United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
DES Education and Research Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other measures with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates: (1) programs to educate health professionals and the public; and (2) longitudinal studies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Reduces specified appropriations for FY 1992. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the General Fund for application against expenses associated with servicing the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorney fees or costs shall not be included. Provides that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) shall be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorney fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the action. Specifies that such fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party up to the amount of such fees of the nonprevailing party or, if the nonprevailing party receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the reasonable value of such services. Requires the counsel of record in any such action, in order to receive attorney fees, to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered to the extent that it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorney fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or in which the United States, any State, or any agency, officer, or employee thereof is a party. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorney fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions for the calculation of such cost of living adjustment. Amends the Federal judicial code to require the potential plaintiff, at least 30 days before filing suit in a civil action brought in a U.S. district court, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses. Directs such plaintiff, at the commencement of the action, to file in such court a a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations that would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where a defendant or assets are subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such notice requirements have not been met by the plaintiff and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days after service of the summons or complaint, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorney fees, shall be be imposed upon the plaintiff. Permits the plaintiff, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is transmitted as provided by this Act and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorney fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the action or proceeding: (1) in any civil action commenced by the United States; (2) in civil proceedings involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) in a case in which the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorney fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district court to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC); and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Terminates such designation and the program after three years. Requires every court which has been designated as an MDC to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan providing for: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, or arbitrators; and (4) standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues and whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each assigned judge or magistrate judge conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after the complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to use nonbinding ADR procedures (such as early evaluation by a neutral party, mediation, minitrials, summary jury trial, and arbitration) in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy. Authorizes the district courts to: (1) use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, and arbitrators; and (2) establish their compensation, subject to limits established by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Makes it the duty of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information and report annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General on the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits). Provides that: (1) a State judicial officer shall not be held liable for any costs, including attorney fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission of such officer while acting in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree in the action was violated by such officer or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime and confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. (Current law calls for a 90-day extension if the court believes it would be appropriate and in the interests of justice.) Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center determinations regarding ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay. Provides that a court in banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service, with exceptions. Repeals a provision authorizing any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts and certain other retirement plans used for the acquisition or construction of a principal residence of the individual receiving the distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that if the Croatian Government adheres in good faith to the terms of ceasefires negotiated by the European Community (EC) and if those parties conducting military operations against the Republic of Croatia refuse to comply, U.S. policy should be to: (1) consult promptly with the EC, other countries, and the United Nations (UN) on recognition requested by those republics (such as Slovenia and Croatia) that have declared their sovereignty and independence and have agreed to cooperate with EC efforts; (2) take steps to bring the United States into conformity with sanctions and other measures agreed to by the EC, and take positive compensatory measures towards parties cooperating with EC proposals; (3) offer other emergency humanitarian assistance to those republics in light of conflict taking place on their territories; (4) place the Republic of Serbia on notice that continued military action will cause the United States to support EC efforts to call for mandatory UN Security Council measures as a response to an act of aggression; (5) require a clear and binding commitment by authorities to protect the rights of minorities living within the borders mutually recognized by the republics and provinces of Yugoslavia in 1974 and seek their formal commitment to accept international inspection and, if necessary, arbitration to protect those rights; and (6) lend strong support to all EC and other international activities aimed at restoring peace.