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Official portrait of Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5]

Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5]

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2,623 records where Rep. Atkins, Chester G. [D-MA-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 4700 (102nd)referred

To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require an independent audit of statements prepared by certain financial institutions with respect to assets of employee benefit plans.

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1992

Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to eliminate the exemption for banks (or similar institutions) or insurance carriers from the requirement for an independent audit of certain financial statements regarding employee benefit plan assets.

Bill· HRH.R. 4599 (102nd)referred

Driver's License Information Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Driver's License Information Protection Act of 1992 - Prohibits a State or any person from disclosing, other than for a governmental purpose, driver's license information to anyone other than the licensee without the licensee's consent. Authorizes individuals aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action from the State or from any person participating in making the disclosure, if such State does not prohibit such disclosure.

Bill· HRH.R. 4591 (102nd)referred

Community Works Progress Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Community Works Progress Act of 1992 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish a new title VI, Community Works Progress and Youth Community Corps Programs. Establishes in the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor a Community Works Progress Office (the Office), to be headed by an Administrator. Directs the Administrator to prepare a plan for implementation of programs of the Office and submit a report summarizing it to the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), who shall send a copy of the report to the appropriate congressional committees, and promulgate regulations to carry out the plan. Sets forth requirements relating to contracts made by administrative entities carrying out projects under this Act. Requires that such projects comply with nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements under the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Provides that compensation or benefits received by project participants under this Act shall be excluded from consideration under the Higher Education Act of 1965, specified provisions of the Social Security Act, and other determinations of Federal benefits. Requires administrative entities carrying out such projects to submit quarterly progress reports to the State Governor. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate programs under this Act and report to the Secretary and appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a Community Works Progress (CWP) program. Provides for CWP program allotments to States, including bonuses to States demonstrating progress in the preceding fiscal year in securing employment for individuals who were receiving AFDC and who no longer require such aid as a result of such employment. Allows States to use such allotments to award grants for CWP projects. Sets forth requirements for State Governors' award of CWP grants to eligible entities (including public agencies, private contractors, and private nonprofit organizations) for CWP projects that will serve a significant public purpose in a community service field (as described under the National and Community Service Act of 1990). Requires compliance with criteria established by the Secretary for job training, job search, and volunteer services. Sets forth requirements for job training plans for such CWP grant projects. Requires the Governor to enter into a written grant agreement with the administrative entity, including requirements for: (1) limits on administrative expenses and construction contracts; (2) use of at least 70 percent of the grant for compensation and supportive services for participants; (3) a three-year completion deadline; and (4) jobs opportunities and basic skills training program requirements for AFDC recipients. Sets forth requirements for nonpartisan selection and eligibility of unemployed individuals as project participants. Allows project participation, under specified conditions, of individuals who are also participants in the job opportunities and basic skills training program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act. Allows participation of individuals receiving unemployment compensation if certain age, education, residence, and unemployment period criteria are met. Allows participation of individuals who are not receiving unemployment compensation and who are discouraged workers if the other criteria are met. Requires, if possible, that at least 25 percent of project participants not be AFDC training program participants. Makes ineligible for project participation any individual eligible for specified retirement benefits. Sets forth restrictions on project participation, including: (1) 32-hour maximum project work per week; (2) 20-hour maximum on any additional part-time employment; (3) job search requirements; and (4) testing and education requirements. Sets forth requirements for compensation and supportive services for project participants, including unemployment compensation recipients, AFDC recipients, and individuals not receiving unemployment compensation. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to the CWP program in each State. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a youth community corps (YCC) program. Provides for YCC program allotments to States to award grants for YCC projects. Sets forth requirements for State Governor's award of YCC grants to eligible entities (community-based organizations, local educational agencies, or partnerships of local education agencies with local public community service agencies) for YCC projects to employ participants in projects in community service fields. Sets forth requirements for job training plans. Requires YCC grant agreements to limit administrative expenses and construction contracts, require 70 percent of grant funds for compensation and benefits for participants, and limit length of individual participation to not more than 250 hours per year. Sets forth requirements for selection and eligibility of YCC participants. Makes eligible elementary and secondary school students a ged 14 to 21 who are children of participants in the AFDC job opportunities and basic skills training program or who are members of families receiving AFDC benefits, or of eligible households under the food stamp program, or of families with incomes at or below the official poverty line. Allows employment of other eligible students who do not meet such poverty criteria if the project requires a greater number of participants and preference in such selection is given to students with work experience related to the project. Prohibits employment as a participant in a YCC project of any individual who is not making progress toward attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires payment to YCC participants of either: (1) a monetary credit for use at institutions of higher education, based on hours of participation; or (2) a cash benefit equal to one-half the amount of the educational credit. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to the YCC program in the State. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a national youth community corps (NYCC) program. Directs the Secretary to make equal allotments to ETA regional offices to make NYCC grants and to make administrative cost grants to States in which NYCC projects are carried out. Authorizes a regional office to make one grant for each fiscal year to establish and carry out an NYCC project to employ participants aged 17 to 22 in a project related to community service fields within the region served by that office. Makes eligible to receive such a grant a State or local public agency or a private nonprofit organization that provides such community services within that region. Sets forth requirements for job training plans. Requires NYCC grant agreements to: (1) limit administrative expenses and construction contracts; (2) use at least 70 percent of the grant for compensation and benefits for participants; (3) limit individual participant employment to not more than two years; (4) provide for training participants in accordance with specified provisions of the National and Community Service Act of 1990; and (5) provide for periodic and confidential evaluations of each participant. Sets forth requirements for selection and eligibility of NYCC project participants. Requires individual applications to the Governor to indicate the NYCC projects in which the individual seeks to participate. Requires the Governor to refer such application to each administrative entity administering such projects. Requires an individual to be age 17 to 22 to be eligible to participate in a NYCC project. Requires the administrative entity to make offers to eligible individuals to become participants in the project. Provides for living allowances and payments to NYCC participants. Provides for a choice of higher educational credits equal to $10,000 per year or cash benefits equal to $5,000 per year. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to an NYCC program conducted in the State. Authorizes appropriations under JTPA to carry out this Act. Amends the Social Security Act with respect to programs under this Act in ways relating to: (1) disregard of income earned as compensation by a program participant under this Act; (2) employability plans; (3) referral to projects under the CWP, YCC, and NYCC programs; (4) work supplementation program; and (5) community work experience program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude: (1) compensation for service under this Act as wages for unemployment compensation purposes; and (2) compensation and benefits for service under this Act from gross income for income tax purposes.

