United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1993
Pollution Prevention and Incineration Alternatives Act of 1993 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of permits for construction or expansion of municipal solid waste incinerators until 1997. Prohibits Federal agencies, State or local governments, or other waste management jurisdictions from issuing permits to such incinerators after December 31, 1996, unless the applicant demonstrates that: (1) an annual waste composition analysis of the solid waste generated within the area to be served by the facility is conducted; (2) specified percentages of certain waste categories are diverted to waste management methods other than incineration; (3) the facility will not interfere with diversion rates; (4) it is not feasible to manage the remaining solid waste through source reduction, reuse, or recycling; (5) the facility will not adversely affect the environment, human health, or the local economy and is not situated in a nonattainment area identified under the Clean Air Act; (6) the full cost of the facility over its entire life will be less costly than reducing, recycling, or composting waste; (7) the waste management jurisdiction conducts a public participation process; (8) the proposed construction or expansion is approved by the affected unit of local government; (9) firms operating the facility are in compliance with environmental and public health statutes, have paid outstanding fines for violations of such statutes, and make disclosure statements available; (10) an approved environmental impact statement is completed; (11) the facility is not located within one and a half miles of specified sites, including schools or churches, or of a drinking water source; (12) certain incinerator capacity studies have been completed; and (13) the facility will not have a disproportionate impact on minority or low-income communities. Requires ash from municipal solid waste incinerators to be managed in a monofill that contains only such ash and meets specified design requirements. Prohibits the use of such ash for any purpose. Prohibits the incineration of household hazardous waste, batteries, chlorinated plastics, consumer electronics, and yard waste in such incinerators. Prohibits the issuance of permits or prior approval for the construction or expansion of hazardous waste incinerators unless requirements similar to those for municipal solid waste incinerators have been met. Directs hazardous waste management permit applicants to demonstrate that the State in which the incinerator is located, and each State in which generators of hazardous waste to be incinerated at the facility are located, are implementing toxics use reduction programs. Applies this Act to any facility that burns hazardous waste.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1993
American Shipyard Worker Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from contracting with a foreign nation or firm for the overhaul, repair, or maintenance of vessels unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to specifid congressional committees that: (1) the work was unplanned and of an emergency nature; or (2) there is a compelling national security or economic reason for the work to be done by the foreign nation or firm.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1993
Vietnam Women's Memorial Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Women's Memorial sculpture. Requires all surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be used for: (1) an endowment for the Memorial; (2) education and research concerning veterans and their families; and (3) the identification and documentation of women who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam era. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this coin program shall be self-sustaining and administered to result in no net cost to the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1993
Equitable Escheatment Act of 1993 - Amends specified Federal law to prescribe guidelines under which unclaimed distributions of security interests shall be subject to the custodial taking (escheatment) by the State which contains the principal executive offices of either the issuer or the holder of those securities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1993
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend preferential admissions treatment to certain children born in the Philippines and fathered by U.S. citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1993
Disadvantaged Small Business Educational Opportunity Act of 1993 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide financial assistance for projects to support the expansion of business executive education programs for owners and managers of small business concerns eligible for assistance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1993
American Jobs Protection Act - Requires employers to provide specified notice and employee benefits (including severance pay, continuation of health care benefits, reimbursement for retraining, training incentive payments, and accelerated eligibility for early retirement) to employees who are subject to a plant closing or mass layoff because their work is transferred to (or similar products are imported from) another country which has specified levels of lower wages or less effective employment standards for overtime compensation, child labor, and employee safety. Prohibits employers who do not provide such notice and benefits from entering into a contract with the United States for provision of products or services involved in the work transfer or substantially similar to such products or services. Provides for enforcement of this Act by: (1) investigative and administrative actions and actions for injunctions by the Secretary of Labor; and (2) civil actions by employees, local governments, States, and the Secretary. Requires employers to post notice concerning this Act and the filing of a charge. Authorizes civil fines for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1993
Amends the Social Security Act to require States to provide information on overdue child support obligations of absent parents to consumer reporting agencies. (Currently, States must meet such requirement only upon the request of such agencies.) Eliminates the authority of the States to impose a fee for furnishing such information.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1993
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require all Federal agencies to use printing and writing paper containing at least ten percent postconsumer material. Authorizes Federal agencies that are in compliance with such requirement to use any monies received from the sale of materials collected for recycling for activities within their legal authority.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1993
