[Senate Report 104-22]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - Senate
Report 104-22
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
UNITED STATES SENATE
DURING THE
103D CONGRESS
1993-94
PURSUANT TO
SECTION 136 OF THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1946, AS AMENDED
BY THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1970
March 30 (legislative day, March 27), 1995.--Ordered to be printed
[103d Congress]
COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts,
Chairman
CLAIBORNE PELL, Rhode Island
HOWARD M. METZENBAUM, Ohio
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut
PAUL SIMON, Illinois
TOM HARKIN, Iowa
BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Maryland
JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
PAUL D. WELLSTONE, Minnesota
NANCY LANDON KASSEBAUM, Kansas HARRIS WOFFORD, Pennsylvania
JIM JEFFORDS, Vermont
DAN COATS, Indiana
JUDD GREGG, New Hampshire
STROM THURMOND, South Carolina
ORRIN G. HATCH, Utah
DAVE DURENBERGER, Minnesota
Nick Littlefield, Staff Director
and Chief Counsel
Susan K. Hattan, Minority Staff
Director
______
[104th Congress]
COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
NANCY LANDON KASSEBAUM, Kansas,
Chairman
JAMES M. JEFFORDS, Vermont
DAN COATS, Indiana
JUDD GREGG, New Hampshire
BILL FRIST, Tennessee
MIKE DeWINE, Ohio
JOHN ASHCROFT, Missouri
SPENCER ABRAHAM, Michigan
EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts SLADE GORTON, Washington
CLAIBORNE PELL, Rhode Island
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut
PAUL SIMON, Illinois
TOM HARKIN, Iowa
BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Maryland
PAUL D. WELLSTONE, Minnesota
Susan K. Hattan, Staff Director
Nick Littlefield, Minority Staff
Director and Chief Counsel
FOREWORD
This report on the legislative review of the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources during the 103d Congress is submitted
pursuant to section 136 of the Legislative Reorganization Act
of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 190d), as amended by Public Laws 91-050, 92-
136, and 93-344. The statute requires standing committees of
the House and Senate to ``review and study, on a continuing
basis, the application, administration, and execution'' of laws
within their jurisdiction and to submit biennial reports to the
Congress. The full text of section 136 follows:
Sec. 136. (a) In order to assist the Congress----
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the
application, administration, and execution of the
laws enacted by the Congress, and
(2) its formulation, consideration and enactment of
such modifications of or changes in those laws, and
of such additional legislation, as may be necessary
or appropriate, each standing committee of the
Senate and the House of Representatives shall
review and study, on a continuing basis, the
application, administration, and execution of those
laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which
is within the jurisdiction of that committee. Such
committees may carry out the required analysis
appraisal, and evaluation themselves, or by
contract, or may require a government agency to do
so and furnish a report thereon to the Congress.
Such committees may rely on such techniques as
pilot testing, analysis of costs in comparison with
benefits, or provision for evaluation after a
defined period of time.
(b) In each odd-numbered year beginning on or after January
1, 1973, each standing committee of the Senate shall
submit, not later than March 31, to the Senate, and each
standing committee of the House shall submit, not later
than January 2, to the House, a report on the activities of
that committee under this section during the Congress
ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
(c) The preceding provisions of the section do not apply to
the Committees on Appropriations and the Budget of the
Senate and the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget,
House Administration, Rules, and Standards of Official
Conduct of the House.
Nancy Landon Kassebaum, Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
______
Page
Foreword......................................................... III
Committee jurisdiction........................................... 1
Committee organization........................................... 2
Legislative review activity...................................... 5
Full committee activities........................................ 5
I. Principal Bills from the Labor and Human Resources Committee 6
Enacted in the 103d Congress.
A. Education and Training:
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) 6
Reauthorization.
Technology for Education Act of 1993................. 6
Goals 2000: Educate America Act...................... 6
Safe Schools Act of 1993............................. 6
School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1993............. 7
Student Loan Reform Act.............................. 7
National and Community Service Trust Act............. 7
Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1994........... 7
B. Job Security:
Family and Medical Leave Act......................... 7
National Community Economic Partnership Act of 1993.. 7
Workers Technology Skills Development Act of 1993.... 8
C. Health Care:
National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act..... 8
Breast and Cervical Cancer Amendments of 1993 and 8
Preventive Health Amendments of 1993.
Childhood Immunization Initiative: Childhood Vaccine 8
Initiative.
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 8
Rights Act Amendments.
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act............ 9
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.. 9
II. Listing of Public Laws of the 103d Congress from the Labor and 9
Human Resources Committee.
III.
Major Hearings of the Labor and Human Resources Committee........10
Full Committee Field Hearings in the 103d Congress....... 10
IV. Anticipated Activities for the 104th Congress....................10
Program Consolidation.................................... 11
Oversight of Programs With Expiring Authorizations....... 12
Other Oversight Activities............................... 14
Committee printing........................................... 15
APPENDIX
I. Reports of the Subcommittees, Committee on Labor and Human 16
Resources.
Labor.................................................... 16
Education, Arts and Humanities........................... 19
Employment and Productivity.............................. 22
Disability Policy........................................ 25
Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism................... 28
Aging.................................................... 32
II. Reports of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources............35
III.
Public laws enacted during the 103d Congress.....................38
IV. Hearings by full committee and subcommittees.....................40
V. Statistical Summary..............................................56
VI. Rules of Procedure...............................................57
104th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 104-22
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN
RESOURCES
_______
March 30 (legislative day, March 27), 1995.--Ordered to be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
Mrs. Kassebaum, from the Committee on Labor and Human Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[Pursuant to section 136 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946,
as amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, as amended]
COMMITTEE JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Labor and Human Resources Committee
in the 103d Congress was set forth in paragraph 1.(1) of Rule
XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate as follows:
(m)(1) Committee on Labor and Human Resources, to which
committee shall be referred all proposed legislation,
messages, petitions, memorials, and other matters
relating to the following subjects:
1. Measures relating to education, labor, health, and
public welfare.
2. Aging.
3. Agricultural colleges.
4. Arts and humanities.
5. Biomedical research and development.
6. Child labor.
7. Convict labor and the entry of goods made by
convicts into interstate commerce.
8. Domestic activities of the American National Red
Cross.
9. Equal employment opportunity.
10. Gallaudet College, Howard University, and Saint
Elizabeths Hospital.
11. Handicapped individuals.
12. Labor standards and labor statistics.
13. Mediation and arbitration of labor disputes.
14. Occupational safety and health, including the
welfare of miners.
15. Private pension plans.
16. Public health.
17. Railway labor and retirement.
18. Regulation of foreign laborers.
19. Student loans.
20. Wages and hours of labor.
(2) Such committee shall also study and review, on a
comprehensive basis, matters relating to health,
education and training, and public welfare, and report
thereon from time to time.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
During the 103d Congress, the committee was organized into
the following subcommittees:
Labor
Mr. Metzenbaum, Chairman
Mr. Harkin Mr. Hatch
Mr. Dodd Mrs. Kassebaum
Mr. Kennedy Mr. Jeffords
Mr. Wellstone Mr. Thurmond
Education, Arts and Humanities
Mr. Pell, Chairman
Mr. Metzenbaum Mr. Jeffords
Mr. Dodd Mrs. Kassebaum
Mr. Simon Mr. Coats
Ms. Mikulski Mr. Gregg
Mr. Bingaman Mr. Thurmond
Mr. Kennedy Mr. Hatch
Mr. Wellstone Mr. Durenberger
Mr. Wofford
Mr. Harkin
Employment and Productivity
Mr. Simon, Chairman
Mr. Harkin Mr. Thurmond
Ms. Mikulski Mr. Coats
Mr. Bingaman Mr. Gregg
Mr. Kennedy (ex officio) Mrs. Kassebaum (ex officio)
Disability Policy
Mr. Harkin, Chairman
Mr. Metzenbaum Mr. Durenberger
Mr. Simon Mr. Jeffords
Mr. Bingaman Mr. Hatch
Mr. Kennedy (ex officio) Mrs. Kassebaum (ex officio)
Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism
Mr. Dodd, Chairman
Mr. Pell Mr. Coats
Ms. Mikulski Mrs. Kassebaum
Mr. Bingaman Mr. Jeffords
Mr. Kennedy Mr. Gregg
Mr. Wellstone Mr. Thurmond
Mr. Wofford Mr. Durenberger
Aging
Mrs. Mikulski, Chairman
Mr. Pell Mr. Gregg
Mr. Metzenbaum Mr. Coats
Mr. Dodd Mr. Durenberger
Mr. Wofford Mrs. Kassebaum (ex officio)
Mr. Kennedy (ex officio)
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW ACTIVITY
During the 103d Congress the members of the Labor and Human
Resources Committee and its chairman, Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, worked closely with President Clinton and the
administration on legislation to expand opportunity and build
security for working families. Major new measures were adopted
in the areas of education and training, job security, and
health care. In the committee and in the Senate as a whole,
this legislation was often approved and enacted with broad
bipartisan support.
