Sec. 7206) Sets forth prohibitions on assistance to major illicit drug producing and transit countries. Authorizes (current law requires) the President to withhold up to 50 percent of the assistance allocated to such a country until the country has taken adequate steps to control cultivation, smuggling, trafficking, and abuse of illegal drugs. (Sec. 7208) Permits the President to waive a limitation on participation in combatant duties by the armed forces in carrying out assistance programs if such limitation is not in the national interest. (Sec. 7209) Prohibits the use of development assistance for military or paramilitary purposes, with exceptions for military participation in training activities, conferences, and other sustainable development programs. (Sec. 7210) Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the impact of development assistance programs on the environment. Urges (current law requires) the President to prepare and take into account environmental assessments of proposed programs. Chapter 3: Reports and Notifications to Congress - Sets forth requirements for: (1) congressional presentation documents for programs under titles I, II, and III of this Act; (2) human rights, international narcotics control, and annual allocation reports; (3) notification of program changes; and (4) the establishment of a program within the Agency for International Development (AID) to evaluate and monitor development program performance. Title VIII: General Provisions - Chapter 1: Exercise and Coordination of Functions - Incorporates existing provisions concerning delegation of authorities by the President and the roles of the Secretaries of State and Defense concerning foreign assistance. (Sec. 8104) Requires AID to be under the foreign policy guidance and subject to the supervision of the Secretary of State. Chapter 2: Administrative Authorities - Subchapter A: General Authorities - Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the allocation of funds and reimbursement among Federal agencies. (Sec. 8202) Authorizes the President to charge fees for guarantees and loans issued in connection with assistance under this Act. Incorporates certain existing general assistance authorities. Authorizes any agency administering assistance under this Act to establish a working capital fund to be used for expenses related to the training of foreign nationals. Removes certain ceilings on the amount of assistance funds available for entertainment expenses, the acquisition of living quarters, schools, and hospitals for personnel, and the education of dependents. Subchapter B: Department of Defense Administrative Authorities - Incorporates certain existing provisions that make funds available for administrative expenses incurred in furnishing assistance through the Department of Defense (DOD). (Sec. 8212) Provides that no prior consent for transfer by a foreign country of defense articles sold by the United States shall be required if: (1) such articles constitute components incorporated into a foreign defense article; (2) the recipient is the government of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country, Australia, or Japan; (3) the U.S.-origin components were not significant military equipment and are not Missile Technology Control Regime items; and (4) the foreign country or persons transferring the items provide notification to the United States within 30 days following the transfer. Chapter 3: Special Requirements and Authorities Relating to Appropriations and Local Currencies - Subchapter A: Provisions Relating to Appropriations - Incorporates certain existing provisions that require authorization before funds appropriated for foreign assistance are expended. (Sec. 8302) Authorizes funds to remain available until expended. Subchapter B: Local Currencies - Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the use of, and interest on, local currencies. Chapter 4: Procurement and Disposition of Articles - Requires the President to: (1) carry out assistance programs through private channels to the maximum extent practicable; (2) utilize the products and services of the U.S. private sector to operate projects in cases in which direct private investment is not readily encouraged; and (3) utilize goods and services of private enterprise on a contract basis in providing technical assistance. (Sec. 8403) Incorporates and revises certain existing authorities concerning shipping on U.S. vessels and the use of excess property in furnishing assistance. (Sec. 8405) Sets forth conditions on the transfer of excess defense articles. (Sec. 8407) Authorizes the President to designate countries in which a stockpile may be located. Chapter 5: Personnel and Administrative Expenses - Subchapter A: General - Authorizes the President to appoint 12 officers in AID. (Sec. 8502) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the employment of personnel; (2) the use of experts and consultants; and (3) the detail of personnel to foreign governments and international organizations. (Sec. 8511) Authorizes AID to expend funds in advance of appropriations in an amount sufficient to maintain operations at posts abroad for up to three days. Subchapter B: Overseas Management of Assistance and Sales Programs Administered Through the Department of Defense - Authorizes the President to detail members of the armed forces to foreign countries to perform certain functions for the management and sales programs administered through DOD under this Act and the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 8521) Requires advisory and training assistance by members of the armed forces to be kept to an absolute minimum. Subchapter C: Administrative Provisions for the Trade and Development Agency - Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the Trade and Development Agency. Subchapter D: Administrative Provisions for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Incorporates certain existing administrative provisions for OPIC. Subchapter E: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth specified definitions. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Provisions - States that this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1994. (Sec. 9103) Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning: (1) the Federal Act of State doctrine; (2) accounting and valuation of foreign currencies and expropriated property; and (3) participation in foreign police actions. (Sec. 9104) Makes conforming amendments and repeals specified laws.
Bill· SS. 1855 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1994
Extends coverage under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to certain foreign vessels which: (1) regularly engage in transporting passengers from and to a place in the United States, with or without intervening stops at foreign ports, including a vessel regularly engaged in transporting passengers only from or to a place in the United States if such transport is so arranged for the purposes of avoiding certain consequences that would otherwise result; (2) (if nonliners) regularly engage in transporting cargo in the foreign trade of the United States; and (3) produce or process goods or services for sale or distribution in the United States, and a vessel that engages in transporting cargo between vessels in international waters and a vessel, port, or place in the United States regardless of the vessel's ownership or control. Excludes any such vessel that can demonstrate that citizens of the country of registry: (1) compose at least one-half of the crew; and (2) hold legal title and beneficial ownership and control.
Bill· HRH.R. 3866 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1994
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to require a fair and equitable arrangement for protection of the interests of railroad employees who may be affected by an ICC order approving an application for construction or acquisition and operation of a railroad line. Requires such arrangement to be no less fair and beneficial to the interests of such employees than those established under specified provisions for employee protective arrangements in transactions involving rail carriers.