Executive Composting Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and the Governor of each State should consider: (1) carrying out on-site composting of organic materials generated at their residences and grounds; and (2) distributing the resulting compost to visitors and local residents for use in gardens and for other appropriate purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1993
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out an educational satellite loan guarantee program. Guarantees any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming. Restricts such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies and other distance learning and instructional resource providers; and (4) which is in existence as of January 1, 1992. Requires such corporation, before such loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported its findings to the Secretary; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth limitations on the amount of guaranteed loans to acquire such system and to operate and manage it for up to three years. Requires the lender to assign rights and interests in such system to the United States upon payment of such loan guarantee. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1993
Designates July 25 through 31, 1993, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes the President to urge U.S. departments and agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the American flag at half-staff on July 27, 1993, in honor of the Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1993
Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Declares that any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals the Cuban Democracy Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of the foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1993
Agricultural Credit Equity Act of 1993 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide for indexing of guaranteed agricultural real estate and operating loan limits in high cost areas. Eliminates maximum property limits in the down payment loan program. Prohibits the denial of agricultural real estate, operating, or emergency loans based upon: (1) a farm's having more than two full-time employees; or (2) certain grower-shipper agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Advanced Space Technology Program Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Space Activities Title IV: Aeronautics Research and Technology National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Places an aggregate limit on FY 1994 authorization of appropriations under this subtitle, except for Space Station Freedom (appropriations authorized through FY 2000). Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) to provide the Congress with a job loss transition plan as it restructures space station management. (Sec. 101 through 105) Authorizes NASA appropriations for: (1) research and development; (2) space flight, control, and data communications; (3) construction of facilities research and program management; and (4) the Inspector General. Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities, including: (1) expenditure prerequisites with respect to management transfer of the External Tank Program from the Marshall Space Flight Center; (2) authorizations available for disaster relief; and (3) a facility plan and analysis for NASA facilities in Yellow Creek, Mississippi. Title II: Advanced Space Technology Program - Directs the Administrator of NASA to establish an advanced space technology investment program to: (1) advance U.S. industrial competitiveness; (2) encourage industry-led consortia to develop critical technologies; and (3) encourage industrial participation from entities not part of the traditional Federal contracting base. (Sec. 206) Directs the Administrator to coordinate a technology procurement initiative. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Space Activities - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize FY 1994 appropriations to carry out such Act. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make space transportation infrastructure matching grants. Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations. (Sec. 304) States that the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce shall be responsible for the development and coordination of all commercial space policy recommendations and activities, except for functions and activities statutorily authorized to other agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the Office. (Sec. 305) Provides for domestic procurement by NASA. (Sec. 306) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 307) Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to require NASA to develop a Global Change Data and Information System to process, archive, and distribute data generated by the Global Change Research Program. (Sec. 308) Directs the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop an access plan for data from classified archives and systems for global change research. (Sec. 309) Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a plan for control of orbital debris. (Sec. 310) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to state that NASA activities should include support of private sector space technologies development. (Sec. 311 and 312) Directs NASA to study: (1) the differences between U.S. and foreign expendable space launch systems; and (2) the feasibility and potential implementation of a University Innovative Research Program. (Sec. 314) Requires NASA cost-type research and development contracts to incorporate contractor performance provisions. (Sec. 315) Authorizes NASA to accept certain land conveyances from the cities of Cleveland and Brook Park, Ohio, in order to establish a Visitor Center for the Lewis Research Center. (Sec. 316) Directs the Administrator to establish within the Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology an expedited technology procurement demonstration program. Obligates specified funds for the program, which shall terminate ten years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 317) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator to: (1) provide farmers and other interested parties with agricultural information available through remote sensing; (2) evaluate the need for, and develop a proposal as necessary for, a radar imaging platform that could enhance agricultural resource remote sensing capability; and (3) develop a proposal to inform farmers and other users about remote sensing data. Terminates such provisions five years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 318) Directs NASA to establish new programs or functions in depressed communities. (Sec. 319) Prohibits NASA contracts with a foreign company unless such company's country offers comparable opportunities to U.S. companies, or unless comparable U.S. products or services are not reasonably available. (Sec. 320) Authorizes NASA to purchase helium from private sector sources. (Sec. 321) Requires NASA to comply with specified diversity procurement factors. Title IV: Aeronautics Research and Technology - Requires independent reviews of NASA aeronautics programs of: (1) research and development; and (2) private sector technology transfer. (Sec. 405) Directs the Administrator to study and report on Federal-private cost sharing provisions concerning wind tunnels and? related test facilities. (Sec. 406) Requires NASA and other appropriate Federal agencies to establish a joint aeronautical research and development program. (Sec. 407) Directs the Administrator to conduct an assessment of the hypersonic research plane.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1993
