To find out the status of these or any other bills, contact the congressional bill status line at (202) 225-1772. This information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://thomas.loc.gov/d104/d104query.html (104th Congress) or http://thomas.loc.gov/home/c103query.html (103rd Congress).
| 104th Congress | H.R. 393 | H.Con.Res. 7 | H.R. 264 | H.R. 353 |
| H.R. 263 | H.R. 238 | H.R. 321 | H.R. 39 | |
| 103rd Congress | H.R. 5056 | S. 2522 | S. 2512 | Public Law 103-407 |
| H.R. 5073 | H.Res. 529 | H.R. 4848 | S.2400 |
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and referred to the Committee on Resources.
It is unlawful to engage in, or to attempt to engage in, the commercial harvesting of Atlantic striped bass in the coastal waters or in the exclusive economic zone established by Proclamation Numbered 5030, dated March 10, 1983. Any person who is found by the Secretary of Commerce after notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, to have committed an act that is unlawful under subsection (a) is liable to the United States for a civil penalty. The amount of the penalty may not exceed $1,000 for each violation. Each day of continuing violation constitutes a separate offense. The amount of the civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary of Commerce by written notice. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary of Commerce shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited act committed and, with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, ability to pay, and such other matters as justice may require.
Any vessel (including its gear, equipment, appurtenances, stores, and cargo) used, and any fish (or the fair market value thereof) taken or retained, in any manner, in connection with, or the result of, the commission of any act that is unlawful under subsection (a), is subject to forfeiture to the United States. All or part of the vessel may, and all such fish (or the fair market value thereof) shall be forfeited to the United States under a civil proceeding described in paragraph (2). The district courts of the United States have jurisdiction over proceedings under this subsection. Section 6 of Public Law 100-589 (16 U.S.C. 1851 note) (regulations governing fishing for Atlantic Striped Bass) is repealed.
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Andrew Jacobs (D-IN) and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Andrew Jacobs (D-IN) and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. This act may be cited as the "Humane Methods of Poultry Slaughter Act of 1995."
Section 7 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.456) is amended such that effective one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, poultry shall be slaughtered in an official establishment referred to in subsection (a) only in accordance with one or both of the following humane methods: (1) Poultry are rendered permanently unconscious by an electrical, chemical, or other method that is rapid and effective before or immediately after the poultry are shackled or otherwise prepared for slaughter; or (2) Poultry are slaughtered in accordance with the ritual requirements of the Jewish faith or any other religious faith, as described in section 2(b) of Public Law 85-765 (7 U.S.C. 1902(b)).
Introduced January 4, 1995, by John Porter (R-IL) and referred to the Committee on Resources and, in addition, to the Committees on International Relations and Ways and Means. This act may be cited as the "Black Bear Protection Act of 1995."
The Secretary of Commerce shall exercise the authorities the Secretary has under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of American black bear viscera from the United States.
The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prepare and submit to the Congress, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this act, a report that describes - (1) the effectiveness of the computerized information system or any other system of the Fish and Wildlife Service or the United States Customs Service that records data on the importation or exportation of wildlife body parts, specifically of the American black bear, to and from the United States; and (2) any plans of the Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor the illegal movement of, or commercial activity in, American black bear viscera or other American black bear body parts.
The United States Trade Representative shall discuss the issues involving trade in American black bear viscera with the appropriate representatives of those countries trading with the United States who are determined jointly by the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior to be the leading importers of American black bear viscera.
As used in this act, the term "American black bear viscera" means the gall bladder or any internal organs of an American black bear (Ursus americanus).
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Andrew Jacobs (D-IN) and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended to include the following new section: Section 29, Protection of Veal Calves. This new section requires the following humane living conditions: Beginning one year from the date of enactment, no person shall raise a calf for the production of veal unless...(1) the calf is free to turn around without difficulty, lie with its legs outstretched, and groom itself, without any impediment such as too small an enclosure or chaining or tethering; and (2) the calf is fed a daily diet containing sufficient iron and, if the calf is more than 14 days old, sufficient digestible fiber to prevent anemia and to sustain full health.
For purposes of enforcement of this section, the Secretary [of Agriculture] may make such investigations or inspections as the Secretary considers necessary of any facility where calves are kept for the production of veal. Section 16 of this act shall apply with respect to investigations and inspections conducted under this section.
