bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
103-s-2567,103,s,2567,Commercial Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption Extension Act,Taxation,1994-12-01,1994-12-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA]",WA,R,G000333,2,"Commercial Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption Extension Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the fuel tax exemption for commercial aviation until September 30, 1998.",2025-08-26T13:52:22Z,
103-s-2568,103,s,2568,Public Land Emancipation and Management Improvement Act,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-12-01,1994-12-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Wallop, Malcolm [R-WY]",WY,R,W000092,0,"Public Land Emancipation and Management Improvement Act - Vests all U.S.  interests in real property in the State in which such property is located, subject only to specified limitations and any valid existing rights, effective January 1, 1998. Excludes from the definition of ""real property"" under this Act: (1) any lands or interests therein owned by the United States as of such date within the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park Service (NPS lands) which the United States holds title to in trust for the benefit of a federally recognized Indian tribe, a member thereof, or an individual allottee (Indian lands) and which the Governor of the State in which such lands are located does not wish to have transferred, as identified in writing to the President prior to such date as not subject to transfer (unwanted lands); and (2) such lands as the President identifies for continued Federal retention, except that the total of all lands identified, when combined with any other U.S. lands (excluding Indian lands and unwanted lands), may not exceed 20 percent of the total acreage within any given State. Directs the President, by January 1, 1997, to prepare a comprehensive inventory of all real property owned by the Federal Government within each of the States and transmit such list to each Governor, accompanied by an identification of NPS and Indian lands or which have been identified for continued Federal retention. Authorizes each Governor to bring an action in any Federal district court within the State to modify the list if the real property identified for continued Federal retention exceeds 20 percent of the total acreage within the State.  Limits review to whether the acreage exceeds 20 percent (and if the court concludes that it does, the court shall exclude such acreage as necessary to reduce the total to no more than 20 percent). Specifies that the acreage to be excluded shall be based solely on a priority list furnished by the Governor and that the list shall be final and not subject to review or modification. Makes the Federal Government strictly liable for the costs of any cleanup associated with hazardous materials or contamination associated with any lands transferred pursuant to this Act.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2569,103,s,2569,High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-12-01,1994-12-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,1,"High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act - Prohibits the United States from entering into any international agreement with respect to fisheries, marine resources, the use of the high seas, or trade in fish or fish products that would prevent full implementation of the global moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas, as such moratorium is expressed in a certain United Nations (U.N.) resolution. Directs the Secretary of State to seek to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of U.N. resolutions and decisions regarding the moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas through appropriate international agreements and organizations. Requires the President to utilize appropriate assets of the Federal government to detect, monitor, and prevent violations of such U.N. moratoriums.",2025-08-26T13:51:32Z,
103-s-2563,103,s,2563,"A bill for the relief of land grantors in Henderson, Union, and Webster Counties, Kentucky, and their heirs.",Private Legislation,1994-11-30,1994-11-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]",KY,D,F000268,0,"Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a sum to be specified in full satisfaction of all claims by certain individuals (or their heirs) who were the former owners of properties in Henderson, Union, and Webster Counties, Kentucky, which were condemned or otherwise procured by the Government to provide for a military training camp.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-2564,103,s,2564,"A bill to delay the required implementation date for enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs under the Clean Air Act and to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reissue the regulations relating to the programs, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1994-11-30,1994-11-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Gregg, Judd [R-NH]",NH,R,G000445,0,"Provides that States will not be required to implement enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs under the Clean Air Act prior to March 1, 1996. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately rescind regulations relating to the operation of such programs on a centralized basis and issue new regulations to allow the operation of such programs on a centralized or decentralized basis at the option of each State. Prohibits, until the Administrator carries out such requirements, the imposition of sanctions for failures by States to implement such programs or specified adverse actions against States by the Administrator or the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. Requires the Administrator to:  (1) deem that emissions reductions calculated by States for inspection and maintenance under State implementation plans would be achieved as if the planned program had been implemented; or (2) consider the operation of the program on a decentralized basis as equivalent to operation on a centralized basis if the State demonstrates that such equivalency is reasonable.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
103-s-2565,103,s,2565,Court Reporter Fair Labor Standards Act of 1994,Labor and Employment,1994-11-30,1994-11-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,1,"Court Reporter Fair Labor Standards Act of 1994 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow an exemption from certain Federal wage and hour requirements for State and local official court reporters while they are performing transcription duties for a private party outside of normal working hours, provided there is an understanding between the court reporters and their State or local court employer.",2025-08-26T13:51:30Z,
103-s-2566,103,s,2566,"A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to restore State control over the allocation and granting of water rights and FERC control over the licensing of hydroelectric projects, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1994-11-30,1994-11-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Wallop, Malcolm [R-WY]",WY,R,W000092,0,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the authority of each State to allocate quantities of water within its jurisdiction from being superseded, abrogated, or otherwise impaired. (Currently, it is the policy of the Congress that such authority not be superseded, abrogated, or impaired.) Provides that nothing in such Act authorizes:  (1) the regulation of quantities of water or impairs or affects any State authority with respect to the allocation of water; (2) an action that affects any water right established by a State law, an interstate water compact, or a Supreme Court decree; and (3) an action with respect to other matters, including aesthetics not directly related to water quality. Declares that discharges into navigable waters will comply with narrative and numeric water quality criteria based on designated uses adopted in water quality standards.  Prohibits State certifications with respect to discharges from regulating water use or quantities. Revises existing State authorities to incorporate the amendments made by this Act.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2556,103,s,2556,"A bill to provide for the portability of validly executed advance directives, to provide patients with a better understanding of their health care choices, and to promote study of the quality of care for the gravely or terminally ill or injured, and for other purposes.",Health,1994-10-08,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO]",MO,R,D000030,0,"Provides for the portability among States of validly executed advance directives under Medicare and Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require written policies and procedures of service providers to provide for effective communication with individuals regarding relevant aspects of health care decisions affecting such individual, including obtaining informed consent, individual prognosis and treatment decisions, and the formulation of advance directives. Requires a report to the Congress on a study of issues relating to care at the end of life, including how to determine the application of medically necessary or appropriate care for gravely or terminally ill or injured persons.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
103-s-2557,103,s,2557,A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reinstate the 80-percent limitation on the deductible portion of meal expenses.,Taxation,1994-10-08,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Simpson, Alan K. [R-WY]",WY,R,S000429,0,"Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses and items to allow a deduction of 80 percent of the amount of such expenses, or 50 percent of the amount of such items.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
103-s-2558,103,s,2558,World War II Home Front Commemorative Act,Armed Forces and National Security,1994-10-08,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,0,"World War II Home Front Commemorative Act - Authorizes the World War II Home Front Council to reissue the World War II ""E"" Award for Excellence in Industrial Production to individuals, firms, and businesses to which they were originally awarded in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. Directs the Council to:  (1) establish the ""Excellence in Production Award Account"" to receive all proceeds derived from its activities to commemorate Home Front efforts; (2) implement Home Front education and commemoration programs; (3) establish a volunteer advisory committee; and (4) submit semi-annual status reports to the Congress.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:49:40Z,
103-s-2559,103,s,2559,A bill relating to implementation of Oil Pollution Act with respect to animal fats and vegetable oils.,Environmental Protection,1994-10-08,1994-12-01,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15423),Senate,"Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]",IA,D,H000206,2,"Requires Federal agencies, in implementing the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, to differentiate between animal fats or oils of vegetable origin and other oils, including petroleum oils, on the basis of their physical, chemical, biological, and other properties and their environmental effects.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
103-s-2560,103,s,2560,"A bill to allow the collection and payment of funds following the completion of cooperative work involving the protection, management, and improvement of the National Forest System, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-08,1994-12-06,"Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.",Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,3,Amends Federal law with respect to nonprofit group donations to the National Forest System to permit the Forest Service to fund a project with appropriated moneys provided the nonprofit has a written Forest Service reimbursement agreement. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish written rules for contribution acceptance.,2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
103-s-2561,103,s,2561,Housing Programs Extension Act of 1994,Housing and Community Development,1994-10-08,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO]",MO,R,B000611,0,Housing Programs Extension Act of 1994 - Authorizes section 8 housing contract extensions and related displaced tenant assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to extend funding for the low-income housing preservation and ownership program. Amends the National Housing Act to extend authority to use rental assistance amounts for flexible subsidies. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to extend authority for housing counseling programs. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend set-asides for reconstruction of public housing for disabled families. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend rural housing set asides for:  (1) underserved areas; and (2) rental housing funds for nonprofit entities.  Makes rural multifamily rental housing loan authority permanent. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend authority for the multifamily mortgage risk-sharing pilot program. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to extend community development block grant set-asides for colonias.,2025-08-26T13:50:48Z,
103-s-2562,103,s,2562,Presidential Succession Clarification Act,Government Operations and Politics,1994-10-08,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules.,Senate,"Sen. Simon, Paul [D-IL]",IL,D,S000423,0,"Presidential Succession Clarification Act - Declares that for purposes of the 20th Amendment of the Constitution (with respect to presidential and vice presidential succession) a candidate for whom a majority of electors have cast their votes for President or Vice President shall be deemed to be ""President- elect"" or ""Vice President-elect"" from the time that the votes are cast, whether or not the candidate is living at the time the votes are counted in the Congress. Provides that if:  (1) a major party candidate for the office of the President dies 14 or fewer days prior to the date specified for the appointment of electors of the President and Vice President, the electors shall be appointed in each State 14 days after the candidate's death; or (2) a leading candidate for the office of President dies 14 or fewer days prior to the date specified for the meeting of electors, the electors shall meet and give their votes 14 days after such candidate's death. Authorizes the House of Representatives, in the case of the death of any candidate from whom the House may choose a President after the right of choice has devolved upon them, to consider the designated running mate of the deceased candidate as the candidate's replacement for purposes of choosing a President. Permits the Senate, in the case of the death of any candidate from whom the Senate may choose the Vice President, to consider a candidate designated by the deceased candidate's political party as the candidate's replacement for purposes of choosing a Vice President.",2025-08-26T13:52:08Z,
103-s-2535,103,s,2535,New Urban Agenda Act of 1994,Housing and Community Development,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,2,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development      Title II:  Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development      Title III:  Community Regulatory Relief      Title IV:  Community-Based Housing Development      Title V:  Response to Urban Environmental Challenges           Subtitle A:  Environmental Cleanup           Subtitle B:  Environmental-Economic Recovery New Urban Agenda Act of 1994 - Title I:  Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require executive agencies to expend not less than 15 percent in a fiscal year for the purchase of goods from businesses located in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or enterprise zones. Requires agencies, to the maximum extent practicable, to purchase recycled products from businesses located in such zones. (Sec. 102) Requires not less than 15 percent of foreign assistance provided in a fiscal year to be for the purchase of U.S. goods produced, manufactured, or assembled in such zones. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in designating and providing financial assistance to Manufacturing Technology Outreach Centers, to give preference to centers located in such zones. (Sec. 104) Establishes a preference for the construction, improvement, or relocation of Federal facilities in distressed urban areas. Title II:  Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the offset for rental real estate activities under passive activity rules to increase the rehabilitation credit under such rules. (Sec. 202) Allows the rehabilitation investment credit to offset a portion of tentative minimum tax. (Sec. 203) Allows the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities, freestanding parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, or industrial parks. Makes termination dates on such tax-exempt bonds inapplicable to bonds issued to finance manufacturing facilities. (Sec. 204) Increases the permitted amount of qualified small issue bonds for facilities to be used by related persons. (Sec. 205) Provides an exception to arbitrage interest rebate provisions if 100 percent of available construction proceeds are spent for governmental purposes within three years of the issuance of the tax-exempt bonds. Title III:  Community Regulatory Relief - Provides that any requirement under a Federal statute or regulation which creates a Federal mandate shall apply to State or local government only if all funds necessary to pay the direct costs incurred by the government in conducting the activity are provided by the Federal Government for the fiscal year in which the direct cost is incurred. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to analyze the effects of each bill or resolution on each state and local government's compliance with a Federal mandate.  Requires each measure reported or considered in either House of the Congress to be accompanied by such analyses.  Requires reports by the Director to the President and the Congress estimating the direct costs of such compliance for each fiscal year in which a Federal mandate will be in effect. Title IV:  Community-Based Housing Development - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase section 8 rental subsidies. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Comptroller General on the feasibility of consolidating existing public and low-income housing programs into a comprehensive block grant system of Federal aid.  Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress with an analysis of such report and recommendations. (Sec. 403) Provides, when practicable, for the reconstruction of public housing dwelling units on the same property on which such units were demolished or disposed, and for the relocation of displaced tenants to such new units. Title V:  Response to Urban Environmental Challenges - Subtitle A:  Environmental Cleanup - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude local governments that are owners or operators of facilities in distressed urban areas from liability under such Act. Requires the President to establish standards for the degree of cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants released into the environment for facilities located in distressed urban areas. Subtitle B:  Environmental-Economic Recovery - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make no more than three loans to units of local government for distressed urban areas for the establishment of facilities to dispose of, and obtain inexpensive electrical power and steam from, solid waste. Requires a report to the Congress on the results of financing such facilities.",2025-08-26T13:51:27Z,
103-s-2536,103,s,2536,Charitable Medical Care Act of 1994,Health,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.,Senate,"Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO]",MO,R,D000030,2,"Charitable Medical Care Act of 1994 - Exempts health care professionals from liability for negligence in the provision of health care services without charge, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Makes this Act applicable only if such professional, before furnishing the service:  (1) agrees to furnish such service voluntarily and without charge to the recipient or to any health insurance plan or program under which the recipient is covered; and (2) provides the recipient with adequate notice, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of the professional's limited liability for that service. Preempts any inconsistent State law.  Specifies that this Act shall not preempt any State law that provides greater incentives or protections to a health care professional rendering such service.",2025-08-26T13:51:14Z,
103-s-2537,103,s,2537,Multiple Punitive Damages Fairness Act,Law,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO]",MO,R,D000030,0,"Multiple Punitive Damages Fairness Act - Prohibits punitive damages in any civil action in Federal or State court in which such damages are sought against a defendant based on the same act or course of conduct for which punitive damages have already been awarded. Permits the court to award such punitive damages, subject to specified limitations, upon determining in a pre-trial hearing that: (1) the claimant will offer new and substantial evidence of previously undiscovered, additional wrongful behavior on the part of the defendant, other than the injury to the claimant; and (2) the amount of punitive damages previously imposed were insufficient to either punish the defendant's wrongful conduct or to deter the defendant and others from similar behavior in the future. Directs a court awarding punitive damages pursuant to such provision to:  (1) make specific findings of fact on the record to support the award; (2) reduce the amount of the punitive portion of the damage award by the sum of the amounts of punitive damages previously paid by the defendant in prior actions based on the same act or course of conduct; and (3) prohibit disclosure to the jury of the court's determination and action. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action brought on any theory where punitive damages are sought based on the same act or course of conduct for which punitive damages have already been awarded against the defendant, except with respect to any civil action involving damages awarded under any Federal or State statute that prescribes the amount of punitive damages to be awarded. Specifies that:  (1) this Act shall supersede any Federal or State law regarding recovery for punitive damages; and (2) the U.S.  district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action pursuant to this Act based on provisions regarding Federal question jurisdiction and commerce and antitrust regulations.",2025-08-26T13:49:35Z,
103-s-2538,103,s,2538,Sustainable Fisheries Act,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,2,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Conservation and Management      Title II:  Fishery Monitoring and Research      Title III:  Fisheries Stock Recovery Financing      Title IV:  Atlantic Tunas Convention Act    Sustainable Fisheries Act - Title I:  Conservation and Management - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include among its purposes the advocacy of fishery habitat protection. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1999 to carry out such Act. (Sec. 107) Revises the guidelines governing permits for foreign fishing vessels. (Sec. 108) Repeals the large-scale driftnet fishing reporting requirements. (Sec. 109) Modifies the national standards for fishery conservation and management to include the mandate that conservation and management measures minimize the incidental catch of non-target living marine resources. (Sec. 110) Expands the number of voting members on the Pacific Fishery Management Council to include one appointed from an Indian tribe with federally recognized fishing rights from a member State. Prescribes selection guidelines for such Indian representative. Authorizes each Regional Fishery Management Council to establish a negotiation panel to assist in the development of specific conservation and management measures for a fishery. (Sec. 111) Modifies the guidelines governing the contents of fishery management plans to include:  (1) protection of essential fish habitat; (2) prevention of overfishing; (3) assessment of the level of bycatch; and (4) minimization of mortality caused by discards. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish guidelines for individual transferable quotas systems. (Sec. 112) Revises actions by the Secretary after receipt of a fishery management plan.  Requires the Secretary to establish the level of fees for fishing vessel permits. (Sec. 113) Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress an the Councils on the status of fisheries within each Council's geographical area and identify those fisheries that approaching a condition of being overfished or are overfished. Requires the appropriate Council to prepare a fishery management plan to prevent or stop overfishing. (Sec. 114) Modifies provisions concerning:  (1) State jurisdiction; (2) prohibited acts; (3) civil penalties and permit sanctions; and (4) enforcement. (Sec. 118) Requires the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to include in each fishery management plan conservation and management measures, including fees or other incentives, to reduce bycatch. (Sec. 119) Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to work with interested parties to develop a sustainable development strategy for any fishery classified as overfished or determined to be a commercial fishery failure.  Establishes an Ocean Conservation Trust Fund to carry out this section. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 1999 for fishery resource disasters, if such funds are designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings). Title II:  Fishery Monitoring and Research - Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the States, the Councils, and Marine Fisheries Commissions, to develop recommendations for implementation of a standardized fishing vessel registration and data management system on a national or regional basis.  Requires a report to the Congress by March 1, 1996 on the need to include private recreational fishing vessels used exclusively for pleasure into such system. (Sec. 203) Provides for a Council to implement a data collection program specific to the needs of a fishery management plan. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for the carrying of observers on fishing vessels. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to publish, every three years after enactment of this Act, a strategic plan for fisheries research for the five years immediately following such publication. (Sec. 206) Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on programs that assess the impact on fishery resources of incidental harvest by shrimp trawl fisheries. Title III:  Fisheries Stock Recovery Financing - Fisheries Stock Recovery Financing Act - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to authorize guarantees for refinancing fishery stock recovery efforts. (Sec. 303) Requires the financing of fishing vessels and fishery facilities through the Federal Financing Bank, unless placement through such bank is not reasonably available or placement elsewhere is available at lower financing. (Sec. 304) Modifies provisions for fees for guaranteeing obligations with respect to fishing vessels and fishing facilities. Title IV:  Atlantic Tunas Convention Act - Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 to require a report to specified congressional committees on the current research and monitoring activities on Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species. (Sec. 402) Mandates a comprehensive research program to support the conservation and management of Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species, including identifying and defining the range of stocks. Amends Federal law to remove a provision authorizing appropriations for a currently-mandated biennial report on bluefin tuna. (Sec. 403) Regulates operational matters for the advisory committee established by the Act, including regarding quorums, a chairman, meetings, and administrative and technical support. (Sec. 404) Prohibits the promulgation of regulations to increase or decrease fishery mortality levels. (Sec. 405) Makes the civil penalty and permit sanctions of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act applicable to violations of this Act. (Sec. 406) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 407) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a report annually to specified congressional committees that:  (1) details for the previous ten-year period the catches and exports to the United States of highly migratory species from nations fishing on Atlantic stocks that are subject to management by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas; (2) identifies those fishing nations whose harvests are inconsistent with existing international conservation and management programs; and (3) describes reporting requirements to ensure that imported fish are in compliance with international management measures.",2025-08-26T13:48:50Z,
