Rep. Espy, Mike [D-MS-2]

An amendment to provide a statutory mandate for the FmHA's limited-resource loan initiative, which provides loans to low-income borrowers at reduced rates.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment requires the Jackson, Mississippi Federal Intermediate Credit Bank to merge with another Farm Credit System institution within one year of enactment of the bill. \ As amended by the de la Garza substitute amendment (A003), the Farm Credit Administration is required to conduct a referendum of the farmer-borrowers of the bank that allows them the option to seek a merger partner and negotiate a merger plan or proceed with an arbitrated merger with the Farm Credit Bank of Texas.

United States · United States Congress

Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993

Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation as a federally chartered private corporation, under the management of a board of directors appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Lower Mississippi Delta Region congressional delegation. Requires the Corporation to develop strategies and provide financial and technical assistance for expanding the economic base of the lower Mississippi delta region and communities within it. Sets forth the Corporation's powers, including power to acquire the shares of insured depository institutions and holding companies located in the lower Mississippi delta region (passive investments). Authorizes appropriations to the President to make grants to the Corporation to implement this Act. Requires the Corporation to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) report annually to the Congress.

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1993 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine, including a vessel crewmember of the U.S. Army Transport Service, during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act. Mandates a processing fee for any benefit application for such qualified service.

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Requirements for Leave Title II: Leave for Civil Service Employees Title III: Commission on Leave Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Title V: Coverage of Congressional Employees Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Title I: General Requirements for Leave - Establishes certain requirements for family and medical leave for permanent employees. (Sec. 101) Makes employees eligible for such leave if they have been employed, by the employer from whom leave is sought, for at least: (1) 12 months; and (2) 1,250 hours of service during the previous 12-month period. (Excludes from such coverage: (1) employees at worksites at which the employer employs less than 50 persons, if the total number of employees of that employer within 75 miles of that worksite is less than 50; and (2) Federal officers and employees covered under title II of this Act.) (Sec. 102) Entitles employees to 12 workweeks of leave during any 12-month period because of: (1) the birth of their child; (2) the placement of a child for their adoption or foster care; (3) their care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition; or (4) their own serious health condition which makes them unable to perform the functions of their position. Conditions such leave for the birth or placement of a child as follows: (1) the entitlement ends 12 months after the birth or placement; and (2) such leave may not be taken intermittently unless employee and employer agree otherwise. Allows intermittent leave for necessary medical treatment of an employee or family member. Allows the employer to require a temporary transfer to an equivalent alternative position that better accommodates such intermittent leave. Allows all leave under this title to: (1) be taken on a reduced leave schedule, upon agreement with the employer; and (2) consist of unpaid leave, except under specified conditions when substitution of certain types of paid leave may be elected or required. Does not require an employer to provide paid sick or medical leave in any situation in which the employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. Requires employees to: (1) give at least 30 days' notice of the need for leave to which they are entitled under this Act, when foreseeable; and (2) make a reasonable effort to schedule medical treatment or supervision so as not to disrupt unduly the employer's operations, subject to approval of the health care provider. Allows limitation of the dual aggregate leave entitlement to 12 weeks in any 12-month period, in the case of spouses employed by the same employer, if such leave is for the birth or placement of a child or for the care of a sick parent. (Sec. 103) Sets forth conditions of certification for leave entitlements under this Act. (Sec. 104) Requires restoration of the employee to his or her position or an equivalent position upon return from such leave. Allows an employer to deny such restoration to certain highly compensated employees, under specified conditions (the highest paid ten percent of the employer's employees within a 75-mile radius of a facility; the denial must be necessary to prevent substantial and grievous economic injury to the employer's operations). Requires maintenance of employee health benefits during such leave. (Sec. 105) Prohibits interference with or discrimination against employees exercising rights under this title. (Sec. 106) Sets forth the investigative authority of the Secretary of Labor under this title. (Sec. 107) Provides for enforcement of this Act. Provides for administrative and civil actions. Makes an employer who violates this title's prohibitions against interference or discrimination liable for damages in the amount of: (1) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost; (2) (where such compensation has not been denied or lost) any actual monetary losses, such as the cost of providing care; (3) interest on such losses; and (4) liquidated damages under certain conditions. Makes such employers also liable for appropriate equitable relief, including, without limitation, employment, reinstatement, and promotion. Sets forth provisions for attorney's fees, limitation of actions, and injunctions. (Sec. 108) Sets forth special rules concerning employees of local educational agencies and of private elementary and secondary schools. (Sec. 109) Sets forth requirements for posting notice and for fines. (Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title. Title II: Leave for Civil Service Employees - (Sec. 201) Entitles eligible civil service employees to family and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Allows up to 12 administrative workweeks of leave without pay (or substituted paid leave) in any 12-month period for: (1) family leave (i.e., leave because of the birth or placement of a child or care of a sick spouse, child, or parent); or (2) temporary medical leave for a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of their position. Sets forth: (1) requirements for employees to give prior notice; (2) certification provisions; (3) protections for job position and health insurance benefits; and (4) prohibitions against coercion. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Leave - (Sec. 301) Establishes the Commission on Leave. (Sec. 302) Requires the Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of: (1) existing and proposed leave policies; (2) the potential costs, benefits, and impact on productivity of such policies on employers; and (3) alternative and equivalent State enforcement of this Act with respect to employees of local educational agencies and private schools. Requires the Commission to report on such study to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. (Sec. 306) Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its report to the Congress. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 401 and Sec. 402) Sets forth the effect of this Act on other laws and existing employment benefits. (Sec. 403) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous leave policies. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title (except those provisions applicable to the Senate) within 60 days. Title V: Coverage of Congressional Employees - (Sec. 501) Applies the rights and protections established under specified provisions of title I of this Act to Senate employees. Makes specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 applicable, with certain exceptions. Provides that allegations shall be considered by the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices or another entity designated by the Senate. Requires such Office to ensure that Senate employees are informed of their rights under this Act. (Sec. 502) Applies the rights and protections under title I of this Act to employees of the House of Representatives, except for the exemption concerning highly compensated employees. Requires that the remedies and procedures under the Fair Employment Practices Resolution be applied in administering such coverage.