Commends radio amateurs for their contributions to technical progress in electronics and for their emergency radio communications in times of disaster. Urges the Federal Communications Commission to continue and enhance the development of the amateur radio service as a public benefit by adopting rules and regulations which encourage the use of new technologies within the amateur radio service. Declares that reasonable accommodation should be made for effective operation of amateur radio from residences, private vehicles, and public areas and that regulation at all levels of government should facilitate and encourage amateur radio operation as a public benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1993
Giant Sequoia Preservation Act of 1993 - Designate certain federally owned lands within the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests, California, as the Giant Sequoia National Forest Preserve. Prohibits activities within the Preserve that are inconsistent with the following: (1) resource protection and restoration; (2) protection of the Giant Sequoia groves and contiguous forests and restoration of the forest ecosystem to a natural state; (3) providing the optimum habitat for all naturally occurring species; (4) providing opportunities for recreation, interpretation, and scientific study; and (5) providing optimum water, air, and scenic quality. Establishes the Giant Sequoia Scientific Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer the Preserve as a separate unit within the National Forest System; (2) make yearly recommendations on other areas to be designated National Forest Preserves; and (3) publish a comprehensive management plan for the Preserve. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) recreation and interpretation; (2) regeneration of cut-over giant Sequoia Groves; (3) scientific study and research; (4) fire management; (5) hunting and fishing; (6) timber cutting; (7) mineral and geothermal leasing; (8) water rights; (9) grazing rights; and (10) public safety. Directs the Secretary to make annual payments in lieu of taxes to the local government of each political subdivision within the boundaries of which are lands indicated under this Act for inclusion in the Preserve. Requires the Secretary to establish a community assistance task force. Permits any local community in the region that is affected by loss of Federal timber sales and any worker who is displaced from a job in the timber industry as a result of this Act to request assistance from the task force. Directs the task force to encourage and develop employment opportunities in forest ecosystem restoration, recreation, and other forms of employment compatible with the purposes and provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1993
Urges the President to: (1) develop a strategy to bring the United States back into active and full membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during 1993; (2) direct the Secretary of State to consult with government agencies and nongovernmental parties that had substantial involvement with the organization before the U.S. withdrawal in order to formulate goals the United States should seek at the organization as part of the strategy and to reexamine the legal frameworks for the participation of the American nongovernmental sector in UNESCO policy and activities; (3) direct the Secretary of State to reconstitute the United States National Commission for UNESCO; (4) consult with other governments on prospects for further reform of the organization's policy bodies and governance; and (5) report to the Congress before September 30, 1993, on the consultations and strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1993
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1993
Immigration Enforcement Review Commission Act - Establishes the Immigration Enforcement Review Commission, composed of a Board of Commissioners, an Investigations Office, and a Community Outreach Office. States that the Commission shall: (1) investigate civil rights abuse complaints against the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service or their employees; and (2) make policy recommendations as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1993
Health Insurance Purchasing Cooperatives Act - Mandates grants to States for the administrative costs of planning and implementing coordinated buying programs through which small employers may purchase employee health insurance. Requires that the programs be the sole mechanism for small employers to purchase such insurance. Requires that a State program provide each small employer in the State access to health insurance for its employees and their dependents through one or more Health Insurance Purchasing Cooperatives. Waives Federal and State antitrust laws. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the National Health Board. Requires the Board to establish Coordinated Buying Program Precepts setting forth certain criteria, including regarding a uniform data system, collection of outcomes data, and determining minimum benefit requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Board to establish minimum benefit requirements for plans offered through Cooperatives. Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to exempt from those provisions HMOs that provide services meeting the requirements under this Act. Establishes the National Health Insurance Data System, consisting of: (1) a National Data Base for Health Insurance and Health Outcomes Information; (2) no more than five Regional Health Insurance Data Centers; and (3) an electronic health insurance and outcomes data processing mechanism. Requires the Board to: (1) establish uniform billing and claims forms and mandatory reporting requirements; and (2) require carriers to issue to each participant an electronic processing card containing certain information on financial, administrative, and health outcomes matters. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to self-employed individuals of 100 percent of the amount paid for health insurance purchased through a Cooperative. Retains current provisions allowing a deduction of 25 percent of the amount paid for health insurance not purchased through a Cooperative. Removes provisions ending, on a specified date, deductibility of health insurance payments by self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1993