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Urges the President to renew the voluntary restraint agreements with Taiwan and Japan for an additional five years in order to protect national security and ensure U.S. industrial competitiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Title I: Additional Safeguards to Protect Taxpayers' Rights - Subtitle A: Taxpayers' Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayers' Advocate, headed by the Taxpayers' Advocate, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Office to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Taxpayers' Advocate to annually report to specified congressional committees on Office activities. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayers' Advocate. Authorizes the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking such actions). Subtitle B: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for installment agreements. Suspends the failure to pay penalty during any period an installment agreement is in effect. Subtitle C: Interest - Extends from ten days to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Provides for the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the error or delay of an IRS managerial act. Increases the interest rate for overpayment of tax from two percent to three percent (making such rate equal to the interest rate for underpayment of tax). Waives interest on all overpayments refunded within 45 days after a return is filed. Subtitle D: Joint Returns - Requires separate deficiency notices in the case of a joint income tax return if the most recent data available to the IRS shows that such spouses did not file a joint return with each other. Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. Removes limitations on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Subtitle E: Collection Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the taxpayer and the United States, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. Subtitle E (sic): Erroneous and Fraudulent Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. Requires the Secretary to take reasonable steps to corroborate the accuracy of an information return when making a determination of a deficiency by a third party, when such return is disputed by the taxpayer. Subtitle F: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Declares that a person shall not be liable for any penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax if such person: (1) is not a significant owner, or highly compensated employee of the trade or business; (2) notifies the Secretary within ten days after such failure; and (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure. Requires the Secretary to disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty. Subtitle G: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Repeals the "substantially justified" test for determining whether a taxpayer may recover costs and fees incurred as part of an administrative or court proceeding. Provides for the awarding of reasonable litigation or administrative costs to a prevailing party who represents himself in an administrative or court proceeding. Makes IRS employees personally liable in certain cases. Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Subtitle H: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. Provides for the treatment of returns prepared for or executed by the Secretary for purposes of certain tax penalties. Provides protection for taxpayers who rely on certain guidance published by the IRS. Title II: Form Modifications, Studies - Subtitle A: Form Modifications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that taxpayers are aware of permission to pay tax in installments, extensions of time for payment of tax, and compromises of tax liability; (2) improve procedures for taxpayers to notify the Secretary of changes in names and addresses; (3) include in a specified publication a section on the rights and responsibilities of divorced individuals; (4) ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities under the Federal tax system and that the public is aware of penalties for failure to collect and pay over tax; and (5) notify taxpayers any payments that cannot be associated with any outstanding tax liability. Subtitle B: Studies - Requires the Secretary to report to the tax-writing committees on: (1) a pilot program for appeals of certain enforcement actions (including lien, levy, and seizure actions; (2) a study on ways to assist the elderly, physically impaired, foreign-language speaking, and other taxpayers with special needs to comply with IRS laws; (3) the scope and content of the IRS taxpayer-rights education program for its officers and employees; and (4) cases involving complaints about misconduct of IRS employees and the disposition of such complaints. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the tax-writing committees on: (1) a study of notices of deficiency; (2) the accuracy and clarity of 25 of the most commonly used IRS forms, notices, and publications; and (3) a study of IRS employee-suggestion programs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to participate in the study, engineering, design, and construction of a regional water reuse system for southern California to provide a new water supply for agricultural, municipal, industrial, and environmental needs in that area. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the results of the study. Authorizes the Secretary to study, engineer, design, and construct water reuse demonstration facilities in order to develop advanced technology for economically and environmentally sound alternative water supplies for the San Diego, California, metropolitan area. Requires a report from the Secretary on study results. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to participate with Santa Rosa, California, and other appropriate authorities in the design, planning, and construction of projects to treat waste water and store such treated water for such city and surrounding areas in order to: (1) provide new water supplies for agricultural, municipal, environmental, and other purposes; and (2) reduce the use of potable water supplies when treated waste water is a viable substitute. Authorizes the Administrator to participate with Napa County, California, and other appropriate authorities in the expansion of the Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant. Limits the Federal share of each project's cost to 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government Act - Establishes the Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government to: (1) conduct a private sector survey on management and cost control in the Federal Government; (2) review executive agency operations and existing General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget Office, Inspector General Reports, and other existing governmental and nongovernmental recommendations for reducing waste; and (3) submit to the President and the Congress a list of those recommendations with estimated savings that the Commission determines are most significant and recommendations for improving the budget process, management, and reducing waste and costs in the Government. Requires the Commission to identify, address, and to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) opportunities for increased efficiency and reduced costs in the Government that can