To establish the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993

Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to conduct a continuing oversight and review of the problems of narcotics, drug, and polydrug abuse and control.

Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1992

Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Financing Corporation (the Corporation) as a federally chartered private corporation, under the management of a board of directors appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Lower Mississippi Delta Region congressional delegation. Requires the Corporation to develop strategies and provide financial and technical assistance for building and expanding the economic base of the lower Mississippi delta region and communities within it. Sets forth the Corporation's powers, including acquiring the shares of insured depository institutions and holding companies located in the lower Mississippi delta region (passive investments). Authorizes appropriations to the President to make grants to the Corporation to implement this Act. Requires the Corporation to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) report annually to the Congress.

Native American Veterans' Home Loan Equity Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1992

Native American Veterans' Home Loan Equity Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a pilot program under which the Secretary may make direct housing loans to aid Native American (Indian, Alaska or Hawaii native, or Pacific Islander) veterans in purchasing, constructing, or improving dwellings on trust land. Requires such loans to be made in a variety of geographic areas and in areas experiencing a variety of economic circumstances. Prohibits any such loans from being made after the end of FY 1997. Authorizes the Secretary to make such a direct housing loan to a Native American if: (1) the Secretary has entered into a memorandum of understanding with respect to such loans with the tribal organization having jurisdiction over such veteran; and (2) the memorandum is in effect when the loan is made. Outlines provisions to be included in each such memorandum. Prohibits entering into any such memorandum unless the Secretary determines that it provides standards and procedures necessary for the reasonable protection of the financial interests of the United States. Limits to $80,000 the principal amount of any such loan, but authorizes the Secretary to exceed such amount in a geographic area in which housing costs are significantly higher than average housing costs nationwide. Sets forth provisions concerning loan interest rates and credit underwriting standards. Directs the Secretary to determine the reasonable value of the interest in property that will serve as security for a loan made under this Act and to establish procedures for appraisals upon which to base such determinations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum requirements for planning, construction or improvement, and general acceptability relating to any direct loan; and (2) establish credit underwriting standards to be used in evaluating such loans. Requires loans to be repaid in monthly installments. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make advances to provide for repairs, alterations, and improvements and to meet incidental expenses of the loan transaction; and (2) take any other actions and make any necessary determinations with respect to expenses, rules and regulations, and the use of persons, organizations, or departments or agencies to carry out his functions. Directs the Secretary to carry out an outreach program to inform tribal organizations and Native American veterans of the pilot program and the availability of direct housing loans for Native American veterans residing on trust lands. Establishes in the Treasury the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program Account to carry out financial activities relating to the making of loans under this Act. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out the pilot program, to consider the views and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Native-American Veterans established under the Veteran's Health-Care Amendments of 1986. Directs the Secretary to report annually in 1994 through 1998 to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on: (1) the pilot program and recommendations for legislation regarding the program; (2) the exercise of authority to exceed the maximum loan limit; and (3) the real property appraisals performed for the Secretary during such year. Allows new direct loan obligations for Native American veteran housing loans under this Act to be incurred only to the extent that appropriations to cover their anticipated cost are made in advance. Authorizes appropriations for such loans for FY 1993.