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Bill Emerson (R-MO) and referred to the Committee on Resources. This act may be cited as the "Ozark Wild Horses Protection Act."
The act entitled "An act to provide for the establishment of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in the State of Missouri, and for other purposes," approved on August 27, 1964 (78 Stat. 608; 16 U.S.C. 460m), is amended by inserting language which provides for the protection and preservation of free-roaming horses. Removal of any free-roaming horse from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will not be allowed except in the case of medical emergency or natural disaster.
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Bill McCollum (R-FL) and referred to the Committee on Resources.
Under this law, the Secretary of the Interior shall include the species known as the "Florida Panther" in the list published under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533 (d)).
Introduced January 4, 1995, by Don Young (R-AK) and referred to the Committee on Resources. This act may be cited as the "Fishery Conservation and Management Amendments of 1995."
The Congress finds that the continuing loss of essential fishery habitat poses a long-term threat to the viability of commercial and recreational fisheries of the United States. To conserve and manage the fishery resources of the United States, increased attention must be given to the protection of this habitat.
These amendments also give additional regulatory authorities to the Secretary [of Commerce] over foreign fishing in U.S. waters and transshipment by foreign vessels of fish caught in U.S. waters. Under section 6, the Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress listing those nations whose nationals or vessels conduct, and of those nations that authorize their nationals to conduct, large-scale drift net fishing beyond the exclusive economic zone of any nation in a manner that diminishes the effectiveness of any international agreement governing large-scale drift net fishing to which the United States is a party. Section 9 requires that fishery management plans contain a description of essential fishery habitat for the fishery and conservation and management measures necessary to minimize adverse impacts on that habitat caused by fishing. It also calls for the inclusion of a measurable and objective determination of what constitutes overfishing in that fishery, and a rebuilding program in the case of a plan for any fishery which the Council or the Secretary has determined is overfished.
Introduced September 19, 1994, by Charles Stenholm (D-TX) and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment on September 20, 1994. This act may be cited as the "Animal Drug Amendments of 1994."
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(a)) is amended to include the following new paragraphs: If approval of an application is filed with respect to a particular use or intended use of a new animal drug, the drug shall not be deemed unsafe with respect to a different use or intended use of the drug, other than a use in or on animal feed, if such use is by the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Different use of an animal drug shall not be permitted if the labeling of another animal drug contains the same active ingredient, same dosage form, and concentration.
If the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] finds that there is a reasonable probability the use of an animal drug may present a risk to public health, the Secretary may establish a safe level of residue of an animal drug when it is used for a different use and require practical, analytical methods for the detection of residues above the established safe level.
Introduced October 6, 1994, by Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. This act may be cited as the "Humane and Safe Commercial Transportation of Horses for Slaughter Act of 1994."
Section 2 of the act of August 27, 1958 (U.S.C. 1901-1906), is amended by inserting the following: In order to ensure that horses sold for slaughter are provided humane treatment and care, it is essential to regulate the transportation, care, handling, and treatment of horses. The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate standards to govern the humane commercial transportation of horses for slaughter. Standards shall include minimum requirements with respect to humane handling, care, treatment, and equipment necessary to ensure the safe and humane transportation of horses for slaughter.
At a minimum, standards will include the following: no horse shall be transported more than 24 hours without rest for at least 8 consecutive hours and given access to adequate quantities of food and potable water; vehicles shall provide headroom of at least 6 feet, 6 inches from roof; vehicle interiors shall be free of protrusions and sharp edges or objects, all ramps and floors shall be covered with a nonskid surface, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition; vehicles shall provide adequate ventilation and shelter from extremes of weather and temperature; no horse shall be transported for slaughter if it is found, on pre-shipment inspection, to be in imminent danger of death, suffering from a broken or dislocated limb, unable to bear weight on all four limbs, blind in both eyes, or obviously suffering from severe illness, injury, or lameness that would make the animal unable to withstand transportation stress.
Introduced October 6, 1994, by Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. This act may be cited as the "Thoroughbred Horse Industry Promotion and Research Act of 1994."