103-s-2539,103,s,2539,Landless Native Land Allocation Act of 1994,Native Americans,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]",AK,R,M001085,1,Landless Native Land Allocation Act of 1994 - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to settle certain claims for five Alaska Native communities.,2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2540,103,s,2540,Taxpayer Empowerment Act,Taxation,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]",IA,D,H000206,0,Taxpayer Empowerment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible individual to file a taxpayer empowerment form by April 15 of each year that specifies the individual's allocation of budget authority for major outlay categories. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to compile such budgeting decisions and report to the House and Senate Budget Committees and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Requires the President's budget and the congressional budget to reflect such taxpayer allocations.,2025-08-26T13:50:55Z,
103-s-2541,103,s,2541,A bill to amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to protect elected judges against discrimination based on age.,"Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues",1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,1,Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to provide that the exemption from provisions of such Act applicable to elected State and local officials shall not apply to all persons holding a judicial office (thus including judges under the definition of employee and affording them protection under such Act).,2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
103-s-2542,103,s,2542,Denali Mining Claims Act of 1994,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]",AK,R,M001085,1,"Denali Mining Claims Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into expedited good-faith negotiations with all willing owners of mining claims within Denali National Park, Alaska, for the purpose of entering into voluntary land acquisition agreements to purchase such claims. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) termination of negotiations; (2) negotiations concerning claims that are the subject of pending litigation; (3) information to be considered with respect to negotiations; (4) reports and appraisals; (5) dispute resolution; and (6) duties of the Secretary after the termination of negotiations. Directs the Secretary, upon determining with respect to a mining claim that it is not in the public interest to enter into the negotiations, to commence a declaration of takings procedure for a compensable taking under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.  Grants the court the power to determine the date of the taking and the amount of compensation due to the parties in interest.  Sets a deadline for applications for compensation of December 1, 1999.  Specifies that if the owner of the mining claim objects to the application of procedures for a declaration of taking, the Secretary shall make an offer to the owner, subject to specified requirements. Requires the Secretary to:  (1) publish in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the five cities of Alaska with the greatest population the names of the owners of mining claims and the claims owned; and (2) provide to each owner, by certified mail, a notice of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) disputed ownership; and (2) the validity of unpatented mining claims.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2543,103,s,2543,Forest Biodiversity and Clearcutting Prohibition Act of 1994,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. Boren, David L. [D-OK]",OK,D,B000639,0,"Forest Biodiversity and Clearcutting Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act, and other Federal law to provide for the conservation of native biodiversity in each national forest community. Revises land management guidelines for such forests to prohibit any even-age logging or even-age management. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, on each site already under such management, to:  (1) prescribe a shift to selection management; or (2) cease managing for timber purposes and actively restore the native biodiversity or permit each site to regain its native biodiversity. Prohibits extractive logging in specified National Forest areas.",2025-08-26T13:51:49Z,
103-s-2544,103,s,2544,"A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to adjust the maximum hour exemption for agricultural employees, and for other purposes.",Labor and Employment,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID]",ID,R,C000858,0,"Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to modify the maximum hour (overtime) exemption for employees of irrigation districts which handle water exclusively for agricultural purposes, by specifying that at least 90 percent of such water is to be ultimately delivered for agricultural purposes.",2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
103-s-2545,103,s,2545,Home and Community-Based Services for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1994,Health,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.,Senate,"Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]",WI,D,F000061,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Home and Community-Based Services for Individuals           With Disabilities      Title II:  Provisions Relating to Medicare Long-Term Care Reform and Deficit Reduction Act of 1995 - Title I: Home and Community Based Services for Individuals with Disabilities - Entitles each State with an approved plan for home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities to specified payments.  Prohibits such plans from requiring cost sharing for low-income individuals.  Requires such plans to:  (1) ensure the quality of services; (2) adhere to Federal quality standards; (3) provide for a client advocacy office; (4) provide safeguards on confidentiality and against abuse; and (5) protect individual rights. (Sec. 108) Establishes an advisory group to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the States on all aspects of such State programs. (Sec. 110) Authorizes appropriations and provides for allotments to States. (Sec. 111) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on evaluations of services to individuals with low-incomes and disabilities. (Sec. 112) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to disseminate information and materials to assist specified entities in replicating successful programs aimed at offering care management to hospitalized individuals in need of long-term care so that services to meet individual needs and preferences can be arranged in home- and community-based settings as an alternative to long-term nursing home placement.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to such entities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which incentive grants may be awarded to assist agencies and organizations in developing and expanding programs and projects that facilitate the discharge of individuals in hospitals or other acute care facilities who are in need of long-term care services and placement of such individuals into home- and community-based settings. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) eligibility to receive grants; (2) application requirements; (3) criteria for the award of grants; (4) use of, and limitations on, grants; and (5) evaluation and reports. Authorizes appropriations. Title II:  Provisions Relating to Medicare - Provides for the recapture of certain health care subsidies received by high-income individuals.  Transfers such amounts to the Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 202) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to impose a ten percent copayment on home health services. (Sec. 203) Reduces payments for capital-related costs for inpatient hospital services. (Sec. 204) Revises the payment formulae for ambulatory surgical center procedures and radiology services and diagnostic procedures. (Sec. 205) Reduces routine cost limits for home health services.",2025-08-26T13:49:07Z,
103-s-2546,103,s,2546,Federal Aviation Administration Independent Establishment Act of 1994,Transportation and Public Works,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]",KY,D,F000268,0,"Federal Aviation Administration Independent Establishment Act of 1994 - Establishes as an independent Federal agency the Federal Aviation Administration (Administration).  Declares that the Administration shall be administered by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President to a five-year term, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the new Administration all functions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the Department of Transportation and of the Secretary of Transportation which are administered through the FAA. Directs the Administrator to prepare, and submit to specified congressional committees, a three-year development plan outlining goals and objectives for personnel, technology, and regulation in such areas as air traffic control, aviation standards, airport security, airport and airway development, and research and development. Establishes the Aviation Trust Fund Account (Account).  Terminates the Airport and Airway Trust Fund on October 1, 1996, with all amounts to be transferred to the Account. Establishes the Federal Aviation Advisory Committee.",2025-08-26T13:50:45Z,
103-s-2547,103,s,2547,ERISA Audit Improvement Act of 1994,Labor and Employment,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Simon, Paul [D-IL]",IL,D,S000423,0,"ERISA Audit Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to auditing of employee benefit plans. Eliminates provisions which allow certain limited scope audits by banks, similar institutions, or insurance carriers to fulfill the requirement for an audit by an independent public accountant as part of an employee benefit plan's annual report. Requires external quality control review of qualified public accountants for such ERISA audits. Requires notifications of certain events by plan administrators and accountants.  Authorizes assessment of a civil penalty against any plan administrator or accountant who fails to provide the Secretary of Labor with any such required notification.",2025-08-26T13:51:08Z,
103-s-2548,103,s,2548,Bank Insurance Fund and Depositor Protection Act of 1994,Finance and Financial Sector,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,1,"Bank Insurance Fund and Depositor Protection Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to exclude from its definition of ""deposit"" any liability of an insured depository institution that arises under an annuity contract, the income on which is tax deferred (thus excluding such liabilities from Federal deposit insurance coverage).",2025-08-26T13:50:16Z,
103-s-2549,103,s,2549,National Trails System Act Amendments of 1994,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI]",MI,D,L000261,5,"National Trails System Act Amendments of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to address problems resulting from the multijurisdictional nature of governmental authority concerning the protection of national scenic and historic trails, the head of each Federal agency with jurisdiction over such trails should:  (1) cooperate with States, political subdivisions, and private persons with an interest in the trails to pursue trail development; and (2) be granted authority to protect lands critical to the completion of such trails. Amends the National Trails System Act to prohibit the Federal Government from acquiring, without the consent of the owner, any land or interest in land outside of the exterior boundaries of any federally administered area for the Potomac Heritage Trail.  Places the same condition on the acquisition of lands or interests for the Nez Perce National Historic Trail (from Oregon to Montana). Prohibits funds from being expended for the acquisition of land or interests outside existing Federal lands for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the Oregon National Historic Trail, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, or the Iditarod National Historic Trail except with the consent of the owner of the lands or interests.  (Current law prohibits funds from being expended for such purposes without such exception.)",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2550,103,s,2550,A bill to provide for the sale of certain lands of the University of Arkansas.,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-07,1994-11-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Pryor, David H. [D-AR]",AR,D,P000556,0,"Authorizes the University of Arkansas to sell certain lands (commonly known as the Walker Tract) in Washington County, Arkansas, if all of the proceeds of such sale are used for the purposes of the University's agricultural research facilities and programs.",2024-02-05T11:45:06Z,
103-s-2551,103,s,2551,A bill to prohibit the duplication of benefits.,Agriculture and Food,1994-10-07,1994-11-29,Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL]",AL,D,H000445,0,"Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 1995 to limit certain disaster payments available to peanut producers.",2024-02-05T11:45:06Z,
103-s-2552,103,s,2552,Illegal Alien Credit Denial Act,Taxation,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,0,Illegal Alien Credit Denial Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make illegal aliens ineligible for the earned income credit. Requires the verification of taxpayer identification numbers of the taxpayer and qualifying children on returns claiming such credit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish expedited procedures on the verification and issuance of such identification numbers.,2025-08-26T13:52:21Z,
103-s-2553,103,s,2553,Cooperative Planning Assistance Act of 1994,Environmental Protection,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA]",CA,D,B000711,0,"Cooperative Planning Assistance Act of 1994 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative agreement with a State, political subdivision, or group of States or State political subdivisions to provide assistance for habitat acquisition required to carry out an approved conservation plan, including assisting the entity in ensuring that adequate funding for the plan will be provided. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to an entity that is a party to such cooperative agreement the full amount of interest on a loan, bond, or other debt instrument of the entity that is approved by the Secretary before entering into the agreement and that is used solely for habitat acquisition costs identified in an approved conservation plan.  Requires the entity, before entering into such cooperative agreement, to demonstrate its ability to repay the principal amount of the debt incurred in a timely manner and from a source, other than its general tax revenue, that is dedicated to repaying the principal. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary before entering into such cooperative agreements. Provides that:  (1) the sole obligation to be paid by the Secretary pursuant to the cooperative agreement shall be the interest on the debt; and (2) the entity that is a party to such agreement shall pay the principal. Terminates the obligation of the Secretary to pay interest and requires the defaulting entity to repay the Secretary all interest payments made pursuant to the terms of the cooperative agreement if the entity that is a party to the agreement defaults on the payment of the principal amount of the debt and the default continues for two years or more. Provides that on full payment of the debt and at the request of the Secretary the habitat purchased by the entity with funds obtained through the debt instrument shall be conveyed to the United States. Provides that if the Secretary exercises such authority, the use of the property shall be dedicated to the protection of species and the preservation of any wilderness areas of the property.",2025-08-26T13:50:57Z,
103-s-2554,103,s,2554,Special Envoy for Tibet Act of 1994,International Affairs,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"Special Envoy for Tibet Act of 1994 - Establishes a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet within the Department of State, to be appointed by the President.  Grants such envoy ambassadorial rank. Authorizes and encourages the Special Envoy to:  (1) promote substantive negotiations between the Dalai Lama and senior members of the Chinese Government; (2) promote good relations between the Dalai Lama and the U.S. Government; and (3) travel regularly throughout Tibet and Tibetan refugee settlements. Requires the Special Envoy to:  (1) consult with the Congress on policies relevant to Tibet; (2) coordinate U.S. Government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibet; and (3) report to the Secretary of State on the state of relations between the United States and Tibet and on conditions in Tibet.",2025-08-26T13:49:01Z,
103-s-2555,103,s,2555,Cooperative Units of Research in Infectious Disease (CURID) of 1994,Health,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Cooperative Units of Research in Infectious Disease (CURID) Act of 1994 - Requires Infectious Disease Research and Clinical Units of Excellence to be established jointly by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Infectious Diseases of the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Provides that the Units will be dedicated to finding the cause, prevention, and cure of chronic inflammatory diseases of suspected infectious etiology and committed to giving priority to diseases like arthritis and chronic lung disease which hold the most promise for beneficial research results. Requires the establishment of the Units to be based upon past research performance of researchers working on specific microorganisms.  Makes the Units responsible for:  (1) evaluation of patient specimens for the presence of infectious agents; (2) characterization of the immune response to these infectious agents; and (3) characterization of the genetic background of patients. Sets forth provisions regarding personnel, laboratory support, networking, and the initial period of grant funding. Makes NIAID the lead agency.  Apportions responsibility for various aspects of the research program and development of a strategic research plan. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:52:29Z,
103-s-2510,103,s,2510,Bank Insurance Fund and Depositor Protection Act of 1994,Finance and Financial Sector,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,1,"Bank Insurance Fund and Depositor Protection Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to exclude from its definition of ""deposit"" any liability of an insured depository institution that arises under an annuity contract, the income on which is tax deferred (thus excluding such liabilities from Federal deposit insurance coverage).",2025-08-26T13:51:03Z,
103-s-2511,103,s,2511,A bill to specifically exclude certain programs from provisions of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.,Finance and Financial Sector,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,5,"Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from applying to electronic benefit transfers established under a State or local governmental entitlement program certain disclosures, protections, responsibilities, and remedies (in effect, the liability limits currently applicable to private sector ATM and consumer credit cards), unless the payment under such program is made directly into a consumer's account held by the recipient.",2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
103-s-2512,103,s,2512,Thoroughbred Horse Industry Promotion and Research Act of 1994,Animals,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]",KY,R,M000355,1,Thoroughbred Horse Industry Promotion and Research Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue an order creating a thoroughbred horse industry promotion plan. Establishes as part of such plan a Thoroughbred Horse Industry Promotion Board. Requires a plan approval or suspension referendum among owners and racetracks. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T13:51:02Z,
103-s-2513,103,s,2513,"A bill to enhance the research conducted by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research concerning primary care, and for other purposes.",Health,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV]",WV,D,R000361,0,"Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research a Center for Primary Care Research. Authorizes appropriations. Transfers to the Center all functions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds of the Division of Primary Care within the Agency in connection with the functions transferred by this Act.",2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
103-s-2514,103,s,2514,Economic Equity Act,Economics and Public Finance,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]",MN,R,D000566,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Workplace Fairness           Subtitle A:  Equal Remedies Act           Subtitle B:  Federal Employees Fairness Act           Subtitle C:  Congressional Employees Fairness Act           Subtitle D:  Sexual Harassment           Subtitle E:  Part-Time and Temporary Workers Protection Act           Subtitle F:  Unemployment Insurance Reform           Subtitle G:  Federal Temporary Workers Protection Act           Subtitle H:  Legislative Pay Equity Study      Title II:  Economic Opportunity           Subtitle A:  Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act           Subtitle B:  Microenterprise Opportunity Expansion Act           Subtitle C:  Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act           Subtitle D:  Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering Work                Force Act           Subtitle E:  Job Training Self-Sufficiency Act      Title III:  Work and Family           Subtitle A:  Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act           Subtitle B:  After-School Child Care           Subtitle C:  Dependent Care Tax Credit Refundability           Subtitle D:  Tax Incentives for Family-Friendly Workplaces           Subtitle E:  Federal Parental Leave for Education Activities      Title IV:  Economic Self-Sufficiency           Subtitle A:  Child Support           Subtitle B:  Pension Reform           Subtitle C:  Social Security Reform           Subtitle D:  Former Military Spouses Protection           Subtitle E:  Unremunerated Work Act Economic Equity Act - Title I:  Workplace Fairness - Subtitle A: Equal Remedies Act - Equal Remedies Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove limitations on the amount of compensatory and punitive damages that may be awarded in cases of intentional discrimination in employment. Subtitle B:  Federal Employees Fairness Act - Federal Employee Fairness Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to permit a Federal employee filing a discrimination complaint to file it with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Makes it an unlawful employment practice if the employee demonstrates that the filing of a complaint contributed to an adverse personnel action against such employee.  Requires that any such complaint filed with an agency other than the EEOC be transmitted to the EEOC.  Sets forth procedures for filing and processing such complaints.  Permits a Federal employee to file a complaint up to 180 days following an alleged discrimination. (Sec.  113) Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to permit the filing of a complaint with the EEOC in accordance with the amendments made to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by this Act. