United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Equal Education Funding Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the formula for determining the amount of grants to States under the chapter 1 title I program for educationally disadvantaged children. Adds definitions for such basic grant program, including an average per pupil effort factor based on State and national average per pupil expenditures and income factors.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to raise the threshold amount at which remuneration for election personnel becomes subject to social security employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
National Cooperative Production Amendments of 1993 - Amends the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 to apply such Act to joint ventures for the production of a product, process, or service and the testing in connection with such production. Revises the Act to exclude from the definition of "joint venture" activities where two or more persons enter into an agreement or engage in any other conduct restricting, requiring, or otherwise involving the marketing, distribution, or provision by any person who is a party to such venture of any product, process, or service other than: (1) the distribution among the parties to such venture of a product, process, or service produced by the venture; (2) the marketing of proprietary information developed through the venture formed under a written agreement entered into before the date of this Act's enactment; or (3) the licensing, conveying, or transferring of intellectual property developed through such venture formed under a written agreement entered into on or after such date. Excludes from such definition the following activities: (1) entering into any agreement or engaging in any other conduct allocating a market with a competitor; (2) exchanging among competitors information relating to production (other than production by such venture) of a product, process, or service if such information is not reasonably required to carry out the purpose of such venture; (3) entering into any agreement or engaging in any other conduct restricting, requiring, or otherwise involving the production of a product, process, or service (other than the production by such venture); (4) using existing facilities in connection with the production of a product, process, or service by such venture unless such use is for the production of a new product or technology; and (5) entering into any agreement or engaging in any other conduct to restrict or require participation by any party to such venture in any unilateral or joint activity that is not reasonably required to carry out the purpose of such venture, with exceptions. Modifies the "rule of reason" standard to provide that, in any action under Federal antitrust law or similar State law, the conduct of any person in making or performing a contract to carry out a joint venture shall not be deemed illegal per se, but shall be judged based on its reasonableness, taking into account all relevant factors affecting competition, including effects on competition in properly defined, relevant research, development, product, process, and service markets. Specifies that: (1) for the purpose of determining a properly defined, relevant market, worldwide capacity shall be considered if appropriate in the circumstances; and (2) if a purpose of a joint venture is the production of a product, process, or service, a party to such venture may file a written notification of the identity and nationality of any party to such venture or controlling entity. Makes protections of the Act inapplicable with respect to a joint venture's production of a product, process, or service, unless: (1) the principal facilities for such production are located in the United States or its territories; and (2) each person who controls any party to such venture (including such party itself) is a U.S. person or a foreign person from a country whose law accords antitrust treatment no less favorable to U.S. persons than to such country's domestic persons with respect to participation in joint ventures for production. Sets forth reporting requirements regarding joint ventures and U.S. competitiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1993
Aircraft Equipment Settlement Leases Act of 1993 - Treats certain pension liability settlement leases involving aircraft equipment (or vessels) as leases for purposes of the Federal bankruptcy code if any agreements settling such liability: (1) involve at least one party who was a debtor under the code; (2) were, are, or will be made with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); and (3) stipulate that the leases shall be so treated.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal judicial code to reauthorize the independent counsel law for an additional five years. Directs: (1) the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide administrative support and guidance to each independent counsel; and (2) the Administrator of General Services to provide office space for each independent counsel. Requires an independent counsel to: (1) conduct all activities with due regard for expense, authorize only reasonable and lawful expenditures, and (promptly upon taking office) assign to a specific employee the duty of certifying that expenditures of the independent counsel are reasonable and made in accordance with law; and (2) comply with the established policies of the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding expenditures of funds, except to the extent that compliance would be inconsistent with the purposes of the Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) independent counsel per diem expenses; (2) independent counsel employee pay comparability; (3) ethics enforcement; (4) compliance with DOJ policies; (5) publication of reports; (6) annual reports to the Congress; (7) periodic reappointment of independent counsel; and (8) audits by the Comptroller General. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct a preliminary investigation upon the receipt of information sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether a Member of Congress may have violated any Federal criminal law, other than a violation classified as a Class B or C misdemeanor or an infraction, when the Attorney General determines that it would be in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Modification of Passive Loss Rules Title II: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments By Pension Funds Title III: Discharge of Indebtedness Real Estate Stability and Recovery Amendments Act of 1993 - Title I: Modification of Passive Loss Rules - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain rental real estate development activities from treatment as a passive activity for purposes of determining passive activity losses and credits. Title II: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments by Pension Funds - Modifies exceptions to the exclusion of real property acquired by a qualified organization from the meaning of acquisition indebtedness. Makes certain exceptions inapplicable to sales out of foreclosure by a financial institution. Applies the meaning of acquisition indebtedness to investments in certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocation is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships with respect to the treatment of unrelated business taxable income. Permits a tax-exempt title-holding company to receive unrelated business taxable income of up to ten percent of its gross income, if the income is incidentally derived from the holding of real property. Excludes from unrelated business taxable income: (1) gains from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of real property acquired from financial institutions that are in conservatorship or receivership; (2) amounts received or accrued as consideration for entering into agreements to make loans; and (3) all gains on the lapse or termination of options, written by an organization in connection with its investment activities, to buy or sell real property. Provides for the tax treatment of pension fund investments in real estate investment trusts. Title III: Discharge of Indebtedness - Excludes from gross income, the income from the discharge of qualified real property business indebtedness. Applies the excluded amount to reduce the basis of the depreciable real property. Limits such amount to the amount of outstanding indebtedness over the fair market value of the property, reduced by any other qualified real estate business indebtedness. Excludes qualified farm indebtedness from the definition of "qualified real property business indebtedness."
