PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 104-52.
Congressional Research Service
Version 44 · House disagreed to Senate amendment · Nov 15, 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of the Treasury Title II: Postal Service Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Governmentwide General Provisions Appropriations Act, 1996 - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Treasury Department Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and its related agencies for FY 1996. Sets forth provisions on the uses of such appropriations. Title II: Postal Service - Postal Service Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for FY 1996. Title III: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 for the Executive Office of the President and related offices and programs, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy and its High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 - Makes appropriations for FY 1996 to: (1) the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (including funds for the termination of the Commission); (2) the Administrative Conference of the United States (to be available only for the termination of the Conference); (3) the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled; (4) the Federal Election Commission; (5) the Federal Labor Relations Authority; (6) the General Services Administration (including rescinding certain funds relating to the District of Columbia Southeast Federal Center); (7) the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board; (8) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (9) the National Archives and Records Administration; (10) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (11) the Office of Government Ethics; (12) the Office of Personnel Management; (13) the Office of Inspector General; (14) the Office of Special Counsel; and (15) the United States Tax Court. Specifies uses of funds provided to the General Services Administration. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth certain prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations made under this Act. (Sec. 515) Requires entities appropriated funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress to such effect. (Sec. 518) Requires, except as otherwise provided, that no more than 50 percent of unobligated balances remaining at the end of FY 1996 from appropriations for salaries and expenses remain available through FY 1997. Requires a request to specified congressional committees before expenditure of the funds. (Sec. 522) Establishes in the Treasury the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund into which shall be deposited all receipts from Mint operations and programs and from which Mint expenses shall be paid. (Sec. 524) Prohibits Act funds being available to pay for an abortion or expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal employees health benefit program which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Title VI: Governmentwide General Provisions - Sets forth certain requirements for and prohibitions and limitations on the use of appropriations by departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 608) Authorizes Federal agencies to receive and use funds resulting from the sale of materials recovered through recycling or waste prevention programs. (Sec. 623) Requires all Federal departments, agencies, or instrumentalities to have and administer a written policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from discrimination and sexual harassment and that all of its workplaces are not in violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Sec. 625) Requires the President to certify to the Congress annually that no persons with responsibility for administering the Executive Office of the President's Drug-Free Workplace Plan are themselves subject to a program of individual random drug testing. (Sec. 627) Prohibits using Act funds for certain types of employee training, including those containing elements: (1) inducing high emotional response or psychological stress; (2) associated with religious, quasi-religious, or "new age" systems; (3) offensive to, or designed to change, participants' personal values or lifestyle; or (4) related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) other than that necessary for specified purposes. (Sec. 632) Prohibits funds from the Department of the Treasury's stabilization fund from being used for any activity that would result in any loan or extension of credit with respect to a single foreign entity or government unless specified conditions are met, including dollar and time limitations, and that there would be no projected cost to the United States. Permits the President to waive the dollar and time limitations if a financial crisis in that foreign country poses a threat to vital U.S. economic interests or to the stability of the international financial system. Sets forth expedited procedures for a joint resolution declaring congressional disapproval. (Sec. 636) Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors in Federal Buildings and Lands Act - Provides for the prohibition of the sale or free distribution of samples of tobacco products in or around any Federal building. (Sec. 637) Establishes a National Commission on Restructuring the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which shall review restructuring the IRS and report to the Congress. Terminates the Commission following its final report. (Sec. 638) Provides for a report on the feasibility of leasing agreements, of up to 30 years, with State and local governments and private sponsors for the construction of border stations on the borders with Canada and Mexico.
People & committees
Rep. Lightfoot, Jim [R-IA-3] · R–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 104-52.
Became Public Law No: 104-52.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate receded from its amendment no. 132 by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S17078)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate receded from its amendment no. 132 by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S17078)
Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 63-35. Record Vote No: 576. (consideration: CR S17078)
Senate roll call 576 · Individual votesConference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 63-35. Record Vote No: 576.(consideration: CR S17078)
Senate roll call 576 · Individual votesConference report considered in Senate.
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 267, the House House insisted on its disagreement to the Senate amendment No. 132 (consideration: CR H12380)
Resolving differences -- House actions: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 267, the House House insisted on its disagreement to the Senate amendment No. 132(consideration: CR H12380)
Mr. Lightfoot moved that the House insist on its disagreement to the Senate amendment No. 132.
On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 374 - 52 (Roll no. 797). (consideration: CR H12379-12380)
House roll call 797 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Conference report agreed to in House: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 374 - 52 (Roll no. 797).(consideration: CR H12379-12380)
House roll call 797 · Individual votesConference papers: message on House action held at the desk in Senate.
The previous question was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 267, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the conference report.
Mr. Lightfoot brought up conference report H. Rept. 104-291 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 267.
Rule H. Res. 267 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 267 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of the conference report to H.R. 2020. Providing for the consideration of the conference report accompanying the bill. All points of order against the conference report and against its consideration shall be waived. If the conference report is adopted, a motion that the House insist on its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate numbered 132 shall be considered as having been adopted.
Conference report H. Rept. 104-291 filed with 1 amendment in disagreement. (text of conference report: CR H10813-10828)
Conference report filed: Conference report H. Rept. 104-291 filed with 1 amendment in disagreement.(text of conference report: CR H10813-10828)
Conferees agreed to file conference report in disagreement.
Conference committee actions: Conferees agreed to file conference report in disagreement.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate appointed conferee Campbell in lieu of Gregg.
Conference held.
Conference committee actions: Conference held.
Conference held.