Bill· HRH.R. 4606 (102nd)referred

To direct that the SSN-21 Seawolf attack submarine program be terminated.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the SSN-21 Seawolf attack submarine program. Prohibits construction funds from being obligated for such submarine other than for the single submarine for which a contract was entered into before the enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4609 (102nd)referred

To suspend indefinitely the activities of the Department of Energy relating to the production of nuclear weapons.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) suspend the research, development, and testing of new designs for nuclear warheads; and (2) continue the moratorium on the production and processing of fissile materials and nuclear warheads, unless the President determines that a national emergency exists requiring such actions. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating funds to construct a nuclear reactor for weapons production. States that this Act shall not be construed to require: (1) production limits on naval reactor fuel; (2) reduction of environmental restoration expenditures; or (3) the dismantling of facilities needed for national security purposes.

Bill· HRH.R. 4600 (102nd)referred

To eliminate the tobacco price support program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal the tobacco price support program. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal the tobacco marketing quota program.

Bill· HRH.R. 4605 (102nd)referred

To reduce the loan subsidies available from the Rural Electrification Administration, and to require such administration, in providing loan guarantees, to charge a fee equal to 1 percent of the amounts guaranteed.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to: (1) set interest rates on Rural Electrification Administration loans at specified Treasury obligation levels; and (2) establish a one-percent loan guarantee fee.

Bill· HRH.R. 4608 (102nd)referred

To cancel the remainder of the B-2 bomber aircraft program.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from contracting for the production of any B-2 bomber aircraft in excess of the 15 aircraft for which funds have been appropriated before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to convert to combat configuration the five B-2 aircraft currently configured as test aircraft.

Bill· HRH.R. 4602 (102nd)referred

To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to strengthen payment limitations on the total amount of deficiency payments that may be made to a person under commodity programs and to restrict eligibility for participation in such programs.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with regard to wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice deficiency and land diversion payments to: (1) reduce total annual assistance levels; (2) reduce the number of certain related entities that may receive payments; and (3) establish maximum adjusted gross income levels and commodity sales limitations for payment eligibility purposes.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 454 (102nd)referred

Assassination Materials Disclosure Resolution of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Assassination Materials Disclosure Act of 1992 - Provides that except for assassination material or particular information in assassination material the disclosure of which is postponed, all assassination materials shall be transferred to the National Archives and made available for inspection by the general public. Requires the Archivist to charge fees for copying and grant waivers of such fees pursuant to the standards established by the Freedom of Information Act. Authorizes the Archivist to provide copies of assassination materials of broad public interest to the Government Printing Office (GPO), which shall print copies for sale to the public. Requires assassination materials printed by GPO to be placed in Government depository libraries. Establishes as an independent agency the Assassination Materials Review Board. Requires the division of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit charged with appointment of independent counsels to appoint five distinguished and impartial private citizens outside of the Government who have had no prior involvement with inquiries into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to serve as members of the Review Board. Allows the Review Board to appoint an Executive Director. Requires the Review Board to consider and render decisions on referrals by the Executive Director and appeals for a determination whether a: (1) record constitutes assassination material subject to this Act; and (2) record or particular information in a record qualifies for postponement of disclosure under this Act. Describes the circumstances under which the Review Board will terminate. States that disclosure to the general public of assassination material or particular information in assassination material may be postponed if its release would: (1) reveal an intelligence agent, an intelligence source or method currently utilized by the Government, or any other matter currently relating to military defense, intelligence operations, or the conduct of U.S. foreign relations which, if disclosed, would pose such a threat as to outweigh any public interest in its disclosure; (2) constitute an invasion of privacy of a living person, whether or not that person is identified in the material, that is so substantial as to outweigh any public interest in its disclosure; (3) constitute a substantial and unjustified violation of an understanding of confidentiality between a Government agent and a witness or a foreign government; or (4) disclose a security or protective procedure currently utilized by a Federal agency responsible for protecting Government officials, and that disclosure is so harmful that it outweighs any public interest in its disclosure. Requires each executive agency to make available to the Executive Director of the Review Board all assassination materials in its possession. Requires agencies that are uncertain as to whether or not a record is assassination material to make that record available to the Executive Director. Makes the Executive Director responsible for: (1) inquiring as to the existence of further records beyond those made available that may be assassination materials; (2) obtaining access to such records; (3) recommending that the Review Board subpoena such records in the event access is denied; and (4) reviewing all records that are made available by executive agencies. Requires the Executive Director to order release of any assassination material or particular information in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that it falls within the exemptions from disclosure. Requires the Executive Director, after review of each record, either to: (1) notify the originating body or bodies that the record is assassination material that is appropriate for release in its entirety; or (2) refer the record to the Review Board. Provides that in the former event, the Executive Director shall transmit the record to the Archivist of the United States who shall make the record available for public inspection, unless an originating body files an appeal with the Review Board. Requires the Review Board to review and apply the standards for release set forth in this Act to all records that are the subject of appeals and referred to the Review Board by the Executive Director. Provides that: (1) after review of each record, the Review Board shall determine whether such record is assassination material, and, if so, whether such assassination material, or particular information in the assassination material, qualifies for postponement of disclosure; (2) any reasonably segregable particular information in an assassination material shall be considered for release after deletion of information in that assassination material that qualifies for postponement of disclosure; (3) where an entire assassination material qualifies for postponement of disclosure, the Board may create and prepare for release a summary of the assassination material in order to provide for the fullest disclosure feasible; and (4) where the Board determines that a record is not assassination material, or that a record, or particular information in the record, qualifies for postponement of disclosure, the Board shall transmit to the originating body written notice of such determination, together with a copy of the record at issue, and, if the originating body is an executive agency, a copy of such notice and record shall be transmitted to appropriate congressional committees. Provides that in the case of records for which the Warren Commission or specified congressional committees are originating bodies, where the Review Board determines that a record is assassination material, and that a record, particular information in a record, a summary of a record, or a substitution for particular information in a record is appropriate for release pursuant to this Act, the Review Board shall transmit the record, particular information, summary, or substitution to the Archivist in order for it to be made public. States that the Review Board's decision to release shall not be subject to review by the President or any other entity of the Government and shall not be subject to judicial review. Provides that in the case of records for which the originating body is an executive agency, excluding the Warren Commission, where the Review Board determines that a record, particular information in a record, a summary of a record, or a substitution for particular information in a record is appropriate for release pursuant to this Act, the Review Board shall transmit to the originating body written notice of its determination. Provides that in such event, the Review Board shall transmit the record, particular information, summary, or substitute to the Archivist in order for such material to be made public, unless the President has certified to the Review Board and the Archivist that the material qualifies for postponement of disclosure, in which case release of the material shall be postponed, and this decision shall not be subject to judicial review. Prohibits the President from delegating this authority to any other official or entity. Provides that whenever the President makes such a certification, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a written statement setting forth the reasons for superseding the Board's determination and a copy of the material at issue. Requires the Review Board to periodically make available for public inspection a notice of all postponements of assassination materials. Provides that in any case in which a determination of the Review Board to release assassination material is superseded by the President, the President shall publish in the Federal Register notice of such action. Sets forth special rules for the marking and review of materials the disclosure of which is postponed. Authorizes the Review Board to request the Department of Justice to petition any court to release any information relevant to the assassination of President Kennedy that has been sealed. Authorizes the Review Board to request the Attorney General to petition any U.S. court to release any such information that is held under injunction of secrecy of a grand jury. Requires the Review Board to seek access to the autopsy photographs and x-rays donated to the National Archives by the Kennedy family and submit to appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of these materials and on access to these materials by individuals consistent with the deed of gift. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Attorney General should assist the Review Board in good faith to unseal any records that the Board determines to be relevant and held under seal by a court or under the injunction of secrecy of a grand jury; (2) the Secretary of State should contact the government of the Republic of Russia and any other foreign government that may hold relevant information and seek the disclosure of all such information; and (3) all executive agencies should cooperate in full with the Review Board to seek the disclosure of all information relevant to the Kennedy assassination consistent with the public interest. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 406 (102nd)referred