Also, the committee devoted a substantial amount of its
time in the 103d Congress to the consideration of national
health care reform. The effort included 47 committee hearings,
8 days in executive session, and 10 days of debates on the
Senate floor, in addition to numerous negotiating sessions and
related meetings during both sessions of the 103d Congress.
During the two sessions of the 103d Congress, over 250
bills and resolutions were referred to the Senate Committee on
Labor and Human Resources, which has jurisdiction over 1,100
Federal programs relating to health, education, labor, and
public welfare. The programs are found in the Departments of
Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services, as well as in
123 independent agencies, councils, and bureaus.
FULL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
A total of 299 bills and resolutions were referred to the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources during the 103d
Congress. Of this number, 237 pertained to legislative matters
of the full committee; 20 to the Subcommittee on Labor; 28 to
the Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities; 5 to the
Subcommittee on Employment and Training; 8 to the Subcommittee
on Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism; 1 to the
Subcommittee on Aging; and none to the Subcommittee on
Disability Policy.
During the 103d Congress, 34 committee legislative
initiatives were passed by the Senate, with 19 of them enacted
into law. There were 36 bills reported by the committee. The
committee also received 15 Presidential messages and 268 other
executive communications during the 103d Congress.
Also, 1,169 nominations, including appointees to high
offices in the government and a number of nominations and
promotions in the U.S. Public Health Service Corps, were
referred to the committee. Of these, 1,137 were reported to the
Senate and 1,137 were confirmed by the Senate. One nomination
was withdrawn and 31 were returned to the President at the
adjournment of the 103d Congress.
The committee and its subcommittees conducted 155 days of
public hearings, held 40 executive sessions and met 5 days in
conference with the House, for a total of 45 executive
meetings.
I. PRINCIPAL BILLS FROM THE LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
ENACTED IN THE 103D CONGRESS
A. Education and Training
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Reauthorization
Restructures the largest single source of Federal education
funding, providing over $60 billion for schools over 5 years.
Targets funding to the middle-income and low-income communities
that need it most. Broadly reforms Federal educational programs
to cut red tape; increase flexibility for local schools to
carry out their own school reform programs; encourage high
standards for all students; encourage teacher development; and
support local initiatives to increase the use of technology in
schools and prevent violence and drug abuse among students.
Massachusetts will receive approximately $156 million in fixed
grants in fiscal year 1995, and could receive more than $10
million in additional competitive grants under this
legislation. [P.L. 103-382 (enacted 10/20/94), Improving
America's Schools Act of 1993, H.R. 6 (S. 1513).]
Technolgy For Education Act of 1993
Modernizes education and prepares students for the
workplace of the 21st century by putting more computers in
classrooms and training teachers to take full advantage of
them. Funds grants for innovative uses of technology in
education. Provides technical support and information to
schools throughout the United States. [P.L. 103-382 (enacted
10/20/94), H.R. 6 (S. 1513, originally S. 1040).]
Goals 2000: Educate America Act
Authorizes nearly $5 billion in grants over the next 5
years for schools to carry out their own locally developed
reform programs. Encourages the development of voluntary
standards for school courses to help teachers, parents and
local communities plan core curricula. Supports teacher
development and training to revitalize teaching in American
schools. Provides greater local flexibility in the use of
federal funds. Creates National Skill Standards Board to set
standards for training needed to prepare students and workers
for jobs in the high-technology workplace. [P.L. 103-227
(enacted 3/31/94), Goals 2000: Educate America Act, H.R. 1804
(S. 1150, originally S. 846).]
Safe Schools Act of 1993
Helps local school systems eradicate drugs and violence by
funding local prevention efforts as well as national education,
research and evaluation programs. Seeks to meet Goal Six of the
National Education Goals, which provides that by the year 2000,
every school in America will offer a disciplined environment
conducive to learning and free of drugs and violence. [P.L.
103-227, (enacted 3/31/94), Goals 2000: Educate America Act,
H.R. 6 (S. 1150, originally S. 1804).]
School-To-Work Opportunities Act of 1993
Helps the 50 percent of high school graduates who do not go
on to college to make the transition from school to the
workplace. Provides seed money for local school-to-work systems
designed and run by local business, education, community and
labor leaders within a broad Federal framework. [P.L. 103-239
(enacted 5/4/94), School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1993, S.
1361.]
Student Loan Reform Act
Streamlines and modernizes the Federal student loan system
through institution of a direct loan program. Saves taxpayers
and students more than $6.5 billion over 5 years by reducing
interest payments and loan origination fees and by cutting out
the loan middleman. Gives students more flexible repayment
options to allow them to enter essential but low-paying
careers. [P.L. 103-66 (enacted 8/10/93), The Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1993, H.R. 2264 (S. 920, H.R. 2055).]
National and Community Service Trust Act
Supports full- and part-time service by Americans of all
ages. Encourages integration of community service with school
and community-based educational programs. Establishes the
domestic youth corps (AmeriCorps) and creates National Service
Trust to fund vouchers and loan forgiveness for higher
education and job training in return for service. [P.L. 103-82
(enacted 9/21/93), National and Community Service Trust Act,
H.R. 2010 (S. 919).]
Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1994
Puts Head Start on a path to reach all eligible children.
Expands program to cover pregnant women and young children in
the 0-3 age group, authorizing $1 billion over 5 years for
these services. [P.L. 103-252 (enacted 5/18/94), Human Services
Reauthorization Act of 1994, S. 2000.]
B. Job Security
Family and Medical Leave Act
Provides workers in firms with 50 or more employees 12
weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child or an immediate
family member with a serious illness. Ensures for the first
time that working parents will not have to choose between the
job they need and a child, spouse, or parent who needs care.
[P.L. 103-3 (enacted 2/5/93, previously vetoed by President
Bush in 1992), Family and Medical Leave Act, S. 5.]
National Community Economic Partnership Act of 1993
Brings jobs and business opportunities into urban and rural
areas. Stimulates growth of small and mid-sized businesses
through public and private partnerships facilitated by
community development corporations (``CDCs''). [P.L. 103-322
(enacted 9/13/94), The Violent Crime Control and Law
Enforcement Act of 1994, H.R. 3355 (S. 24).]
Workers Technology Skills Development Act of 1993
Promotes economic growth and creates jobs by involving
workers in the development and implementation of advanced
workplace technologies and practices, and by identifying and
disseminating information on effective workplace practices.
[P.L. 103-382 (enacted 10/20/94), Improving America's Schools
Act of 1993, H.R. 6, (S. 1513, originally S. 1020).]
C. Health Care
National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act
Makes women's health issues such as breast and cervical
cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease a priority at NIH.
Increases NIH's emphasis on diseases that strike children.
Lifts the ban on fetal tissue research to advance innovative
and potentially life-saving treatment for Parkinson's disease,
diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Reauthorizes National Cancer
Institute and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to
continue the fight against cancer and other serious diseases.
Creates Office of AIDS Research to seek an end to the epidemic.
[P.L. 103-43 (enacted 6/10/93, previously vetoed by President
Bush in 1992), National Institutes of Health Revitalization
Act, S. 1.]
Breast and Cervical Cancer Amendments of 1993 and Preventive Health
Amendments of 1993
Expands Federal efforts to protect women's health,
including initiatives to prevent breast cancer, cervical
cancer, and violence against women. Acts to prevent and control
the spread of tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases by
extending the Federal grant program under the Public Health
Service Act. [P.L. 103-183 (enacted 12/14/93), Breast and
Cervical Cancer Amendments of 1993 and Preventive Health
Amendments of 1993, H.R. 2202 (S. 1318).]