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993
Mandates that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993
Insurance Fraud Prevention Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties to be imposed upon persons engaged in the business of insurance whose activities affect commerce and who: (1) knowingly, with intent to deceive, make a materially false statement or report or willfully and materially overvalue land, property, or security in connection with reports or documents presented to an insurance regulatory official or agency, or to any agent or examiner (official) appointed to examine the affairs of such person for the purpose of influencing in any way the actions of such official; (2) willfully embezzle or misappropriate funds or property while acting as an officer, director, agent, or employee (officer) of such person; (3) knowingly make a false entry of material fact in any book, report, or statement of such person with intent to deceive any person about the financial condition or solvency of such business; and (4) by threats or force, corruptly influence, obstruct, or endeavor corruptly to influence or obstruct the proper administration of the law under which a proceeding (involving the business of insurance whose activities affect interstate commerce) is pending before an insurance regulatory official appointed to examine the affairs of such person. Authorizes the Attorney General to seek civil penalties and injunctions for violations of this Act. Sets penalties for obstructing criminal investigations with respect to the prosecution of cases of insurance fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1993
Requests the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to publish, within one year, proposed amended regulations that specify the components of an adequate operator training program and that provide that only trained employees be authorized to operate powered industrial trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Insurance Competitive Pricing Act of 1993 - Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to eliminate the antitrust exemption applicable to the business of insurance where the conduct of an individual engaged in such business involves: (1) price fixing; (2) allocating with a competitor a geographical area in which, or persons to whom, insurance will be offered for sale; (3) unlawfully tying the sale or purchase of one type of insurance to that of another type of insurance, or of any other service or product; or (4) monopolizing, or attempting to monopolize, any part of such business. Retains such exemption for conduct involving the making of a contract, or engaging in a combination or conspiracy, to: (1) collect or disseminate historical loss data; (2) determine a loss development factor applicable to such data; or (3) perform actuarial services if such contract, combination, or conspiracy does not involve restraint of trade.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1992
Bankruptcy Amendments of 1992 - Title I: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to provide that the final hearing on a motion to lift an automatic stay must conclude within 30 days of the conclusion of the preliminary hearing on such motion, unless the 30 day period is extended with the consent of the parties in interest, or for a specific time which the court finds is required by compelling circumstances. Limits a debtor's exclusive periods for filing a reorganization plan and soliciting acceptances to one year, and 425 days, respectively, unless the need for such an increase is attributable to circumstances for which the debtor should not justly be held accountable. Permits the bankruptcy court to extend the filing period for a debt adjustment plan of a family farmer with regular annual income if the need for an extension is attributable to circumstances for which the debtor should not justly be held accountable. Postpones from October 1, 1993, to October 1, 1995, the expiration date for Chapter 12 bankruptcy laws regarding family farmers. States that the reaffirmation of a dischargeable debt is enforceable only if: (1) the reaffirmation agreement contains a clear and conspicuous statement advising the debtor that the agreement is not required under bankruptcy law, nonbankruptcy law, or a under any agreement not in accordance with bankruptcy law; and (2) the agreement is filed with the court, accompanied by a declaration that the debtor's attorney has fully advised the debtor of its legal consequences, and of any default under it. Permits bankruptcy court judges to hold status conferences, and to issue case limitations and conditions at such conferences. Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate that the judicial council of a circuit establish a bankruptcy appellate service composed of district bankruptcy judges in the circuit who are appointed by the council to hear appeals, subject to the consent of all the parties (unless the judicial council finds that there are either insufficient judicial resources available in the circuit, or the creation of such services would not likelyt improve the administration of justice). Sets forth appeals guidelines. Amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit bankruptcy administrators (in States in which the bankruptcy system is administered by a Bankruptcy Administrator instead of a U.S. Trustee) to preside at meetings of creditors and equity security holders, and to examine the debtor at creditors' meetings. Amends the Bankruptcy Code to include within the definition of "pension benefit guarantors and certain pension plans (thus enabling State pension funds and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to serve on creditors' committees). Increases the incentive compensation guidelines for bankruptcy trustees. Increases the dollar limitation and debt limits applicable to specified bankruptcy procedures (thus expanding the range of debtors eligible to repay debts over a time from regular income--Chapter 13 debtors, and accounting for inflation since 1978). Amends the judicial code