Many Neighbors, One Earth Resolution - Urges the President to develop and implement a coordinated economic and development policy and program of action designed to promote broadbased, sustainable development that will reduce global hunger and poverty in environmentally sound ways. Specifies that such policy and program should have as its principal objectives: (1) expanding economic opportunities; (2) meeting basic human needs; (3) promoting environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources; and (4) promoting pluralism, democratic participation, and human rights. Specifies that such policy and program should involve all relevant international activities of the U.S. Government. Urges the President to take specific actions, including: (1) proposing the enactment of legislation providing for a post-Cold War foreign assistance program to promote sustainable development, especially the reduction of hunger and poverty in environmentally sound ways; (2) developing and implementing development cooperation programs and projects in pursuit of such objectives; (3) ensuring that development cooperation programs take into account relevant local perspectives of the rural and urban poor during the design, planning, and implementation process for project and program assistance; and (4) encouraging and supporting the efforts of countries to reduce their level of military spending when such spending is disproportionate to security needs and to spending on health, education, and environmental protection.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1993
Defense Reinvestment and High-Tech Job Creation Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for defense conversion equal to the defense conversion employment credit (ten percent of wages paid by an employer) and the defense conversion investment credit (applicable percentage of a qualified business investment). Makes qualified excess defense conversion property eligible for the straight-line depreciation method and classifies it as five-year depreciable property.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the accounting standards proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board will have grave economic consequences, particularly for businesses in new-growth sectors; and (2) the Board should not change the current accounting rules by requiring that businesses deduct from profits the value of stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Programs and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Programs Subtitle B: Related Provisions Title II: Organization Title III: Reauthorization Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments National Service Trust Act of 1993 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to reauthorize, revise, and reorganize national and community service and domestic volunteer programs, establish a Corporation for National Service and a National Service Trust program of Federal investment in support of national service, and provide expanded opportunities for national service and educational awards for participants. Title I: Programs and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (the Act) to establish the National Service Trust program, replacing the current American Conservation and Youth Service Corps. Authorizes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) to make matching grants to State and local governments, Indian tribes, public and private nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions for: (1) full- or part-time national service programs, including summer programs; and (2) subgrants for national service programs of other entities. Authorizes CNS to enter into agreements with other Federal agencies to support their national service programs. Directs CNS to approve national service educational awards for participants serving in CNS-assisted national service programs. Describes types of eligible national service programs addressing unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs, including community corps, youth corps, service-learning, special skills or specialized training, individualized placement, campus-based, preprofessional training, professional corps, disadvantaged youth community service, national service entrepreneur, intergenerational, or other programs. Directs CNS to establish qualification criteria. Authorizes CNS to provide the following types of program assistance: planning, operational, replication, subgrantee, training, technical, and other special assistance (including support for State commissions and challenge grants for national service programs). Requires CNS to ensure that participants in VISTA or the Civilian Community Corps receive national service educational awards, except in specified circumstances. Sets forth application and program requirements. Requires an assurance that the program assisted will not perform service that provides a direct benefit to any: (1) for-profit business; (2) labor union; (3) partisan political organization; or (4) organization engaged in religious activities (unless such service does not involve use of assistance or participants to give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any form of proselytization). Sets a minimum age for national service participants of 17, except for certain youth programs where the beginning of service may be between age 16 and 25. Sets rules for selection of participants, including selection and training of a national leadership pool. Sets a term of service at a minimum of 1,700 hours during: (1) a full-time period of nine months to one year; or (2) a part-time period of one to two years. Establishes requirements for participant living allowances. Limits the Federal share to not more than 85 percent of the VISTA volunteer allowance. Makes those who serve in approved national service positions eligible for national service educational awards. (Sec. 102) Establishes the National Service Trust in the Treasury to provide for the payment of national service educational awards. Sets forth eligibility standards for national service educational awards. Bases such awards on only the first and second terms of service. Requires that the award be used within five years after completion of the term of service. Sets the award's value at $5,000 for each term of service (up to two terms). Allows the use of such awards to: (1) repay outstanding student loans; (2) pay current educational expenses; (3) enable participation in approved school-to-work programs; and (4) pay interest during forbearance on loan repayment. Provides that awards shall not be considered: (1) in a means-test for Federal or federally-assisted benefits; or (2) as taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes conforming amendments to student loan provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Makes Stafford loan forgiveness available. (Sec. 103) Establishes School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs to replace current Programs for Students and Out-of-School Youth. Revises the Serve-America program (currently named Service-America) to include: (1) school-based programs for