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to eliminate perquisites for Members of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LII to prohibit the use of appropriated funds by Members of the House for such items as meals, banking services, medicine, ambulance service, haircuts, stationery supplies, athletic facilities, recording services, photographic services, and printing services at costs lower than those charged to the public. Requires such items to be provided through private sector contracts that take into account such expenses as rent, utilities, insurance, and supplies. Amends rule XI to prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to defray expenses of committee members or employees incurred while traveling outside of the United States or its territories or possessions, unless a committee resolution has been approved that authorizes such travel and sets forth certain requirements. Adds rule LIII to limit to $200 the Official Expenses Allowance for the purchase of postage stamps by a Member of the House in each congressional session.

Bill· HRH.R. 4585 (102nd)referred

National Child Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1992

National Child Protection Act of 1992 - Establishes a national criminal background check system (system) to which a designated agency in each State is required to report child abuse crime information, or index such information in the system, for purposes of background checks of child care providers. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) guidelines for the reporting of such information; and (2) timetables for each State to report such information to the System (with a three-year deadline for all States to be reporting at a specified level of currency). Requires State agencies to maintain close liaison for the exchange of technical assistance in cases of child abuse with the National Center: (1) on Child Abuse and Neglect; (2) for Missing and Exploited Children; and (3) for the Prosecution of Child Abuse. Directs the Attorney General to publish annually: (1) a statistical summary of the child abuse crime information reported under this Act; and (2) a summary of each State's progress in reporting child abuse crime information to the system. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to conduct a study to determine various factors relating to potential child abuse crimes and offenders, based on a statistically significant sample of convicted child abuse offenders and other relevant information. Requires a report on such study to be submitted to specified congressional committee officials. Authorizes a State to have in effect procedures to permit a qualified entity (i.e., a business or organization that provides child care or child care placement services, or that certifies others to provide such care or services) to contact a State agency to request a nationwide background check to determine if a child care provider is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a background check crime. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) guidelines for State background check procedures, but permits the Attorney General to certify that a State procedure is equivalent to that under this Act under specified circumstances; and (2) criteria for such certifications. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) prescribe such other measures as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act; and (2) encourage the use of the best technology available in conducting background checks. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to provide for the use of drug control and system improvement grants for the improvement of State record systems and the sharing of records of child abuse crime information to implement this Act. Directs the Attorney General, subject to appropriations and with preference to States that have the lowest percent currency of case dispositions in computerized criminal history files, to make additional grants to each State to be used, for purposes of this Act: (1) for the computerization of criminal history files; (2) for the improvement of existing computerized criminal history files; (3) to improve accessibility to the system; and (4) to assist the State in the transmittal of criminal records to, or the indexing of criminal history records in, the system. Authorizes: (1) appropriations; and (2) the withholding of a portion of the allocation for a fiscal year under the Omnibus Act to a State that is not in compliance with the timetable established under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4571 (102nd)referred

Community and Residents Education at Hazardous Waste Sites Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1992

Community and Residents Education at Hazardous Waste Sites Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct health studies at any hazardous waste facility and take other actions with respect to risks to human health posed by such facility. Requires the ATSDR Administrator, if a health study finds that the exposure concerned may present a health risk, to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State (if the State has an authorized hazardous waste program) and recommend actions necessary to reduce the exposure and eliminate or mitigate risks. Directs the EPA Administrator or the State to order the owner or operator of the facility to take steps to reduce the exposure and eliminate or mitigate the risks. Provides for public participation in health studies, including public meetings and comments on proposed studies and public availability of completed studies. Permits petitions to request the performance of a health study. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the ATSDR Administrator to: (1) develop a plan to perform health assessments at hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) give priority in selecting such facilities to the 25 facilities believed to present the highest risk to human health; and (3) report to the Congress on such assessments, including findings on exposure and risk reduction and efforts to improve responsiveness to communities. Establishes: (1) an ATSDR Peer Review Board to carry out technical and scientific peer review of ATSDR health studies; and (2) an ATSDR Citizen Review Board to monitor ATSDR and EPA responsiveness to citizen concerns and to make recommendations on ways to improve citizen involvement and the readability of documents intended for public consumption. Requires: (1) the Peer Review Board to review and report to the Congress on the quality of the ATSDR health assessments; and (2) the Citizen Review Board to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the ATSDR in responding to the needs of communities for information on health effects of hazardous wastes. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the ATSDR Administrator to make health education grants to any group that may be affected by exposure to hazardous wastes from a facility with respect to which a health study is being conducted. Permits such grants to be used for obtaining the following from health professionals: (1) information about threats of exposure and actions that can be taken to reduce exposure; (2) assistance in interpreting and reviewing health assessments and studies and other information developed by the ATSDR and other agencies; and (3) assistance in preparing public comments and in designing community health surveillance techniques. Limits the amount of such grants. Authorizes grant cost recovery from hazardous waste facility owners or operators as a condition of receiving a facility permit. Applies small purchase or other simplified procurement procedures to grant recipients. Permits grant cost recovery as a response cost under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 from persons contributing to hazardous substance releases in cases where a health assessment or study discloses exposure of a population to such releases. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to make specified amounts available to the Director of the Office of Research and Development for grants to demonstrate nonincineration technologies for the treatment of dioxin and hazardous wastes and substances. Requires the EPA Administrator to consider the use of nonincineration treatment technologies in corrective and response actions and to promote public participation in such demonstrations.