to prohibit bankruptcy fees revised by the Judicial Conference from taking effect until they have been reported to the Congress, and until the expiration of 180 days after they have been reported. Requires the Judicial Conference to report to certain congressional committees regarding the impact of waiving certain bankruptcy fees and costs for debtors who file a voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization case in forma pauperis . Amends the Bankruptcy Code to: (1) extend from one to two years the period in which fraudulent transfers may be reviewed and voided by a bankruptcy trustee; and (2) conform its premerger notification provisions to the requirements for antitrust review of transactions of the Clayton Act. Entitles members of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization committees to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Title II: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Permits a Chapter 13 debtor to cure a mortgage default on a principal residence before its foreclosure sale. Declares that senior mortgage liens on a Chapter 13 debtor's principal residence may not be bifurcated to the extent they were not undersecured when they were originated. Declares criminal fines non-dischargeable under a Chapter 13 proceeding. Title III: Commercial Bankruptcy Issues - Declares that if a transfer made between 90 days and one year before the filing of a petition in bankruptcy is avoided by the bankruptcy trustee and was made for the benefit of a creditor that at the time of such transfer was an insider, the trustee may not recover from a transferee that is not an insider (thus shielding a non-insider transferee from treatment as an insider corporate creditor). Grants purchase-money security interest lenders a 20-day period in which to perfect their security interest (currently, ten days). Provides that a security interest agreement regarding real property and rents, which was created before the commencement of a bankruptcy case and extended to properties acquired before such commencement, also extends to rents acquired by the bankrupt estate after commencement of the case (unless the court orders otherwise). Amends Federal bankruptcy law to define "farmout agreement," and to articulate conditions udner which any interests in liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons which have been transferred pursuant to such an agreement are excluded from a debtor's estate. Extends from ten to 30 days the period in which a seller may make written demand upon an insolvent debtor to reclaim goods. Title IV: Governmental Bankruptcy Issues - Provides that the filing of a bankruptcy petition does not operate as an automatic stay of the creation, perfection, or enforcement of a statutory lien for an ad valorem property tax imposed by a governmental entity if such tax becomes due after the filing of a bankruptcy petition. Modifies the eligibility requirements for municipal bankruptcy filings to require that municipalities be specifically authorized by the State to file for bankruptcy. Title V: Technical Corrections - Makes technical and conforming corrections to the Bankruptcy Code. Title VI: Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Makes it inapplicable to bankruptcy cases commenced before its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1992
Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to set forth definitions relating to digital audio recording devices and media. Prohibits the importation, manufacture, or distribution of any digital audio recording device or interface device that does not conform to the Serial Copy Management System or any other system certified by the Secretary of Commerce as prohibiting unauthorized serial copying. Sets forth a mandatory filing procedure for the importation, manufacture, or distribution in the United States of digital audio recording devices or media. Requires importers and manufacturers to file quarterly and annual statements of account with the Register of Copyrights (the Register). Mandates Register verification and audit of such statements. Provides for confidentiality of statement information. Prescribes royalty payment guidelines for digital audio recording devices and media imported, manufactured, or distributed in the United States. Requires that royalty payments be deposited into the Treasury. Identifies interested copyright parties entitled to royalty payments. Prescribes royalty payment allocation and distribution procedures. Permits alternative royalty collection and distribution arrangements to be negotiated among interested copyright parties. Prohibits certain copyright infringement actions based on the manufacture, importation, or distribution of digital or analog audio recording devices or media or on the noncommercial use by a consumer of such devices or media for making musical recordings. Sets forth civil remedies for violations of this Act, including impoundment, remedial modification and destruction of non-complying devices, and binding arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to reauthorize the independent counsel law for an additional five years. Directs: (1) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide administrative support and guidance to each independent counsel; and (2) the General Services Administration to provide office space within a Federal building for each independent counsel. Requires an independent counsel to: (1) conduct all activities with due regard for expense, authorize only reasonable expenditures, and (promptly upon taking office) assign to a specific employee the duty to ensure expenditures are made in accordance with such principles; and (2) comply with the established policies of the Department of Justice regarding expenditures of funds to conduct investigations and prosecutions, except where such compliance would violate the purposes of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct a preliminary investigation upon the receipt of information sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether a Member of Congress may have violated any Federal criminal law, other than a violation classified as a Class B or C misdemeanor or an infraction.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie in recognition of his accomplishments as a musician. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to construct, establish, equip, maintain, and operate (or assist in constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating) an interagency child care facility at Fort Point, Galveston, Texas, on Federal property under the management and control of the Galveston District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide child care services for Federal employees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1992