be realized by executive action or legislation; (2) areas in the Government where managerial accountability can be enhanced and administrative control can be improved; (3) specific Federal programs that have accomplished their objectives and ought to be terminated; (4) specific Federal program services that could be provided at a lower cost by the private sector; (5) specific reforms of the budget process that would yield savings, increase accountability and efficiency, and enhance public confidence in the budget process; (6) specific areas in the Government where further study can be justified by potential savings; and (7) specific recommendations for legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to be funded, staffed, and equipped, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, by the private sector without cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitation on the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence by an individual who has attained age 55 and provide a cost-of-living adjustment for such amount. Increases the unified credit against the estate tax and the unified credit against the gift tax and provides a cost-of-living adjustment for such credits. Reduces the capital gains tax for a taxpayer other than a corporation by allowing deduction of 50 percent of the net capital gain. Provides for computing such deduction for estates and trusts. Disallows such deduction against the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Divides the Central Judicial District of California into three divisions: (1) the Eastern Division comprising the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino, the court for which shall be held in the city of Riverside, the city of San Bernardino, or within five miles from the boundary of either city; (2) the Western Division comprising the counties of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, the court for which shall be held at Los Angeles; and (3) the Southern District comprising Orange County, the court for which shall be held at Santa Ana.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the establishment of an additional place of holding court in the Central Judicial District of California within five miles of either Riverside or San Bernadino, California.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Divides the Central Judicial District of California into three divisions: (1) the Eastern Division comprising the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino, the court for which shall be held in the city of Riverside, the city of San Bernardino, or within five miles from the boundary of either city; (2) the Western Division comprising the counties of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, the court for which shall be held at Los Angeles; and (3) the Southern District comprising Orange County, the court for which shall be held at Santa Ana.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
Directs the Secretary of Defense, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, to either sell or exchange real property and facilities (except for family housing and related support facilities) as part of the closure of the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station, California. Directs the Secretary to apply the proceeds from the sale of such property and facilities to offset the cost of providing suitable beddown facilities at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California, or the Marine Corps Base and Air Station at Camp Pendleton, California, or both, to support the missions of specified Marine Aircraft groups. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange the Tustin property and facilities for suitable replacement facilities at the Twentynine Palms or Camp Pendleton bases. Provides exchange conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 to pay for costs incurred in renovating or constructing new facilities as part of the exchange of property, requiring the value of such renovations or new construction to at least equal the fair market value of the Tustin real property and facilities exchanged. Directs the Secretary to attempt to obtain the sale or exchange agreement for the Tustin real property and facilities within 18 months after enactment of this Act, except that the Secretary shall comply with the requirements of the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 before entering into such an agreement. States that if after such period the Secretary determines that further sale or exchange efforts are not in the best interests of the United States, the closure of the operations poriton of the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station shall proceed as provided in the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Requires the Secretary to complete the closure and relocation of the Tustin Station within six years after the enactment of this Act, plus the additional time required for the sale or exchange of its real property and facilities. Requires the Secretary to notify the Senate and House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees at least 21 days in advance of the terms of any agreement reached relating to the sale or exchange of the Tustin property and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain employees of community colleges from overtime pay provisions of such Act under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Economic Growth and Family Tax Freedom Act of 1991 - Title I: Nonrefundable Tax Credit for Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each child under the age of six and $300 for each child between the age of six and 18. Makes the dependent care credit inapplicable to children under the age of six. Title II: Reducing the Cost of Capital by Reducing Capital Gains Tax Rates, Indexing the Basis of Certain Assets, and Excluding Gain From Sales of Principal Residences - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Provides for the phaseout of personal exemptions and the overall limitation on itemized deductions to take into account adjusted gross income which has been reduced by net capital gain. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers. Excludes from gross income the sale or exchange of property that has been owned and used by the taxpayer as the taxpayer's principal residence. Terminates provisions relating to the rollover or gain on the sale of a principal residence. Title III: Adjusting Depreciation Rates to Reflect Inflation - Provides a depreciation deduction adjustment for tangible property (other than residential rental property and nonresidential real property) placed in service after 1991. Allows phase-in deductions for such property placed in service after 1996. Title IV: Savings Incentives - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Provides for qualified distributions from such accounts, other than for general retirement purposes, including special purpose distributions made for the purchase of a first home and for medical or educational purposes. Prohibits special purpose distributions from being made during the first five years of the account. Title V: Treatment of Passive Losses - Provides for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities. Title VI: Enterprise Zones - Subtitle A: Designation of Enterprises Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every two years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Subtitle B: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gains from income computation of alternative minimum taxes. Subtitle C: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Subtitle D: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis, and to expedite the processing of, applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Subtitle E: Repeals of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Program for Greater Stability and Support (PROGRESS) for Eastern Europe Act of 1991 - Sets forth policies on the provision of trade benefits and other assistance to eligible Eastern and Central European countries, including prohibitions on assistance to Communist party organizations. Defines an eligible Central or Eastern European country as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and any other Central or Eastern European country (including Yugoslavia) that is taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism; (2) economic reform and a market economy; (3) respect for human rights; and (4) building a friendly relationship with the United States. Declares that the United States, in providing such assistance, should: (1) avoid equating the amount of funds used for assistance with success; (2) encourage and facilitate technical advice on establishing free market economies; and (3) encourage cultural and educational exchanges between U.S. and Eastern European nongovernmental organizations that are committed to democracy and free market economies. States that the President should consider property rights, business regulations, the informal sector, wage and price controls, taxation, trade policy, restrictions on investment and capital flows, the size of the state sector, and the banking sector, in determining whether such assistance should be provided. Declares that the United States should encourage U.S. companies to bid on contracts to improve Central and Eastern Europe's infrastructure and assist companies in applying for such contracts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include eligible Central and Eastern European countries within the definition of a beneficiary country for purposes of permitting tax deductions for conventions held in such countries. Increases the tax exclusion for income earned in eligible Central and Eastern European countries. Encourages the President to: (1) negotiate with eligible Central and Eastern European countries to establish tax sparing treaties; and (2) reduce trade barriers with such countries wherever possible. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide that Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs shall not be prohibited in eligible Central or Eastern European countries. Amends the SEED Act of 1989 to redesignate the SEED Information Center System as the Central and Eastern European Business Information Center System, a central clearinghouse and data resource service for U.S. and Central and Eastern European businesses. Requires information to be made available to local enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe seeking trade or investment with the United States through trade information centers. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a matching requirement for U.S. businesses receiving such funding. Requires the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to establish a Program for East European Political Education. Provides that such Program shall provide training and experience for Central and Eastern European leaders with the Congress, in U.S. political campaigns, and with U.S. media and businesses, by awarding Congressional Gift of Democracy Fellowships. Sets forth a matching requirement for nongovernmental organizations chosen to award such fellowships. Limits fellowships to a five-month period. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to develop a management training program for business people and government officials from eligible Central and Eastern European countries. Makes Small Business Development Center Program and Senior Corps of Retired Executives funds available to carry out this program. Commends the Peace Corps and the Small Business Administration for developing the Business to Business Program to teach business and management skills to Central and Eastern Europe. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish a task force to review, and recommend revisions to, AID's regulations governing the application process for private voluntary organizations and businesses to receive AID funding for activities relating to Central and Eastern Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Congressional Accountability Act - Makes applicable to the Congress the following Federal laws, to the extent that they relate to the terms and conditions of employment, the health and safety of employees, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees: (1) Social Security Act; (2) National Labor Relations Act; (3) Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (4) Civil Rights Act of 1964; (5) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (6) Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (7) title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; (8) Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (9) Privacy Act of 1974; (10) Age Discrimination Act of 1975; (11) Ethics in Government Act of 1978; and (12) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Makes applicable also to the Congress specified provisions of Federal law: (1) commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act; and (2) relating to independent counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Directs all Members of Congress to pay full market value for all medical services, medical tests, and medications provided by the Office of the Attending Physician. Establishes the Office of Attending Physician Revolving Fund in the Treasury (within the contingent fund of the Senate) for deposit of such payments and monies received from any other source.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Repeals the Assault Weapon Manufacturing Strict Liability Act of 1990, signed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Restores or revives any provisions of law amended or repealed by it.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Urges and requests the President to require the Secretary of the appropriate military department to award the Bronze Star to each member of the Navy or Marine Corps who served under General Wainwright during the defense of Corregidor Island, the Philippines, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to take all necessary steps to notify interested parties, including the Florida Supreme Court, that the House: (1) regrets that official resources were used to prepare a brief against the constitutionality of State-imposed term limitations for Members of Congress; and (2) has no official or unofficial position thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Authorizes the Air Force Association to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) condemn the use of force in Yugoslavia; (2) recognize the independence of the Republics of Croatia and Slovenia; and (3) work for the cessation of hostilities leading to a negotiated settlement and peace in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1991