Law· HRH.R. 4542 (102nd)enacted

Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992 - Title I: Tougher Law Enforcement Against Auto Theft - Subtitle A: Enhanced Penalties for Auto Theft - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a fine, up to 20 years imprisonment, or both, for taking (or attempting to take) a motor vehicle from the person or presence of another by force, violence, or intimidation. Increases penalties for: (1) the importation and exportation of stolen motor vehicles, off-highway mobile equipment, vessels, or aircraft (stolen vehicles); and (2) the transportation, sale, or receipt of stolen vehicles. Makes altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers, exporting or importing stolen vehicles, and dealing in counterfeit obligations or securities predicate offenses to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Subtitle B: Targeted Law Enforcement - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to Anti-Car Theft Committees submitting applications in compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. Sets forth application requirements, including a statement from a chief executive of such committee that the applicant committee: (1) is either a State agency, an agency of a unit of local government, or a nonprofit entity organized pursuant to specific authorizing legislation by a State or such unit; (2) is or will be financed in part by a tax or fee on motor vehicles registered by or possessed within the State of not less than one dollar per vehicle; and (3) will devote its resources entirely to combating motor vehicle theft. Establishes formulas for the allocation of grant funds. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Automobile Title Fraud - Directs the Attorney General: (1) by March 1, 1993, to conduct a review of information systems pertaining to the titling of motor vehicles utilized by one or more States or by a third party which represents the interests of States, and promulgate such regulations as the Attorney General deems necessary to the establishment of an information system to serve as a clearinghouse for information pertaining to the titling of motor vehicles; and (2) within six months of the promulgation of regulations, and by no later than September 1, 1993, to establish such a system. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to: (1) system operation; (2) user fees; (3) minimum capabilities of the system (such as enabling the user to determine the validity and status of a document purporting to be a certificate of title); and (4) information availability. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes a State, by written notice to the operator, to elect to participate in the system. Grants the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation authority to deny access to the National Crime Information Center system to any State failing to participate in the information system pursuant to this Act. Sets forth: (1) title verification requirements (by participating States); (2) reporting requirements (by operators of junk or salvage yards and by insurance carriers); and (3) enforcement provisions (providing for the assessment and collection by the Attorney General of a civil penalty, which sum may be deducted from any sums owed by the United States to the person charged, subject to specified requirements). Title III: Illicit Trafficking in Stolen Auto Parts - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate a vehicle theft prevention standard which conforms to the requirements of this Act and which applies with respect to major automobile parts and replacement parts. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) deadlines for promulgation of a proposed and final standard, extensions, and the effective date of such standard; and (2) application of such standard (to major parts installed by the motor vehicle manufacturer in automobiles with a model year designation later than the calendar year in which such standard takes effect and major replacement parts manufactured after such standard takes effect). Requires that engines and transmissions installed by the motor vehicle manufacturer be permanently stamped with the vehicle identification number and that other major parts have labels affixed meeting certain specifications. Prohibits the standard, in the case of major replacement parts, from requiring identification of any part which is not designed as a replacement for a major part required to be identified under such standard and the inscribing or affixing of any identification other than a symbol identifying the manufacturer and a common symbol identifying the part as a major replacement part. Prohibits such standards from imposing costs, to comply with such standard, upon any manufacturer of: (1) motor vehicles in excess of $15 per vehicle; or (2) major replacement parts in excess of such reasonable lesser amount per major replacement part as the Attorney General specifies in such standard. Specifies that the cost of identifying engines and transmissions shall not be taken into account in calculating a manufacturer's costs under such provision. Directs the Secretary of Labor, at the beginning of each calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1993, as data becomes available, to certify to the Attorney General and publish in the Federal Register the percentage difference between the average of the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months preceding the beginning of such calendar year and such average for the base period. Specifies that, effective for model years beginning in such calendar year, the amounts specified in the previous paragraph shall be adjusted by such percentage difference. Requires every manufacturer of a motor vehicle part which is subject to the standard and any manufacturer of major replacement parts subject to such standards: (1) to establish and maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such items and information as the Attorney General may reasonably require to enable the Attorney General to determine whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this Act and such standard; and (2) upon request of an officer or employee (officer) designated by the Attorney General, to permit such officer to inspect vehicles and major parts subject to the standard and appropriate documents relevant to determining whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this Act and such standard. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to inspections, certification of compliance with such standard, notification of errors to the Attorney General, and inapplicability of certification requirements (to motor vehicles or major replacement parts intended solely for export, which are so labeled or tagged on the vehicle or replacement part itself and on the outside of the container, if any, until exported, and which are exported). Directs the Attorney General to enter into an agreement for the operation of an information system containing the identification numbers of stolen motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and to designate an individual or entity as the operator of such system. Requires such system to include, at a minimum, the following information pertaining to each motor vehicle reported to a law enforcement authority as stolen and not recovered: (1) the vehicle identification number; (2) the make and model year; (3) the date on which the vehicle was reported as stolen; (4) the location of the law enforcement authority that received the reports of the vehicle's theft; and (5) if the vehicle at the time of its theft contained parts bearing identification numbers different from the vehicle identification number of the stolen vehicle, such identification numbers. Sets forth additional provisions regarding availability of information, recordkeeping, and user fees. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person from: (1) manufacturing for sale, selling, offering for sale, or introducing or delivering for introduction in interstate commerce or import into the United States any motor vehicle subject to the theft prevention standard under this Act or any major replacement part subject to such standard which is manufactured on or after the date the standard takes effect unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) failing to comply with any rule prescribed by the Attorney General under this Act; (3) failing to keep specified records (or refusing access to or copying of records), make reports or provide items or information, or permit (or refusing to permit) entry or inspection as required by this Act; or (4) failing to furnish certification, or issuing a certification if such person knows that such certification is materially false or misleading, pursuant to this Act. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person from selling, transferring, or installing a major part marked with an identification number without: (1) first making a request of the operator of the system and determining that such major part has not been reported as stolen; and (2) providing the transferee with a written certificate bearing a description of such major part and the identification number affixed to such major part. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act, including injunctions (upon petition by the Attorney General) to restrain specified violations of, and criminal contempt for violation of an injunction or restraining order issued pursuant to, this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to venue and subpoenas. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the confidentiality of information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Attorney General pursuant to this Act, with exceptions; (2) judicial review; and (3) coordination of State and local law with the Federal vehicle theft prevention standard. Directs the Attorney General to conduct three- and five-year studies regarding motor vehicle theft and make recommendations to the Congress. Title IV: Export of Stolen Vehicles - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Commissioner of Customs to direct customs officers to conduct random inspections of motor vehicles and shipping containers that contain motor vehicles being exported for purposes of determining whether such vehicles were stolen. Directs the Commissioner to require all persons or entities exporting used self-propelled vehicles by air or ship to provide to the U.S. Customs Service, at least 72 hours before the export, the vehicle identification number of each such vehicle and proof of ownership of such vehicle. Makes such requirement applicable to vehicles exported for personal use. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a pilot study of the utility of a nondestructive examination system for inspection of containers that contain motor vehicles leaving the country for the purpose of determining whether such vehicles are stolen.