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to apply its remedies and attorney fee provisions to complaints by individuals with disabilities with respect to employment in the Library of Congress. (Sec. 114) Amends title V of the United States Code, concerning government organization and employees, to permit an employee, under a negotiated grievance procedure, to raise matters dealing with actions involving discrimination. Subtitle C:  Congressional Employees Fairness Act - Congressional Employees Fairness Act - Makes applicable to the Congress:  (1) the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (2) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (3) specified provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and (4) the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. (Sec. 122) Makes applicable to the Congress any provision of Federal law to the extent that it relates to:  (1) the terms and conditions of employment (including hiring, promotion, or demotion, salary and wages, overtime compensation, benefits, work assignments or reassignments, and termination) of employees; (2) protection from discrimination in personnel actions; (3) the health and safety of employees; (4) the availability of information to the public; or (5) other areas deemed appropriate by the Independent Office of Compliance (Office). (Sec. 123) Establishes the Office in the legislative branch to study and report to the Congress on the application of such laws. (Sec. 124) Sets forth provisions relating to congressional procedures for approval of the Board of Directors' recommendations relating to the application of future Federal laws to the Congress. Directs the Office to carry out an education program for Members of Congress and other employing authorities of the Congress respecting the laws applicable to them and a program to inform individuals of their rights under laws applicable to the Congress and under this Act. (Sec. 125) Requires the procedure for consideration of alleged violations of such laws to consist of the following steps:  (1) counseling; (2) mediation; (3) formal complaint and hearing by a hearing board; and (4) judicial review of a hearing board's decision. (Sec. 129A) Authorizes a congressional employee or any Member of the Congress to petition the Personnel Appeals Board of the General Accounting Office to review a final decision if it is held to be unconstitutional. (Sec. 129D) Declares that any intimidation of, or reprisal against, any employee because of the exercise of a right under this Act constitutes an unlawful employment practice that may be remedied in the same manner under this Act as is a violation of a law made applicable to the Congress. (Sec. 129E) Requires the records and decisions of hearing boards to be made public if required for judicial review. (Sec. 129H) Limits a congressional employee to the judicial proceeding provided by this Act to redress prohibited practices. Subtitle D:  Sexual Harassment - Sexual Harassment Prevention Act - Directs employers (including Federal and congressional agencies) to keep posted in conspicuous places a notice prepared or approved by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that sets forth:  (1) the definition of sexual harassment found in the Code of Federal Regulations; (2) the fact that sexual harassment is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (3) information describing how to file a complaint with the Commission alleging such harassment; (4) an address and toll-free number to be used to contact the Commission; and (5) other information required by the Commission. (Sec. 133) Provides for annual notices by employers to individual employees which provide such information and a description of the procedures used by the employers to resolve allegations of sexual harassment. Requires employers to provide to each supervisory employee information specifying the responsibility of, and the methods to be used by, such employee to ensure that immediate and corrective action is taken to address allegations of sexual harassment. (Sec. 134) Directs the Commission to make model notices and voluntary guidelines for procedures dealing with allegations of sexual harassment available to employers at no cost as well as a toll-free number for information regarding this Act. (Sec. 135) Prescribes civil penalties for willful violations of this Act. Subtitle E:  Part-time and Temporary Workers Protection Act - Part-Time and Temporary Workers Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the eligibility for unemployment compensation of certain individuals seeking part-time employment. (Sec. 143) Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to conduct an annual survey relating to temporary workers. (Sec. 144) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to set forth special participation, vesting, and accrual rules applicable to part-time and temporary employees.  Allows limited reductions in employer-provided group health plan premiums for part-time employees. Modifies, with respect to employee benefit rights, the definition of ""employee"" to include persons who have performed at least 500 hours of service per year. Subtitle F:  Unemployment Insurance Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for unemployment compensation eligibility for certain individuals who leave work or fail to return to work for certain qualified family-related reasons (for which they would be entitled to unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, or would be so entitled if the employer were subject to such Act). Subtitle G:  Federal Temporary Workers Protection Act - Amends Federal civil service law to extend Federal Employees Health Benefits Program coverage to temporary employees with the equivalent of one year of service within the preceding two years. Subtitle H:  Legislative Pay Equity Study - Establishes the Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch to: (1) employ a nongovernmental consultant with expertise in job evaluation to study and compare the compensation paid within and between job classifications in the Library of Congress and to analyze its personnel policies and practices; (2) evaluate the Library's personnel policies and practices for compliance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to make specific recommendations (other than any that would result in a pay reduction for any position) to the Congress for action necessary to achieve compliance; (3) develop a comprehensive plan for application of title VII principles throughout the legislative branch; and (4) make specific recommendations (other than any recommendation that, if implemented, would result in a reduction in the rate of pay payable for any position) to the Congress for improvement of personnel policies and practices in the legislative branch necessary to eliminate all forms of discrimination that adversely affect pay or working conditions of any employee. Title II:  Economic Opportunity - Subtitle A:  Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act - Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require the President and the head of each Federal agency to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women within the Federal procurement contract process. (Sec. 205) Requires the Director of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization section in each Federal agency to designate a ""women-in-business"" specialist responsible for the execution of programs designed to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women. (Sec. 207) Establishes in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership. (Sec. 208) Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the number of small businesses owned and controlled by women procuring Federal contracts.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the number of such businesses procuring such contracts does not rise significantly, then further legislative steps should be taken. Subtitle B:  Microenterprise Opportunity Expansion Act - Microenterprise Opportunity Expansion Act - Amends the Social Security Act to exclude certain small enterprise (microenterprise) business assets from accounting for public assistance purposes. (Sec. 213) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize unemployment compensation for individuals starting microenterprises. (Sec.  214) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to treat microenterprise loans and grants as investments in a financial institution's community. (Sec. 215) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to treat microenterprise loans made by savings associations as qualified thrift investments. (Sec. 216) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to permit the use of assistance provided under the Act for the administrative and operating costs of entities assisting microenterprises. (Sec. 217) Requires each Federal banking agency to establish a Microenterprise Technical and Operations Office to offer technical assistance, training, and support for microenterprise start-ups, or institutions providing microenterprise financial services. (Sec. 218) Directs the Financial Institutions Examination Council to study and report to the Congress on the best means to make credit available for small businesses unable to obtain microenterprise loans and in need of credit in smaller amounts than is generally available from financial institutions or the Small Business Administration. Subtitle C:  Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Cites activities constituting illegal discrimination with respect to surety bond issuance transactions. Mandates that a surety bond applicant be notified in writing of the reasons for denial of a surety bond.  Subjects a surety to civil liability to the aggrieved applicant for violations of this Act. (Sec. 224) Proscribes Federal approval of a surety company that is not in compliance with this Act. Subtitle D:  Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering Work Force Act - Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering Work Force Act - Establishes the Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces.  Terminates the Commission one year following submission of its required report.  Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E:  Job Training Self-Sufficiency Act - Self-Sufficiency Standard Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish economic self-sufficiency standards for disadvantaged adult training programs, according to a formula to be developed by the Secretary of Labor and local economic self-sufficiency tables to be developed by service delivery areas. (Sec. 245) Prohibits incentive grants to service delivery areas that do not have in effect, after two years, an approved local economic self-sufficiency standards table. (Sec. 246) Requires inclusion of such a table and related reports in the job training plan and in the Governor's coordination and special services plan. (Sec. 248) Directs the Secretary to make up to six grants in each of three fiscal years to States for demonstration and exemplary programs to increase the number of participants in disadvantaged adult training programs who are trained and placed in jobs that yield long-term economic self-sufficiency in accordance with the local economic self-sufficiency tables. Title III:  Work and Family - Subtitle A:  Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act - Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a business-incentive grant program to provide child care through public-private partnerships. (Sec. 302) Provides program grants for:  (1) businesses or consortia (including nonprofit private organizations) to start up, or provide additional, employee child care services; and (2) nonprofit business organizations to provide technical information and assistance to enable businesses to provide employee child care services. (Sec. 305) Gives priority in grant selection to businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees and to business and consortia applications.   Requires equitable geographic distribution. (Sec. 307) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B:  After-School Child Care Act - After-School Child Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies for programs to provide affordable and quality after school care for students enrolled in kindergarten through grade six. Limits participation to public elementary school students who are: (1) children of a single working parent or guardian, or two working parents or guardians, or of those who work in the after-school program, or of those who attend school or job training for career development; or (2) recommended by the school on the basis of educational need, subject to available resources.  Limits the Federal share to 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C:  Dependent Care Tax Credit Refundability - Repeals the Internal Revenue Code's nonrefundable income tax credit for employment-related dependent care expenses, replacing it with a corresponding refundable 50 percent credit, reduced (but not below 20 percent) as the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $15,000 (adjusted for inflation). Includes within the scope of the new credit up to $1,200 ($2,400 in the case of more than one qualifying individual) of respite care expenses incurred in the care of:  (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is at least 13 years old; or (2) a spouse or other dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Subtitle D:  Tax Incentives for Family-Friendly Workplaces - Tax Incentives for Family-Friendly Workplaces Act - Allows eligible small businesses a small business family and medical leave credit equal to 50 percent (up to $2,000) of family and medical leave costs paid or incurred in connection with complying with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. (Sec. 333) Allows a business credit for wages paid to an employee who is permitted to shift hours of employment or work at home in order to reduce dependent care needs. Subtitle E:  Federal Parental Leave for Education Activities - Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to provide for parental leave for certain educational activities. Title IV:  Economic Self-Sufficiency - Subtitle A:  Child Support - Child Support Economic Security Act - Part A:  Child Support Enforcement Amendments - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the organizational unit for administering a State plan for child and spousal support to reside at the State level and administer such plan under rules that apply uniformly throughout the State. (Secs. 412 through 415, and 418) Requires:  (1) State procedures to ensure that the administering agency has on-line access to all data base information maintained by the State or local government; (2) child support payments to continue until certain events occur; (3) all income (as well as lottery winnings, insurance payments, and cash settlements) to be subject to withholding to meet child support obligations; (4) property transaction recordings to be conditioned upon the party's payment of any overdue child support; (5) occupational and professional licenses to be denied to parents with overdue child support obligations in excess of $1,000; and (6) social security numbers to appear on marriage licenses and child support orders. (Sec. 416) Revises procedures for the reporting of overdue child support obligations to consumer credit reporting agencies. (Secs. 417 and 419) Requires State procedures providing for separate treatment of cases alleging nonsupport and cases alleging denial of visitation rights.  Eliminates statutes of limitations in child support cases. (Sec. 420) Provides for timely response to interstate locate requests. (Sec. 421) Requires the Secretary to issue regulations establishing standards and procedures governing the processing of interstate child support cases. (Sec. 422) Amends SSA title IV part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) to subject child support enforcement funds instead of AFDC funds to reduction in cases of substantial noncompliance with part D requirements. Amends SSA title IV part D to increase payments to States for the operation of their part D plans. Repeals incentive payments to States under part D. (Sec. 423) Requires States to adopt a specified form of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in order to have their part D plans approved. (Sec. 424) Establishes the Commission on Child Support Guidelines to make recommendations to the Congress for national guidelines for child support award amounts. Part B:  Interstate Child Support Act of 1993 - Declares the necessity of establishing national standards for child support orders and determinations of percentage and the effect each State shall give to those of other States' courts. Part C:  Bankruptcy Amendments Relating to Child Support, Alimony, and Property Settlement Agreements - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to declare that the filing of a petition in bankruptcy does not operate as an automatic stay of actions for establishment of paternity or concerning certain debts for child and spousal support and maintenance.  Includes among priority claims and expenses those for certain child and spousal support and maintenance. (Sec. 445) Precludes a trustee in bankruptcy from avoiding a transfer if it was a bona fide payment of a debt for child or spousal support, maintenance, or alimony. (Sec. 446) Amends the guidelines for what constitutes the property of the bankrupt estate of either a family farmer or an individual with regular annual income.  Conditions the confirmation of a plan, for such debtors, upon payment of all allowable claims arising after the order for relief for debts for child and spousal support, maintenance, or alimony. (Sec. 448) Permits representatives of child support creditors to appear in court without charge and without meeting any special local court rule requirement for attorney appearances in any judicial bankruptcy proceeding if such representatives file information detailing the child support debt, status, and other characteristics. Part D:  Locate and Case Tracking - Amends SSA title IV part D to allow use of the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) along with appropriate safeguards for parentage establishment and child support and visitation enforcement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) denial of visitation rights under a child support order should be treated as irrelevant in any action to enforce its support provisions; and (2) failure to pay child support pursuant to such an order should be treated likewise in any action to enforce visitation rights. (Sec. 452) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement to provide the Secretary (Secretary) of Health and Human Services (HHS) with access to quarterly estimated Federal income tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Requires that:  (1) State agencies charged with child support enforcement maintain child support order registries and be allowed access to medical, financial, employment, and other specified data base information on absent parents; and (2) registry information from each State be sent to the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) within HHS for a national registry of all State child support orders. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should investigate accessing certain Federal data banks not linked with FPLS. (Sec.  453) Requires the Secretary to expand FPLS to provide State agencies and courts with a national locate and case tracking network. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the network should be used to access State records only through the agency administering the State's part D plan. (Sec. 454) Requires that private attorneys and pro se obligees be given access, in accordance with appropriate safeguards, to State locate resources and enforcement techniques with respect to child support, visitation, and parentage orders. (Sec. 455) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to require employers to withhold from employee wages amounts owed for child support. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to modify the W-4 form completed by new employees in order to enable employers to obtain employee child support and other information for the appropriate State employment security agency. (Sec. 456) Requires the heads of national and regional individual tracking systems to allow child support enforcement agencies access to their information for paternity or child support purposes. (Sec. 457 and 459) Requires that States:  (1) broadcast warrants issued in child support proceedings over their crime information systems; (2) remit, in a criminal case, to any individual owed child support any security posted by or on behalf of the individual owing the support and then forfeited, to the extent of any arrearage in support owed; and (3) establish procedures to obtain access to financial records for purposes of child support establishment and enforcement. Part E:  Establishment - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish the jurisdictional basis for State court recognition, enforcement, and modification of parentage and child support orders of other States. (Sec. 462) Amends SSA title IV part D to provide for service of process on Federal employees and members of the armed forces in connection with parentage and child support proceedings. (Sec. 463) Requires that:  (1) parents' identification and locate information be filed with the appropriate adjudicating entity in parentage and child support actions; (2) there be appropriate safeguards on such information where a court has ordered that the custodial parent or child receive physical protection against the noncustodial parent; (3) appropriate administrative agencies make reasonable attempts to timely notify any individual owed child support of any proceeding to establish, modify, or enforce the support obligation; (4) States allow parties seeking both parentage and child support establishment in a judicial proceeding to bring a joint action in a single cause of action; (5) States provide for continuation of parental child support obligations until they terminate as described; (6) States allow parties to participate in interstate parentage and child support proceedings by telephonic means; (7) marriage licenses, birth certificates, and divorce and parentage decrees contain social security numbers; and (8) appropriate State agencies be allowed subpoena power in connection with child support hearings. (Sec. 464) Requires certain notices to custodial parents. (Sec. 465) Sets forth guidelines for uniform State procedures regarding jurisdiction and venue in parentage and child support cases. (Sec. 466) Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) to allow appropriate State agencies to obtain from credit reporting agencies information for establishing and modifying child support awards. (Sec. 467) Creates a National Child Support Guidelines Commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on national child support guidelines, and to develop such guidelines for congressional consideration should it be advisable. (Sec. 468) Amends SSA title IV part D to specify certain principles to be used in accordance with the application of State child support guidelines. (Sec. 469) Expresses the sense of the Congress that, if children receive child support while obtaining postsecondary education, they will attain higher levels of education affording them a greater chance to break the welfare cycle. (Sec. 470) Requires the new OCSE Assistant Secretary to develop: (1) a national subpoena duces tecum for distribution to child support agencies and others to use to reach income information; and (2) a uniform abstract of a child support order for State court use. (Sec. 475) Requires the Legal Services Corporation to ensure the use of a specified amount of funding for child support cases. (Sec. 476) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to Indian child support and support orders outreach and demonstrations. Amends the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to require Indian tribes to give full faith and credit to child support orders of other Indian tribes, to the extent such entities already give full faith and credit to the acts, records, and proceedings of the other entity. (Sec. 477) Amends SSA title IV part D to set forth specific measures designed to secure child support services in underserved areas and combat domestic violence. Part F:  Parentage - Amends SSA title IV part D to:  (1) require States to provide for hospital-based paternity outreach programs and adopt various specified procedures for voluntary paternity acknowledgment; and (2) provide for 90 percent Federal matching for such programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in a proceeding to establish paternity, once paternity is alleged, the burden of proof should shift to the alleged father. Part G: Enforcement - Amends SSA title IV part D to:  (1) require States to mandate that any individual or entity engaged in commerce, as a condition of doing business in the State, comply with wage withholding orders issued by any State court or administrative agency, and keep records of wages withheld for child support; (2) specify the priority for applying amounts withheld from income for child support and child health insurance; (3) subject to withholding for child support any income from workers' compensation and other specified Federal sources; (4) prohibit State court application of the election of remedies doctrine to prevent collection of child support; (5) deny State occupational, professional, and business licenses, and driver's licenses and vehicle registrations to delinquent noncustodial parents; (6) authorize liens on vehicle titles, seizure of bank accounts, and holds on lottery winnings, settlements, payouts, bequests, and proceeds from the sale of forefeited property to satisfy child support arrearages; (7) require States to make a rebuttable presumption that any transfer of property by an individual who owes a child support arrearage is made with the intent to avoid payment of the arrearage; (8) revise the mechanism for collection of past-due child support from Federal tax refunds to cover interests without a separate court order to satisfy child support arrearages; (9) mandate reporting monthly child support obligations to credit bureaus; (10) permit enforcement of any child support order until the child is at least 30; (11) require interest on all child support judgments; (12) require States to adopt the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act adopted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform Laws in August 1992; (13) allow State courts to order the assignment of life insurance benefits and interests in jointly held property to satisfy child support arrearages; and (14) require States to treat international child support cases in the same manner as interstate child support cases. (Sec. 494) Amends CCPA with respect to State laws and garnishments for securing child support. Gives Federal debts a lower priority than child support debts when the obligor's disposable income cannot satisfy both debts through withholding. Prohibits employers from discharging any employee whose earnings are subject to garnishment for additional indebtedness arising from a child support order. (Sec. 496) Denies Federal occupational, professional, and business licenses of delinquent individuals until the license hold is released. (Sec. 499C) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the IRS Commissioner should instruct IRS field officers to give a high priority to requests for the use of full collection in delinquent child support cases. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to simplify the full collection process and reduce the amount of child support arrearage needed before an individual may apply for full collections. (Sec. 499I) Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to:  (1) allow parentage and child support case establishment, modification, and enforcement to proceed uninterrupted after a bankruptcy petition is filed; (2) treat as outside chapter 11, 12, or 13 plans any debt owed to child support creditors, except as specified; and (3) allow a claim for payment of a debt for child support to be asserted in court. (Sec. 499J) Sets forth requirements pertaining to parentage establishment and child support payments in the armed forces. (Sec. 499L) Directs the Comptroller General and Secretary of the Treasury to study an annual reconciliation process for paying child support arrearages as part of the Federal income tax process. (Sec. 499M) Authorizes the Secretary of State to refuse, revoke, or restrict passports in cases where the applicant or holder is a noncustodial parent subject to a State arrest warrant for nonpayment of a substantial child support arrearage. (Sec. 499N) Prohibits Federal benefits, loans, guarantees, and employment for individuals owing certain child support arrearages. (Sec. 499Q) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Part H:  Collection and Distribution - (Sec. 499R) Amends SSA title IV part D to:  (1) set priorities for State distribution of child support collections; (2) require States to limit claims against noncustodial parents for reimbursement of a child's portion of AFDC to the amount in the child support order; (3) revise part D plan provisions concerning fees; and (4) require States to provide for collection and disbursement points for child support cases. Part I:  Federal Role - Requires Comptroller General studies and pilot projects with respect to requiring State systems to pay the child support collected under a State plan to the individuals to whom the support is owed before making any payment to reimburse any State for AFDC provided with respect to the child in question. Amends IRC to revise the Federal income tax refund offset mechanism. (Sec. 499V) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should encourage parents to use the State child support agency to process and distribute child support payments. (Sec. 499W) Amends SSA title IV part D to:  (1) designate the separate organizational unit currently charged with various parentage and child support responsibilities as the OCSE; (2) change OCSE's organizational structure. (Sec. 499X and Y) Requires:  (1) the new OCSE Assistant Secretary to provide training assistance to the States; (2) States to provide training of child support personnel; and (3) the Secretary to study staffing at State child support enforcement programs and reduce payments to States that have not implemented recommended staffing levels. (Sec. 499Z) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) authorize demonstration projects to test alternative approaches to incentive funding for State child support programs; and (2) reduce payments to States which have not reinvested incentive payments in their child support programs. Includes as ""support"" under SSA title IV part D with respect to incentive payments to States any premiums paid for health insurance coverage pursuant to a support order. Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should not use amounts paid to them pursuant to SSA title IV part D, which are reinvested in child support activities, to supplant State funding of such activities. (Sec. 499BB) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) contract for a study of OCSE's audit process to develop criteria and methodology for auditing activities of State child support enforcement agencies; and (2) provide for State demonstration projects for the purpose of ensuring that custodial parents owned child support have a consistent source of income for the support of their children. (Sec. 499CC) Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) children should have a consistent source of income to meet their education and medical needs; (2) the provision of public assistance to a custodial parent for the support of a child with respect to whom the noncustodial parent owes child support does not absolve the latter of the obligation to provide such support; (3) the States must continue to vigorously pursue efforts to establish parentage and establish and enforce child support obligations; and (4) OCSE should develop a mechanism to publicize the best State practices in child support. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) consider applications from eligible States to conduct child support assurance demonstration projects; and (2) submit an evaluation report on such projects to the Congress. (Sec. 499DD) Amends the IRC to establish in the Treasury a Children's Trust Fund to hold the contributions designated by individuals on their tax returns for funding child support programs. (Sec. 499EE, FF, GG, and HH) Requires:  (1) the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on delinquent child support payments and the effectiveness of administrative versus judicial adjudication of parentage and child support cases; and (2) OCSE to produce and update a certain compendium of State child support laws published by the National Conference of State Legislatures, and establish a permanent child support advisory committee. Part J:  State Role - Amends Amends SSA title IV D to require States to:  (1) promote the greatest economic security possible for children, within the obligor's ability to pay; (2) provide custodial parents with certain information on child support cases and the services available under their part D plans; and (3) require any changes in child support payees to be made only through administrative procedures. (Sec. 499KK, MM, and NN) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should:  (1) work closely with parents to improve the quality of child support services; (2) have offices in areas accessible to public transportation with convenient hours that allow parents to meet privately with attorneys and caseworkers; and (3) establish administrative procedures to process child support cases and a child support council to recommend improvements in State paternity and child support programs. Part K:  Jobs for Unemployed Noncustodial Parents - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any Federal program to provide jobs for noncustodial parents should be administered so as not to adversely affect any Federal program for custodial parents. Requires the Secretary to transmit evaluations of certain projects under the JOBS program under SSA title IV part F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program) to the Secretary of Labor for study and possible action, including authorizing States to provide services of greater scope and duration to unemployed noncustodial parents under such program. Part L:  Effective Date - Sets forth an effective date. Part M:  Child Support Enforcement Improvements Act of 1993 - Child Support Enforcement Improvements Act - Absolves of liability under State or Federal law any person who discloses any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency attempting to establish, modify, or enforce a child support obligation of that individual.  Requires such an agency to disclose such records only for child support purposes.  Authorizes civil damages for unauthorized disclosures. (Sec. 499SS) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to access to and use of consumer reports by State child support enforcement agencies in child support cases. (Sec. 499TT through WW) Amends SSA title IV part D with regard to: (1) health care support; (2) reporting of State compliance with time limits for providing certain child support assistance; (3) employer wage withholding for child support obligations; and (4) the national parents locator network. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on incentives to encourage States to enforce health care support obligations of noncustodial parents. Part N:  Reporting Delinquent Parents to Consumer Credit Agencies - Amends SSA to require provision to consumer reporting agencies of information on overdue child support obligations. Subtitle B:  Pension Reform - Pension Reform Act - Amends ERISA and the IRC with respect to pension integration, participation, and vesting requirements. (Sec. 502) Extends applicability of new integration rules under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to all existing accrued benefits. Amends the IRC to disallow integration for simplified employee pensions, by repealing provisions relating to permitted disparity under rules limiting discrimination under simplified employee pensions. Repeals for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, IRC provisions relating to:  (1) pension integration exceptions under nondiscrimination requirements for qualification; and (2) nondiscriminatory coordination of defined contribution plans with Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance. (Sec. 503) Revises IRC minimum coverage requirements with respect to separate lines of business.  Sets forth a special rule where the employer operates a single line of business.  Limits a line of business exception. (Sec. 504) Eliminates a special vesting rule for multiemployer plans under IRC and ERISA. (Sec. 505) Provides for division of pension benefits upon divorce unless otherwise provided in qualified domestic relations orders. (Sec. 507 and 508) Provides for studies and reports by  the Comptroller General relating to cost-of-living adjustments and pension portability. (Sec. 509) Provides for the continued availability of remedies relating to rights of spouses to accrued benefits under pension plans under divorce case domestic relations orders entered before 1985. Subtitle C:  Social Security Reform - Social Security Caregiver Act - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) to:  (1) provide for an increase of up to five in the number of years of either zero or low earnings disregarded in determining average annual earnings on which benefits are based provided such year were used to provide care to a child under the age of 12 or to a chronically dependent spouse or relative; (2) repeal the seven-year restriction on eligibility for widow's and widower's insurance benefits based on disability; and (3) provide full widow's or widower's insurance benefits to disabled widows or widowers without regard to age and without certain reductions. Subtitle D:  Former Military Spouses Protection - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to make certain amendments regarding military retired pay to former spouses applicable to divorces, dissolutions of marriage, annulments, and legal separations that became effective before such Act's enactment.   (Currently, such amendments apply only to those events that become effective 90 days after such Act's enactment). Permits any change in payments of military retired or retainer pay due to such amendment to apply only to payments for months beginning 90 days after this Act's enactment. Subtitle E:  Unremunerated Work Act - Unremunerated Work Act - Directs the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to:  (1) conduct time use surveys of unremunerated work performed in the United States (including household, agricultural, and volunteer work and work related to child care and other care services, food production, and family businesses); and (2) calculate the monetary value of such unremunerated work, separately for men and women, and include such value in statistics used to determine the gross national product.",2025-08-26T13:48:50Z,
103-s-2515,103,s,2515,Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Brown, Hank [R-CO]",CO,R,B000919,0,"Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994 - Revises Federal copyright law to provide that a communication of a transmission embodying a performance or display of a work by electronic players or by the public reception of a broadcast, cable, or satellite transmission on a receiving apparatus in any commercial establishment, the performance of which is incidental to the main purpose of such establishment, is not an infringement of copyright unless:  (1) an admission charge is made to see or hear the transmission; or (2) any other public performance or display of the works implicated in such transmission are not properly licensed. Specifies that, if a user of music and a performing rights society are unable to agree on the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of music in the performing rights society's repertory, either party shall be entitled to binding arbitration of such disagreement pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association (and the arbitrator in such arbitration shall determine a fair and reasonable fee for the user's past or future performance of the music in such society's repertory). Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) civil actions for infringements involving nondramatic musical work licensed by a performing rights society; (2) arbitrators' determinations of a fair and reasonable license fee; (3) online computer access to repertoires; and (4) actions that shall be referred to arbitration. Provides that, in any case in which a nondramatic musical work is licensed by a performing rights society, such society shall offer a per programming period license to any radio or television broadcaster on request.  Directs that such license be offered on terms and conditions that provide an economically and administratively viable alternative to blanket licenses.  Sets forth provisions regarding prices of such licenses. Directs that performing rights societies and other organizations authorized to license nondramatic musical works for public performances make available, free of charge, to licenses or those negotiating licenses, online computer access to its entire repertoire, including specified information. Requires the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice to submit annual written reports to the Congress on acitivities of the Department relating to continuing supervision and enforcement of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and Broadcast Music, Inc., consent decrees.",2025-08-26T13:49:03Z,
103-s-2516,103,s,2516,Job Training Consolidation and Reform Act,Labor and Employment,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000105,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Federal Responsibilities      Title II:  State Responsibilities      Title III:  Local Responsibilities      Title IV:  Consolidation      Title V:  Integrated Labor Market Information System Job Training Consolidation and Reform Act - Consolidates and revises Federal job training programs to create a workforce development system. (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations. Title I:  Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the National Workforce Development Board (the Board). (Sec. 101) Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to repeal the establishment of the National Commission for Employment Policy. Replaces references to such Commission with references to the Board. Requires the Board to issue a biennial National Workforce Strategic Plan (Federal Blueprint).  Directs the Board also to:  (1) provide congressional testimony; (2) make recommendations on measures (including tax code changes) to encourage employers and workers to invest in training and skills upgrading and employers to hire and train hard-to-serve individuals; (3) review implementation and incentive grant proposals; (4) coordinate with the National Skill Standards Board; and (5) make final recommendations in the form of a joint resolution to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 102) Requires the Board to prepare an annual report to be known as the Nation's Workforce Development Report Card (National Report Card) which shall assess the U.S. workforce development system performance and evaluate all workforce development programs that receive Federal funding. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to applicant States to:  (1) develop strategic plans for development of comprehensive statewide integrated workforce development systems; and (2) if they are leading edge States, implement such systems. Directs the Secretary to use specified information clearinghouses and other entities to:  (1) collect and disseminate information to help States and localities to streamline and reform their job training systems; and (2) facilitate exchange of information and ideas among States and localities carrying out job training reform initiatives. Requires the Board to determine whether any proposed Federal job training legislation complies with data reporting, common definitions, and common funding cycles provisions under this Act.  Makes it out of order for the Senate or House of Representatives to consider any bill or resolution concerning workforce development that would not comply with the national workforce development system, as determined by the Board.  Requires a three-fifths affirmative vote to waive or suspend such requirement in the Senate or House. (Sec. 104) Directs the President to establish an expedited process to consider and act on requests by States for waivers of laws and regulations for specified programs for:  (1) two years to facilitate provision of assistance for workforce development, for States not receiving implementation grants; or (2) the duration of the implementation grant, for States receiving such grants. (Sec. 105) Establishes a quality assurance system.  Directs the Secretaries of Labor, of Education, and of Health and Human Services to jointly develop common terms and definitions and a placement accountability system and adjust existing program performance standards.  Directs the Board to recommend a system of performance standards in its joint resolution to the Congress that includes standard outcome measures relating to employment, job retention, earnings, and nonemployment outcome measures (such as learning and competency gains). Requires each workforce development program that receives Federal funds to collect, and report to the Governor and State Council, specified information relating to each participant's:  (1) quarterly employment status and earnings for one year after no longer receiving program assistance; (2) economic and demographic characteristics; (3) services received and spending for them; (4) program outcomes; and (5) other data that may be added as the Board develops other standard definitions.  Requires that program monitoring under these provisions supplant existing monitoring and reporting requirements for program participants. Directs each Federal department and agency with responsibility for a workforce development program to report to the Board on its progress in adopting common terms and definitions for program participants, service activities, and outcomes by program operators and grant recipients.  Requires each workforce development program receiving Federal funds to use the common terms and definitions. Directs the Board to make recommendations to:  (1) the Secretaries and heads of other agencies operating workforce development programs, on common definitions for other terms; and (2) the Congress, on legislative action if any of the proposed common definitions require amendment to existing laws. Establishes a placement accountability system for all federally funded workforce development programs.  Requires each such program to: (1) monitor its own performance by measuring quarterly employment status and earnings of each participant for one year after he or she no longer receives program assistance; and (2) provide required information on participants, to be matched by information from the State agency for labor market information which shall be reimbursed by the requesting program with Federal funds.  Directs the State agency to submit the results of the matching to the State Council.  Requires the Governor to ensure submission of matched data to the State Council, the Board, the Secretary (of Labor), and other Federal entities. Requires that such program quality assurance information be made available to the State Council, local workforce development boards in the State, and consumers of labor market information. Requires all federally funded workforce development programs to be funded on a consistent funding cycle basis.  Directs the Board to make recommendations to the Congress on the appropriate funding cycle. Title II:  State Responsibilities - Requires each State desiring to participate in development of an integrated and accountable workforce development system to:  (1) establish a State Workforce Development Council (State Council); or (2) have an existing entity similar to a State Council that includes representatives of employers and workers.  Directs each State Council to:  (1) serve as principal advisory board to the Governor for all programs in the State's integrated workforce development system; and (2) assume the functions and responsibilities of councils and commissions required under Federal law that are part of such system. (Sec. 204) Directs the State Council to assist the Governor in: (1) preparing a biennial State Workforce Development Policy Blueprint and an annual State Workforce Development Report Card; and (2) certifying each local workforce development board, as well as recommending criteria to judge such local boards' effectiveness. (Sec. 205) Requires the State Council to develop a quality assurance system to complement and expand upon the one established under title I, in order to provide customers of job training services with consumer reprts on the supply, demand, price, and quality of job training services in each unified service delivery area in the State.  Directs each State to select tools and measures appropriate to its needs, including:  (1) collecting and organizing service provider performance data; and (2) conducting surveys to ascertain customer satisfaction.  Directs the State Council, with the local workforce development boards, to establish mechanisms for collecting and disseminating the quality assurance information to individuals seeking employment, employers, Federal, State, and local policymakers, and training and education providers.  Requires each public and private education, training, and career development service provider receiving Federal funds under a program in a State integrated system to collect and provide the quality assurance information. (Sec. 206) Sets forth State Council authorities, including funding and operating special projects for research or improvement of system performance. (Sec. 207) Directs State Councils to make recommendations to Governors for establishment of unified service delivery areas (SDAs). Requires States receiving implementation grants to establish unified SDAs to provide community-wide workforce development assistance in one-stop career centers.  Requires consideration of existing labor market areas, local governments, and SDAs under JTPA, as well as distance traveled by individuals to receive services.  Allows merger of existing SDAs.  Prohibits approval of a total number of such unified SDAs greater than that of the existing SDAs in the State. (Sec. 208) Requires each State to use a portion of its development grant to design a unified financial and management information system. Directs each State receiving an implementation grant to require all programs in the integrated system to use such unified financial and management information system.   Sets forth requirements for such systems. (Sec. 209) Requires each State, from its development or implementation grant, to develop a strategy to enhance capacity of institutions, organizations, and staff involved in State and local workforce development activities by providing certain types of services. (Sec. 210) Provides that the Governor of each State implementing an integrated workforce development system:  (1) may adjust existing performance standards for programs in such system, using criteria including specified factors; and (2) shall, within parameters established by the Board, prescribe adjustments to such performance criteria for unified SDAs based on specified factors.  Requires such developed performance criteria to be used in lieu of similar criteria for programs receiving Federal funding included in the State's integrated system, to the extent determined by the State Council subject to Board approval. Title III:  Local Responsibilities - Requires the local elected officials of each unified SDA, in each State receiving an implementation grant (except any with a single unified SDA with contiguous borders), to establish a workforce development board (local board) to administer the workforce development provided by all programs in the integrated workforce development system in such area. (Sec. 302) Requires each local board to report to the State Council a biennial workforce development board policy blueprint. (Sec. 303) Requires each local board to submit to the State Council an annual unified SDA report card. (Sec. 304) Requires each local board receiving funds under an implementation grant to develop and implement a network of one-stop career centers in its unified SDA to provide jobseekers, workers, and businesses universal access to a comprehensive array of quality employment, education, and training services.  Requires selection of a method for such establishment consistent with specified criteria.  Makes eligible for selection as a one-stop career center each entity within the unified SDA that performs specified brokerage services for individuals and employers.  Prohibits any entity that performs one-stop career center functions from making an education and training referral to itself, but allows waivers of this prohibition under certain conditions.  Allows each one-stop career center to charge fees for certain brokerage services to employers, subject to local board approval.  Requires each such center to:  (1) adopt core data elements and common definitions; and (2) enter into an operating agreement with the local board. (Sec. 305) Directs each local board to submit annual progress reports to the State Council. (Sec. 306) Requires each local board to identify capacity building actions to be taken for the workforce development system in its unified SDA.  Directs the State Council to make funds available to each local board for capacity building building activities from implementation grant funds and other funds within the State's integrated workforce development budget.  Lists types of capacity building activities. (Sec. 307) Establishes a program of incentive grants for incumbent worker training, consisting of competitive matching grants to local boards to respond to the training needs of front-line workers in their communities.  Sets forth provisions for applications, selection of grantees by the Secretary according to certain criteria, authorized uses of funds, and Federal and local matching shares of funding. Title IV:  Consolidation - Provides for consolidation of the system of federally funded employment training services available to jobseekers, workers, and businesses. (Sec. 401) Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) any budget savings realized through elimination or consolidation or sunsetting of such programs should be reinvested in the national job training (or workforce development) system; and (2) elimination or merging of programs should be done without reducing the Federal commitment or level of effort to improve education, employment, and earnings of all workers, particularly hard-to-serve individuals, including those with limited-English proficiency and others with special needs. (Sec. 402) Directs the Board to study and report to the President and the Congress on how best to integrate specified programs for in-school-and out-of-school youth under various Federal laws with those under the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. (Sec. 403) Directs the board to advise on consolidation of workforce development progrms through:  (1) recommendations to the President and the Congress for the elimination of Federal workforce development programs, or programs whose functions should be subsumed under other Federal programs; (2) a report and recommendations for proposed reforms to specified congressional committees based on its analysis of the experience of leading edge States and the progress toward establishing an integrated workforce development system; and (3) a draft of a joint resolution to the Congress with provisions to develop a streamlined, integrated, federally supported workforce development system, from listed programs and any other appropriate Federal program (including recommendations for standard program measures and a description of how the new system will maintain services to hard-to-serve populations). (Sec. 404) Requires any State receiving an implementation grant to include specified programs under various Federal laws (mandatory integrated programs) in its reformed delivery system.  Allows any such State to include specified additional programs (optional integrated programs) under various Federal laws in its reformed delivery system. (Sec. 405) Repeals the provisons of various Federal laws for the listed mandatory integrated programs. Title V:  Integrated Labor Market Information System - Directs the Secretary to oversee and ensure development, maintenance, and continued improvement of:  (1) a nationwide integrated system of labor market information that will serve specified functions, include certain information, use common standards, and make certain data and information available to the Board and to consumers in automated delivery systems; and (2) certain mechanisms and programs for dissemination, technical assistance, and research. (Sec. 502) Directs the Board to plan, review, and evaluate the national integrated labor market information system. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) manage the investment in an integrated labor market information on system in a specified manner; and (2) submit an annual plan for improving such system to the Board for review and recommendations, and to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 504) Directs each Governor and State Council to designate one State agency to be responsible for:  (1) managing and overseeing a statewide integrated labor market information system; and (2) developing an annual State unified labor market information budget. Conditions Federal financial assistance under this title on the Governor or State Council carrying out other specified functions with respect to labor market information.  Provides that the State agency is not limited by this Act from conducting additional data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities with funds derived from sources other than this Act.",2025-08-26T13:49:43Z,