Congress finds that the breeding, buying, selling, training, and racing of Thoroughbred horses are significant components of agriculture in the national economy because: Thoroughbred horses are bred and raised by thousands of individual breeders, families, farmers, ranchers, owners, and other horse enthusiasts that employ tens of thousands of agriculture workers on farms, at training centers, sales venues, and racetracks; Thoroughbred horses are bought and compete in interstate and foreign commerce; racing and parimutuel wagering on Thoroughbred horses are televised and simulcast throughout the United States and the world; the history and traditions of Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing trace to colonial times and are worthy of preservation; preservation and promotion of the Thoroughbred horse industry is necessary to ensure rural green spaces, farms, and other agribusiness entities; Thoroughbred horses are a valuable media of international exchange because the United States is the leading source of top-quality blood stock in the world.
Signed into law on October 22, 1994.
Congress finds that: sheep and sheep products are important goods; the production of sheep and sheep products plays a significant role in the economy of the United States; sheep products must be of high quality , readily available, handled properly, and marketed efficiently; the maintenance and expansion of existing markets and development of new markets for sheep and sheep products are vital to the welfare of sheep producers; State organizations exist that conduct sheep and sheep product promotion, research, and industry and consumer education programs that are invaluable in promoting the consumption of sheep and sheep products; the cooperative development , financing, and implementation of a coordinated national program of sheep and sheep product promotion, research, consumer information, education, and industry information are necessary to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets. Related bills H.R. 5183 and S. 2500.
Introduced September 22, 1994, by Lamar Smith (R-TX) and referred to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources on September 27, 1994. This act may be cited as the "Farm, Ranch, and Homestead Protection Act of 1994."
Section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533 (a) is amended to place a moratorium on the designation of a species as endangered or threatened and on the designation of critical habitat. Further amendments include compensation by the Secretary of the Interior to any person or entity for any loss in market value of property as a result of the property being designated as critical habitat provided the property is not owned by the Federal Government. Related bills S. 2451 and H.R. 5144.
Introduced August 21, 1994, by Pat Williams (R-MT) and referred to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources on August 23, 1994.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act explicitly authorized the Secretary of the Interior to permit recreational hunting on national wildlife refuges. Recreational hunting is a traditional public use of wildlife refuges enjoyed by millions of Americans. Recreational hunters provide vital funds for refuge acquisition through duck stamp purchases and other means. Recreational hunting is an important management tool for maintaining certain wildlife populations and protecting biodiversity. Some people for ethical reasons would prohibit appropriate and sometimes necessary recreational hunting on refuges and other public lands. Be it resolved, that the Congress of the United States recognizes the need for and desirability of recreational hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges.
Introduced July 28, 1994, by Jay Dickey (R-AR) and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice on August 18, 1994. This act may be cited as the "People's Protection Crime Control Act of 1994."
Title XI outlines penalties for harassment or obstruction of lawful hunting. Title XI may be cited as the "Recreational Hunting Safety and Preservation Act of 1994."
Congress finds that: recreational hunting is a necessary and beneficial element in the proper conservation and management of healthy, abundant, and biologically diverse wildlife resources; recreational hunters are a valuable asset in ensuring enlightened public input into decisions regarding management and maintenance programs for wildlife resources and habitat; recreational hunting supports industries highly significant to the national economy; and Federal excise taxes provide a major source of funding for vital programs of wildlife conservation and management.
Persons engaging in disruptive activities with the purpose of preventing and interfering with the conduct of lawful recreational hunting in Federal lands place both recreational hunters and the disruptive persons in imminent jeopardy of grave physical injury or death. Activities which disrupt peaceful, lawful, and prudent conduct of wildlife population and habitat management programs by Federal and State wildlife management agencies may result in undesirable patterns of activity within populations of wildlife, endangerment of the future viability of wildlife species, and damage to habitat values. Sections 1104 and 1105 outline violation and penalties for obstructing, impeding, or interfering with a lawful hunt.
Introduced August 17, 1994, by William Roth (R-DE) and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. This act may be cited as the "Northern Yukon-Arctic International Wildlife Refuge Act."
The Northern Yukon-Arctic International Wildlife Refuge is established: for the purposes of permanently protecting the undisturbed condition of the only complete spectrum of Arctic ecosystems in North America; in fulfillment of the responsibility of humans as stewards of the land; for permanently protecting all wild bird resources native to North America that are in an unconfined state and that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.); and for the purpose of maintaining a commitment to the permanent protection of marine mammals and fish species.
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