Law· HRH.R. 4551 (102nd)enacted

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents of an individual of Japanese ancestry in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Terminates the duties of the Attorney General a specified period after the Fund terminates (currently, when the Fund terminates).

Bill· HRH.R. 4558 (102nd)referred

Infrastructure Investment Accounting Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Infrastructure Investment Accounting Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to require the annual budget submitted by the President to be a unified budget which includes an infrastructure investment account. Requires such budget to present prior, current, and future proposed amounts and contain: (1) unified budget financing requirements; and (2) for the infrastructure investment account physical infrastructure revenues, physical infrastructure investments, physical infrastructure financing requirements before interfund transfers, interfund transfers, and physical infrastructure financing requirements. Requires the President, in addition to the unified budget, to present such information for accounts, agencies, and functions. States that the infrastructure investment account includes only the major activities, projects, and programs which support the acquistition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure. Requires all other activities, projects, and programs to be represented elsewhere in the unified budget. Defines a unified budget as one in which revenues and expenses for general funds, trust funds, and enterprise funds are consolidated to display totals for the Federal Government as a whole, including operating expenses. Requires the Comptroller General, as necessary, to review and report to the Congress on the implementation of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4543 (102nd)referred

Health Benefits for Small Businesses and Their Employees Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Health Benefits for Small Businesses and Their Employees Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat partners and certain shareholders of subchapter S corporations (certain small businesses) so as to exclude from gross income contributions by the partnership or S corporation to an accident or health plan for such partners and shareholders and their employees.

Bill· HRH.R. 4537 (102nd)open

Coral Reef Environmental Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Coral Reef Environmental Act - Establishes a joint program between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct environmental research, monitoring, and public education relating to coral reef ecosystems. Directs the EPA Administrator and the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to jointly develop guidelines for assessing quality of coastal and marine waters in which coral reef ecosystems are found to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of such ecosystems. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of State to work with other nations and international organizations to: (1) implement an international research program to monitor the status of coral reef and related ecosystems; (2) implement a global strategy for the sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems and to encourage multilateral research efforts on sustainable management of such ecosystems; and (3) promote public education on the conservation of such ecosystems. Directs the President to convene conferences of the parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) for purposes of identifying research and management needs in coral reef ecology and their sustainable use and the implementation of such programs in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4530 (102nd)referred

Federal Travel Disclosure Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Federal Travel Discosure Act of 1992 - Prohibits: (1) the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds for Government travel other than from amounts specifically appropriated by law for such purpose; and (2) any Federal entity from expending funds for the travel expenses of any individual employed by another Federal entity without being reimbursed by the individual or the travel account of the individual's employer. Directs the head of each executive department to designate a travel supervisor. Specifies the travel supervisors for the legislative and judicial branches. Requires all Government travel to be: (1) approved in advance by the appropriate travel supervisor; (2) accomplished by the most economical means conveniently possible; and (3) accomplished by U.S. commercial carrier wherever possible, unless the travel supervisor determines that an alternative means is more economical or necessary to achieve the goal of the mission. Requires all legislative branch foreign travel to be approved in advance by recorded vote of the committee (in the case of travel by a committee member or committee staff) or by the appropriate travel supervisor. Provides that advance approval shall not be required for travel which either does not require an individual to spend the night away from his or her principal residence or place of employment or which is undertaken under emergency circumstances as defined in written guidelines established by the appropriate travel supervisor. Requires each travel supervisor to establish written guidelines for Government travel and to submit quarterly reports with respect to such travel to the Administrator of General Services (for executive branch or independent agency travel), the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate (for legislative branch travel), and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (for judicial branch travel). Requires that such reports be made available for public inspection.