103-s-2517,103,s,2517,A bill to amend the Fastener Quality Act.,Commerce,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Simon, Paul [D-IL]",IL,D,S000423,0,Amends the Fastener Quality Act to set forth an alternative procedure to satisfy certain chemical standards and specifications with respect to fasteners sold in lots.  Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate Department of Commerce personnel to conduct investigations to enforce such Act.,2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-2518,103,s,2518,A bill for the relief of Ang Tsering Sherpa.,Private Legislation,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Hatfield, Mark O. [R-OR]",OR,R,H000343,0,Declares a named individual to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.,2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-2519,103,s,2519,"A bill to amend title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, to provide for acquisition and reclamation of land adversely affected by past coal mining practices, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]",KY,D,F000268,0,"Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize:  (1) the use of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund) to establish State administered programs to insure private property against damages from landslides caused by past coal mining activities; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior, or the State, under specified circumstances, to acquire dwellings adversely affected by such activities in lieu of performing reclamation activities. Revises the guidelines for:  (1) land acquisition; and (2) use of the Fund to relocate private residences threatened by past mining abuse, if relocation will result in significant cost savings over performing emergency reclamation activities, and safeguard the public health and safety.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2520,103,s,2520,"A bill to amend title IV, of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, to encourage the mining and reclamation of previously mined areas by active mining operations, and for other purposes.",Energy,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]",KY,D,F000268,0,Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant a credit for coal mining reclamation fees (as an incentive for commercial coal mine operators to remine previously mined lands) in certain circumstances.,2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2521,103,s,2521,Regulatory Flexibility Amendments Act of 1994,Government Operations and Politics,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Wallop, Malcolm [R-WY]",WY,R,W000092,1,"Regulatory Flexibility Amendments Act of 1994 - Revises Federal provisions regarding judicial review of regulatory flexibility analyses. Authorizes an affected small entity, within one year after the effective date of a final rule which an agency certified would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities or for which an agency prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis, to petition for judicial review. Specifies that where a provision of law requires that an action challenging a final agency regulation be commenced before the expiration of the one-year period, such lesser period shall apply to a petition for judicial review. Requires that, where an agency delays the issuance of a final regulatory flexibility analysis, a petition for judicial review shall be filed not later than:  (1) one year after the date the analysis is made available to the public; or (2) a lesser number of days specified by a provision of law that requires that an action challenging a final agency regulation be commenced before the expiration of such one-year period. Authorizes the court, where the agency: (1) certified that such rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, to order the agency to prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis if the court determines that the certification was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; and (2) prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis, to order the agency to take corrective action if the court determines that the analysis was prepared without observance of proper procedure. Authorizes the court, if by the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the court order (or such longer period as the court may provide) the agency fails to prepare the required analysis or to take corrective action, to stay the rule or grant such other relief as appropriate. Specifies that:  (1) in an action for the judicial review of a rule, any analysis for such rule shall constitute part of the whole record of agency action; and (2) nothing in this Act bars judicial review of any other impact statement or similar analysis required by law.",2025-08-26T13:49:25Z,
103-s-2522,103,s,2522,Humane and Safe Commercial Transportation of Horses for Slaughter Act of 1994,Animals,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]",KY,R,M000355,0,Humane and Safe Commercial Transportation of Horses for Slaughter Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to require the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations governing the humane commercial transportation of horses for slaughter. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T13:52:31Z,
103-s-2523,103,s,2523,A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit certain foreign pension plans to invest in the United States on a nontaxable basis.,Taxation,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Wallop, Malcolm [R-WY]",WY,R,W000092,0,Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exemption for certain foreign pension plans.,2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
103-s-2524,103,s,2524,Voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1994,Law,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL]",AL,D,H000445,0,"Voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize each U.S. district court to:  (1) encourage litigants in appropriate cases to use voluntary alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures, whether offered in the private sector or sponsored by the court; and (2) establish such voluntary ADR programs as the court determines appropriate. Provides that the ADR procedures may include mediation, early neutral evaluation, minitrials, summary jury or bench trials, and non-binding judicial arbitration. Authorizes a Federal court to establish appropriate voluntary ADR procedures and encourage voluntary use of ADR services offered in the private sector. Specifies that:  (1) an ADR program under this Act shall not infringe on a litigant's right to trial de novo and shall impose no penalty on participating litigants; and (2) nothing in this Act is intended to interfere with any ADR program authorized under any other provision of law, including court annexed non-binding arbitration.",2025-08-26T13:52:12Z,
103-s-2525,103,s,2525,Accounting Standards Reform Act of 1994,Finance and Financial Sector,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,7,Accounting Standards Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require an affirmative vote of the majority of a quorum of the Securities and Exchange Commission for either the adoption or modification of any accounting principle or standard.,2025-08-26T13:48:50Z,
103-s-2526,103,s,2526,A bill to prohibit any charges on telephone bills for calls to 800 nunbers.,Government Operations and Politics,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]",IA,D,H000206,1,"Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a calling party from being charged for a call to, or information provided by, an 800 number by means of a charge included on, or transmitted with, a bill for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-2527,103,s,2527,A bill to amend section 257(e) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Defecit Control Act of 1985 to modify the treatment of losses from asset sales.,Economics and Public Finance,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,"Read twice and referred jointly to the Committees on Budget; Governmental Affairs pursuant to the order of August 4, 1977, with instructions that if one Committee reports, the other Committee have thirty days to report or be discharged.",Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]",AK,R,M001085,0,Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to allow the proceeds from the sale of an asset to be applied to offset the loss of any revenue or receipts resulting from such sale.,2025-01-14T19:03:55Z,
103-s-2528,103,s,2528,Child Support Responsibility Act of 1994,Families,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]",CA,D,F000062,2,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Locate and Case Tracking      Title II:  Establishment      Title III:  Parentage      Title IV:  Enforcement      Title V:  Collection and Distribution      Title VI:  Federal Role      Title VII:  State Role Child Support Responsibility Act of 1994 - Title I:  Locate and Case Tracking - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a Federal registry of child support orders and or modifications issued by any State court or administrative order.  Provides for State access to such registry. (Sec. 102)Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include among the functions of the Federal Parent Locator System:  (1) establishing parentage; and (2) establishing, modifying, enforcing child support obligations.  Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide prompt access to the Secretary of all Federal income tax returns filed by individuals.  Instructs the Secretary to expand the Parent Locator Service to establish a national network based on the comprehensive statewide child support enforcement systems to expand State access to the national parent locator network. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a national reporting system on employees and their child support obligations through the mandatory inclusion of certain child support information on W-4 forms (including the availability of health care insurance). (Sec. 104) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to have in effect statutory mechanisms which:  (1)  establish a child support order registry to transmit abstracts of State child support orders to the Federal Registry and distribute child support proceeds withheld from a delinquent parent's wages; and (2) allow an individual to bring an action against an employer or State official for noncompliance with this Act. Prescribes parameters for direct wage withholding, State agency access to various data bases, and expanded interaction with the National Parent Locator Network. (Sec. 105) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to integrate child support obligations and payments within the structure of income tax returns, including:  (1) assessment and collection of child support arrearages; and (2) payment to State registries of child support amounts collected by the Secretary of the Treasury. Title II:  Establishment - Amends part D of SSA title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to set forth procedural guidelines for service of process on Federal employees and members of the armed services in connection with proceedings relating to child support and parentage obligations. (Sec. 204) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to:  (1) study and report to the Congress on the advisability of a national child support guideline; (2) develop such a guideline, if advisable. (Sec. 205) Includes among the requisite components of approved State plans:  (1) a specified duration of child support; (2) electronic transmittal of State documents; (3) telephonic appearance in interstate cases; (4) uniform terms in child support orders; (5) social security numbers on marriage licenses, divorce decrees, parentage decrees, and birth certificates; (6) administrative subpoena powers; (7) State-conducted surveys and outreach programs for underserved populations; and (8) State guidelines for child health care insurance. (Sec. 213) Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth rules governing modification of sister State child support orders. Title III:  Parentage - Requires approved State plans to include prescribed procedures for paternity acknowledgment. Title IV:  Enforcement - Requires approved State plans to include prescribed procedures for garnishment of wages for parents in arrears for child support, including:  (1) Federal death benefits; (2) black lung benefits; (3) veterans benefits, and (4) workers' compensation. (Sec. 404) Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that:  (1) its garnishment restrictions neither pre-empt State law, nor exempt any person from complying with State or Federal laws permitting garnishment for the purpose of securing child support; and (2) a garnishment intended to satisfy a child support debt takes priority over competing debts owed to the Federal government.    (Sec.  405) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures to satisfy child support arrearages which:  (1) prohibit a State court from applying the doctrine of election of remedies to prevent a custodial parent from collecting child support from the noncustodial parent; (2) prohibit State and Federal occupational licensing or regulating agencies from issuing or renewing occupational, professional or business licenses to individuals who fail to appear or are delinquent in child support cases; (3) prohibit State motor vehicle departments from issuing or renewing a driver's license or vehicle registration to such individuals; (4) require placement of child support liens on certificates of vehicle title; (5) permit attachment of bank accounts; (6) impose liens upon lottery winnings, insurance, court and other settlements; (7) presume fraudulent intent in any property transfer; (8) permit attachment of public and private retirement plans; (9) eliminate statutes of limitations in child support cases; and (10) require child support enforcement agencies to assess and collect interest on child support judgments. (Sec. 418) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to:  (1) except from its automatic stay provisions proceedings establishing parentage and debts for child support; (2) require a bankruptcy plan to provide for full payment when due of debts for child support; (3) declare that a debt for child support includes State public debts and assigned child support based on provision of expenditures with respect to aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) and foster care and adoption assistance; (4) include among prioritized claims allowed unsecured claims for child support; (5) preclude a debtor from avoiding the fixing of judicial liens for child support; (6) except from discharge a debt pursuant to divorce or separation; and (7) prohibit trustee avoidance of a transfer that was a bona fide payment of a debt for child support. (Sec. 419) Prescribes procedural mandates for the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with the States in the enforcement of child support obligations of members and former members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 420) Requires each State to have in effect laws which adopt the officially approved version of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. (Sec. 421) Authorizes the Secretary of State to deny or restrict passport privileges to child support debtors subject to State arrest warrants.  Denies Federal benefits, loans, guarantees, and employment to debtors with child support arrearages exceeding specified amounts. (Sec. 423) Amends part D of SSA title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to mandate that approved State plans include procedures to satisfy child support arrearages by permitting State courts to order:  (1) assignments of life insurance benefits; and (2) assignment of an interest in jointly held property. (Sec. 425) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. should ratify the United Nations Convention of 1956. Mandates that the States treat international child support cases in the same manner as interstate child support cases. (Sec. 426) Prescribes guidelines for shielding depository institutions from liability for providing financial records to State enforcement agencies in child support cases. (Sec. 427) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures to ensure:  (1) cost-of-living adjustments in child support orders; (2) annual exchange of financial information by parties to a child support order; and (3) criminal penalties for failure to pay child support and the granting of use immunity may be granted to compel testimony in specified civil child support proceedings. Title V:  Collection and Distribution - Prescribes priorities in the distribution of collected child support pursuant to an approved State plan.  Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on studies and pilot projects of systems under which States would be required to pay child support to the individuals to whom it is owed before making reimbursements to any State for AFDC provided with respect to such child. (Sec. 502) Mandates that approved State plans include procedures which limit State claims against the noncustodial parent to the assistance provided to the child. (Sec. 503) Revises the fee guidelines for State child support collection and paternity determination services. Title VI:  Federal Role - Directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the direction of an Assistant Secretary.  Expands the training programs for State child support enforcement programs. (Sec. 604) Directs the Secretary to develop the methodology for determining each State child support and paternity establishment program's staffing requirements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to revise the definition of ""medical child support order"". (Sec. 606) Instructs the Secretary to:  (1) contract for a study of the audit process of the Office of Child Support Enforcement; and (2) make grants to the States for demonstration projects implementing a system of assured minimum child support payments.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 608) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the Children's Trust Fund for making expenditures to implement this Act. (Sec. 609) Instructs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on:  (1) the causes for nonpayment of child support; and (2) the efficacy of processing child support and parentage cases in States that use administrative processes as compared to those that use judicial or quasi-judicial processes. (Sec. 611) Directs the Office of Child Support Enforcement to:  (1) produce and update a certain compendium entitled ""A Guide to State Child Support and Paternity Laws"" and (2) establish a permanent advisory committee on child support matters. Title VII:  State Role - Mandates that State plans for child and spousal support include:  (1) agency advocacy promoting the greatest economic security possible for children; (2) certain information on plan services for dissemination to each custodial parent; (3) an administrative procedure as the sole procedure for change of payee; and (4) conflict-of-interest restrictions upon State modification of a child support order. (Sec. 705) Provides for increased payments to States under the Child Support and Establishment of Paternity program, repealing provisions for State incentive payments.",2025-08-26T13:49:51Z,
103-s-2529,103,s,2529,A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act with respect to certain criminal penalties for acts involving the medicare program or State health care programs.,Health,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL]",FL,D,G000352,0,"Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to exempt from criminal penalties for illegal remunerations any payments made by:  (1) a State agency to a health insurer or health maintenance organization with respect to participants in a State Medicaid demonstration project; and (2) a health insurer or health maintenance organization (HMO) to a sales representative or licensed insurance agent for servicing, marketing, or enrolling project participants in a health plan offered by such insurer or HMO.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
103-s-2530,103,s,2530,Commemorative Coin Moratorium Act of 1994,Finance and Financial Sector,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,7,"Commemorative Coin Moratorium Act of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) specified congressional committees should not report or clear for consideration any legislation during the 104th Congress that provides for any commemorative coin programs; (2) legislation providing for commemorative coin programs should only be considered by specified congressional committees after taking into account the recommendations of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee; and (3) the U.S. should recognize the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins:  (1) emblematic of the signing of the World War II peace accords on September 2, 1945; (2) bearing the likeness of Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and (3) emblematic of the national shrines of liberty showing the Liberty Bell on one side and Independence Hall on the other. Directs the Secretary to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  Establishes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund.",2025-08-26T13:52:00Z,
103-s-2531,103,s,2531,Pension Bill of Rights Act of 1994,Labor and Employment,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Provisions Relating to Employees' Pension Rights           Subtitle A:  Right of Inclusion in Pension Plan           Subtitle B:  Right to Fair Treatment in Earning Benefits           Subtitle C:  Right to Adequate Funding           Subtitle D:  Pension Portability           Subtitle E:  Spousal Rights      Title II:  Protection of Employees' Pension Rights           Subtitle A:  Benefit Information           Subtitle B:  Investment Information and Advice           Subtitle C:  Assistance of Department of Labor in                Enforcing Rights           Subtitle D:  Court Enforcement           Subtitle E:  Protection Against Fraud and Abuse      Title III:  Effective Dates Pension Bill of Rights Act of 1994 - Sets forth, and provides for the implementation of, a Pension Bill of Rights. Title I:  Provisions Relating to Employees' Pension Rights - Subtitle A:  Right of Inclusion in Pension Plan - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to set forth minimum coverage requirements.  Requires each pension plan maintained by an employer to benefit all employees of the employer. Excludes certain employees who are:  (1) in a unit covered by a collective bargaining agreement, if retirement benefits were the subject of bargaining; (2) airline pilots covered by a trust pursuant to certain collective bargaining; or (3) nonresident aliens who receive no income from the employer which constitutes income from sources within the United States. Excludes other employees who do not meet certain age and service requirements.  Allows employers to apply such requirements separately with respect to each separate line of business, if the plan is not discriminatory in favor of highly compensated employees. (Sec. 102) Revises minimum participation requirements.  Lowers the number of hours required for a year of service from 1,000 to 750. Provides for credit for part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.  Provides for treatment of leased employees. Prohibits an employer from requesting an employee to waive any right of coverage under, or participation in, any pension plan which is granted under ERISA. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe one or more model simplified pension plans. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish a task force to study problems of coverage and adequacy of benefits and needs of employees under pension plans; and (2) report study results and recommendations to the Congress. Subtitle B:  Right to Fair Treatment in Earning Benefits - Revises vesting rights.  Eliminates a special vesting rule for multiemployer plans.  Provides for immediate vesting of employer contributions to a defined contribution plan. (Sec. 112) Revises benefit accrual.  Provides for integration with Social Security and similar benefits.  Limits conditioning of employer contributions on employee contributions, by prohibiting mandatory contributions for employees below the Social Security wage base.  Requires all years of service to be taken account of in computing subsidized early retirement benefits.  Provides for a uniform rate of accrual.  Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for rates of accrual. Subtitle C:  Right to Adequate Funding - Revises funding requirements.  Provides for a 15-year amortization of benefit increases (currently 30, or 20 for multiemployer plans).  Revises provisions relating to actuarial assumptions.  Directs the Secretary to establish a range of recommended actuarial assumptions for plans for each calendar quarter. (Sec. 122) Provides safeguards for annuities purchased upon plan termination.  Requires fiduciaries to ensure that benefits of participants and beneficiaries are fully protected under Federal or State law upon the purchase of any irrevocable insurance annuity contract.  