Provides that the period for which expenses of the former Speakers of the House of Representatives may be paid shall end three years after the expiration date of such term of office, except that in the case of a former Speaker who is receiving such expenses on the date of the enactment of this Act, the period shall end three years after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Provides, unless specified conditions are met relating to Serbia's armed conflict with the other ethnic peoples of Yugoslavia, for the: (1) restriction of U.S. assistance to Serbia or any part of Yugoslavia controlled by it; (2) suspension of U.S. air travel to and from such locations; (3) suspension of multinational assistance; and (4) imposition of a U.S. trade embargo.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child or certain other relatives at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $150,000 for all taxable years (adjusted for inflation) for each account. Disallows the deduction for contributions to an account maintained for any individual aged 19 or older. Requires any account balance to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 30. Permits an exclusion from the gross income of the contributor or the beneficiary of account distributions: (1) used to pay educational expenses of the beneficiary; or (2) contributed to the individual retirement plan (IRA) of the contributor. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization), unless a contributor or the beneficiary engages in specified prohibited transactions in connection with it. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions not used for educational purposes. Requires the account trustee to report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary concerning the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to report. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions to deduct for contributions to an education savings account. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account. Exempts from annual contribution limitations any distributions from education savings accounts into IRA's. Excludes from gross income any distributions from IRA's into education savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Improved Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 1991 - Increases FY 1993 personnel levels and funding for the Border Patrol. Provides for inservice training to familiarize Border Patrol personnel with the rights and varied cultural backgrounds of aliens and citizens. Authorizes FY 1993 appropriations. Increases FY 1993 personnel levels in the Wage and Hour Division with the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor, and assigns such additional personnel to areas with high concentrations of undocumented aliens. Increases for FY 1993 the number of Assistant United States Attorney positions, and assigns such additional personnel to prosecute persons who harbor or bring into the United States illegal aliens. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for harboring or bringing into the United States aliens for profit. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General and the Secretary of State should initiate programs with Mexico and Canada to prevent and prosecute the smuggling of aliens into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Urges the President to call upon the President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to begin negotiations with leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia for the prompt withdrawal of Soviet troops from the Baltic States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) recognize Ukraine's independence and take steps toward the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Ukraine should the December 1, 1991, referendum confirm the Ukrainian parliament's independence declaration; and (2) use U.S. assistance, trade, and other programs to support the Government of Ukraine and encourage the further development of democracy and a free-market.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Medicare EKG Payment Restoration Act of 1991 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) reestablish separate payment for the interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) that are ordered or performed during an office visit or consultation with a physician; and (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish separate fee schedule amounts for EKG interpretations and to adjust the relative values established for office visits to or consultations with a physician to reflect the establishment of such separate fee schedule amounts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish practice guidelines for the use of EKGs for dissemination along with other educational information relating to the use of EKGs to physicians; (2) develop a profile of the use of EKGs by physicians; and (3) conduct a study and report to the Congress on the utilization and costs of EKGs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a complete tax exemption (currently a 75 percent tax exemption) for bonds used to finance high-speed intercity rail facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Directs all Federal and State agencies which have responsibility for matters affecting the Gulf to work to increase public awareness regarding the immeasurable value of this resource and current conditions which threaten its aesthetic and economic value.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to remove their products from the column two duty rate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1991
Baltic Nations Assistance Act - Considers Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to be eligible East European countries for purposes of any program of assistance for Eastern Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
National Air and Space Museum Expansion Site Selection Act of 1991 - Establishes the National Air and Space Museum Expansion Site Advisory Panel to conduct a national competition for the evaluation of possible expansion sites for the National Air and Space Museum. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to select the site after considering the recommendation of the Panel. Terminates the Panel 30 days after such selection. Requires the General Accounting Office to review and evaluate the selection by the Board of Regents and report to the Congress.
![Official portrait of Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-48]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000830_200.jpg)