Bill· HRH.R. 4528 (102nd)referred

Youth Employability Services 2000 Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Youth Employability Services 2000 Act of 1992 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize appropriations to establish five additional Job Corps centers during each of the ten fiscal years beginning with FY 1993. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to evaluate the educational curricula offered by the Job Corps as to whether participants are being adequately prepared with skills to meet the technological demands of the marketplace. Requires a report to the Congress and dissemination of evaluation results. Revises the age limits for participation in the Job Corps to allow not more than 20 percent of the enrollees to be from age 22 through 24. Declares that JTPA allows participants to participate concurrently or sequentially in both the Job Corps and training services for the disadvantaged. Increases from ten to 20 percent the allowable number of nonresidential participants enrolled in the Job Corps in any year. Requires that, in enrolling nonresidential participants, priority be given to those eligible individuals who are single parents with dependent children. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing the number of residential participants in Job Corps programs during any program year below the number during 1991 in order to increase the number of nonresidential participants. Prohibits use of Department of Labor funds to contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer or manage a Civilian Conservation Center of the Job Corps on public land. Directs the Secretary, as practicable, to provide child care at or near Job Corps centers for individuals who require such care for their children in order to participate in the Job Corps. Requires each Job Corps center to provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling and referral to participants who need such services. Directs the Secretary to provide all nonprofit Job Corps contractors with an equitable and negotiated management fee of not less than one percent of the contract amount.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 404 (102nd)referred

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit the availability of appropriations for the Official Mail Allowance of the House of Representatives to 1 year and to require that any amounts remaining unobligated at the end of the year shall revert to the Treasury.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit consideration of any measure appropriating amounts for the Office Mail Allowance of the House unless it: (1) prohibits availability of any such amount for obligation after the end of the fiscal year for which the amount is appropriated; and (2) requires any amount not obligated before the end of the fiscal year to revert to the Treasury.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 297 (102nd)referred

Condemning the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aires.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Condemns the March 17, 1992, bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Declares that the U.S. Government should fully cooperate with the Governments of Argentina and Israel in identifying and bringing to justice all of the individuals responsible.

Bill· HRH.R. 4516 (102nd)referred

Community Services Empowerment Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992

Community Services Empowerment Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to establish the National Community Services Empowerment Partnership Corporation (Corporation). Authorizes the Corporation to appoint a Community Services Empowerment Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Corporation an Office of Inspector General. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants to existing or emerging community services empowerment corporations (corporations) for revolving funds that will provide assistance for business and employment opportunities in low-income urban and rural areas. Obligates at least ten percent of existing corporation annual appropriations for loans and capital investments to locally-owned small enterprises in high unemployment areas. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility requirements; (2) aggregate grant limits; (3) limitations on capital investment, administrative costs, technical assistance, and training; and (4) limitations on loan repayments and capital investment proceeds. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants for: (1) emerging corporation enhancement, technical assistance, and training; and (2) research and development. Sets forth audit and reporting provisions. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4498 (102nd)referred

Buddy System Computer Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992

Buddy System Computer Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award a grant to each of three States to create a computer-based education project for children in grades six through eight. Requires such awards to be on an competitive basis. Gives preference to applications: (1) from States with demonstrated ability or commitment to computer-based technology education; and (2) describing projects serving school districts serving a large number or percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Requires site selection and project implementation within nine months after funds are appropriated. Requires such projects to: (1) be provided in a continuous three-year form to two consecutive groups of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders; (2) be conducted in not more than seven public schools within the State; and (3) ensure each student in such classes participates and has access to a computer at school during the school year and at home during the school year and summer. Sets forth application requirements. Requires the use of grant funds to provide: (1) hardware and software components to all sites; and (2) training for classroom teachers as well as parents, administrators, and technical personnel. Requires the Secretary to evaluate such demonstration program and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4453 (102nd)referred

Department of Defense Civilian Employee Management Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1992

Department of Defense Civilian Employee Management Reform Act of 1992 - Revises guidelines for reductions of civilian personnel within the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the Secretary of Defense (currently, each agency or component of DOD that employs persons who are or may be furloughed) to include annually in budget materials submitted to the Congress a master plan (currently, a five-year master plan) for DOD as a whole, and for each military department, defense agency, or other employing component of DOD. Requires each master plan to include civilian DOD employment information with respect to the previous two, the current, and the upcoming two fiscal years. Outlines information to be provided in each master plan, including a profile of civilian employment levels sufficient to establish and maintain a baseline for tracking annual accessions and losses of DOD civilian personnel and to provide for the analysis of trends in civilian employment levels within DOD as a whole and within its related departments, agencies, and components. Requires annual trends in employment workloads for industrial- and commercial-type activities of DOD that are funded through the Defense Business Operating Fund to also be included in each such master plan. Permits deviation from the guidelines in the master plans when critical to the national security of the United States, requiring congressional notification of such determination by the Secretary, together with the reasons therefor. Prohibits a DOD military department, defense agency, or component from implementing any involuntary reductions or furloughs of civilian DOD personnel until 45 days after notification to the Congress.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 399 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the veterans health care system administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs should be maintained within that Department as a system uniquely charged with the mission of providing health care for the Nation's veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1992

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the veterans' health care system administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs should be maintained within that Department uniquely for providing health care for veterans; and (2) eligibility for health care services provided by such health care system should not be expanded to non-veterans other than to provide care for veterans' dependents or to enter into sharing arrangements with other health-care providers.

Bill· HRH.R. 4434 (102nd)referred

Paper Recycling Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992

Paper Recycling Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of four percent on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any designated paper product that does not meet applicable minimum recycled content standards. Provides a higher tax on products which fail to satisfy the applicable standard and one or more levels below such standard. Allows a business-related tax credit for the production of high recycled content paper. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish minimum recycled content standards for paper products for 1993 through 2004 and thereafter.

Bill· HRH.R. 4435 (102nd)referred

Improvement of Housing for the Elderly and Disabled Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992

Improvement of Housing for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Title I: Authority to Provide Housing Under United States Housing Act of 1937 for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize public housing authorities to provide designated (such as only elderly or only handicapped) low-income housing, and make units available only to families so designated. Requires that current waiting lists be observed before initiating designated housing options. Prohibits forced tenant moves based upon amendments made by this title. Considers central dining facility expenditures made in connection with congregate housing as an operating cost. Title II: Standards and Obligations of Residency and Coordination of Services in Federally Assisted Housing - Requires federally assisted housing owners and public housing authorities to select only tenants who comply with specified occupancy criteria. Permits refusal of occupancy because of: (1) criminal activity; (2) prior evictions; (3) a history of disturbing other neighbors or destroying property; (4) intentional misrepresentations; or (5) failure to meet financial obligations. Requires leases to enumerate such criteria and state that their violation shall be sufficient grounds for eviction. Requires the appointment of service coordinators in federally assisted housing to coordinate services for older or disabled residents, which may include safety, social, health, and nutritional services. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct public housing agencies to assist elderly or disabled families in funding nonpublic housing.

Bill· HRH.R. 4427 (102nd)referred

Black Bear Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992

Black Bear Protection Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of American black bear viscera. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress on the American black bear viscera trade. Requires the United States Trade Representative to discuss issues involving such trade with countries that are the leading importers of such products.