Childhood Immunization Initiative: Childhood Vaccine Initiative
Sets Nation on track toward universal immunization to
protect all children from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Establishes an initiative at the National Institutes of Health
to research and develop new vaccines. Expands availability of
immunization services in communities at those times and
locations most convenient to families and removes barriers to
immunization through public outreach and education aided by
immunization registries. [P.L. 103-43 (enacted 6/10/94), NIH
Revitalization Act, S. 1 (originally S. 732--largely
implemented through administrative changes at the Centers for
Disease Control supported by directed appropriations).]
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments
Promotes independence, productivity, integration and
inclusion in community life for individuals with developmental
disabilities. Supports state developmental disability councils
to develop comprehensive systems of service for individuals
with developmental disabilities and their families. Funds
programs to provide legal and advocacy services, training,
technical assistance, and direct services including school-to-
work transition assistance. [P.L. 103-230 (enacted 4/6/94),
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act
Amendments, S. 1284.]
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
Protects women's access to reproductive health services.
Provides Federal criminal and civil penalties for those who use
violence against abortion providers or physically obstruct
access to clinics that provide reproductive health services.
Already applied in convicting the killer of a doctor and his
bodyguard at a clinic in Pensacola, FL. [P.L. 103-259 (enacted
5/26/94), Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, S. 636.]
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
Assures consumers of dietary supplements continued freedom
of choice and an unhindered flow of new products while also
guaranteeing access to reliable health claims, accurate up-to-
date information, and quick removal of unsafe products from the
market. [P.L. 103-417 (enacted 10/25/94), Dietary Supplement
Health and Education Act of 1994, S. 784.]
II. LISTING OF PUBLIC LAWS OF THE 103D CONGRESS FROM THE LABOR
AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
P.L. 103-3 [enacted 2/5/93], Family and Medical Leave Act
of 1993 (H.R. 1).
P.L. 103-7 [enacted 3/17/93], Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation Lease Settlements Act of 1993 (S. 400).
P.L. 103-33 [enacted 5/25/93], authorizes conduct and
development of NAEP assessments for fiscal year 1994 (S. 801).
P.L. 103-43 [enacted 6/10/93], National Institutes of
Health Revitalization Act of 1993 (S. 1).
P.L. 103-59 [enacted 8/2/93], extends the operation of the
migrant student record transfer system (H.R. 2683).
P.L. 103-73 [enacted 8/11/93], Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 1993 (S. 1295).
P.L. 103-82 [enacted 9/21/93], National Service Trust Act
of 1993 (H.R. 2010).
P.L. 103-183 [enacted 12/14/93], Preventive Health
Amendments of 1993 (H.R. 2202)
P.L. 103-208 [enacted 12/20/93], Higher Education Technical
Amendments Act of 1993 (S. 1507).
P.L. 103-218 [enacted 3/9/94], amends Technology-Related
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1994-98 (H.R. 2339).
P.L. 103-227 [enacted 3/31/94], Goals 2000: Educate America
Act (H.R. 1804).
P.L. 103-230 [enacted 4/6/94], Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1993 (S. 1284).
P.L. 103-239 [enacted 5/4/94], School-to-Work Opportunities
Act of 1993 (H.R. 2884).
P.L. 103-252 [enacted 5/18/94], Head Start Amendments of
1994 (S. 2000).
P.L. 103-259 [enacted 5/26/94], Freedom of Access to Clinic
Entrances Act of 1993 (S. 636).
P.L. 103-261 [enacted 5/26/94], Nutrition Labeling and
Education Act Amendments of 1994(5.2087).
P.L. 103-290 [enacted 8/1/94], terminates the National
Education Commission on Time and Learning on September 30,1994
(S. 1880).
P.L. 103-382 [enacted 10/20/94], Improving America's
Schools Act of 1994 (H.R. 6).
P.L. 103-417 [enacted 10/25/94], Dietary Supplements Act
(S. 784).
III. MAJOR HEARINGS OF THE LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Comprehensive Child Immunization Act of 1993--4/21/93
Goals 2000: Educate America Act--5/4 and 14/93
National Service Trust Act of 1992--5/11, 18 and 6/8/93
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1993--5/12/93
Coverage for Mental and Addictive Disorders in Health Care
Reform: A Cost-Effective Approach--5/13/93
Comprehensive Health Care Reform: The Need for Action--5/
20/93
Student Loan Reform--5/26/93
The Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act--6/30/93
Making the Future Work: Technology, Workers and the
Workplace--7/1/93
The Occupational Safety and Health Act: Making the Case for
Reform--7/14/93
Technology for Education Act of 1993--7/21/93
America Cares Act--7/21/93
Lyme Disease: A Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemma--8/5/93
Pesticides in Food--9/21 /93
Health Security Act of 1993--9/29, 30, 10/5, 6, 15, and 19,
1993 (Part 1); 10/20, 11/8, 9, 10, and 16, 1993 (Part 2); 11/
17, 18, and 12/8, 1993 (Part 3); 1/26, 2/2, 4, 22, 3/2 and 8,
1994 (Part 4).
North American Free Trade Agreement: Effects on Workers--
10/13/93
Biomedical Ethics and Public Policy--10/14/93
Legislative Issues Related to the Regulation of Dietary
Supplements--10/21/93
Implications of the Fair Labor Standards Act for Inmates,
Correctional Institutions, Private Industry and Labor--10/28/93
Partners in Creating a 21st Century Head Start--1/12/94
Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act--2/
9 and 3/22/94
Improving America's Schools: ESEA Reauthorization--3/2 and
18, 1994 (Full Committee)
The Reemployment and Training Act of 1994--3/16/94
Reauthorization of the National Science Foundation--3/23/94
Indian Issues in Head Start Reauthorization--(Joint hearing
with Committee on Indian Affairs) 3/25/94
Black Lung Benefits Restoration Act--5/15/94
Reemployment and Retraining Act--5/12/94 Preemption of
State Prevailing Wage Laws--5/10/94
Access to Medical Treatment Act--7/22/94
Dual Standard: Health Insurance for American and Foreign
Employees of Multinational Corporations--7/22/94
Davis-Bacon Reform--7/28/94
Sickle Cell Research: An Update--7/28/94
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994--7/29/94
Reforming and Consolidating Federal Job Training Programs--
9/28/94
Full Committee Field Hearings in the 103d Congress
Improving Women's Health Through Biomedical and Behavioral
Research--1/11/93, Boston, MA
Solving the Urban Health Care Crisis: The Role for
Prevention--3/15/93, Philadelphia, PA
Oversight of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act--6/5/
93, Shiprock, NM
Technology for Education Act of 1993--8/18/93, Albuquerque,
NM
Preparing American Indian Students for the 21st Century--8/
20/93, Santa Fe, NM
Human Subjects Research: Radiation Experimentation--1/13/
94, Waltham, MA
Labor Implications of Railroad Sales--7/5/94, St. Albans,
VT
IV. ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
During the 104th Congress, the committee plans to focus on
oversight of the programs and policies under its jurisdiction.
Over the years, the number of these programs has grown
substantially in response to needs identified in the wide range
of education, health care, work force, and social service
issues covered by the committee.
In too many cases, these programs have proliferated without
adequate attention being given to their interaction with one
another or to their effectiveness in meeting stated goals. To
assure accountability both to taxpayers and to the individuals
receiving direct services from these programs, it is important
that the committee determine whether the programs work and
whether they offer the best approach for addressing particular
needs.
Program Consolidation
A particular emphasis of the committee will be the
consolidation of programs serving similar purposes or
populations. The accumulation of separate categorical programs
leads to unnecessary administrative costs and, more
importantly, to confusion and frustration on the part of
intended beneficiaries. Specific areas of consolidation
include:
(1) JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS.--The General Accounting Office
has identified 163 separate Federal job training
programs, administered by 15 different agencies. The
committee will be examining ways to streamline current
programs, to increase flexibility, and to improve
accountability.
In addition, the expiring authorizations of the Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education
Act, the Adult Education Act, and the National Literacy
Act will be considered in connection with these efforts
to forge stronger ties among technical and job-related
education, specific training programs, and the private
job market.
(2) CHILD CARE PROGRAMS.--The Federal Government also
supports a variety of child care activities. A change
in a parent's income or program participation status
often results in a child's transfer to a new care
setting.