Provides for prior certification of insurers. Places premium payment requirements on annuity insurers. Authorizes the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to establish a separate premium system to fund the guaranteed payment of retirement benefits to participants and beneficiaries covered by annuity contracts. (Sec. 123) Prohibits retroactive termination of plans. (Sec. 124) Revises provisions relating to investment of plan assets. Subtitle D:  Pension Portability - Establishes portability requirements for defined contribution plans. (Sec. 132)  Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, in order to assist two or more plans to enter into reciprocity agreements under which the plans would:  (1) maintain portable pension accounts for employees who terminate employment covered by one plan and begin employment covered by another; or (2) make arrangements for employees to transfer accrued benefits and vesting rights from one plan to another. (Sec. 133) Provides for inflation adjustment of deferred nonforfeitable benefits and of accrued benefit. Subtitle E:  Spousal Rights - Provides for division of pension benefits upon divorce. (Sec. 142) Extends the application of joint and survivor annuity rules. (Sec. 143) Modifies joint and survivor and preretirement survivor annuity requirements with respect to:  (1) consent forms; (2) making preretirement annuities available to former spouses; and (3) amount of annuity. Title II:  Protection of Employees' Pension Rights - Subtitle A:  Benefit Information - Establishes requirements for plan or employer representations, including:  (1) prohibition of misrepresentation; (2) right of participant or beneficiary to reasonably rely on such representations; and (3) correction of mistakes within a reasonable period of time. (Sec. 202) Revises provisions relating to notice of rights. Shortens the time period for filing an annual report.  Requires plan administrators to give participants and beneficiaries advance notice of material changes.  Directs the Secretary to develop a model benefit statement to be used by multiemployer plan administrators which includes specified information with respect to retirement benefit earnings.  Directs the Secretary to establish a program to assist participants and beneficiaries in receiving in a timely manner any information they are entitled to receive under ERISA.  Authorizes civil penalties for failure to file required reports or make required disclosures. Subtitle B: Investment Information and Advice - Revises audit provisions with respect to full scope audits and material irregularities. (Sec. 212) Requires disclosure of specific information on plan assets and transactions, including:  (1) administrative expenses and rates of return on assets; (2) participant right to confidentially vote any pension assets within his or her discretionary control, and to information on plan investment and proxy voting policies; and (3) transactions involving parties in interest. (Sec. 213) Allows participants and beneficiaries to request that a plan establish a pension advisory committee to provide participant advice and involvement in plan investment decisions.  Requires such committees to be open to all interested participants and beneficiaries.  Sets forth committee rights to information and meetings. (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of requiring representation of employees, independent trustees, or both, on the boards of trustees of pension plans. Subtitle C:  Assistance of Department of Labor in Enforcing Rights - Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish a program to assist participants and beneficiaries in understanding their rights to benefits under employee benefit plans; and (2) assist participants in obtaining such benefits, including through civil actions under ERISA. (Sec. 221) Directs the Secretary, together with the Secretary of the Treasury and heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, to establish a program, under the coordination and supervision of a designated ombuds officer, to:  (1) coordinate assistance to participants and beneficiaries in obtaining documents and pursuing benefit claims; (2) issue opinions and advice on applicable Federal law and regulations; and (3) refer benefit claims to appropriate Internal Revenue Service district offices to determine legal compliance and to Department of Labor regional offices to protect individual benefit rights. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a voluntary assistance fund, consisting of voluntary contributions from employers, employee benefit plans, and other individuals, to supplement departmental assistance to participants, beneficiaries, and plans.  Requires annual reports to the Congress on such fund. (Sec. 222) Adds claims review requirements for employee benefit plans, including time limits for consideration of claims, de novo review of denials, and emergency requests for preauthorization with expedited review.  Directs the Secretary to establish a nonbinding alternative dispute resolution procedure for appeals of claims denials. Subtitle D:  Court Enforcement - Revises ERISA provisions relating to attorneys' fees and court costs, awards of damages, review of benefit claim denials, standing, exhaustion of administrative remedies with respect to benefit claims denials, construction of ambiguous terms in plans, and actions under State law. Subtitle E:  Protection Against Fraud and Abuse - Establishes criminal penalties for specified ERISA violations which involve embezzlement, theft, or mail fraud. (Sec. 242) Revises fiduciary requirements to add a minimum bond requirement, an insurance requirement, and a prohibition of certain waivers. (Sec. 243) Authorizes the Secretary to pay an award to persons providing information leading to certain collections of certain civil penalties under ERISA.  Directs the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone number for persons to provide such information. (Sec. 244) Directs the Secretary to audit annually a representative sample of plans with fewer than 100 participants. Title III:  Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective date of this Act, with special rules for collectively bargained plans and for plan amendments.",2025-08-26T13:49:09Z,
103-s-2532,103,s,2532,Medical Savings Account Tax Incentive Act,Taxation,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,3,"Medical Savings Account Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals covered by high deductible health plans a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account. Excludes employer contributions to medical savings accounts from the gross income of employees covered by such health plans, limited to the high deductible health plan differential. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Provides for the establishment of medical savings accounts.",2025-08-26T13:51:34Z,
103-s-2533,103,s,2533,Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1994,Immigration,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Smith, Bob [R-NH]",NH,R,S000606,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Legal Immigration Reform           Subtitle A:  Admission of Legal Immigrants           Subtitle B:  Admission of Refugees      Title II:  Illegal Immigration Control           Subtitle A:  Land Borders Control           Subtitle B:  Ports of Entry Control           Subtitle C:  Overseas Airports Control           Subtitle D:  Alien Smuggling Control           Subtitle E:  Employer Sanctions Enforcement           Subtitle F:  Prohibition on Welfare Benefits to Illegal                Aliens           Subtitle G:  State and Local Cooperation in                Immigration Enforcement      Title III:  Exclusion and Deportation Reform           Subtitle A:  Criminal Aliens           Subtitle B:  Terrorist Aliens           Subtitle C:  Enforcement of Deportation Orders           Subtitle D:  Expedited Asylum Review at Ports of Entry           Subtitle E:  Asylum Reform           Subtitle F:  Miscellaneous Provisions      Title IV:  Effective Date Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1994 - Title I:  Legal Immigration Reform - Subtitle A:  Admission of Legal Immigrants - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to reduce annual legal immigration ceilings. Subtitle B:  Admission of Refugees - Amends the Act to place an annual ceiling on refugee admissions. Title II:  Illegal Immigration Control - Subtitle A:  Land Borders Control - Directs the Attorney General to:  ( 1) place additional physical barriers along the United States-Mexico border; and (2) establish an interior repatriation program. Subtitle B:  Ports of Entry Control - Authorizes the Attorney General to require ships arriving at U.S. entry ports to give 24 hours advance notice to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Subtitle C:  Overseas Airports Controls - Directs the Attorney General to determine the feasibility of establishing:  (1) specified numbers of preinspection stations at foreign airports identified as last departure points for the greatest numbers of U.S.-arriving passengers; and (2) an air carrier consultant program. (Sec. 222) Provides for airline personnel training in fraudulent document detection. Subtitle D:  Alien Smuggling Control - Amends the Act to increase INS forfeiture authority for smuggling or harboring illegal aliens. (Sec. 232) Brings alien smuggling operations under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. (Sec. 233) Increase penalties for certain alien smuggling offenses. (Sec. 234) Amends Federal law to authorize INS wiretaps for alien smuggling investigations. Subtitle E:  Employer Sanctions Enforcement - Amends the Act with respect to employer sanction provisions, including:  (1) work eligibility documents; and (2) social security telephone verification. Subtitle F:  Prohibition on Welfare Benefits to Illegal Aliens - Prohibits the payment of:  (1) direct Federal financial or social insurance benefits (except for emergency medical care) to illegal aliens; (2) unemployment benefits to aliens without employment authorization; or (3) housing benefits to illegal aliens. (Sec. 254) Authorizes appropriations for the automated System for Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE). Subtitle G:  State and Local Cooperation in Immigration Enforcement - Prohibits Federal assistance to a State or locality that refuses to cooperate with the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens. (Sec. 262) Establishes a uniform vital statistics pilot program for three States with high numbers of undocumented aliens.  Authorizes appropriations. Title III:  Exclusion and Deportation Reform - Subtitle A: Criminal Aliens - Amends the Act to include aliens on criminal probation or criminal parole among the categories of aliens subject to special registration. (Sec. 302) Expands the definition of ""aggravated felony."" (Sec. 503) Expedites deportation proceedings for specified criminal aliens. (Sec. 303) Provides for judicial deportation of aliens convicted of an aggravated felony. (Sec. 304) Restricts specified deportation defenses. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to study the use and effectiveness of the Prisoner Transfer Treaty with Mexico to remove convicted aliens from the United States. Subtitle B:  Terrorist Aliens - Amends the Act to establish procedures for the removal of alien terrorists, including a special court to hear such cases. (Sec. 312) Makes membership in a terrorist organization a basis for U.S. exclusion. Subtitle C:  Enforcement of Deportation Orders - Amends the Act to limit challenges to deportation orders. Subtitle D:  Expedited Asylum Review at Ports of Entry - Amends the Act to revise port of entry alien inspection and exclusion provisions. Subtitle E:  Asylum Reform - Amends the Act to revise asylum and related judicial review provisions. Subtitle F:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act to authorize telephonic or electronic deportation hearings. Title IV:  Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for provsions of this Act.",2025-08-26T13:51:56Z,
103-s-2534,103,s,2534,Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994,Armed Forces and National Security,1994-10-06,1994-10-25,Became Public Law No: 103-421.,Senate,"Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]",ME,D,M000811,20,"Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), with respect to the use or transferability of any portion of a military installation closed or to be closed under such Act, to:  (1) identify the buildings and property for which the Department of Defense (DOD) or another Federal department or agency has a use or will accept a transfer; (2) identify any property as surplus; (3) submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to the redevelopment authority for such installation information on any property identified as surplus; and (4) publish in the Federal Register and the appropriate local newspaper information on the surplus property.  Requires State and local governments, representatives of the homeless, and other parties interested in the surplus property to submit to the redevelopment authority (RA) a notice of interest in such property, with certain time limits.  Requires the representative of the homeless to submit with such notice specific information with respect to the proposed homeless assistance program for such property, as well as certain assessments and descriptions. Directs the RA for each installation to prepare a redevelopment plan for such installation which includes legally binding agreements concerning the use of such property to assist the homeless.  Requires redevelopment plan approval by the HUD Secretary.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that the HUD Secretary, in completing a review of a plan, should take into consideration and be receptive to the predominant views on the plan of the communities in the vicinity of the installation covered by the plan. Requires an RA, upon completion of a redevelopment plan, to submit to the Secretary and the HUD Secretary an application containing such plan.  Requires the Secretaries to complete a review of the plan within 60 days after receipt, including a determination as to whether such plan meets certain requirements with respect to the homeless population in the area, the availability of existing services to meet the needs of the homeless, and the suitability of the surplus property to meet such needs.  Allows for the negotiation of plan deficiencies between the RA and the HUD Secretary during such review .  Requires appropriate action by the parties concerned if the HUD Secretary determines a redevelopment plan to be inappropriate, including plan revision and resubmission by the RA.  Provides for transfer to the representative of the homeless or the RA of surplus property for disposal, without consideration, under an approved redevelopment plan.  Authorizes either Secretary to postpone any deadline related to plan consideration and approval in the interest of the communities affected.  Provides transition provisions applicable to installations approved for closure before the enactment of this Act.",2021-09-25T05:35:46Z,
103-s-2501,103,s,2501,Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1994,Crime and Law Enforcement,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV]",NV,D,R000146,2,"Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly circumcising, excising, or infibulating any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a female (female circumcision) under age 18, except where:  (1) necessary to the health of the person when performed by a licensed medical practitioner; or (2) performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth for connected medical purposes by a licensed medical practitioner, midwife, or person in training. Sets penalties for knowingly denying medical care or services or otherwise discriminating in the provision of medical care or services to, any person because that person has:  (1) undergone female circumcision; or (2) requested that female circumcision be performed on any person. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health collaborate in: (1) compiling data on the number of females living in the United States, including, specifically, the number of girls under age 18, who have been subjected to female genital mutilation (mutilation); (2) identifying communities in the United States that practice mutilation; (3) designing and carrying out outreach activities to educate individuals in the communities on the physical and psychological health effects of such practice; and (4) developing recommendations for dissemination to students of medical and osteopathic schools regarding mutilation and its complications.",2025-08-26T13:50:40Z,
103-s-2502,103,s,2502,A bill to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of a hydroelectric project in Ohio.,Energy,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH]",OH,D,G000236,0,"Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon the request of a specified licensee, to extend the time required to commence construction of a certain hydroelectric project in Ohio for a maximum of three consecutive two-year periods.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2503,103,s,2503,Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993,Commerce,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]",MN,R,D000566,6,"Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993 - Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) substitute the definition of ""severe disability"" (the meaning given such term, by regulation, by the Small Business Administration) for ""handicapped individual""; and (2) include Americans with severe disabilities among those considered to be socially disadvantaged for purposes of such Act.",2025-08-26T13:48:45Z,
103-s-2504,103,s,2504,Contingent Workforce Equity Act,Labor and Employment,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Worker Protections      Title II:  Employee Benefits      Title III:  Misclassification of Employees as Independent           Contractors      Title IV:  Federal Temporary Employees Contingent Workforce Equity Act - Title I:  Worker Protections - Provides protections for part-time, temporary, or other contingent workers. (Sec. 101) Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for specified annual increases in the minimum wage. (Sec. 102) Requires that contingent (part-time or temporary) workers receive the same wages as full-time workers for the same work (with exceptions for differential payments pursuant to seniority, merit, or production quantity-or-quality systems or based on factors other than employment status). (Sec. 103) Amends specified Federal law relating to civil rights to protect all persons (including independent contractors) in their right to make and enforce contracts, sue, be parties, give evidence, and be subject to certain requirements free from discrimination based on religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability (race and color discrimination are already prohibited). (Sec. 104) Amends the National Labor Relations Act to include in the collective bargaining units part-time or temporary workers with reasonable expectations of continued employment.  Revises joint employer status rules to consider individuals employed by a contractor of an employer as that employer's employees if they are assigned on a regular basis to perform work on the employer's premises and their tasks are functionally integrated with the employer's operations. (Sec. 105) Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require employers to protect all workers (not only their own employees) from hazards within the employers' control. (Sec. 106) Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to extend to part-time employees the right to advance notice of layoffs and plant closings and other rights under such Act. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to carry out an annual survey identifying the characteristics of temporary workers and their relationships with the establishments at which they are temporarily employed and, where appropriate, with their permanent employers. (Sec. 108) Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to require Federal service contract successors to offer a right of first refusal of employment to employees employed under the predecessor contract. Exempts cases where the successor contractor:  (1) reasonably believes, based on past performance, the employee is unable to perform the work suitably; or (2) would have to layoff or discharge its own employee.  Provides, where a lesser number of jobs are available under the successor contract, that the right of first refusal be offered on a seniority basis. Provides for remedial orders.  Exempts contracts under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (relating to blind-made products) and under which services are provided on an intermittent basis. Title II:  Employee Benefits - Extends certain employee benefits to contingent workers. (Sec. 201) Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act to lower the threshold for employee coverage to 125 hours of service with an employer during the previous three-month period. (Sec. 202) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1970 (ERISA) to provide for:  (1) treatment of employees working at less than full-time (500 or more hours but less than 1,000 hours service per year) under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans; (2) treatment of part-time workers (less than 30 hours service per week) under group health plans; and (3) inclusion of certain individuals whose services are leased or contracted for under the definition of employee. (Sec. 203) Amends ERISA to require portable pension accounts for defined contribution plans.  Directs the Secretary of Labor to set standards for reciprocity agreements between industry and labor funds for portable pension accounts and employee transfer of accrued benefits and vesting rights from one plan to another.  Provides for inflation adjustment for deferred vested benefits. (Sec. 204) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require States to provide unemployment compensation to part-time workers unavailable for full-time work. Title III:  Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors - Deals with certain misclassifications of employees as independent contractors. (Sec. 301) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to waive employment tax liability for such a misclassification based on a reasonable good faith misapplication of common law rules, where the employer did not treat individuals in substantially similar positions differently and agrees to treat all such individuals as employees in the future.  Modifies provisions on safe harbor for classifications of individuals as nonemployees and provisions for authority for regulations and rulings on employment status. (Sec. 302) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to make ineligible for Federal contracts employers who willfully misclassify employees as independent contractors.  Requires certification that a bid or proposal for a Federal contract is adequate to pay all related employment taxes.  Requires Federal contractors to notify independent contractors of their rights and responsibilities.  Gives Federal contract bidders a right of action against bidders who misclassify employees as independent contractors. (Sec. 303) Amends Federal law relating to the armed forces to apply to Federal defense contractors provisions, similar to those for other Federal contractors, relating to:  (1) ineligibility for contracts for willful misclassification of employees as independent contractors; (2) certification of bid adequacy to pay employment taxes; (3) notification of rights of independent contractors; and (4) right of action against bidders who misclassify employees as independent contractors. Title IV:  Federal Temporary Employees - Sets forth provisions relating to Federal temporary employees. (Sec. 401) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should limit the temporary designation to only those positions lasting no more than one year. (Sec. 402) Amends Federal civil service law to direct the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations to provide for offering health benefits plans to temporary Federal employees. (Sec. 403) Allows Federal employees in temporary assignments to participate in the Federal Employees' Retirement System after five years of service. (Sec. 404) Allows temporary Federal employees to receive life insurance benefits after completing six months of continuous employment.",2025-08-26T13:51:59Z,
103-s-2505,103,s,2505,Washington State Health Services Reform Enabling Act of 1994,Labor and Employment,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]",WA,D,M001111,0,"Washington State Health Services Reform Enabling Act of 1994 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to exempt from preemption under provisions for protection of employee benefit rights certain provisions of the law of the State of Washington relating to health plans.  Makes such exemption inapplicable if any such provision, as applied, reduces or restricts benefits or options obtained or to be obtained pursuant to collective bargaining between bona fide employee representatives and one or more employers, or voluntary, participant-paid arrangement sponsored by bona fide employee representatives or their members.",2025-08-26T13:50:03Z,