Bill· HRH.R. 4436 (102nd)referred

To establish a loan program at the Department of Commerce to promote the development and commercialization of advanced technologies and products.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992

Authorizes loans under specified provisions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to small and medium sized businesses for development and commercialization of advanced technologies and products and research and development on, and demonstration of the commercial feasibility of, advanced technologies and products in specified fields. Regulates the loan interest rate. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4414 (102nd)referred

To establish an Intercity Rail Passenger Capital Improvement Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992

Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to establish as one of Amtrak's goals the achievement, by October 1, 2000, of a positive ratio of annual revenue to annual operating costs. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish in the Treasury an Intercity Rail Passenger Capital Improvement Trust Fund to provide moneys to improve the safety of intercity rail passenger operations. Requires amounts from a one cent tax imposed on each gallon of diesel and gasoline to be deposited into the Trust Fund.

Bill· HRH.R. 4416 (102nd)referred

Dire Emergency Job Creation Appropriations Act, 1992

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992

Dire Emergency Job Creation Appropriations Act, 1992 - Makes dire emergency appropriations for FY 1992 to stimulate the economy and to create and retain productive jobs. Title I: Immediate Job Creation Through Vital Public Investments - Appropriates funds for the following investments in transportation to: (1) accelerate the resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the nation's interstate highway system; (2) accelerate the construction, reconstruction, restoration, and rehabilitation of highways and transit systems; (3) accelerate the construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, and roads within airport boundaries; and (4) accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of National Park Service roads and parkways and the completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System. Declares the Federal share payable for highway projects to be 95 percent. Provides for the apportionment to the States of such funds and exempts such funds from specified limitations. Makes additional funds available for: (1) community development grants; (2) community services block grants to encourage the creation of business and employment opportunities; and (3) child care and development block grants to improve the availability and quality of child care services. Makes additional funds available for investments in: (1) wastewater treatment facilities; (2) water resource, hydroelectric power, irrigation, and reclamation projects; (3) natural resource protection and enhancement; (4) urban forest maintenance; and (5) park and recreation area improvements. Appropriates additional funds for investments in: (1) public housing modernization; (2) rural housing improvements; (3) energy conservation home improvements for low-income households; and (4) military family housing improvements in the United States. Appropriates an additional amount to restore the prior level of Federal support for economic development purposes as in effect immediately before September 30, 1982. Appropriates additional amounts to create jobs and promote economic development in the Appalachian and Tennessee Valley regions. Makes additional new and direct guaranteed loan authority available to increase small business opportunities. Makes available additional loan authority and additional funding for investments in: (1) rural electrification and telephone system upgrades; (2) watershed and conservation development; and (3) rural water and sewer improvements. Appropriates additional funds for: (1) maintaining and protecting public investment in Federal buildings; (2) improving facilities for veterans; (3) expanding and modernizing correctional facilities; (4) improving Indian health/reservation facilities; (5) constructing Federal biomedical research facilities; and (6) accelerating library construction. Appropriates funds to the Department of Labor to establish the emergency job creation program to provide productive jobs in an expeditious manner. Sets forth administrative provisions for such program. Requires the use of such funds to provide unemployed individuals with temporary employment for not more than six months for the repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation of publicly-owned facilities or for the conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of public lands. Provides for allocating such funds to the territories, native Americans, and the States. Title II: Short-Term Assistance for Those Adversely Affected by the Economic Downturn - Makes additional funds available for: (1) the emergency food and shelter program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2) retraining displaced workers who have been adversely affected by the recession; (3) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); and (4) the emergency food assistance program. Title III: Investments for Long-Term Economic Expansion - Appropriates additional funds for certain research and development and advanced technology programs concerning: (1) high energy physics; (2) advanced technology and technology transfer; (3) research facility upgrades; and (4) oceanic and atmospheric research. Appropriates additional funds for investments in education through: (1) the Head Start program; (2) vocational skills improvement; (3) construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of academic and residential facilities; and (4) science and engineering education and human resources programs. Title IV: General Provisions - Prohibits appropriations contained in this Act from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided. Designates all funds in this Act as emergency requirements for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

Bill· HRH.R. 4400 (102nd)open

Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992

Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program from October 1, 1993, to October 1, 2000. Amends the Small Business Act regarding small business eligiblity for Federal agency research and development awards to include in the three-phase evaluation process determining the technological feasibility of ideas those ideas which appear to have commercial potential. Prescribes minimum SBIR expenditure amounts for FY 1992 through 1997 and after. Requires each Federal agency that is required to establish an SBIR program to: (1) determine unilaterally research topics within its SBIR solicitations, giving special consideration to topics which permit substantial applicant participation in research project formulation; and (2) make payments in full to SBIR funding agreement recipients, subject to specified audit deadlines. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (the Administrator) to modify directives for the conduct of general SBIR policy to provide for: (1) rights to data; (2) continued use of agency property; (3) follow-on contracts; and (4) increased amounts of Phase 1 awards. Repeals the requirement for an annual report by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides that if a Federal agency required to establish an SBIR program makes an SBIR solicitation award for which it receives only one proposal, it shall provide written justification of such award in its next annual report. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on specified aspects of SBIR program implementation.