The expiring authorization of the Child Care and
Development Block Grant offers an opportunity to fold
other Federal child care activities into the block
grant structure. In addition, a cohesive child care
system will be an important component in assuring the
success of the welfare reform efforts to be undertaken
in the 104th Congress.
(3) HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.--The Federal
Government provides over $400 million for 44 separate
health professions programs administered by the U.S.
Public Health Service. The goal of these programs is to
improve the supply and distribution of a variety of
types of health professionals and to improve the
representation of minorities and disadvantaged
individuals in the health professions. The
authorization for a majority of the existing programs
will expire during the 104th Congress. The committee
will explore means to promote this goal within a
simplified structure containing a strong evaluation
component.
(4) CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC).--
The CDC administers a wide range of public health grant
programs and demonstration projects. The committee will
be examining ways in which a series of narrowly defined
categorical programs can be combined into a more
flexible program focusing on broad public health goals
and functions.
(5) YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.--The Federal Government spends
several billion dollars on an array of programs focused
on youth ``at-risk.'' The programs deal with issues
such as alcohol or drug abuse, delinquency, and
dropping out of school. Although these programs are
well intentioned, few young people fit neatly into any
given category. The committee will review ways in which
these efforts can be combined to address multiple needs
and to offer maximum flexibility to local communities
in designing youth prevention programs.
Oversight of Programs With Expiring Authorizations
In addition to those programs identified as candidates for
consolidation, there are a number of other programs under the
jurisdiction of the committee with expiring authorizations. The
committee intends to review these programs individually to
determine: (A) whether they are operating effectively, (B)
whether they continue to serve a Federal purpose, and (C) if
so, whether program changes are needed to improve their
operation. Among the major programs in this category are:
Aging
**OLDER AMERICANS ACT.--This act authorizes a variety of
social service programs for the elderly--including
senior centers and nutrition programs.
Children and Families
**CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT (CAPTA).--This
act identifies Federal policies on child abuse and
neglect. It also incorporates the Family Violence
Prevention and Treatment Act, which deals with domestic
violence. The Community-Based Family Resource Program,
created in 1994, may also be considered as part of the
CAPTA reauthorization. This program consolidates family
resource centers, child abuse challenge grants, and
emergency protection grants--substance abuse.
Disability Policy
**INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA).--
This authorizes education programs serving disabled
students. Components of the bill include the Office of
Special Education Programs; state grant program for
disabled students; preschool grant program for disabled
children; personnel training; research; discretionary
programs; and the disabled infant and toddlers grant
program.
**PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR MENTALLY ILL INDIVIDUALS
ACT.--This act authorizes a formula grant program to
assist protection and advocacy systems in the states.
It authorizes State systems to investigate incidents of
abuse and neglect of individuals with mental illness.
There are 56 protection and advocacy systems.
Education, Arts and Humanities
**NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
ACT.--This act authorizes the National Endowment for
the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and
the Institute of Museum Services.
**LIBRARY SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION ACT (LSCA).--This act
authorizes several activities supporting public
libraries, including: State formula grants for library
services, construction, and interlibrary cooperation:
competitive grants for foreign language materials and
library literacy programs: research and demonstration
grants; library services for Indian tribes: research
library assistance: and college library technology.
**NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACT (NSFA).--This act
authorizes all NSF programs, including research and
related activities, education and human resources, the
U.S. Antarctic Program, and academic research
facilities modernization.
Health
**RYAN WHITE CARE ACT.--This act is designed to improve
the quality and availability of medical and support
services for individuals with HIV disease and their
families. The act has four titles. Under the two major
titles, hard-hit cities and states receive formula
grant funding. The other two titles support early
intervention services and provide demonstration grants
for research and services for pediatric patients.
**COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS.--These Public Health Service
programs provide grant support for community and
migrant health centers. There are approximately 2,000
such centers nationwide, which provide primary and
preventive health services to individuals in inner
cities and rural areas.
**SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA).--SAMHSA was created when the
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
was dissolved in the 1992 reauthorization. Service
programs were moved to SAMHSA, while research programs
were moved to the National Institutes of Health. SAMHSA
programs include the Mental Health Block Grant, the
Substance Abuse Block Grant, and a variety of smaller
categorical programs.
**ORGAN TRANSPLANT AMENDMENTS ACT.--This act establishes
guidelines and authorizes funding for the national
organ transplant system.
**NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM AND REGISTRY.--This
act establishes guidelines and authorizes funding for
the national bone marrow donor program. It was
considered during the 103d Congress in conjunction with
the organ transplant bill.
**ORPHAN DRUG ACT.--This act is designed to encourage the
development of drugs for rare diseases and conditions
by offering protocol assistance, a 7-year exclusive
marketing period, and an orphan drug research grant
program.
**THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE POLICY AND RESEARCH.--This
agency is responsible for conducting health policy
research, conducting technology effectiveness studies
and creating practice guidelines.
**CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMS.--Under the Childhood
Immunization program, the CDC makes grants to the
States for the purchase of vaccines and the conduct of
programs to administer vaccines. The National Vaccine
program is an effort to coordinate government efforts
to develop, improve, and better distribute vaccines.
National and Community Service
**NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT.--This act, signed
into law in 1993, established the Corporation for
National and Community Service to administer national
and community service programs (``AmeriCorps'') and
reauthorized the Federal domestic volunteer service
programs administered by the ACTION agency (VISTA,
Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion, etc). The ACTION
agency and the former Commission for National and
Community Service are subsumed into the structure of
the Corporation. There are separate authorizations for
national service, service learning, and each of the
domestic volunteer programs.
Other Oversight Activities
The committee also intends to examine several other
programs, issues, and agencies--and is likely to develop
legislative solutions to problems identified during the
oversight process. These include:
(1) JOB CORPS.--In October 1994, the committee held its
first Job Corps oversight hearing in over 10 years.
That hearing underscored problems identified and
documented by the Inspector General of the Department
of Labor over a period of several years. The committee
plans to continue oversight of the Job Corps in the
104th Congress.
(2) DAVIS-BACON ACT.--This act requires contractors on
Federal construction projects costing over $2,000 to
pay their workers no less than the ``prevailing wage,''
which often exceeds the market wage. Enacted in 1931,
the act was designed for very different economic times
and is in need of close review.
(3) OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA).--The committee plans to review the
effectiveness of current OSHA regulations and
procedures in assuring workplace safety, with a view
toward identifying less punitive approaches to
achieving this goal.
(4) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC).--The
committee plans oversight hearings on the EEOC,
focusing in particular on the current backlog of cases.
(5) FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA).--The committee
will also hold oversight hearings on the FDA to
consider a variety of proposals related to the
restructuring of the agency, risk standards, and means
for improving the approval process and export policy
for drugs, biologics, and devices.
(6) HEALTH CARE MARKET AND REFORM EFFORTS.--The committee
will review the changing health care market and
proposals for reform in areas including insurance, the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and
medical liability.
(7) DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM.--The committee will
review the operation of the direct student loan program
enacted in 1992 and expanded in 1993. The
administration of the program, its cost, and
comparisons with the guaranteed student loan programs
will be among the issues to be examined.
The committee may also review issues related to other
legislation enacted in the 103d Congress, including the Goals
2000: Educate America Act and the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act. In addition, the committee expects to review a
variety of issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA), as well as considering revisions to the National Labor
Relations Act (NLRA) designed to improve employer-employee
cooperation.
Committee Printing
The committee printed a total of 160 copies of hearings and
committee prints during the 103d Congress. These encompassed
17,850 volumes, and consisted of 2,549,790 pages. The committee
also bound 22 volumes of executive meetings of the 103d
Congress in hardback books for its permanent records. The
committee also has on Micro Fiche and 16mm film the legislative
hearings, bills, and public laws.
APPENDIX
I. REPORTS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEES, COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HUMAN
RESOURCES
LABOR
Subcommittee on Labor:
Howard M. Metzenbaum, Chairman
The Subcommittee on Labor, chaired by Senator Metzenbaum,
considered the following legislation during the 103d Congress:
S. 55, the Striker Replacement Act, was introduced on
January 21, 1993. The bill amends the National Labor Relations
Act to outlaw the use of permanent replacement workers during
economic strikes and to prevent discrimination based on
participation in labor disputes. A hearing was held on S. 55 on
March 30, 1993, and the bill was considered in executive
session by full committee and ordered favorably reported on May
5, 1993. The bill was reported to the Senate, S. Rept. 103-110,
on July 27, 1993 without amendment.