Designating October 4, 1992, through October 10, 1992, as "National Bone Marrow Donor Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1992

Designates October 4 through 10, 1992, as National Bone Marrow Donor Awareness Week.

Designating the week beginning October 18, 1992, as "National Radon Action Week".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992

Designates the week beginning October 18, 1992, as National Radon Action Week.

To award a congressional gold medal to John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie.

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie in recognition of his accomplishments as a musician. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

Women in the Armed Forces Commemorative Coins Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Women in the Armed Forces Commemorative Coins Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue coins to commemorate the women who have served in the armed forces of the United States; and (2) transfer the surcharges received from coin sales to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation and endow and dedicate the Women in the Armed Forces Memorial.

Persian Gulf War Health Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Persian Gulf War Health Registry Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to maintain a Persian Gulf War Health Registry for purposes of compiling information on Persian Gulf War veterans to assist in identifying possible disabilities which may result from service in the U.S. armed forces in southwest Asia during such war. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) information to be included in the Registry, including a description of activities in which the veteran participated during the war that may have long-term health effects, locations in which the veteran served, and any investigation drugs administered to such veterans by the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) steps that the Secretary may (and Secretary of Defense, upon request, shall) take, including a comprehensive mental and physical examination and follow-up consultation, to determine the current health status of such veterans. Directs the Secretary and Secretary of Defense to: (1) inform Gulf War veterans who are no longer members of the armed forces of the provisions of this Act and encourage such veterans to participate in the Registry; and (2) annually furnish to such veterans updated information on health risks of service in southwest Asia during the war. Requires DOD to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs each fiscal year, from funds appropriated for health care, for the cost of administering the Registry for Gulf War veterans who are members of the armed forces. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to provide Gulf War veterans in the Registry with hospital care, nursing home care, or outpatient medical services for the treatment of diseases or disabilities identified in an examination authorized pursuant to this Act; and (2) application for an examination shall not be construed as an application for any other benefit. Directs the Secretary to conduct a longitudinal study, over a 50-year period, to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in southwest Asia during the Gulf War, including an ongoing examination of the health consequences of petrochemical exposure, investigation drugs administered during the Gulf War, the fumes of burning trash, and diseases indigenous to the Middle East. Requires the Secretary and Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a joint annual report on the Registry. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Registry (and have access to the registry established by the Secretary of Defense); and (2) submit to the Congress a research protocol for the 50-year study.

Designating February 4, 1993, and February 3, 1994, as "National Women and Girls in Sports Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Designates February 4, 1993, and February 3, 1994, as National Women and Girls in Sports Day.

Designating May 2, 1993, through May 8, 1993, as "National Walking Week".

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Designates May 2 through 8, 1993, as National Walking Week.

Designating November 30, 1992, through December 6, 1992, as "National Education First Week".

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Designates November 30 through December 6, 1992, as National Education First Week.

Designating the week beginning November 8, 1992, as "Hire a Veteran Week".