103-s-2506,103,s,2506,Wetlands Regulatory Reform Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Johnston, J. Bennett [D-LA]",LA,D,J000189,0,"Wetlands Regulatory Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the issuance of revisions to or clarifications of the guidelines for identifying and delineating wetlands until the National Academy of Sciences has completed a specified wetlands study. (Sec. 4) Provides that clear evidence of wetlands hydrology, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydric soil must be present in order to make a positive wetland delineation determination. Requires wetlands located on agricultural lands and associated non-agricultural lands to be delineated by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the Food Security Act of 1985.  Exempts from the requirements of this Act agricultural lands that are exempt from the requirements of the Food Security Act of 1985. (Sec. 5) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake a project to classify U.S. wetlands, to be completed within ten years of this Act's enactment date.  Requires wetlands to be classified as Class A, B, or C depending on their relative ecological significance, taking into account regional variations in hydrology, soils, and vegetation, with Class A wetlands being those that serve critical wetlands functions. Authorizes any person to request the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, to determine the classification of wetlands. (Sec. 6) Considers draining, channelization, and excavation of wetlands to be discharging of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters for purposes of permit provisions. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to determine whether to issue a permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material into Class A wetlands based on a sequential analysis that seeks to avoid adverse effects on wetlands, minimize adverse effects that cannot be avoided, and mitigate adverse effects that cannot be avoided and that remain. Directs the Secretary to make such determination with respect to Class B wetlands pursuant to a public interest review.  Provides that no permit for such activities shall be required with respect to Class C wetlands. (Sec. 8) Removes EPA authority to deny the use of areas as disposal sites for dredged or fill material.  Directs the Secretary to consult with the Administrator regarding whether the discharge of such materials whould have an adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas. (Sec. 9) Sets forth conditions under which extensions of time are available for the Secretary's decision on a permit. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary, upon the request of a State, regional, local, or tribal governmental body with an existing wetlands regulatory program, to issue a general permit for the program subject to specified conditions.  Requires linear utility facilities to continue to be regulated by the Secretary. Authorizes general permits to be issued for discharges of dredged or fill material associated with activities (including the production of agricultural commodities on converted wetlands) found by the Secretary of Agriculture to be exempt from ineligibility provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 if a general permit:  (1) provides adequate safeguards to ensure that the activities exempted will have no more than minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts; and (2) includes provisions to provide for periodic reviews to ensure that permit conditions are met. Authorizes grants for State, regional, local, and tribal permit programs. (Sec. 11) Expands the list of discharge activities that are exempt from regulation as well as the list of areas tht shall not be considered as navigable waters for purposes of regulation. (Sec. 12) Removes EPA's authority to restrict the issuance of permits under a State permit program for the discharge of dredged or fill material. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the establishment, use, maintenance, and oversight of mitigation banks. Defines a ""mitigation bank"" as a wetlands restoration, creation, enhancement, or preservation project undertaken for the purpose of providing mitigation compensation credits to offset wetlands losses authorized by the terms of permits allowing discharges of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. (Sec. 14) Establishes an administrative appeals process under which landowners or other persons may appeal regulatory jurisdiction over lands and other specified determinations regarding permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material. (Sec. 15) Sets forth requirements for mapping and public notice for areas where Federal wetlands may be located. (Sec. 16) Provides that for permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material within the State of Alaska, the guidelines issued:  (1) shall not include standards for compensatory mitigation of adverse impacts; (2) shall include standards for minimization of impacts; and (3) may include standards for avoidance of impacts.  Requires the Secretary to issue a general permit for such discharges in Alaska. Requires lands conveyed to, selected by, or owned by Alaska native corporations to be economic base lands.  Directs the Secretary, regarding permit decisions for such lands, to:  (1) balance the standards and policies of this Act against the obligations of the United States to allow such lands to be used beneficially to create and sustain economic activity; (2) give substantial weight to the social and economic needs of Alaska natives; and (3) account for regional differences, abundance, and functions of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, regarding rural Alaska Native villages, to issue general permits for disposition of dredge and fill material for critical infrastructure in rural villages without a determination that activities authorized by such a permit cause only minimal adverse environmental effects.",2025-08-26T13:51:22Z,
103-s-2507,103,s,2507,Stormwater Control Reform Act of 1994,Environmental Protection,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,1,"Stormwater Control Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply permit requirements to stormwater discharges associated with commercial activity. Exempts, with exceptions, a discharge composed entirely of stormwater from a municipal storm sewer system serving a population of fewer than 100,000 individuals that is located in an urbanized area from permit requirements prior to October 1, 2001. Exempts sources of discharges composed entirely of stormwater from such sewer systems 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 or enforced 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. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain commercial and light industrial stormwater discharges from permit requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish an initiative to fund State and local demonstration programs and research to test innovative approaches to address the impacts of hydrologic and hydraulic changes, source controls, and water quality management practices and controls for runoff from municipal storm sewers.  Authorizes appropriations. Makes municipalities subject to stormwater discharge permit requirements eligible for grants to train citizens in watershed monitoring activities to support municipal stormwater management programs.",2025-08-26T13:52:07Z,
103-s-2508,103,s,2508,"A bill to amend the fishing endorsement issued to a vessel owned by Ronnie C. Fisheries, Inc.",Private Legislation,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Packwood, Bob [R-OR]",OR,R,P000009,1,Amends the fishing endorsement issued to a vessel owned by a specified corporation.,2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-2509,103,s,2509,American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY]",NY,D,M001054,0,"American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 - Establishes the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program within the Department of the Interior, consisting of such Areas designated by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to:  (1) evaluate combinations of resources best preserved, interpreted, stabilized, and managed as American Heritage Areas under a partnership model; (2) evaluate nominated Areas; (3) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, or other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; (4) provide technical assistance and grants for nominating areas for inclusion in the Program, for developing compacts for nominated Areas and management plans for designated Areas, and for undertaking capital projects and improvements; and (5) consider any designated Heritage Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if the Area meets the nomination qualification. Provides that an area may be designated as an American Heritage Area only by an Act of the Congress. Conditions such designation on the Secretary's approval of an Area feasibility study and compact.  Provides that the designation of the Area shall not:  (1) signify that it is included in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places; or (2) preclude nomination to, or inclusion in, the Register of any district, site, building, structure, or object located within the Area. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants and provide technical assistance to:  (1) assist in studies to identify the feasibility of establishing a heritage area; (2) prepare compacts outlining the objectives, boundaries, and management structure of the heritage area; (3) prepare management plans for designated Areas; and (4) provide support for early actions as part of the development of such Areas.  Specifies contents of Area feasibility studies, compacts, and management plans. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the management entities named in the compacts for Areas to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plans and otherwise perform the functions contemplated in this Act.  Sets forth eligibility requirements for such entities.  Requires each such entity to submit to the Secretary a management plan within five years after the date of designation of an Area.  Makes the entity eligible to receive funds appropriated through this Act for ten years after such date. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) report to the Congress on the Program annually; (2) monitor the welfare of the Areas whose eligibility for Federal funding has expired; and (3) provide the public with information on Program components. (Sec. 9) Permits adoption and implementation of land use plans for a designated Area by local governments or authorized management entities. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations.  Specifies fund limitations.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2496,103,s,2496,"A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to modify an exemption relating to the territory for the sale of electric power of certain electric transmission systems, and for other purposes.",Energy,1994-10-04,1994-10-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS]",MS,R,C000567,0,"Amends the Federal Power Act to modify from October 1, 1991, to December 31, 1993, the deadline for notice of termination by a power customer of its Power Supply Contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in order to apply a specified exemption from the ten-year contract termination notice requirement regarding the purchase of electric power in certain territories from an entity other than TVA.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2497,103,s,2497,"A bill to extend the deadlines under the Federal Power Act applicable to a hydroelectric project in Pennsylvania, and for other purposes.",Energy,1994-10-04,1994-10-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,0,"Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, upon the request of specified licensees, to extend the time required to commence construction of a certain hydroelectric project in Pennsylvania.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2498,103,s,2498,A bill to award a Congressional gold medal to Rabbi Menachem Mendal Schneerson.,"Arts, Culture, Religion",1994-10-04,1994-10-07,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14786),Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,0,"Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, to the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity. States that no appropriations are authorized to implement this Act. Declares that the medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals.",2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
103-s-2499,103,s,2499,Worker-Management Relations for the 21st Century Act of 1994,Labor and Employment,1994-10-04,1994-10-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"Worker-Management Relations for the 21st Century Act of 1994 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to permit the establishment of labor-management workplace committees to discuss matters of interest and concern, including but not limited to issues of quality, productivity, improved labor-management relations, job security, organizational efficiency, and enhanced economic development.  Requires such committees to be composed of an equal number of management officials and employees (the latter elected by popular vote of the employees).  Allows such committees to be established only upon the agreement of the employer and a majority of employees.",2025-08-26T13:49:56Z,
103-s-2500,103,s,2500,"Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1994",Agriculture and Food,1994-10-04,1994-10-22,Became Public Law No: 103-407.,Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,17,"Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a sheep and wool promotion, research, education, and information order. Includes in such order:  (1) establishment of a National Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Board; and (2) assessment of fees. Provides for approval referenda among producers, feeders, and importers. Authorizes appropriations.",2021-09-25T05:35:46Z,
103-s-2492,103,s,2492,A bill to ensure that all timber-dependent communities qualify for loans and grants from the Rural Development Administration.,Agriculture and Food,1994-10-03,1994-10-06,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14408),Senate,"Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]",WA,D,M001111,0,Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand the eligibility of timber dependent communities for certain rural development grants and loans.,2025-01-14T16:41:20Z,
103-s-2493,103,s,2493,Senior Citizen Housing Safety Act,Housing and Community Development,1994-10-03,1994-10-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Gregg, Judd [R-NH]",NH,R,G000445,0,Senior Citizen Housing Safety Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit persons with drug or alcohol problems from occupying dwelling units in assisted housing designated for elderly families.,2025-08-26T13:51:50Z,
103-s-2494,103,s,2494,False Identification Act of 1994,Crime and Law Enforcement,1994-10-03,1994-10-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,0,"False Identification Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce to three (currently, five) the minimum number of documents that must be involved for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails any unverified identification document which bears a birth date showing the individual named to be 21 years of age or older when in fact that individual has not attained age 21. Directs the Attorney General to establish a pilot program on the use of certain drivers' licenses as documents establishing both employment authorization and identity, subject to specified requirements.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:50:05Z,
103-s-2495,103,s,2495,Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1994,Health,1994-10-03,1994-10-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]",AK,R,M001085,31,Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal to commemorate organ and tissue donors and their families. Makes eligible for the medal any organ or tissue donor or donor's family. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to solicit donations to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit all solicited donations into the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.,2025-08-26T13:52:02Z,
103-s-2481,103,s,2481,"A bill to provide for the appointment of 1 additional Federal district judge for the western district of Kentucky, and for other purposes.",Law,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]",KY,D,F000268,0,Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the appointment of an additional district judge for the western district of Kentucky. Provides that the district judgeship for the eastern and western districts of Kentucky (as in effect before the date of this Act's enactment) shall be for the eastern district of Kentucky only and that the incumbent of such judgeship shall hold that office.,2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-2482,103,s,2482,"A bill to provide for the restoration of Washington Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for the inclusion of Washington Square within Independence National Historical Park, and for other purposes.",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Wofford, Harris [D-PA]",PA,D,W000665,0,"Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to provide a grant to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to undertake the restoration of Washington Square in accordance with the standards established to facilitate its inclusion in Independence National Historical Park.  Prohibits such grant from being used to fund more than 66.6 percent of the costs of such restoration.  Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, after restoration is completed, to: (1) enter into an agreement with Philadelphia for the lease of the Square to the National Park Service; (2) modify the Park's boundaries to include the Square; and (3) provide for the administration of the Square as part of the Park.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2483,103,s,2483,Minority Small Business Preservation Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,1,Minority Small Business Preservation Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to suspend the termination of participation by certain small and minority businesses in the small business and capital ownership development program until the later of:  (1) the current date of termination (nine years after commencement of participation); or (2) one year after the date on which final regulations are issued establishing appropriate terms for participation in the program by industry sector.,2025-08-26T13:51:56Z,
103-s-2484,103,s,2484,"A bill to authorize the award of the Purple Heart to persons who were prisoners of war on or before April 25, 1962.",Armed Forces and National Security,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.,Senate,"Sen. Robb, Charles S. [D-VA]",VA,D,R000295,0,"Authorizes the awarding of the Purple Heart to persons serving with the armed forces who were wounded while being taken prisoner or held captive before April 25, 1962.  Prohibits such award to a person convicted by a competent court of rendering assistance to any U.S. enemy.",2025-01-14T17:07:58Z,
103-s-2485,103,s,2485,A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 to delay the effective date of trucking deregulation for 1 year.,Transportation and Public Works,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]",NM,R,D000407,1,"Amends the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 to delay the effective date of trucking deregulation from January 1, 1995, to January 1, 1996.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-2486,103,s,2486,"A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals, to increase the taxes on tobacco products, and for other purposes.",Taxation,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI]",WI,D,K000305,1,"Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals until December 31, 1995. Increases the excise tax on:  (1) cigars; (2) cigarettes; (3) cigarette papers and tubes; (4) snuff; and (5) chewing and pipe tobacco.  Imposes a tax on the floor stocks of such tobacco products which are removed before January 1, 1995.  Imposes such tax on such products entered into the United States from foreign trade zones before such date.",2025-01-14T18:59:41Z,
103-s-2487,103,s,2487,Native American Financial Services Organization Act of 1994,Native Americans,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [D-CO]",CO,D,C000077,2,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Statement of Policy; Definitions      Title II:  Native American Financial Services Organization      Title III:  Capitalization of Organization      Title IV:  Regulation, Examination, and Reports      Title V:  Formation of New Corporation      Title VI:  Authorizations of Appropriations  Native American Financial Services Organization Act of 1994 - Title I:  Statement of Policy; Definitions - Sets forth a statement of policy and purposes and definitions with respect to this Act. Title II:  Native American Financial Services Organization - Establishes the Native American Financial Services Organization (Organization) to assist in improving Native American housing and economic situations including the creation of Native American Financial Institutions. Authorizes a Native American lending services grant. Title III:  Capitalization of the Organization - Sets forth Organization capitalization provisions. Title IV:  Regulation, Examination, and Reports - Sets forth Organization regulation, examination, and reporting provisions. Title V:  Formation of New Corporation - Provides for the formation of a new Organization under the laws of any tribe, State, or the District of Columbia. Title VI:  Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for:  (1) Native American Financial Institutions; and (2) the Organization.",2025-08-26T13:51:10Z,
103-s-2488,103,s,2488,Patent Application Publication Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent Application Publication Act of 1994 - Revises Federal patent law to provide that a person shall not be entitled to a patent if the invention was described in a published patent application by another filed in the United States before the invention thereof by the applicant. Entitles a patent application to claim the benefit of an earlier filing date in a foreign country if a claim therefor and a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification, and drawings upon which it is based are filed in the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) at any such time during the pendency of the application as is required by the Commissioner of Patents.  Allows the Commissioner to consider the failure of the applicant to file a timely claim for priority as a waiver of any such claim. Authorizes the Commissioner to determine the time period within which an amendment  containing the specific reference to an earlier filed application shall be submitted. Requires each patent application to be published as soon as possible after 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought, except for an application that is no longer pending or one subject to a secrecy order.  Permits earlier publication at the applicant's request.  Prohibits disclosure of information concerning published applications except as determined by the Commissioner. Directs the Commissioner to recover the cost of early publication by adjusting the filing, issue, and maintenance fees by charging a separate publication fee, or by any combination of such fees. Specifies that a patent shall include the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from any person who, during the period from publication of the application until issue of the patent:  (1) makes, uses, or sells in the United States the invention as claimed in the published application or imports such an invention into the United States, or if the invention as claimed in the published application is a process, uses or sells in or imports into the United States products made by that process as claimed in such application; and (2) had actual notice or knowledge of the published patent application.  Makes the right to obtain a reasonable royalty unavailable unless the invention claimed in the patent is substantially identical to that claimed in the published application.",2025-08-26T13:52:07Z,
103-s-2489,103,s,2489,Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994,Health,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000105,63,"Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act) to limit the grant program for emergency relief for areas with substantial need for services to eligible areas with a population of at least 500,000 individuals. Requires an HIV health services planning council (which advises on the distribution of such grants) to be reflective of the demographics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in an eligible area, with particular consideration given to disproportionately affected and historically underserved groups. Revises the method of distributing such grants and extends authorized appropriations for them until FY 2000. Revises the care grant program that makes funds available for individuals and families with the HIV disease.  Authorizes the award of supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance community-based care, treatment, and supportive services through the development and operation of consortia and innovative approaches. Extends authorized appropriations for such grant program through FY 2000. Requires the establishment of grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs to facilitate the development of a complete continuum of HIV-related services for individuals with HIV disease and those at risk of such disease. Extends authorized appropriations for early intervention services until FY 2000. Extends authorized appropriations until FY 2000 for grants for coordinated services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families (formerly known as demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric patients regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Makes appropriations available for special projects of national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease.",2025-08-26T13:52:13Z,
103-s-2490,103,s,2490,Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1994,Environmental Protection,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,0,"Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army:  (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to:  (1) classify as Type A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem and meet other specified conditions; (2) classify as Type B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions and values; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, are prior converted cropland, are fastlands, or are lands within areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions and values. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands.  Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States on acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless:  (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; or (2) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits.  Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation.  Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards to govern the delineation of wetlands, to be binding on all Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.",2025-08-26T13:52:18Z,