Conference committee actions: Conference held.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The Speaker appointed conferees: Lightfoot, Wolf, Istook, Kingston, Forbes, Livingston, Hoyer, Visclosky, Coleman, and Obey.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 387 - 31 (Roll no. 648). (consideration: CR H8707)
House roll call 648 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to instruct conferees to agree to Senate amendment No 130, which would continue the freeze on salaries of Members of Congress for another year.
Mr. Obey moved that the House instruct conferees.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendments, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendments, and agree to a conference (consideration: CR H8704)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate insists on its amendments asks for a conference, appoints conferees Shelby; Jeffords; Gregg; Hatfield; Kerrey; Mikulski; Byrd. (consideration: CR S11556)
Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2251 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2251 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Brown.
Amendment SP 2250 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2250 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Mikulski.
Amendment SP 2249 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2249 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Grassley.
Amendment SP 2248 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2248 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Lautenberg.
Amendment SP 2247 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2247 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Brown.
Amendment SP 2246 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2246 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Coverdell.
Amendment SP 2245 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2245 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Hatch.
Amendment SP 2244 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2244 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Bingaman.
Amendment SP 2243 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2243 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Hutchison.
Amendment SP 2242 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2242 proposed by Senator Shelby.
Amendment SP 2241 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2241 proposed by Senator Shelby.
Amendment SP 2240 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2240 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Brown.
Amendment SP 2239 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2239 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Bingaman.
Amendment SP 2238 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2238 proposed by Senator Shelby.
Amendment SP 2237 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2237 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Simpson.
Amendment SP 2236 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2236 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Pryor.
Amendment SP 2235 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2235 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Ford.
Amendment SP 2234 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2234 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator D'Amato.
Amendment SP 2233 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2233 proposed by Senator Shelby for Senator Stevens.
Amendment SP 2232 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2232 proposed by Senator Shelby.
Amendment SP 2231 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2231 proposed by Senator Thompson.
Amendment SP 2230 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2230 proposed by Senator Kempthorne.
Amendment SP 2229 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2229 proposed by Senator D'Amato.
Amendment SP 2228 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 2228 proposed by Senator Feingold.
Amendment SP 2227 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 45-49. Record Vote No: 371.
Senate roll call 371 · Individual votesAmendment SP 2227 proposed by Senator Mikulski.
Amendment SP 2153 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50-44. Record Vote No: 370.
Senate roll call 370 · Individual votesAmendment SP 2153 proposed by Senator Nickles.
The Committee amendment on page 76, lines 10 through 17, agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52-41. Record Vote No: 369.
Senate roll call 369 · Individual votesMeasure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S11483-11556)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 157.
Committee on Appropriations. Reported to Senate by Senator Shelby with amendments. With written report No. 104-121.
Committee on Appropriations. Reported to Senate by Senator Shelby with amendments. With written report No. 104-121.
Committee on Appropriations. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Subcommittee on Treasury, U.S. Postal Service. Approved for full committee consideration with amendments favorably.
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 534).
House roll call 534 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 534).
House roll call 534 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by voice vote.
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered without objection.
Mr. Hoyer moved to recommit to Appropriations. (consideration: CR H7238)
The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2020.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the previous unanimous consent agreement, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 5 minutes of debate on the Archer amendment to the Ward amendment.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Ward amendment be limited to not to exceed 25 minutes, and that all amendments thereto be limited to 5 minutes.
On motion to strike the enacting clause Failed by voice vote.
Mr. Obey moved to strike the enacting clause.
DEBATE - Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Chenoweth amendment, and all amendments thereto, be limited to not to exceed 20 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 80 minutes of debate on the Sanders amendment.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Sanders amendment, and all amendments thereto, be limited to not to exceed 80 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to strike the enacting clause withdrawn.
Mr. Dingell moved to strike the enacting clause.
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the Packard amendment.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Packard amendment, and all amendments thereto, be limited to not to exceed 40 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Duncan amendment.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Duncan amendment, and all amendments thereto, be limited to not to exceed 30 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the unanimous consent agreement of July 18, the House proceeded with not to exceed 80 minutes of debate on the Hoyer amendment and all amendments thereto.
The Speaker designated the Honorable David Dreier to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 190 and Rule XXIII.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7186-7239)
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2020 as unfinished business.
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Lightfoot moved that the Committee rise.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Hoyer amendment and all amendments thereto, be extended to not to exceed 80 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
Mr. Lightfoot asked unanimous consent that the time for debate on the Hoyer amendment and all amendments thereto, end no later than 7 p.m. Agreed to without objection.
The Speaker designated the Honorable David Dreier to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 190 and Rule XXIII.
Considered as unfinished business.
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2020 as unfinished business.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate.
The Speaker designated the Honorable David Dreier to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 190 and Rule XXIII.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2020 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Points of order against the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 or 6 of rule XXI shall be waived, with specified exceptions. Measure will be read by title. Bill is open to amendments. The Chair may accord priority in recognition to those Members who have had their amendments printed in the Congressional Record.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 190. (consideration: CR H7092-7099, H7136-7149)
Rule H. Res. 190 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 190 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2020 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Points of order against the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 or 6 of rule XXI shall be waived, with specified exceptions. Measure will be read by title. Bill is open to amendments. The Chair may accord priority in recognition to those Members who have had their amendments printed in the Congressional Record.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 94.
The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 104-183, by Mr. Lightfoot.
The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 104-183, by Mr. Lightfoot.
All points of order were reserved against the consideration of the bill.
Ordered to be Reported.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Introduced in House
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.
Final Day of Subcommittee Mark-up.
First Day of Subcommittee Mark-up.
Final Day of Subcommittee Hearings.
First Day of Subcommittee Hearings.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, General Government.
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Jul 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze H.R.2020 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2020 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.2020 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.2020 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.