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the appointment of additional permanent bankruptcy judges for: (1) the districts of Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey; (2) the middle and southern district of Georgia; (3) the middle districts of Florida and Tennessee; (3) the central district of California; (4) the southern districts of Florida and New York; (5) the northern districts of Georgia and Texas; (6) the eastern districts of Pennsylvania and Virginia; and (7) the western district of Tennessee. Provides for the appointment of additional temporary bankruptcy judges for: (1) the northern district of Alabama; (2) the districts of Colorado, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina; (3) the southern district of Illinois; and (4) the western district of Texas. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress on the continuing need for the bankruptcy judges authorized and any recommendations for the elimination of any authorized position when a vacancy exists.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992
Supports the planting of 500 redwood trees from California on the northwest coast of Spain in commemoration of the quincentenary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Designates such trees as a gift to the people of Spain made in the name of the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1992
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Marlin, Texas, as the Thomas T. Connally Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1992
Directs that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1992
Gulf of Mexico Environmental and Economic Restoration and Protection Act of 1992 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to environmental restoration of the Gulf of Mexico. Establishes a program for protection and preservation of the economic and environmental resources of the Gulf, to be known as the Gulf of Mexico Program. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Executive Board to: (1) prepare and update a joint plan for the Federal, State, interstate, local, and nongovernmental development of economic, ecological, and aesthetic resources of the Gulf and protection of the ecosystem; (2) develop long-range schedules for the collection and analysis of data and for planning and completion of projects in the Gulf and surrounding areas; and (3) approve and fund studies of economic, ecological, and aesthetic resource problems in the Gulf and surrounding areas. Sets forth required contents of the plan and requires the Administrator to submit the plan to the Congress. Provides for State cost-sharing of Gulf restoration activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants for the conduct of research to develop baseline scientific data regarding environmental quality of the Gulf for use in evaluating and implementing the plan. Authorizes grants to be awarded to any Gulf State agency, non-profit research organization, or university which meets eligibility requirements. Sets forth grant proposal, application, and cost-sharing requirements. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exclude construction and fire equipment from the definition of "excess defense articles" for purposes of restricting the transfer of such equipment to foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Declares that the proposed amendment to the Constitution providing that no law varying the compensation for Members of Congress shall take effect until an election of Representatives has intervened, has been ratified by a sufficient number of States and has become a part of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: 1993 Fiscal Year Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for: (1) general administration, salaries, and expenses; (2) the Office of Inspector General; (3) the United States Parole Commission; (4) general legal activities; (5) the Antitrust Division; (6) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (7) the United States Attorneys; (8) the United States Marshals Service; (9) the support of United States prisoners in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service; (10) fees and expenses of witnesses; (11) the Community Relations Service; (12) the United States Trustees System Fund; (13) the Assets Forfeiture Fund; (14) organized crime drug enforcement; (15) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (16) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (17) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and (18) the Federal Prison System. Authorizes Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated, to make expenditures necessary to carry out the program set forth in its budget for the current fiscal year. Title II: General Provisions - Allows up to $95,000 of the funds authorized to DOJ to be made available for official reception and representation expenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to transfer limited funds among appropriations, with exceptions. Requires each organization of DOJ, during FY 1993, to notify specified congressional committees and Members at least 15 days before: (1) reprogramming funds, subject to specified monetary and other limitations; (2) increasing personnel or funds by any means for any project or program from which funds or other resources have been restricted; (3) creation of new programs or significant augmentation of existing programs; (4) reorganization of offices or programs; and (5) significant relocation of offices or employees. Bars the Attorney General from delegating any power, duty, or function expressly conferred by this Act on the Attorney General. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the use of sums authorized to be appropriated for, and the proceeds of, undercover investigative operations of the FBI or DEA; (2) the deposit of proceeds from such operations to the Treasury (when they are no longer necessary for the conduct of such operations); and (3) the disposition of business entities established or acquired as part of an undercover operation. Requires the FBI or DEA, as the case may be, to: (1) conduct a detailed financial audit of each undercover investigative operation which is closed in FY 1993; (2) submit the results of such audit in writing to the Attorney General; and (3) report to the Congress within 180 days after such operation is closed concerning such audit. Sets forth additional reporting requirements by such agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Civil War Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of historically significant Civil War battlefields.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Antitrust Reform Act of 1992 - Authorizes Bell operating companies (BOCs) to apply to the Attorney General, notwithstanding the Modification of Final Judgement entered into on August 24, 1982 (AT&T consent decree), for authorization to: (1) engage in research and development related to telecommunications or customer premises equipment; (2) provide information services; (3) manufacture or provide telecommunications equipment, or manufacture customer premises equipment; (4) provide interexchange telecommunications. Requires such application to describe with particularity the nature and scope of each activity, and of each product, service, and geographic market for which authorization is sought. Specifies that the applicable date after which a BOC may apply for authorization: (1) with respect to providing interexchange telecommunications, or an information service relating to an alarm monitoring services, shall be five years after the date of enactment; and (2) in any other case, shall be the date of enactment. Sets forth procedures regarding: (1) the publication of applications in the Federal Register; (2) determinations by the Attorney General, following a comment period by interested persons; and (3) judicial review of such determinations. Makes it unlawful for a BOC to engage in activities to be permitted for BOCs under this Act (such activities) before authorized to do so pursuant to this Act, with exceptions for specified previously authorized activities. Prohibits a BOC with monopoly power in any exchange service market, with respect to such activities (with exceptions), from: (1) discriminating in any relevant market between itself or an affiliated enterprise and any other person (or between any two such other persons) with respect to any product or service related to the provision or use of a telecommunications service if the effect of such action may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly, in any line of commerce; (2) using proceeds obtained from providing exchange service in such market to subsidize such activities in any relevant market; (3) becoming an affiliated enterprise of, or acquiring any exchange assets of, another BOC; and (4) engaging in such activities with another BOC in any relevant market. Requires: (1) each BOC to advise in writing each of its officers and responsible management personnel of the requirements of this Act and that violations may result in criminal liability; and (2) the chief executive officer of each BOC that is not owned or controlled by another BOC to certify annually in writing to the Attorney General whether such company and its affiliates have complied with the provisions of this Act. Specifies that: (1) it shall be the duty of the U.S. Attorneys to institute proceedings to prevent and restrain violations of this Act in their districts; and (2) whoever knowningly engages (or attempts to engage) in specified activities prohibited by this Act shall be guilty of a felony (and, upon conviction, shall be punished to the same extent provided for a violation of the Sherman Act). Provides a private right of action (for damages and injunctive relief) for violation of this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) jurisdiction; (2) subpoenas; and (3) the relationship of this Act to other laws (icluding provision for cumulative penalties). Amends the Clayton Act to include this Act among the antitrust laws.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take action authorized under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against foreign countries (Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan) which block market access of U.S. rice and rice products. States that if related trade negotiations do not produce improved U.S. rice access by the later of March 1, 1993, or six months after enactment of this Act, the USTR shall take specified actions restricting such countries' imports into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Repeals a Federal requirement which states that, after September 30, 1996, no person may receive an original appointment as a commissioned officer in the regular armed forces until such person has completed one year of active-duty service as a commissioned officer of a reserve component.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992