S. 68, the Food and Drug Administration Nutrition
Advertising Act of 1993, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum
on January 21, 1993. The act is to amend the Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act to prevent misleading advertising of the
health benefits of foods. The bill was referred to full
committee on January 21, 1993.
S. 86, to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, was
introduced by Senator Metzenbaum on January 21, 1993. The act
was intended to improve enforcement of the child labor
provisions of the act, and for other purposes. The bill was
referred to the full committee on January 21, 1993.
S. 575, the Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health
Reform Act, was introduced by Senator Kennedy, for himself and
Senator Metzenbaum, on March 11, 1993, and it was then referred
to the full committee. The act was intended to amend the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to improve the
provisions of the act with respect to the health and safety of
employees, and for other purposes.
S. 996, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum on May 20,
1993, and it was then referred to the full committee. The bill
was intended to require that educational organizations that
offer educational programs to minors for a fee disclose certain
information.
S. 1224, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum on July 14,
1993, and it was then referred to the full committee. On
September 14, 1993, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee
on Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism. On October 6, 1993,
it was considered in executive session by the full committee
and ordered favorably reported with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute. The bill was reported to the Senate by Senator
Kennedy on March 3, 1994. The bill was intended to prohibit an
agency, or entity, that receives Federal assistance and is
involved in adoption or foster care programs from delaying or
denying the placement of a child based on the race, color, or
national origin of the child or adoptive or foster parent or
parents involved, and for other purposes.
S. 1312, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum on July 29,
1993 and it was then referred to the full committee. A hearing
was held on August 2, 1993. The Senate passed S. 1312 on
November 1, 1993, and it was then referred to the House
Committee on Education and Labor. On October 3, 1994, the bill
was passed by the House and was then signed into law (P.L. 103-
410) by the President on October 12, 1994. The law amends the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 in order to
provide for the availability of remedies for certain former
pension plan participants and beneficiaries.
S. 2504, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum, for himself
and Senator Simon, on October 5, 1994, and it was then referred
to the full committee. The bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on Labor on October 17, 1994. The bill was
intended to extend the protections of Federal labor and civil
rights laws to part-time, temporary, and leased employees,
independent contractors, and other contingent workers, and to
ensure equitable treatment of such workers.
S. 2531, was introduced by Senator Metzenbaum on October 6,
1994, and it was then referred to the full committee. On
October 17, 1994, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on
Labor. It was intended to amend the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 to improve the pension and welfare
benefits of working men and women, and for other purposes.
SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS IN THE 103D CONGRESS
February 23, 1993, on Revisiting the Warn Act: Coverage,
Compliance and Enforcement.
March 2, 1993, on Retiree Health Benefits: The Impact on
Workers and Businesses.
March 30, 1993, on S. 55, Prohibiting Discrimination
Against Economic Strikers.
June 15, 1993, Toward a Disposable Workforce: The
Increasing Use of ``Contingent'' Labor.
August 2, 1993, on S. 1312, Recent Court Decisions
Affecting ERISA and Executive Life Annuities.
October 5, 1993, on OSHA Reform: Coverage and Enforcement.
October 19, 1993, Single Payer Health Care Systems: Issues
and Options.
February 3, 1994, Will Patients and Doctors Be Protected
Under Health Care Reform?
April 19, 1994, on H.R. 2722, Age Discrimination Against
Public Safety Officers.
July 26, 1994, on The Reemployment Act & Warn: Helping
Workers Make Successful Transitions.
September 21, 1994, on Child Labor and the New Global
Marketplace: Reaping Profits at the Expense of Children?
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
Legislative and oversight responsibilities previously under
the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Labor will be assumed
by the full committee. The full committee intends to consider
legislation to clarify section 8(a)2 of the National Labor
Relations Act to ensure that efforts to encourage employee
involvement in the workplace will continue. The committee will
also consider legislation to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act. -In
addition, the committee will conduct oversight of the
Occupational Health and Safety Administration, with the
intention of improving cooperative efforts between employers
and the agency in order to encourage efforts to improve worker
health and safety. Finally, the committee will also conduct a
review of the Fair Labor Standards Act, to determine whether
the act should be revised to reflect recent changes in the
workplace.
EDUCATION, ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities:
Claiborne Pell, Chairman
The Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities has
authorizing jurisdiction and oversight of more than $26 billion
in Federal education programs. These include elementary and
secondary education, vocational and adult education, student
financial assistance and higher education programs. In
addition, the Subcommittee has responsibility for the National
Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities,
the Institute of Museum Services, and public libraries. The
subcommittee is chaired by Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) who
has served in that capacity from 1969-81 and from 1987 until
the present. Senator Pell served as the ranking minority member
on the subcommittee from 1981-87.
The principal work of the Subcommittee in the 103d Congress
was reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act. This effort resulted in a major rewrite of the act.
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT
The process of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act began with a series of hearings between June 1993
and May 1994. Nine hearings were held in Washington, DC. There
were 3 field hearings: one in Rhode Island, one in Vermont, and
one in Illinois.
S. 1513 was introduced on October 4, 1993 by Senator
Kennedy for himself, Senators Pell, Kassebaum, and Jeffords and
served as the legislative vehicle for reauthorization. On May
17 the subcommittee met in executive session to consider S.
1513 and reported it favorably, with one amendment by Senator
Dodd, by a vote of 17-0. On June 15, the full committee met and
reported favorably S. 1513, with amendments, by a vote of 16-1.
The bill as reported was passed by the full Senate on
August 2, 1994, with a roll call vote of 94-6. The House of
Representatives passed a different version of the bill on March
24, 1994.
The House and Senate subsequently met in conference on the
two different bills to resolve items in disagreement. The
conference report passed the Senate on October 5, 1994. The
House of Representatives passed the report on September 30,
1994. The President signed the bill into law on October 20,
1994.
The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 was the most
important reauthorization vehicle of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act since its landmark inception in 1965.
Many significant changes were made in this reauthorization. The
Title I program, the backbone of the bill, which provides
education assistance to educationally deprived children in
areas of poverty was refined to better target it to children
most in need, and linked it to the achievement of challenging
academic and student performance standards.
The Eisenhower Math and Science program was expanded to
include professional development in not only the areas of
mathematics and science but also in other disciplines such as
English and History.
Support for technology in education was included, to ensure
that instruction is state of the art, and that students,
teachers and schools will have access to the latest
advancements in technology.
Ensuring that a school is a safe haven for learning and
that weapons will not be tolerated in the classroom played a
major role in bolstering the former Drug-Free Schools and
Communities Act, which became the Safe and Drug-Free Schools
and Communities program.
Among others, important programs were improved upon and
maintained such as Impact Aid, Bilingual Education, Magnet
Schools and the Dropout Prevention Assistance Program. Some
smaller, but particularly important education programs were
established or continued such as Reading is Fundamental, the We
the People Program, the Gifted and Talented Program, the Close
Up Program and the Fund for the Improvement of Education. They
also covered new initiatives in areas such as Extended Time for
Learning and a Longer School Year, Arts in Education and
Cultural Partnerships for At-Risk Children and Youth.
The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (S. 1513) also
incorporated the ideas and proposals embodied in legislation
introduced by other Members of the Senate. Among others, these
included: S. 70 by Senator Cochran, S. 232 by Senator Hatfield,
S. 266 by Senator Simon, S. 429 by Senator Durenberger, S. 881
by Senator Dodd, S. 996 by Senator Metzenbaum, S. 1020 by
Senators Wofford and Kennedy, S. 1040 by Senators Bingaman and
Kennedy, S. 1142 by Senator Harkin, S. 1267 by Senator
Hatfield, S. 1446 by Senator Wofford, S. 1463, S. 1464 and S.