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Designates the week beginning November 8, 1992, as Hire a Veteran Week.

Designating the week beginning February 7, 1993, as "Lincoln Legacy Week".

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Designates the week beginning February 7, 1993, as Lincoln Legacy Week.

Designating December 1, 1992, as "World AIDS Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1992

Designates December 1, 1992, as World AIDS Day.

Native American Veterans' Home Loan Equity Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1992

Native American Veterans' Home Loan Equity Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and implement a pilot program under which the Secretary may make direct housing loans to aid Native American (Indian, Alaska or Hawaii native, or Pacific Islander) veterans in purchasing, constructing, or improving dwellings on trust land. Requires such loans to be made in a variety of geographic areas and in areas experiencing a variety of economic circumstances. Prohibits any such loans from being made after the end of FY 1997. Authorizes the Secretary to make such a direct housing loan to a Native American if: (1) the Secretary has entered into a memorandum of understanding with respect to such loans with the tribal organization having jurisdiction over such veteran; and (2) the memorandum is in effect when the loan is made. Outlines provisions to be included in each such memorandum. Prohibits entering into any such memorandum unless the Secretary determines that it provides standards and procedures necessary for the reasonable protection of the financial interests of the United States. Limits to $80,000 the principal amount of any such loan. Sets forth provisions governing loan interest rates. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum requirements for planning, construction or improvement, and general acceptability relating to any direct loan; and (2) establish credit underwriting standards to be used in evaluating such loans. Requires loans to be repaid in monthly installments. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make advances to provide for repairs, alterations, and improvements and to meet incidental expenses of the loan transaction; and (2) take any other actions and make any necessary determinations with respect to expenses, rules and regulations, and the use of persons, organizations, or departments or agencies to carry out his functions. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund to be known as the Native American Veterans Housing Loan Fund to carry out financial activities relating to the making of loans under this Act. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out the pilot program, to consider the views and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Native-American Veterans established under the Veterans' Health-Care Amendments of 1986. Directs the Secretary to report annually in 1994 through 1998 to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the pilot program and recommendations for legislation regarding the program. Authorizes appropriations.

To express the sense of the Congress with respect to sports blackouts.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that no rules, regulations, or statutes shall be adopted preventing cable systems or other multichannel video distribution systems from retransmitting professional baseball and basketball games which are carried on distant broadcast stations or requiring cable systems to "black out" such games, except as provided in the Federal Communications Commission's sports blackout rules.

American Jobs Fairness Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1992

American Jobs Fairness Act of 1992 - Prohibits expenditure of Federal funds to purchase components for the Superconducting Super Collider that are manufactured outside the United States, except under a contract that was open to competitive bidding (with specified exceptions for certain components).

Designating September 9, 1992, as "Haitian Freedom Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1992

Designates September 9, 1992, as Haitian Freedom Day.

USDA National Appeals Division Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1992

USDA National Appeals Division Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish and maintain an independent National Appeals Division within the Office of the Secretary to hear appeals of adverse decisions made by certain agencies within the Department of Agriculture. Requires the Secretary to develop a subject-matter index of all significant final determinations and make such index available to the public. Requires the Secretary to provide an appellant with notice and opportunity for hearing. Sets forth administrative appeal provisions regarding: (1) informal hearings and appealable decisions; (2) access to materials; (3) hearings; (4) administrative appeal review; (5) judicial review; (6) implementation of final determinations; (7) employee evaluation; and (8) prohibition of adverse action during a pending appeal. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to increase the Federal assistance ceiling for State agricultural loan mediation programs.

Emergency Community Development Loan Guarantee Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1992

Emergency Community Development Loan Guarantee Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into additional annual housing loan guarantee commitments under section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Designating October 1992 as "Polish-American Heritage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1992

Designates October 1992 as Polish-American Heritage Month.

Designating October 30, 1992, as "Refugee Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1992

Designates October 30, 1992, as Refugee Day.

Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1992

Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Balancing the Budget - Part A: Purposes - Repeals provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to: (1) emergency powers to eliminate deficits in excess of the maximum deficit amount; (2) budgetary treatment of social security trust funds; and (3) miscellaneous and related provisions. Declares the purpose of this Act to balance the budget by FY 1998 and each year thereafter. Part B: The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - Establishes deficit reduction targets for direct spending and receipts legislation for FY 1993 through 1998. Establishes discretionary funding limits in terms of new budget authority for FY 1994 through 1998. Requires, whenever appropriate, that adjustments to such limits be made to reflect: (1) changes in budget accounting concepts; (2) changes in inflation for each year and outyear (any of the four fiscal years that follow the budget year); (3) renewal/replacement multiyear subsidized housing contracts; (4) emergency requirements; (5) new limits for 1998 and thereafter; and (6) any law that raises excise taxes dedicated to a transportation trust fund. Provides that if at the start of the 1998 budget-year session the baseline assuming deficit reduction projects a deficit (or surplus) for that year, then the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement for that year and the discretionary funding limit for that year shall each be changed by amounts that, when debt service effects are added, will produce a balanced budget. Requires these changes to be made through enactment of a spin-off law or, if a spin-off law is not enacted, an adjustment to the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement by two-thirds of the required change (excluding debt service effects) and a one-third adjustment of the required change (excluding debt service effects) to the discretionary funding limit. Provides for preventing deficits starting with FY 1999. Provides for the enactment of a spin-off law through congressional budget procedures or other means to balance the budget in 1998 or prevent deficits after 1998. Establishes a scorecard for the recording of the estimated increase or decrease in deficit reduction for the current year, the budget year, and each fiscal year through 1998 due to enactment (after August 15, 1992) of any law, or the imposition of any sequestration, or the change in the baseline which relates to certain expiring provisions of law and to veterans' compensation, affecting the level of direct spending or the level of receipts. Requires the creation of a new scorecard for FY 1999 and thereafter for the estimated increase or decrease in the deficit or surplus for the budget year. Sets forth deficit reduction requirements for the scorecard. Provides for scoring any law that affects current-year direct spending or receipts. Divides the scorecard between changes in outlays for direct spending and changes in receipts. Excludes certain emergency legislation from the scorecard. Includes certain receipts resulting from an increase in an excise tax dedicated to a transportation fund. Establishes a scorecard for each fiscal year starting with 1994 for discretionary appropriations amounts due to: (1) the enactment of any law in the budget-year session; (2) the enactent of any law in any previous session of Congress; or (3) the imposition of any across-the-board reduction of discretionary programs. Sets forth the method of enforcing deficit reduction targets in direct spending programs through a targeted sequestration procedure. Requires enactment of a spin-off law to initiate such procedure. Establishes a comprehensive sequestration procedure if such spin-off bill is not enacted. Requires under such procedure a freeze of entitlement spending and some revenue provisions in the amount needed to meet deficit targets. Sets forth the method of sequestering discretionary programs through uniform across-the-board reductions, unless the excess of new budget authority is less than $250 million. Lists the budget accounts or activities exempted from sequestration. Authorizes the President to exempt some or all of the budgetary resources of any military personnel account from sequestration, pending notification of the Congress. Subjects Federal administrative expenses to sequestration orders, with specified exceptions. Provides for the permanent sequestration of direct spending and receipts and for determining applicable uniform percentages for reductions. Sets forth the method of making reductions for: (1) the non-JOBS and JOBS portion of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act; (2) the child support enforcement program; (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (4) the conservation reserve program; (5) extended unemployment compensation; (6) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (7) the Federal Housing Finance Board; (8) Federal pay; (9) the guaranteed student loan program; (10) Federal insurance program; (11) the Medicaid program; (12) the Medicare program; (13) the Postal Service Fund; (14) the Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; (15) the uranium enrichment program; and (16) veterans' housing loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the method of sequestration through tax changes. Requires an increase in the top marginal rates and modifies the indexing provision under a sequestration order. Imposes a tax surcharge on individuals and corporations. Sets forth the timetable for estimating assumptions and filing reports and orders by the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Board of Estimates (established by this Act). Requires the making of sequestration reports, sequestration preview reports, and low-growth reports by CBO and OMB. Establishes the administrative procedures relative to such reports. Sets forth assumptions to be used in calculating the baseline for the budget year and each outyear with respect to direct spending and receipts and discretionary programs. Declares that a baseline assuming deficit reduction refers to a projection of current policy baseline surpluses or deficits into the budget year and the outlays that is adjusted in aggregate by: (1) assuming compliance with basic deficit reduction targets; (2) assuming compliance with the discretionary funding limits; and (3) excluding amounts resulting from legislation designated as an emergency requirement. Establishes as a deposit fund in the Treasury a Stabilization Reserve Fund to accumulate balances during years of comparative prosperity, which may later be used to cover the loss of receipts and the increase in outlays that occur during comparative economic distress. Requires annual surpluses to be paid into the Fund. Requires starting with FY 1999 that an additional $10 billion be paid to the Fund. Requires in each year starting with 2000 that an additional $20 billion be paid to such Fund. Prohibits Fund balances from receiving interest. Requires the enactment of a law to transfer balances to the General Fund of the Treasury. Establishes congressional procedures in the event of a low-growth report or a declaration of war. Establishes a Board of Estimates to choose the applicable sequestration report from OMB or CBO to submit to the President. Provides judicial review procedures for provisions of this title. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Standing Rules of Senate, and specified other laws. Establishes the public debt limit.