students; (2) community-based service programs for school-age youth; and (3) a service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes CNS to make planning grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with respect to service-learning coordinators participating in an assisted national service program or receive a national service educational award. Authorizes grants for school-based service-learning programs and community-based service programs. Directs CNS to provide financial assistance to eligible public and private nonprofit organizations to establish a service-learning clearinghouse. Adds priority criteria for the making of grants for Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service. (Sec. 104) Establishes an Investment for Quality and Innovation program to carry out specified innovation and quality improvement activities. Directs CNS to provide assistance to appropriate entities to establish one or more clearinghouses, including the service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes the President, acting through CNS, to make Presidential awards for service to individuals providing significant service, and to outstanding service programs. Provides that Civilian Community Corps members may receive educational awards (or suitable alternative benefits if ineligible for such awards). Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend the authority to conduct the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program. Subtitle B: Related Provisions - (Sec. 111-121) Makes conforming amendments and repealers to specified Federal law. Title II: Organization - (Sec. 201) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to require the establishment of State commissions on national service as a condition for receiving certain grants or allotments or a distribution of approved national service positions. Sets commission membership standards, and duties, including planning. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) as a Government corporation to administer programs under the Act. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the ACTION Agency to report directly to the CNS Chairperson (under interim authorities). Directs the Chairperson to establish (or request the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to provide) job search and related assistance to employees of the ACTION Agency who are not transferred to CNS. (Sec. 202 & 203) Transfers to CNS functions of: (1) the Commission on National and Community Service (under interim authorities); and (2) the ACTION Agency (under final authorities). Title III: Reauthorization - Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1978 (DVSA) to reauthorize, reorganize, and revise its programs. Chapter I: VISTA and Other Anti-Poverty Programs - (Sec. 321) Adds to VISTA program objectives generating private sector resource commitment, encouraging local level volunteer service, and strengthening local agencies and organizations to carry out the program. (Sec. 322) Revises procedures and other requirements for selection and assignment of VISTA volunteers. Allows a sponsoring organization to recruit VISTA volunteers, subject to final approval of the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director). (Sec. 323) Revises provisions for terms and periods of service. Authorizes a VISTA summer associates program. (Sec. 324) Revises postservice stipends. (Sec. 325) Requires encouragement of participation of both younger (18 through 27) and older (55 and older) VISTA volunteers. (Sec. 328) Repeals authority for student community service programs grants and contracts. (Sec. 329) Renames the University Year for ACTION the University Year for VISTA program. Shortens the minimum period of participation to an academic semester or equivalent. Allows volunteers to receive a living allowance or such other support the Director deems appropriate. (Sec. 330) Revises authority to establish and operate special volunteer and demonstration programs. Requires a competitive process for any grant or contract exceeding $100,000. (Sec. 331) Permits the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to employers and other private organizations that use or desire to use volunteers. (Sec. 332) Repeals a separate authority for drug abuse education and prevention programs under special volunteer programs. Chapter 2: National Senior Volunteer Corps - (Sec. 342) Renames the retired senior volunteer program the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). (Sec. 343) Expands RSVP eligibility to include older working persons and those over 55 (currently 60). (Sec. 345) Requires certain adjustments and minimums for stipends for low-income volunteers. (Sec. 346) Allows non-low-income persons to participate in the Foster Grandparent and the Senior Companion programs, without any financial support except reimbursement for related expenses. (Sec. 347) Repeals certain conditions for grants and contracts under those two programs, including a requirement that volunteers no longer be in the regular work force. (Sec. 348) Eliminates one type of evaluation of the Senior Companion Program. (Sec. 349) Encourages agreements with other Federal agencies involving retired, senior, intergenerational, and conservation volunteer programs. (Sec. 352) Authorizes grants and contracts for demonstration programs of innovative activities involving older volunteers. Prohibits reducing other older volunteer programs to support such demonstrations. Chapter 3: Administration - (Sec. 365) Bases disability or death benefits for VISTA volunteers on a grade GS-5 (rather than GS-7) Federal employee entrance salary. (Sec. 370) Grants copyright protection for the programs of the ACTION Agency. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Director to establish a Center for Research and Training on Volunteerism. (Sec. 372) Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to make retirement credit for time served as a VISTA volunteer available to all who become Federal employees subsequent to such volunteer service, upon their paying a deposit based on their post-service stipend. Chapter 4: Authorization of Appropriations and Other Amendments - (Sec. 381-383) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 385) Repeals Youthbuild Projects authority. Chapter 5: General Provisions - (Sec. 391) Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments - (Sec. 401-405) Sets forth various changes of definitions and references in specified Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the United States Peace Tax Fund to receive payments designated on the tax returns of qualified individuals to be used for nonmilitary purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on amounts transferred into the Fund. Requires the information to be printed in the Congressional Record. Permits conscientious objectors to designate on their income tax returns that any tax liability be paid into the Fund. Makes this designation procedure available to any individual who has demonstrated himself or herself, by reason of religious training and belief, to be opposed to participation in war in any form. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return for the purpose of determining whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1994 if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Authorizes corresponding procedures in connection with estate and gift tax payments, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires publication of this information in the Congressional Record. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish an independent peer review process with respect to listing and delisting of endangered and threatened species (species). Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) in cooperation with the affected State to develop species recovery plans. Gives priority to multispecies plans and sets forth plan deadlines. Requires each Federal land management agency to identify species and appropriate conservation measures on lands under its jurisdiction. Authorizes agency contracts with the Secretary for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish a Habitat Conservation Planning Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or interest-free advances from the Fund to State and local governments for conservation plan development. Provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners for species conservation measures. Provides for increased international cooperation and enforcement under the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Authorizes the President to present to Red Skelton, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal in recognition of his performance as an entertainer and humanitarian. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems and to strike and sell bronze duplicates of it. Declares such medals national medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the tax-exempt treatment of associations resulting from the merger of certain farm credit associations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1993
Calls for the U.S. Trade Representative to insist that any trade agreement negotiated pursuant to the Uruguay Round must provide U.S. copyright-based industries with: (1) fair and equal access to the markets of the nations that are party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; (2) equal opportunities to obtain government funding; (3) adequate and effective copyright protection, including full national treatment and recognition of contractual rights; and (4) a mechanism to resolve expeditiously disputes concerning market access, national treatment, and copyright protection.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
Indoor Air Quality Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to ensure the quality of indoor air. Requires the Administrator to establish technology demonstration projects which reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants. Requires the Administrator to conduct a national assessment to survey the seriousness and extent of indoor air contamination in buildings owned by local educational agencies and child care facilities. Directs the Administrator to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Sciences for studies on chemical sensitivity disorders and indoor allergens. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research on indoor air quality in nonresidential, nonindustrial buildings that comply with generally accepted principles of design, maintenance, and operation of ventilation, filtration, and other building systems. Requires the Director to develop a model indoor air quality training course in ventilation system operation and maintenance and in identifying and reducing indoor air contaminant exposures. Directs the Administrator to publish health advisories on indoor air contaminants which may have adverse effects. Requires the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse and toll-free hotline. Directs the Administrator to analyze the adequacy of existing ventilation standards and guidelines to protect the public from indoor air contaminants. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop test methods for the identification and regulation of respiratory irritants. Directs the Administrator to publish a strategy for a national response to indoor air quality problems. Requires the Director to develop programs to evaluate and remedy indoor air contamination in Federal buildings. Directs Federal agencies to implement systematic programs for the assessment of indoor air quality and the correction of conditions resulting in inadequate air quality. Authorizes grants to States for the development of indoor air quality management strategies and response programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
Provides that any amount remaining in an official allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives at the end of the session of Congress or other period for which the allowance is made available shall be returned to the Treasury to be used for deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate Title III: Effective Date Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the standing committees of the House and their jurisdictions. Lists the standing committees as: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environment and Public Works; (9) Foreign Affairs; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) House Administration; (12) Intelligence (currently, a permanent select committee); (13) Judiciary; (14) Rules; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Veterans' Affairs; and (18) Ways and Means. Abolishes the following standing committees of the House: (1) Appropriations; (2) District of Columbia; (3) Government Operations; (4) Interior and Insular Affairs; (5) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (6) Post Office and Civil Service; (7) Public Works and Transportation; and (8) Science, Space, and Technology. Amends rule XXI to repeal the prohibitions against: (1) reporting or considering appropriations for expenditures not previously authorized; and (2) receiving or considering an appropriation bill or amendment containing a provision reappropriating unexpended balances. Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate - Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to repeal provisions establishing the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Makes conforming amendments to the Standing Rules of the Senate (language to be supplied at a later date). Title III: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective at noon on January 3, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Marine Biotechnology Investment Act of 1993 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to establish within the Program a program to further research, development, education, and technology transfer in marine biotechnology. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the award of grants and contracts; and (2) funding. Provides for the establishment of a Marine Biotechnology Review Panel. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Establishes certain privacy protections for employees and customers with respect to electronic monitoring in the workplace by employers. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enforce such protections. Provides for coverage of employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Pension Portability Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to revise minimum vesting standards for certain pension plans. Establishes portability requirements for certain qualified pension plans. Sets forth prototype portable pension accounts. Provides exemptions for certain collectively bargained plans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Social Security Notch Adjustment Act of 1993 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to establish a new alternative formula for computing the primary insurance amount (used in calculating the amount of OASDI benefits to which an individual is entitled) of workers born after 1916 and before 1927.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1993
Public Health Pesticides Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consider the risks and benefits of public health pesticides separately from the risks and benefits of other pesticides. Requires the Administrator, in weighing any regulatory action concerning a public health pesticide, to weigh any risks of the pesticide against the health risks to be controlled by the pesticide. Defines: (1) a "public health pesticide" as a minor use pesticide registered for use and used predominantly in public health programs for vector control or other health protection uses; and (2) "vector" as any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or of producing human discomfort or injury. Exempts from reregistration fees public health pesticides of which more than 50 percent of usage (or at least 50 percent in the case of certain end use products) is devoted to the promotion of public health. Provides for expedited processing and review of pesticide applications that propose the initial or amended registration of an end use pesticide that, if registered as proposed, would be used as a public health pesticide. Provides for review by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of registrations of public health pesticides proposed for cancellation. Directs the Administrator to identify pests of significant public health importance and to implement programs to improve and facilitate the safe use of methods to combat such pests.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Recyclable Materials Technology and Markets Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) conduct a study of markets for postconsumer materials; and (2) establish an Office of Recycling Research and Information. Requires the Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants for studies and scientific research relating to recycling of postconsumer materials; and (2) conduct a public outreach program. Requires each manufacturer of a recyclable product to provide for the recycling of increasing minimum percentages of the products manufactured during specified years. Prohibits manufacturing a product for which the prescribed recycling rate was not met for the preceding year. Prohibits manufacturing a nonrecyclable product if a recyclable substitute is readily available. Directs the Secretary to designate a product as nonrecyclable if it is not technically or economically feasible to be recycled. Authorizes nonrecyclable products to be so labeled. Provides for recycling seals of approval for recyclable products and for products containing a certain percentage of recycled postconsumer materials. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions concerning Federal procurement of recycled goods. Applies procurement requirements to: (1) Federal agencies that have procured over $10,000 of items; and (2) other entities that have used funds appropriated to a Federal agency to which such procurement policies apply. Prohibits Federal agencies, for purposes of determining whether to procure items composed of recovered materials, from determining that a price is unreasonable unless it exceeds by more than ten percent the price of items not meeting the recovered materials content standards. Sets forth: (1) specification requirements for procuring agencies; and (2) deadlines for the issuance of guidelines by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for the procurement of specified items. Directs the Administrator to review and increase the minimum content standards for procured items every four years. Revises provisions concerning the affirmative procurement program. Requires manufacturers of items to provide vendors with certifications of the minimum recovered materials content used or to be used in such items.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Tire Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the recovered rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage and provides for annual increases in such percentage. Requires the Administrator to allow recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Directs the Attorney General to report to the Congress on the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries. Considers a scrap tire recycling or disposal facility to be a solid waste disposal facility for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning exempt facility bonds. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures to be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire collection facilities and for facility emergency plans. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for Federal procurement of items that make use of scrap or used tires. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to publish standards for Federal departments to determine the life-cycle costs and benefits of items that make use of rubber from scrap or used tires. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for battery storage and transfers and recordkeeping and management practices. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity as the batteries sold. Requires the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters to produce new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1993 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers and retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements identical to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the ten-cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle an amount of newsprint equal to the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes compliance with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires the recycling percentage to be at least 20 percent. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for the next ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and implement a plan for the recycling of post-consumer high grade paper. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000918_200.jpg)