1465 by Senators Mikulski, Kennedy, Harkin, Simon, Moseley-
Braun, Sarbanes, Inouye, Boxer, and Murray, S. 1471 by Senators
Wellstone and Simon, S. 1472 by Senators Simon, Wellstone and
Jeffords, S. 1990 by Senator Jeffords and S. 2034 by Senator
Moseley-Braun.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Reauthorization of the National Foundation on the Arts and
Humanities Act, which encompasses the National Endowment for
the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the
Institute of Museum Services, will be a major focus of the
subcommittee during the 104th Congress. The current authorizing
law expired in fiscal year 1993. It is anticipated that the
subcommittee will have a legislative proposal ready by mid-
spring.
CARL D. PERKINS VOCATIONAL AND APPLIED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ACT
This act provides Federal assistance for secondary and
postsecondary vocational education. Issues to be considered in
this year's reauthorization include: greater flexibility for
States and local school districts, greater emphasis regarding
the integration of traditional academics and vocational
instruction, relationship of school to work and tech prep
programs to vocational education, and strengthening the
transition between secondary and postsecondary vocational
education activities.
DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM
The subcommittee will hold oversight hearings on this issue
in the spring. The 1992 Higher Education Act included a pilot
program to test the Federal Government's ability to make direct
loans to students attending institutions of higher education.
The program was expanded under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act
of 1993.
LIBRARY SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION ACT
This act authorizes several activities supporting public
libraries: State formula grants for library services,
construction/interlibrary cooperation, competitive grants for
foreign language materials, library literacy programs, research
library assistance, research and demonstration grants, and
college library technology. The subcommittee may hold hearings
on the LSCA reauthorization later this year.
EMPLOYMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
Subcommittee on Employment and Productivity:
Paul Simon, Chairman
JOB TRAINING
School-to-Work
The primary focus of the subcommittee in the l03d Congress
was the School to Work Opportunities Act. On February 25, 1993,
Senator Simon introduced S. 456, the Career Pathways Act of
1993 for himself and Senator Wofford. The legislation
established a school-to-work program for all students. The
subcommittee held a hearing on the Career Pathways Act on March
3, 1993.
The administration developed S. 1361, the School-to-Work
Opportunities Act. Senator Simon introduced S. 1361 on August
5, 1993. This bill's cosponsors were Senators Wofford, Kennedy,
Pell, Metzenbaum, Dodd, Moseley-Braun, Breaux, Murray,
Durenberger, and Hatfield. S. 1361 was developed by the Clinton
administration building on the Career Pathways Act and the
ideas and work of others interested in facilitating the
transition from school to employment. The legislation
established a national framework for the development of School-
to-Work Opportunities systems in all States.
The Senate subcommittee held hearings on the School-to-Work
Opportunities Act on September 28, 1993, and October 14, 1993.
The House passed its version of the bill, H.R. 2884, on
November 15, 1993. The Senate passed S. 1361 on February 8,
1994, by a vote of 62 to 31.
The conference report on the School-to-Work Opportunities
Act was filed on April 19, 1994. The House passed the report,
339 to 79, on April 20, 1994, and the Senate passed it by
unanimous consent on April 21, 1994. President Clinton signed
the legislation into law on May 4, 1994.
Job Training Consolidation
On March 10, 1994, Senator Simon held a hearing to examine
proposals to create a national employment system by
consolidating various current Federal training programs.
WORKER PROTECTION
The American Labor Movement
To further examine the status of labor/management relations
in the United States, Senator Simon held a hearing on this
issue, with a particular focus on labor membership on March 20,
1993. The hearing was held in Chicago, IL.
Senator Simon introduced a series of bills on labor law
reform as a means of keeping the United States competitive and
prosperous in a global economy. These bills were intended to
encourage labor-management cooperation and the participation of
workers in decisions that affect the workplace.
On October 7, 1993, Senator Simon introduced the first of
this series of bills. These were: S. 1528, the National Labor
Relations Board Ruling Time Act; S. 1529, the Labor Relations
Representative Amendment Act; S. 1530, The Federal Contracts
Debarment Act; S. 1531, the National Labor Relations Penalty
Act; and S. 1532, the Labor Organizations Equal Presentation
Time Act.
On October 18, 1993, Senator Simon added to the series. He
introduced S. 1553, the Labor Relations Remedies Act of 1993,
and he introduced S. 1554, for himself and Senator Wellstone,
the Labor Relations First Contract Act of 1993.
Privacy
The Privacy for Workers and Consumers Act was introduced by
Senator Simon on May 19, 1994, and referred to the subcommittee
on June 22, 1994. S. 984 was designed to prevent potential
abuses of electronic monitoring in the workplace. It would
provide employees with the right to know when they are being
monitored. A hearing was held on June 22, 1993.
HEARINGS
During the l03d Congress, the Subcommittee on Employment
and Productivity held 8 days of hearings:
Career Pathways Act of 1993 on March 3, 1993. The hearing
examined issues surrounding the establishment of the school-to-
work transition programs for students.
The American Labor Movement on March 20, 1993, in Chicago,
IL. This hearing looked at the status of the United States in
terms of labor/management relations and particularly, labor
membership.
The Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act on June 22, 1993.
This hearing examined the issues surrounding the prevention of
abuse by electronic monitoring in the workplace.
The School-to-Work Opportunities Act on September 28, 1993,
and October 14, 1993. These hearings examined the establishment
of a national framework for the development of School-to-Work
Opportunities in all States.
Creating Public Service Jobs on January 27, 1994. This
hearing looked at proposals to reform the current welfare
system and the system of producing public sector employees.
Creating a National Employment Training System on March 10,
1994. This hearing examined proposals to create a national
employment system by consolidating various current Federal job
training programs.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
Legislative and oversight responsibilities previously under
the jurisdiction of the Employment and Productivity
Subcommittee will be assumed by the full committee. The full
committee will actively pursue comprehensive job training
reform by considering legislation to consolidate the multitude
of existing job training programs into a more rational,
comprehensive system. Special emphasis will be given to
providing for greater participation from employers, greater
accountability from service providers, and greater flexibility
to States and localities.
The committee will also conduct oversight of the Job Corps,
with a view toward ensuring that the program adequately meets
the needs of the disadvantaged youths the program was designed
to serve. In addition, the committee intends to oversee the
activities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
focusing on efforts to alleviate the backlog of cases that has
developed in recent years.
DISABILITY POLICY
Subcommittee on Disability Policy:
Tom Harkin, Chairman
The Subcommittee on Disability Policy, chaired by Senator
Tom Harkin has jurisdiction over a variety of Federal programs
related to disability policy, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Protection
and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act, the Technology-
Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, the
Education of the Deaf Act, the Javits-Wagner O-Day Act, and the
Randolph-Shepherd Act.
LEGISLATION CONSIDERED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE
S. 1283, The Technology-Related Assistance Act Amendments
of 1993 was introduced by Senator Harkin on August 6, 1993. The
bill extends and revises the programs of the Technology-Related
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (The
Tech Act). The legislation provides assistance to States to
coordinate activities designed to facilitate access to,
provision of, and funding for assistive technology devices and
services for individuals with disabilities.
The subcommittee held a hearing on the legislation on June
29, 1993. H.R. 2339, the companion bill in the House of
Representatives, passed on August 2, 1993. S. 1283 was
considered and passed by the Senate on August 5, 1993 (S. Rept.
103-119). On that day, the Senate also passed H.R. 2339, and
substituted in lieu thereof the text of S. 1283. On February 8,
1994, the House concurred in the Senate amendment with an
amendment. On February 11, 1994, the Senate concurred in the
House amendment. The bill was signed into law on March 9, 1994
(Public Law 103-218).
S. 1284, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
of Rights Act Amendments of 1994 was introduced by Senator
Harkin on July 23, 1993. The bill revises and extends the
programs of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
of Rights Act, including the Developmental Disabilities
Councils, the Protection and Advocacy Systems, the University
Affiliated Programs, and the Programs of National Significance.
A hearing was held on June 29, 1993.
S. 1284 was considered and passed by the Senate on August
5, 1993 (S. Rept. 103-120). On November 21, the House of
Representatives considered and passed H.R. 3505 and then passed
S. 1284 and substituted in lieu thereof the text of H.R. 3505.
On March 21, 1994, the House of Representatives agreed to the
conference report (H. Rept. 103-442). On March 24, 1994 the
Senate agreed to the conference report. The legislation was
signed into law on April 6, 1994 (Public Law 103-230). S. 2144,
the Support for Families with Children with Disabilities Act of
1994, was introduced by Senator Harkin on May 23, 1994. The
bill provides assistance to States to develop or enhance
family-centered and family-directed, community-centered,
comprehensive statewide systems of family support for families
of children with disabilities. A hearing was held on May 10,
1994. The bill was included as part of S. 1513 and H.R. 6, the
Improving America's Schools Act. The legislation was signed
into law on October 20, 1994.