Copyright Broadcast Retransmission Licensing Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to bring within its purview broadcast retransmission systems (formerly designated as "cable systems"). Defines such a system as one which: (1) receives signals embodying a performance or display of a work transmitted by licensed broadcast stations; and (2) makes secondary transmissions of such signals to subscribing members of the public who pay for the service. Sets forth the compulsory licensing requirements for such broadcast retransmission systems. Defines the "local service area" of a television broadcast and of a radio broadcast station. Sets forth termination of compulsory licensing procedures and terms for certain broadcast retransmission systems. Requires the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to make annual rate adjustments that reflect national fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index. Authorizes petitions for specified royalty rate adjustments to be filed each February. Repeals existing limitations on the exclusive rights of secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing. Directs the Register of Copyrights to study and report to the Congress on whether market place mechanisms exist (or are likely to develop) which will ensure that consumers receive diverse, quality radio and television programming at reasonable prices without the need for compulsory licensing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1992
Amends Federal bankruptcy law to define "farmout agreement," and to articulate conditions under which any interests in liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons which have been transferred pursuant to such an agreement are excluded from a debtor's estate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should build upon the success of the Cartagena Summit and use the upcoming San Antonio Summit to: (1) reaffirm the mutual commitment of the participating countries to halting the international cocaine trade; (2) continue assisting the Andean Strategy nations in their efforts to curtail cocaine production; (3) encourage cooperation among the participating countries in dismantling drug trafficking cartels and arresting and incarcerating major traffickers; (4) strengthen the legitimate economies of the Andean Strategy nations through trade incentives and other assistance; and (5) motivate the participating countries to reduce consumption of illicit drugs within their borders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Anti-Recession Infrastructure Jobs Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to State and local governments for infrastructure projects in distressed areas. Provides for direct grants for construction and improvement and for completion of planning. Provides for supplemental grants for other Federal grant programs and for State and local programs. Prohibits the use of grants to acquire real property or to cover maintenance costs. Requires assurance that on-site labor can begin within 90 days of project approval. Requires: (1) contracting out construction or improvement work on grant projects; (2) competitive bidding; (3) acceptance of the lowest responsive bid; (4) advertised specifications covering all requirements or obligations preceding contract award; (5) Buy American conditions; (6) minority participation; and (7) applicability of specified Federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out this Act, to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures that assure adequate consideration is given to the relative needs of various sections of the country, including consideration of these factors in proposed project areas: (1) severity and duration of unemployment; (2) income levels and extent of underemployment; (3) extent of proposed project contribution to reducing unemployment; and (4) amount of unemployment or underemployment in the construction and construction-related industries. Requires a final determination on each grant application within 60 days after the Secretary receives it (or else the grant will be deemed approved). Sets forth formulas for allocation of funds. Sets aside two and one-half percent for Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages. Sets minimum and maximum allocation limits for any one State and for specified U.S. territories. Requires the Secretary, in making such grants, to give priority and preference to public works: (1) projects of local governments; (2) projects requested by a State or special purpose unit of local government and endorsed by a general purpose local government; and (3) projects requested by school districts. Requires the Secretary, if the average national unemployment rate is six percent or above for the most recent 12 consecutive months, to: (1) expedite and give priority to applications from State or local governments with rates for that period above the national rate; and (2) give priority thereafter to those from any State or local governments having rates for that period above six percent but below the national rate. Requires State and local prioritization of applications. Requires (if the applicant so requests) that the local government's unemployment rate be based on the rate of any community or neighborhood within such local government's jurisdiction. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Gulf of Mexico Protection and Restoration Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a comprehensive plan for improving and protecting the water quality of the Gulf of Mexico. Requires the Administrator to award grants for research to develop baseline scientific data regarding the environmental quality of the Gulf for use in preparing and evaluating the plan. Makes State agencies, nonprofit research organizations, and universities eligible for grants. Directs the Administrator, at the request of the Governor of a Gulf State affected by the plan, to make a grant for implementing the plan to the State if the State commits to implement the plan and has an approved proposal. Sets forth State proposal requirements. Limits: (1) the Federal share of State grants to 50 percent of the total cost of implementing the proposal; and (2) administrative costs supported by a grant to ten percent of the portion of the grant expended per fiscal year. Defines a "Gulf State" as Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Designates December 4, 1991, as Federal Civilian Employee Remembrance Day to recognize contributions provided by Federal civilian employees during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000880_200.jpg)