Children's Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992

Children's Initiative - Family Preservation Act of 1992 - States that titles I through V of this Act may be cited as the Family Preservation Act of 1992 - Title I: Child Welfare Services - Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to create a capped entitlement program to provide child welfare services designed to strengthen and preserve families. Provides for allotments, reallotments, and payments to States of entitlement funds. Requires use of part of such funds to develop or expand specialized child welfare service programs for families in crisis due to substance abuse. Requires uses of remaining funds to develop or expand certain family and child service programs. Repeals provisions for incentive payments to States which maintain a foster care inventory, information system, and case review system; but requires States to provide such protections and other services designed to keep families together or reunify them, or to place children for adoption, with a legal guardian, or in some other planned, permanent living arrangement. Requires States to submit the following types of reports on child welfare services and expenditures: (1) pre-expenditure reports; (2) post-expenditure reports; and (3) comparative financial contributions reports. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit to specified congressional committees annual summaries of the information in such comparative financial contributions reports. Requires such information to be made available to the public. Reserves entitlement funds for grants to State court systems to assess and improve procedures in child welfare cases in carrying out parts B and E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of SSA title IV. Sets forth application requirements and formulas for determining the amount of such grants for FY 1994 through 1998. Directs the HHS Secretary to submit interim and final reports to the Congress on the information obtained from assessments conducted with such grants and the impact of such grant program on State court procedures and functions. Requires each State to compile periodically a detailed directory of programs designed to keep families together or reunify them or place children permanently, identifying which of such programs provides specialized child welfare services to families in crisis due to substance abuse. Requires States to report on measures taken to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Title II: Foster Care And Adoption Assistance - Amends SSA title IV to add a new part C, Comprehensive Service Projects to grant States flexibility and resources to develop comprehensive and coordinated services designed to: (1) preserve and strengthen families with children at risk of placement outside their homes; (2) reunite children with their families expeditiously if an out-of-home placement is found to be necessary; and (3) place children in adoptive homes or other permanent arrangements in a timely fashion if reunification with their families is not appropriate. Permits any State to apply to the HHS Secretary for permission to: (1) conduct a comprehensive service project in a selected area or areas; and (2) suspend certain child welfare services and foster care and adoption assistance requirements with respect to State activities in such area or areas during the project. Sets forth application requirements and administrative provisions for such projects. Prohibits the HHS Secretary from requiring as a condition of approval of a project application: (1) the State to select any area or areas in which to conduct the project; or (2) the project to comply with any requirements not specified in the project authorization. Sets forth those requirements with which such a project must comply. Provides for determining the expenses for which a State might properly seek reimbursement, for purposes of calculating such grant amount. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to increase such grant amount, to the extent appropriate, by taking specified factors into account. Sets forth requirements for notification to States of grant amounts, and for grant payments in equal quarterly installments. Prohibits a State from carrying out such a project in a manner that impairs the entitlement of any child to: (1) the foster care benefits he or she would have receive if the HHS Secretary had approved the State plan and had not authorized the State to conduct such a project; or (2) any other benefit to which the child is legally entitled. Deems a State to have in effect an approved foster care and adoption assistance plan during the period in which it conducts such a project for purposes of State plan requirements under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of SSA title IV. Requires States to report annually on project funds expended to the HHS Secretary and the Advisory Commission on Children and Families. Provides for administrative remedies for unsuccessful projects. Provides for project termination. Makes abandoned children entering foster care eligible for foster care maintenance payments. Makes the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made eligible for adoption assistance payments. Makes technical revisions to the foster care maintenance payments program and the adoption assistance program to expand the removal from home requirement to include removal from legal custody. Provides for retroactive application of such new requirement under the