OTHER SUBCOMMITTEE INVOLVEMENTS
Senator Harkin, the chair of the subcommittee, worked with
other members of the subcommittee and the Committee on Labor
and Human Resources to ensure that other legislation reported
out of the committee and signed into law addressed the special
needs of individuals with disabilities and their families,
including the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (Public Law 103-
227); The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993
(Public Law 103-82); the School-to-Work Opportunities Act
(Public Law 103-239); and Improving America's School Act.
In addition, the subcommittee developed significant efforts
overseeing the implementation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation
Act of 1993.
Furthermore, the subcommittee, in conjunction with the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources held a hearing on the
health care needs of individuals with disabilities in February
22, 1994, and worked with the chairman of the committee on
provisions in the Health Security Act of particular interest to
individuals with disabilities.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
The subcommittee's agenda for the 104th Congress includes
reauthorization of Parts C through H and a review of Part B of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and
reauthorization of the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill
Individuals Act.
The subcommittee will hold hearings on what helps students
with disabilities learn; how progress of students with
disabilities should be measured; what helps teachers, who work
with students with disabilities, to be effective; what are the
characteristics of effective service delivery when serving
children and youth with disabilities, especially with regard to
entering and exiting programs; what are the characteristics of
schools that are maximally responsible to students with
disabilities and their families; and what innovations and
flexibility, with regard to funding, have demonstrable benefits
for students with disabilities.
In developing reauthorization legislation, the following
issues will be reviewed and considered: the current funding
formula for Part B; eligibility criteria for participation in
Part B programs; discipline policy with regard to students with
disabilities; consolidation of programs under Parts C through G
of IDEA; ways to simplify and streamline State grant
applications under Part B; mediation as an option in the due
process provisions of Part B; conditions under which pooling of
funds might be permissible; strategies for setting priorities
under Part D of IDEA; ways to address the educational needs
more effectively of children and youth from minority
backgrounds; circumstances under which negotiated rule making
is warranted; incentives to encourage decision making based on
a disabled student's service needs as well as on placement
options available; access and participation of students with
disabilities in model school programs and school reform
initiatives; effects of Part H and preschool programs on
infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities; and best
practices available for serving students with high incidence
and low-incidence disabilities.
The subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Americans with
Disabilities Act to review its effects on individuals with
disabilities, their families, and communities.
The subcommittee will also participate in and advise on
education and job training legislation that would affect
individuals with disabilities.
CHILDREN, FAMILY, DRUGS AND ALCOHOLISM
Subcommittee on Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism:
Christopher J. Dodd, Chairman
The Subcommittee on Children, Family, Drugs and Alcoholism,
chaired by Senator Christopher J. Dodd, has jurisdiction over a
variety of Federal programs related to children, families, and
substance abuse treatment and prevention. During the 103d
Congress, the subcommittee focused its efforts in several
critical areas. Early in the Congress, the Family and Medical
Leave Act was signed into law, fulfilling the promise of 7
years of effort by the subcommittee. The subcommittee also
focused significant attention on the problem of youth violence.
In addition, the needs of young children remained central to
the work of the subcommittee during the 103d Congress with the
reauthorization of the Head Start program and hearings on
children's health, child care, and child support.
In the course of the 103d Congress, the subcommittee
conducted 17 hearings on a variety of family-related issues.
Major subcommittee initiatives approved by the 103d Congress
include the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Reauthorization
of Head Start, the Community Services Block Grant Amendments,
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Community-
Based Family Resource Programs (as part of the Human Services
Reauthorization), the Domestic Volunteer Services Act (as part
of the National Community Services Act), the Multiethnic
Placement Act (as part of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act), and the Ounce of Prevention amendment (as part
of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994).
LEGISLATION CONSIDERED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE
The subcommittee considered the following legislation
during the 103d Congress:
S. 5, the Family Medical Leave Act provides employees with
12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave for medical emergencies
or the birth or adoption of a child. The bill was introduced by
Senator Dodd on January 21, 1993. A hearing was held in the
subcommittee the next day, January 22, 1993, and the bill was
reported by the Committee on Labor and Human Resources on
January 26, 1993. It passed the Congress February 4 and was
signed into law (P.L. 103-3) on February 5, 1993.
S. 2000, the Human Services Reauthorization authorizes
appropriations for the Head Start, the Community Services Block
Grant and for other programs (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
and Community-Based Family Resource programs). On February 10
and March 15, 1994, the Subcommittee held hearings on S. 2000.
The bill was introduced on March 25, 1994, reported by the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources on April 13, 1994, and
passed the Senate April 21, 1994. The House approved a
companion measure on April 28, 1994. A conference was held on
the bill, and on May 11, 1994, the Senate agreed to the
conference report on the bill, by recorded vote of 98 yeas and
2 nays (Roll No. 109). May 12, 1994, the House agreed to
conference report on the bill, by a recorded vote of 393 yeas
and 20 nays (Roll No. 170)--clearing the measure for the
President's signature. On May 19, 1994, S. 2000 was signed into
law (P.L. 103-252).
S. 561, Police Partnerships for Children (formerly the
Child and Family Services and Law Enforcement Partnership Act),
authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award
grants for the establishment of child and family services and
law enforcement partnership programs. The legislation was
introduced by Senator Dodd on March 10, 1993, and the
subcommittee held a hearing on this measure on the same date.
S. 561, with minor changes, was adopted as a part of the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L.
103-322).
S. 1572, Domestic Violence Community Initiative Act of 1993
amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to
authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
administer a Federal demonstration program to coordinate
response and strategy within many sectors of local communities
for intervention and prevention of domestic violence. Senator
Hatfield introduced this legislation on October 20, and this
measure was considered at a subcommittee hearing on October 28,
1993. S. 1572 passed as part the National Community Services
Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-82).
S. 1224, Multiethnic Placement Act of 1993 prohibits an
agency, or entity, that receives Federal assistance and is
involved in adoptive or foster care placements from delaying or
denying the placement of a child solely on the basis of race,
color, or national origin of the adoptive or foster parent or
parents involved. Senator Metzenbaum introduced this
legislation on July 14, 1993, and it was considered during a
subcommittee hearing on July 15, 1993. It was reported by the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources on October 6, 1993. It
was adopted as an amendment to the Improving America's Schools
Act (P.L. 103-382).
S. 1462, Nonviolent Futures For Children Act, directs the
Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible
local educational agencies for preventive services and
interventions to reduce the incidence of violence among youth.
S. 1462, introduced by Senator Dodd, was considered in the
context of the Safe Schools Act, also introduced by Senator
Dodd, which was considered and adopted as a part of the Goals
2000 legislation.
S. 495, Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act of 1993,
directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish
a business incentive grant program to provide child care
through public-private partnerships. Senator Dodd introduced
this legislation, and it was considered at subcommittee
hearings on child care.
S. 1420, National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality
Reauthorization of 1993, introduced by Senator Glenn, amends
the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality Act of 1986
to: (1) reauthorize and extend the National Commission to
Prevent Infant Mortality; and (2) make changes regarding
Commission duties, powers, and staff.
S. 870, Child Safety Act of 1993, protects children from
the trauma of witnessing and/or experiencing violence, sexual
abuse, neglect, abduction, and rape or death during parent/
child visitation exchanges. Senator Wellstone introduced this
measure on May 4, 1993, and it was considered at a subcommittee
hearing on October 28, 1993.
S. 1138, Community Schools Demonstration Program Act of
1993 amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to establish the
community schools demonstration program. Senator Danforth
introduced this legislation on June 22, 1993, and it was
discussed at the subcommittee hearing on May 17, 1994. It was
enacted as a part of the Violent Crime Control and Law
Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-322).
HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE
Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, S. 5--January 22, 1993.
To grant family and temporary medical leave under certain
circumstances.