103-s-2491,103,s,2491,Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act of 1994,Armed Forces and National Security,1994-09-30,1994-10-06,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14458),Senate,"Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]",CA,D,F000062,4,"Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act of 1994 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), with respect to the use or transferability of any portion of a military installation closed or to be closed under such Act, to:  (1) identify the buildings and property for which the Department of Defense (DOD) or another Federal department or agency has a use or will accept a transfer; (2) identify any property as surplus; (3) submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to the redevelopment authority for such installation information on any property identified as surplus; and (4) publish in the Federal Register and the appropriate local newspaper information on the surplus property.  Requires State and local governments, representatives of the homeless, and other parties interested in the surplus property to submit to the redevelopment authority (RA) a notice of interest in such property, with certain time limits.  Requires the representative of the homeless to submit with such notice specific information with respect to the proposed homeless assistance program for such property, as well as certain assessments and descriptions.  Directs the RA for each installation to prepare a redevelopment plan for such installation which includes legally binding agreements concerning the use of such property to assist the homeless.  Requires redevelopment plan approval by the HUD Secretary. Requires an RA, upon completion of a redevelopment plan, to submit to the Secretary and the HUD Secretary an application containing such plan.  Requires the Secretaries to complete a review of the plan within 60 days after receipt, including a determination as to whether such plan meets certain requirements with respect to the homeless population in the area, the availability of existing services to meet the needs of the homeless, and the suitability of the surplus property to meet such needs.  Allows for the negotiation of plan deficiencies between the RA and the HUD Secretary during such review. Requires appropriate action by the parties concerned if the HUD Secretary determines a redevelopment plan to be inappropriate, including plan revision and resubmission by the RA.  Provides for transfer to the representative of the homeless or the RA of surplus property for disposal under an approved redevelopment plan.  Authorizes either Secretary to postpone any deadline related to plan consideration and approval in the interest of the communities affected.  Provides transition provisions applicable to installations approved for closure before the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, in every year in which activities are undertaken relating to the closure or realignment of a military installation under a base closure law, to submit to the President, the Congress, and the chief executive officer of the appropriate State a report on the costs of environmental remediation and compliance activities at such installation. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow for the designation of 20 nominated areas as enterprise communities if such areas are affected by the closure or realignment of a military installation under a base closure law. (Sec. 5) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act to direct the Secretary, before determining the fair market value of any real property to be transferred, to:  (1) notify the RA concerned of the appraisal guidelines and procedures to be used by the Secretary; and (2) incorporate into such guidelines and procedures any recommendations of the RA that the Secretary considers appropriate.  Requires determination of the fair market value by a third party chosen jointly by the Secretary and the RA when the estimated difference between the two parties exceeds the greater of 25 percent of the property's value as determined by the RA, or $500,000.  Makes identical changes under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. (Sec. 6) Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act to direct the Secretary to determine the amount of reduction in pollution emissions that will result from the cessation of activities at a military installation approved for closure.  Allows the Secretary to use such reduction (or allow another person or entity to use such reduction) as a credit for purposes of compliance with air quality requirements under the Clean Air Act.  Makes identical changes under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should consider carrying out through a single entity all environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental compliance activities at a military installation approved for closure or realignment.  Authorizes the Secretary to do so if feasible and appropriate. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse in full any person or entity for any economic loss suffered as a result of the release or threatened release of any hazardous substance, pollutant, contaminant, petroleum or petroleum derivative as a result of DOD activities at any military installation closed pursuant to a base closure law.  Makes such provision inapplicable to the extent that the person or entity contributed to such release or threatened release.  Provides reimbursement conditions. (Sec. 9) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to assess a financial institution's record of meeting the credit needs of the community when the institution serves a community affected by the closure or realignment of a military installation under a base closure law.",2025-08-26T13:49:13Z,
103-s-2473,103,s,2473,Bonneville Power Administration Appropriations Refinancing Act,Energy,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Hatfield, Mark O. [R-OR]",OR,R,H000343,0,Bonneville Power Administration Appropriations Refinancing Act - Prescribes guidelines under which the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration is directed to refinance a certain appropriated debt by establishing:  (1) a new principal amount for such debt; (2) new interest rates for such debt based on long-term Treasury rates in effect as of the date the principal is reset; and (3) a $100 million limit on prepayments of old capital investments before a certain date. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator in FY 1996 and thereafter as long as the Administrator makes certain claim settlement payments to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Directs the Administrator to offer to include provisions in future electric power service contracts that preclude further increases in the refinanced principal amount or interest rate obligations to the Government.,2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2474,103,s,2474,National Recreational Trails Act of 1994,Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [D-CO]",CO,D,C000077,4,"National Recreational Trails Act of 1994 - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to revise State eligibility requirements with respect to national recreational trails funding to require States to agree to expend a specified amount from non-Federal sources for such trails. Repeals the current requirement that States imposing a tax on nonhighway recreational fuels reserve a reasonable estimation of such tax revenues for recreational trail use. Allows the use of certain administrative expenditures from the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund for contracting for services with other land management agencies.  Limits to one the number of national surveys of non-highway recreational fuel consumption by State that may be paid for out of such Fund. Requires States, in the mandatory use of specified amounts from such Fund for motorized or non-motorized recreation, to give priority, to the extent practicable, to project proposals that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, maintenance, or relocation of trails in order to mitigate the impact to the natural environment.  Authorizes States to apply for exemption from motorized or non-motorized recreation fund use requirements if they have determined, based on trail needs identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, that it is in their best interests to be exempt. Authorizes appropriations. Increases from 11 to 12 the number of members of the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee.  Requires such committee to include one member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior representing individuals with disabilities. Rescinds specified unobligated FY 1994 appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:49:59Z,
103-s-2475,103,s,2475,African Conflict Resolution Act,International Affairs,1994-09-29,1994-10-19,Became Public Law No: 103-381.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"African Conflict Resolution Act - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to:  (1) strengthen the conflict resolution capabilities of the Organization of African Unity and subregional organizations established by countries in Subsaharan Africa; (2) nongovernmental organizations engaged in mediation and reconciliation efforts in Africa; and (3) provide for demobilizations of armed forces in Subsaharan African countries and for the reintegration of demobilized military personnel into civilian society.  Earmarks funds for such purposes from foreign assistance funds allocated for Subsaharan Africa. Permits the President to establish a program to provide education and training in conflict resolution and peacekeeping for civilian and military personnel of countries in Subsaharan Africa.  Earmarks funding for such program. Declares that the President should develop an integrated, long-term plan to provide support for the enhancement of conflict resolution capabilities and demobilization activities in Subsaharan Africa.",2025-01-14T19:00:46Z,
103-s-2476,103,s,2476,Individual Retirement Account Equity and Enhancement Act of 1994,Taxation,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"Individual Retirement Account Equity and Enhancement Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain spouses a deduction for contributions to an individual retirement account. Allows distribution from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and qualified long-term care expenses, and assist certain unemployed individuals.",2025-08-26T13:52:24Z,
103-s-2477,103,s,2477,Family Forest and Preservation Tax Act of 1994,Taxation,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Gregg, Judd [R-NH]",NH,R,G000445,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Estate Tax Provisions      Title II:  Income Tax Treatment Family Forestland Preservation Tax Act of 1994 - Title I:  Estate Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from a gross estate the value of real property:  (1) which is used in timber operations; and (2) which is subject to a qualified conservation easement. Increases the recapture period for the special estate tax valuation of forest lands. Title II:  Income Tax Treatment - Provides taxpayers a partial inflation adjustment for the deduction from gross income for qualified timber gain.  Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Exclude from gross income the applicable percentage of qualified timber gain from the sale or exchange of property used in timber operations to a governmental unit for conservation purposes. Excludes from conditions of the material participation rules, for purposes of the passive loss limitations, closely held timber activity if the aggregate hours devoted to management of the activity for any year is generally fewer than 100 hours.",2025-08-26T13:49:35Z,
103-s-2478,103,s,2478,Business Development Opportunity Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-29,1994-10-07,Message on Senate action sent to the House.,Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,16,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to the Minority Small Business and            Capital Ownership Development      Title II:  Contracting Program for Certain Small Business            Concerns      Title III:  Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities      Title IV: Repeals and Technical Amendments      Title V:  Definitions      Title VI:  Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates Business Development Opportunity Act of 1994 - Title I: Amendments to the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program - Part A:  Program Organization and Participation Standards - Amends the Small Business Act to replace certain provisions regarding the minority small business and capital ownership development program with those establishing a Minority Enterprise Development Program. (Sec. 101) Requires the Program to consist of a Business Creation Phase, a Business Development Phase, and a Business Development (Preferential Contracting) Phase.  Provides that only firms participating in the last phase shall be eligible for awards of Federal contracts and refers to such firms as Program participants. Permits firms to participate in the preferential contracting phase for up to nine years. (Sec. 103) Expands the definition of ""socially and economically disadvantaged business concern"" to include all Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations for purposes of such Program. (Currently, such definition only includes economically disadvantaged Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.) (Sec. 104) Prohibits an applicant from being denied admission into the Program based solely on a determination that the participant has not been in operation for a period of time specified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) if the firm meets specified requirements, including demonstrations of business management and technical expertise, adequate capital, and ability to meet contract requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the SBA Administrator to develop an action plan for improving participation in the Program by firms across the nation. Part B:  Business Development Assistance - Removes conditions on the use of working capital provided under loan assistance programs for Program participants. (Sec. 113) Revises conditions regarding exemptions from surety bond requirements for Program participants.  Authorizes Federal agencies with contracting authority to grant such an exemption if: (1) the Program participant provides certification that the firm was unable to obtain the requisite bonding from corporate surety bonding firms even with an SBA-issued guarantee; (2) the participant has provided for the protection of persons furnishing materials or labor under the contract pursuant to specified conditions; and (3) the award value of the contract for which the exemption is sought does not exceed $1 million (currently, $3 million).  Terminates such authority after FY 1997. (Sec. 115) Authorizes financial assistance for business executive education programs conducted by institutions of graduate business education for owners or managers of small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. (Sec. 116) Establishes a Developmental Teaming Program within the Program to encourage the formation of teaming arrangements and long-term strategic business alliances between firms participating in the Program and Program graduates. Part C:  Improving Access to Equity for Program Graduates - Provides that Program participants shall remain eligible for participating in the Program after a transfer of an ownership interest in the firm if ownership and control is:  (1) retained by the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals upon whom Program eligibility is based; or (2) acquired by a small business owned and controlled by such individuals who have graduated from the Program or exited the Program through a means other than a termination proceeding.  Permits Program participants that are tribally owned corporations to remain eligible for participation with other than a Native American as the firm's chief executive officer if the tribe certifies that it was unable to hire a qualified Native American after conducting national recruitment. Part D:  Contract Award and Eligibility Matters - Removes existing provisions regarding contracts and subcontracts to disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 131) Directs the SBA to ensure that contracts sufficient to satisfy the contract support levels identified by Program participants are designated by Federal agencies for award. Requires the award of contracts to be made on a noncompetitive basis and at fair market prices. (Sec. 132) Revises contract eligibility provisions with respect to Program participants. (Sec. 133) Authorizes the Associate Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development to permit the noncompetitive award of contracts to Program participants to exceed certain amounts subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 135) Provides that the forecasts of overall business activity contained in the business plans of Program participants or estimates contained in contract support levels shall not be used by the SBA to determined that a firm is ineligible for a contract. (Sec. 137) Requires the SBA to promulgate regulations to eliminate regulatory limitations on self-marketing by Program participants. Part E:  Tribally Owned Corporations - Authorizes contracts to be awarded to joint ventures owned and controlled by Program participants, notwithstanding the size status of such a joint venture, if the participant:  (1) is owned and controlled by an Indian tribe; (2) owns at least 51 percent of the joint venture; (3) is located and performs most of its activities on the Indian reservation; and (4) employs members of such tribe for at least 50 percent of the work force of the joint venture.  Prohibits such contracts if the tribe owns and controls one or more participants who are currently joint venturers on more than five of such contracts. Part F:  Contract Administration Matters - Directs Federal agencies awarding contracts to disadvantaged small businesses to make reasonable efforts to respond to requests by contracting officers with respect to contract administration matters.  Requires such agency, upon the request of a Program participant, to make alternative dispute resolution available. Part G:  Program Administration - Requires Program participants to report specified information annually (currently, semiannually) to a Business Opportunity Specialist. Title II:  Contracting Program for Certain Small Business Concerns - Part A:  Civilian Agencies Program - Authorizes executive agencies, for purposes of attaining goals for the participating of disadvantaged small businesses, to enter into contracts using:  (1) less than full and open competition by restricting competition for awards to such businesses; and (2) a price evaluation preference, of up to ten percent, when evaluating an offer received from a small business as the result of an unrestricted solicitation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be amended to provide uniform implementation of such procedures by such agencies.  Includes within the FAR:  (1) conditions for the use of advance payments; (2) provisions for accelerated payment for contract work and full payment for work performed; (3) guidance on how contracting officers may provide a reasonable advantage to disadvantaged small businesses without eliminating any participation of other small businesses; (4) procedures for a person to request a Federal agency to determine whether the use of competitions restricted to disadvantaged small businesses at a contracting activity has caused a particular industry category to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts awarded to attain the goal established for such activity; and (5) guidance for limiting the use of restricted competitions in cases where such an industry is caused to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts. Part B:  Eligibility Determinations Regarding Status - Authorizes protests to be brought regarding a self-certification by a business regarding its status as a disadvantaged small business in cases where such certification is believed to be false. (Sec. 211) Requires the Office of Hearings and Appeals to hear appeals regarding such status.  Imposes penalties against firms engaged in a pattern of misrepresentation. Title III:  Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities - Sets forth provisions regarding subcontracting by small and disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 302) Requires disadvantaged small businesses to negotiate a subcontracting plan for the use of emerging disadvantaged small businesses under certain circumstances. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the publication of notices of subcontracting opportunities in the Commerce Business Daily. Title IV:  Repeals and Technical Amendments - Part A:  Repeals - Repeals specified expired and superseded provisions of the Small Business Act and the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988. Part B:  Technical Amendments - Revises goals for the percentage of procurement contracts to be awarded to small and disadvantaged small businesses. Title V:  Definitions - Revises specified definitions and defines ""emerging small business concern."" Title VI:  Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates - Part A:  Assuring Timely Regulatory Implementation - Sets forth deadlines for the issuance of specified amendments to the FAR or SBA regulations. Part B:  Effective Dates - Provides that this Act shall take effect upon enactment, except with respect to provisions requiring the issuance of regulations.",2025-08-26T13:51:17Z,
103-s-2479,103,s,2479,United States Cruise Vessel Development Act of 1994,Transportation and Public Works,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]",WA,D,M001111,0,"United States Cruise Vessel Development Act of 1994 - Amends Federal shipping law to revise provisions prohibiting the use of foreign vessels to transport passengers between places in the United States to authorize the transport of passengers in coastwise trade only if the vessel:  (1) is owned by a U.S. citizen, or a U.S. corporation, partnership, or association; (2) meets certain requirements under the Merchant Marine Act; and (3) is at least five net tons and is issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement. (Sec. 3) Exempts from this prohibition any cruise vessel:  (1) demised to a U.S. person for a term of at least 18 months; or (2) reflagged as a U.S. vessel after enactment of this Act, if the owner or charterer contracts for U.S. construction of another cruise vessel with at least 80 percent of the existing vessel's total berth or stateroom capacity.  Prohibits any person owning or chartering a cruise vessel thus exempted from operating any vessel between: (1) any two ports served by another cruise vessel transporting passengers in the coastwise trade on the date the Secretary of Transportation issues the coastwise endorsement; or (2) any of the Hawaiian islands. Sets forth civil and forfeiture penalties for violations of this Act. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to issue a certificate of inspection to vessels that:  (1) meet the standards and conditions for the issuance of a control verification certificate to a foreign vessel embarking passengers in the United States; (2) a coastwise endorsement is issued; and (3) are authorized to engage in coastwise trade as vessels reflagged under the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 5) Amends the Shipping Act, 1916 to declare that, for purposes of vessel documentation in the coastwise trade, the controlling interest in a partnership or association that owns such a vessel shall not be deemed to be a U.S. citizen unless a majority interest in the partnership or association is owned by U.S. citizens free from any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of a non-U.S. citizen. (Sec. 7) Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from permitting a person to operate a vessel in any unit of the National Park System except in accordance with specified priorities, the first of which goes to any person: (1) operating a U.S.-flag vessel whose home port is in the United States; or (2) holding rights to provide visitor services under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.  Requires the Secretary to revoke or renew permission for the operation of any foreign-documented vessel that does not hold such Alaskan visitor rights if:  (1) a person requests permission to operate a U.S.-flag vessel in the same unit; and (2) permission may not be granted because of a limit on the number of such permits.",2025-08-26T13:50:55Z,
103-s-2480,103,s,2480,"A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to add provisions relating to the treatment of criminal aliens under the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes.",Immigration,1994-09-29,1994-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Simpson, Alan K. [R-WY]",WY,R,S000429,0,"Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of ""aggravated felony."" Provides for the expedited deportation of aliens convicted of aggravated felonies.  Authorizes U.S. district courts, upon the Attorney General's request, to issue a deportation order at such an alien's sentencing. Restricts certain deportation defenses. Directs the Attorney General to operate a criminal tracking center. Extends the visa waiver pilot program and creates a probationary status under such program.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-2470,103,s,2470,"A bill entitled ""Gilpin County, Colorado--B.L.M. Land Transfer Act of 1994"".",Public Lands and Natural Resources,1994-09-28,1994-09-28,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [D-CO]",CO,D,C000077,1,"Requires Lake Gulch, Inc., to convey, on an equal value basis, specified lands located in Larimer, Lake, and Conejos Counties, Colorado, to the Secretary of the Interior in exchange for certain Lake Gulch Selected Lands located in Gilpin County, Colorado. Provides that, if cash equalization monies are owed to the United States in the exchange, such monies shall be retained by the Secretary and may be utilized until fully expended to purchase from willing sellers land or water rights to augment wildlife habitat and to protect and restore wetlands in the Bureau of Land Management's Blanca Wetlands, Alamosa County, Colorado. Conditions the conveyance of such selected lands on Lake Gulch executing an agreement which:  (1) grants the United States a covenant that none of such lands (all of which currently lie outside of Colorado's current legally approved gaming area) shall ever be used for gaming purposes should such gaming area ever be expanded by the State; and (2) permanently holds the United States harmless for liability and indemnifies it against all costs arising from any activities, operations (including the storing, handling, and dumping of hazardous materials or substances) or other acts conducted by Lake Gulch on the selected lands after such transfer.  Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as either diminishing or increasing any U.S. responsibility or liability based on the condition of the selected lands before or on the date of their transfer.  Subjects the conveyance to the existing easement for Gilpin County Road 6. Revokes a specified Public Water Reserve established by Executive Order dated April 17, 1926, insofar as it affects certain land which covers a portion of the selected lands.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
103-s-2471,103,s,2471,Juvenile Corrections Act of 1994,Crime and Law Enforcement,1994-09-28,1994-10-03,Referred to Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice.,Senate,"Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI]",WI,D,K000305,1,"Juvenile Corrections Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Administrator of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to assist States and local governments in planning, establishing, and operating secure facilities and staff-secure facilities for violent and chronic juvenile offenders. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) eligibility for grants; (2) application requirements; (3) minimum amounts allocated to qualifying States; (4) performance evaluations; and (5) technical assistance and training.  Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to make a compensating reduction of the authorization of appropriations from Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth in Sentencing Incentive Grants.",2025-08-26T13:48:54Z,
103-s-2472,103,s,2472,Sound Science in Risk Assessment Act,Environmental Protection,1994-09-28,1994-09-28,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS]",MS,R,L000447,0,"Sound Science in Risk Assessment Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop rules and review procedures that provide that:  (1) risk assessments are consistent, of high technical quality, scientifically objective, and unbiased; and (2) significant uncertainties regarding facts, scientific knowledge, the validity of analytical techniques, or numerical risk estimates are clearly disclosed in terms readily understandable to the public. Requires the Administrator to issue proposed rules that:  (1) set forth uniform general procedures governing risk assessments conducted by EPA and incorporate relevant guidelines existing prior to the issuance of such rules; and (2) govern use of a distinctive type of risk assessment approach, technique, or methodology. Directs the Administrator to issue procedures for the review and revision of a risk assessment completed prior to this Act's enactment or the issuance of final risk assessment rules.  Permits petitions to the Administrator to perform reviews under certain conditions. Requires the Administrator to issue final rules for risk assessment approaches, techniques, or methodologies after taking into account comments by the public.",2025-08-26T13:49:33Z,