Bill· HRH.R. 4406 (102nd)open

Trucking Regulatory Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992

Trucking Regulatory Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to include as objectives of U.S. transportation policy in regulating transportation by motor carrier, the promotion of competitive and efficient transportation services in order to: (1) allow, to the maximum extent possible, competition and the demand for services to establish reasonable rates for transportation by motor carriers of property; and (2) minimize the need for Federal regulatory control over the motor carrier transportation system and require fair and expeditious regulatory decisions when regulation is required. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to exempt motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods from its jurisdiction whenever it finds that: (1) its jurisdiction is not necessary to carry out U.S. transportation policy; and (2) either such transaction or service of the motor carrier is of limited scope, or ICC jurisdiction is not needed to protect shippers from the abuse of market power. Authorizes the ICC to exempt transportation provided by such motor carriers as a part of a continuous intermodal movement. Declares that the fact that a rate, classification, rule, or practice relating to motor common carriers was included in a tariff duly filed with the ICC shall not relieve such carriers from liability or any remedy under the antitrust laws in instances where the conditions of an agreement between such carriers regarding such rate, classification, rule, or practice are not met, unless the ICC has determined its reasonableness. Prohibits agreements approved by the ICC from providing for docketing of the independent actions of carriers of non-household goods, or for discussion of or voting upon such actions. Excepts from the general reasonableness standard: (1) independently determined rates or rates determined by the independent action of motor carriers providing transportation of property of non-household goods; and (2) the establishment of through routes by such carriers. Excludes divisions of joint rates by such carriers from the general requirement that they be made without unreasonable discrimination against a participating carrier, and that they must be reasonable. Requires the ICC to prescribe only the maximum rate of the classification, rule, or practice to be followed in the case of a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods which establishes rates collectively in an organization established or continued under an approved agreement or by certain independent action. Declares that the ICC is not authorized to begin immediately on its own initiative or on application of an interested party a proceeding to determine the lawfulness of proposed rates, classifications, rules, and practices that are independently determined, or established by independent action, by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes the ICC to make such a determination when a new rate, classification, rule, or practice established by independent action or collectively by an approved agreement is filed with the ICC by or on behalf of a motor common carrier or two or more interlining motor common carriers of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of household goods on the grounds that such rate is unreasonable because too high or too low if specified requirements are met. Allows the ICC to take such action with respect to rates proposed by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Subjects the docketing of rates by independent actions by motor common carriers of property other than household goods to the U.S. antitrust laws. Bars construction as a violation of such antitrust laws the docketing of independent actions by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods on the grounds that such a rate is unreasonable because too high, unless the proposed rate is established by independent action or established collectively under an agreement approved by the ICC. Declares that certain limitations on the establishment of rates, classifications, and rules by freight forwarders shall not apply if they are independently determined, or established by independent action, by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes such a motor common carrier to establish any transportation rate if it is independently determined or established by independnent action. Authorizes the ICC to grant relief, if consistent with the public interest and U.S. transportation policy, from any requirement that a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods have in effect a rate for transportation service which does not limit its liability. Prohibits the ICC from prescribing the maximum reasonable charge or allowance that may be paid for certain shipper-furnished transportation services or facilities by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods under rates that are independently determined or established by independent action. Prescribes alternative ways to satisfy a claim made by a motor carrier of non-household goods or by a non-household goods freight forwarder regarding the collection of rates in addition to those originally billed and collected. Provides for settlement of any dispute about such claims. Sets forth a statute of limitations for civil actions for the recovery of motor carrier charges and overcharges. Authorizes motor carriers and shippers to resolve overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications. Requires a specified report to the Congress. Excepts motor contract carriers of property from the general requirement that contract carriers establish, and file with the ICC, rates for transportation and rules and practices related to such rates. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from the general requirement that carriers providing transportation or service include the rate for such transportation or service in a tariff. Declares any such rate, determined collectively by an agreement approved by the ICC or by independent action, to be considered a maximum rate. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from general tariff requirements. Declares that a motor contract carrier of property is not required to publish or file with the ICC actual or minimum rates. Excepts a motor contract carrier of property or of passengers from the requirement that contract carriers publish, file, and keep open for public inspection a notice of any proposed new or reduced rates. Declares that a published or filed rate shall be conclusive proof against a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods that such rate is the maximum legal rate for the transportation or service with respect to civil actions involving transportation rebates and rate, discrimination, and tariff violations. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the ICC to determine jointly by rule, after notice and opportunity for comment, the proper use of safety ratings (especially conditional and unsatisfactory ratings) in determining whether a motor carrier owner or operator or an applicant for an operating certificate meets certain safety fitness requirements. Amends the conditions for issuing a certificate or permit authorizing a person to provide transportation as a motor common or contract carrier of property or a motor contract carrier. Requires such an issuance if the person is able to comply with existing ICC regulations as well as: (1) certain safety fitness requirements established by the Secretary; and (2) certain minimum financial responsibility requirements. Requires the ICC in making such a finding to consider any evidence that the applicant is unable to comply with such requirements. Authorizes a person to protest an application on the basis that the applicant fails or will fail to comply with such requirements. Requires the ICC to find an applicant unfit if the applicant does not meet the safety fitness requirements. Subjects to certain commercial motor vehicle safety regulations motor carriers providing transportation of shipments weighing 100 pounds or less transported in a motor vehicle in which no one package exceeds 100 pounds and operating one or more commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. Authorizes one or more motor contract carriers of property providing transportation subject to ICC jurisdiction to enter into a contract with one or more purchasers of motor carrier services to provide specified services under specified rates and conditions to the extent permitted by the common law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Authorizes the ICC to suspend a certificate or permit of a motor carrier for failure to comply with certain safety fitness and minimum financial responsibility requirements. Authorizes States to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods. Requires the ICC to establish guidelines for determining whether the standards and procedures that a State authority will use in exercising jurisdiction over such transportation are in accordance with the standards and procedures applicable to regulation of motor carriers by the ICC. Sets forth specified State requirements. Authorizes any motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods, and any party to an administrative proceeding of any State authority in which the lawfulness of intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods is decided, to petition the ICC to review such decision. Grants the ICC authority to issue a certificate and permit authorizing a motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods to provide such transportation of household goods to provide such transportation intrastate. Grants the ICC exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for such transportation when specified conditions are met.

Bill· HRH.R. 4399 (102nd)open

To prohibit all United States military and economic assistance for Turkey until the Turkish Government takes certain actions to resolve the Cyprus problem and complies with its obligations under international law.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992

Prohibits U.S. military and economic assistance to Turkey until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Turkish Government has released or accounted for the five Americans abducted by the Turkish invasion forces in 1974 and the 1,614 Greek Cypriots who have been missing since the Turkish invasion; (2) the churches in the occupied parts of Cyprus that were converted to mosques in violation of the Geneva Conventions have been restored to their original condition for Christian worship; (3) all Turkish military forces in excess of those permitted by the 1960 Treaty of Alliance and all illegal Turkish colonists have been withdrawn from Cyprus; (4) the Turkish Government has returned the area of Famagusta/Varosha to the Government of Cyprus; (5) negotiations have resulted in progress towards establishing a democracy in Cyprus; and (6) the Turkish Government is in compliance with the United Nations Charter, specified United Nations resolutions, and the North Atlantic Treaty and is not engaged in human rights violations.