Keeping Every Child Safe: Curbing the Epidemic of Violence
(Joint hearing with House Select Committee on Children, Youth
and Families)--March 10, 1993. Examining the impact of violence
on children, and on proposed legislation to provide children
exposed to violence with immediate assessment and intervention
by child mental health professionals, and to provide training
for law enforcement in child, family, and cultural issues.
A Helping Hand: Promising Approaches For Supporting
Families--April 28, 1993. Examining approaches for supporting
families in an effort to eliminate abuse and neglect and to
assist families that have, or may develop, health and related
problems, focusing on home visiting, family-centered substance
abuse treatment, and family resource and support programs.
Making a Difference: Domestic Volunteer Service Programs--
May 18, 1993. Examining the impact of the Domestic Volunteer
Service Programs and their role in the larger National Service
legislation.
Barriers to Adoption--July 15, 1993. Examining barriers to
the adoption of children and considering S. 1224.
New Challenges For Head Start--July 22, 1993. Examining the
shape of the reauthorization for the Head Start Program, and to
examine the impact of the Head Start Expansion and Improvement
Act of 1990.
New Directions in Child Support: Child Support Assurance--
August 3, 1993. Examining proposed legislation to strengthen
State child support enforcement procedures and to create
incentives for the custodial parents to cooperate in
establishing paternity and support orders.
Witness to Domestic Violence: Protecting Our Kids--October
28, 1993. Examining the effects of domestic violence on
children, and related measures including S. 1572 and S. 870.
Administration Proposal For Head Start Reauthorization
(Joint hearing with House Committee on Education and Labor)--
February 10, 1994. Examining Head Start and the
administration's plans for expanding and improving it.
Child Care For Working Families: Real Welfare Reform
(Chaired by Sen. Wellstone)--February 24, 1994. Examining
welfare reform issues, focusing on child care for working
families.
Reauthorization of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program--March 15, 1994. Examining proposed legislation
authorizing funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
program and the Community Services Block Grant.
Keeping Kids Safe--May 10, 1994. Examining State and local
efforts to identify and prevent the leading causes of injuries
to children
Before Dreams Disappear: Preventing Youth Violence--May 17,
1994. Examining certain provisions establishing programs to
prevent youth violence as contained in the proposed Violent
Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
The subcommittee's top legislative priorities include
legislation reauthorizing the Child Care and Development Block
Grant and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Both
will be considered with an eye toward enhancing service
delivery and improving coordination among the various other
Federal programs.
The subcommittee will conduct oversight hearings on these
two programs as it prepares for the reauthorization process.
Additionally, we will look at the effect these two programs
will have on welfare policy and reform.
The subcommittee plans to conduct hearings on a variety of
other subjects affecting children and families including issues
of family stability, the importance of two-parent families on
family structure, the role of the father as a predictor of
child outcome, parental rights, the effect of passive smoke on
children, domestic violence, and teen pregnancy.
The subcommittee will also look at which Federal programs
for children are working, and ways in which these successful
programs can be consolidated to improve access to the services
they provide. Proposals like the Youth Development Block Grant
will be explored as one way to better coordinate these programs
and allow for maximum State flexibility and experimentation.
AGING
Subcommittee on Aging:
Barbara A. Mikulski, Chairman
The Subcommittee on Aging, chaired by Senator Mikulski, has
legislative jurisdiction over the Older Americans Act, the
National Institute on Aging, and the Domestic Volunteer Service
Act.
During the 103d Congress, the subcommittee focused largely
on health issues affecting the elderly, such as long-term care,
including community- and home-based care, as part of the
President's health care reform proposal. In addition the
subcommittee's activities included oversight of the
Administration on Aging and the implementation of the newly
authorized Older Americans Act of 1965, in particular the White
House Conference on Aging. In the fall of 1994, the
subcommittee also began to prepare for the next reauthorization
of the Older Americans Act. The subcomittee also worked on a
number of women's health issues including ensuring that NIH
include women in clinical trials, that sufficient funding be
devoted to diseases affecting elderly women such as breast
cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis, and that women
receive effective and appropriate health care.
Hearings and Briefings
The subcommittee held 5 hearings in Washington, DC. during
the l03d Congress to examine a broad range of issues. The five
hearings included: ``Examining New Directions in Policy for the
Aging Population'' (April 28, 1993); ``Unnecessary
Hysterectomies, the Second Most Common Major Surgery in the
United States'' (May 5, 1993); ``Reauthorization of the CDC
Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Program'' (July
15, 1993); ``Women's Health Care in the President's Health Care
Plan'' (March 9, 1994); ``Long-Term Care in Health Care Reform-
-Parts I and II'' (April 11 and 14, 1994).
Health Care Reform
In conjunction with health care reform efforts, the
subcommittee worked to ensure that home and community-based
care were elements of the Labor Committee health care reform
bill and S. 2351 sponsored by Senator Mitchell. Provisions of
the home- and community-based care program included strong
national standards, a requirement that States establish case
management services for individuals receiving these services,
and Federal standards for quality assurance. Senator Mikulski,
as chair of the subcommittee, focused attention on the health
needs of older women in the health care reform process ensuring
that annual screening for mammography for women over the age 50
was covered under a standard benefit package and allowing
coverage for annual pap smears and pelvic exams for females who
are at risk for cervical cancer.
Older Americans Act
In preparation for the reauthorization of the Older
Americans Act, the subcommittee held a series of round tables
on various aspects of the act including the nutrition programs,
legal services, the ombudsman program, targeting of services,
and an overview of Titles III and IV of the act. The
subcommittee also held briefings with Administration on Aging
staff on the implementation of Titles III, IV and VII of the
act.
White House Conference on Aging
The subcommittee worked with the White House Conference on
Aging staff in the planning and agenda setting for the
conference. The conference will be held May 2-5, 1995. The
theme of the conference will be ``America Now and Into the 21st
Century: Generations Aging Together with Independence,
Opportunity, and Dignity.'' Issues to be discussed at the
conference will include ``Assuring Comprehensive Health Care
Including Long-Term Care,'' ``Promoting Economic Security,''
``Maximizing Housing and Support Service Options,'' and
``Maximizing Options for a Quality Life.''
The National Institute on Aging
Senator Mikulski, as chair of the subcommittee, worked to
correct biases against aging research in the research grant
review process at NIH by requesting that NIH establish a study
section for biomedical aging research.
Mid-Life and Older Women's Health Issues
Senator Mikulski made mid-life and older women's health
issues a priority of the subcommittee. The subcommittee worked
to increase NIH funding for research into breast cancer,
osteoporosis, ovarian and cervical cancer and for research into
the causes and conditions leading to hysterectomy. The
subcommittee also worked to secure an increase in funding for
the Women's Health Initiative--the largest clinical trial on
mid-life and older women in this nation's history. In addition,
the subcommittee worked to increase funding for the Office of
Research on Women's Health at NIH and to establish new funding
streams for offices of women's health research within the Food
and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, the
Health Resources and Services Administration and the Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research.
The subcommittee played a central role in oversight of the
Food and Drug Administration's implementation of the
Mammography Quality Standards Act to ensure the safety and
accuracy of mammograms, and the implementation by the Health
Care Financing Administration of the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Act.
ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 104TH CONGRESS
During the 104th Congress, the Subcommittee on Aging,
chaired by Senator Judd Gregg, will conduct oversight hearings
on the Older Americans Act as part of the reauthorization
process. The subcommittee expects to take this opportunity to
review the current performance and funding policies of these
important programs which allow senior citizens the opportunity
to be independent, productive, and healthier. The subcommittee
looks forward to hearing the resolutions proposed by the White
House Conference on Aging, due to be convened in May.
The subcommittee also plans to focus on issues relating to
the health and quality of life of our senior population. Sound
economic principles will be an important theme, as the
subcommittee is very aware of the demographic challenges
seniors' programs face in the near future. We need to extend
our shortsighted vision, to consider the problems that will
confront the next generations of American seniors, as well as
those with us today.
Barriers that stand in the way of public-private
partnership in meeting the needs of our seniors will receive
significant emphasis. The American people have spoken; they are
not interested in larger or more invasive government. We will
be looking to find ways to allow Americans to direct their own
futures, by supporting efforts to promote positive long-term
care initiatives, improve access to advanced medical
technologies, and address the common battles being fought
across geographical and gender lines, such as Alzheimer's
Disease.