adoption assistance program. Makes children whose adoption has been set aside by a court eligible for foster care maintenance payments. Makes the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made eligible for adoption assistance payments. Establishes a respite care program for foster parents with children who have special needs. Limits the expenses eligible for reimbursement under such program. Expands the definition of children with special needs, for purposes of the adoption assistance program, to include: (1) those children for whom information is known and available about their genetic or social history indicating a high risk of medical conditions or physical, mental, or emotional handicaps which makes it reasonable to conclude that they cannot be placed for adoption without providing part E adoption assistance or Medicaid (SSA title XIX) medical assistance; and (2) those children that have been adopted, that were under the care and responsibility of the State agency responsible for administering the State's part E programs immediately before adoption, and that have a mental, physical, or emotional handicap that either existed before the adoption but was not diagnosed until afterwards, or first manifests itself after the adoption but is congenital or was caused beforehand. Extends to relatives (as well as foster parents) who are prospective adoptive parents, and with whom the child has significant emotional ties while in their care, the exception to the requirement that an effort be made to place special needs children with appropriate adoptive parents without providing adoption or Medicaid assistance. Requires each State to submit to the HHS Secretary the factors and conditions it uses to identify children with special needs for purposes of the adoption assistance program, and any modifications to such factors and conditions. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Foster Care Placement to study and report to the Secretary and the Congress on the implementation of specified requirements, under State plans for foster care and adoption assistance, that reasonable efforts be made: (1) before placement of a child in a foster home, to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home; and (2) to make it possible for the child to return to the child's home. Provides Federal coverage of 90 percent of State costs in developing and installing certain statewide mechanized data collection and information retrieval systems. Covers 50 percent of State costs for operation of such systems. Provides that all State expenditures for development, installation, and operation of such systems shall be treated as necessary for proper and efficient administration of the State plan, without regard to whether the systems may be used with respect to foster or adoptive children other than those on behalf of whom payments may be made for foster care maintenance or adoption assistance. Reduces, after three years, from 90 to 50 percent the Federal matching payment for development and installation of such systems. Defers a deadline for implementation of automated systems until one year after certain regulations are promulgated. Directs the Secretary to establish a work group to advise on planning and implementation of the system to be used for collection of data relating to adoption and foster care in the United States. Requires the State plan to provide for: (1) a triennial review of the amounts paid as foster care maintenance payments and adoption assistance to assure their continuing appropriateness; and (2) a report to the HHS Secretary on the results. Sets forth requirements concerning dispositional hearings to determine the final status of a foster child. Revises the time frame for judicial determinations on voluntary placements. Sets forth case plan requirements for placement of children in out-of-State foster care. Requires annual review, with the child present, of the status of children in out-of-State foster care placements. Requires States to collect data on the numbers of children in out-of-State foster care placements. Requires a State, in order to receive payments for expenditures after FY 1994 for foster care maintenance payments made with respect to children placed in foster care outside the State, to conduct and submit a study to the HHS Secretary, by the end of such fiscal year, identifying the number and common characteristics of such children and the reasons why they were not placed in foster care in the State. Provides for the treatment of assets of youth participating in the independent living program. Eliminates the ceilings on Federal foster care payments to States and the State's authority to transfer unused foster care funds to child welfare services programs. Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) issue final regulations for training of staff of agencies responsible for administering foster care and adoption assistance programs, and for training of foster care and adoptive parents. Directs the Secretary annually to publish information, on a State-by-State basis, on expenditures for, and the operation of, the Child Welfare Services program, the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program, and Comprehensive Service Projects. Amends SSA title IV to add a new part G, Child Welfare Review System. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish such system to: (1) review each State child welfare program to assess whether the requirements of the Act are being carried out; (2) impose financial penalties in cases of substantial failure to comply; and (3) provide technical assistance to any such program. Sets forth provisions relating to effects of noncompliance, suspension and rescission of financial penalties, and administrative and judicial review. Requires that all State child welfare programs be reviewed at least once by the end of FY 1997. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing or withholding any payment, or seeking any repayment from any State under part B or E, by reason of a determination made in connection with specified reviews or audits for certain periods. Prohibits suspension of payments with respect to any claim for reimbursement 30 days after the HHS Secretary receives the quarterly statement of expenditures that contains the report of the claim. Provides that within ten months after the Secretary takes any action to suspend payment with respect to such a claim, the Secretary shall: (1) determine the allowability of the claim; or (2) if unable to make such a determination, make payment with respect to the claim, subject to a later determination of allowability. Title III: Social Services Block Grant - Amends SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to authorize increased appropriations for title XX programs. Provides for the allocation to tribal organizations of program funds otherwise allotted to the State in which the Indians represented by such an organization reside. Title IV: Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Activities - Amends part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to require the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) to establish an Advisory Commission on Children and Families. Requires the Commission to collect and assess specified types of information in order to identify cost-effective approaches to protect and enhance the physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being of children and their families. Directs OTA to report annually to the Congress on the Commission and its assessment. Requires the Commission to conduct, through contracts with independent research organizations, the following research and evaluation projects: (1) the evaluation of child welfare service programs, including intensive family preservation programs; (2) foster care evaluations; (3) longitudinal child welfare data bases, and studies of child welfare population dynamics; and (4) comprehensive service projects evaluations. Requires the Commission to study child separation guidelines. Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct the following research and evaluations: (1) a study (under contract with an independent research organization) to assess the prevalence and nature of risks to the safety of employees of child welfare systems; and (2) a three-year study (under contract with an organization with demonstrated appropriate experience) to examine methodologies for measuring the workloads of providers of child welfare services and community mental health services. Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States or localities for child welfare demonstration projects concerning abandoned child permanent placement. Directs the HHS Secretary to authorize eligible institutions to conduct demonstration projects to train eligible individuals to deliver culturally sensitive and bilingual child welfare services in U.S. areas that border on Mexico. Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions to conduct projects to train eligible institutions to deliver culturally sensitive and bilingual welfare services in urban centers which have a high proportion of historically unserved or underserved populations. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to make grants to State or local government agencies to conduct demonstration projects designed to: (1) develop and implement innovative recruitment or retention strategies for trained staff in public and private nonprofit agencies working with children and adolescents at risk of being placed in foster care; and (2) test the effect of joint training programs for the staff of child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice agencies, and for judicial personnel and judges. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to conduct demonstration projects designed to test the feasibility of eliminating income and resource requirements respecting foster care and adoption assistance payments. Directs the HHS Secretary to provide technical assistance to States for: (1) interpreting and implementing parts B, C, and E; (2) disseminating information on innovative child welfare agencies; (3) correcting problems identified through Federal audits and reviews and carrying out corrective action plans under part E; (4) implementing the foster care and adoption data collection system; and (5) addressing other matters identified by the HHS Secretary. Title V: Miscellaneous Human Resources Amendments - Amends the AFDC program to give States the option of using retrospective budgeting without monthly reporting under AFDC. Increases the amount of stepparent income disregarded under AFDC. Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to extend demonstration projects for evaluating model procedures for reviewing child support awards. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to make technical corrections relating to human resource and income security provisions. Title VI: Childhood Hunger Relief - Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act - Subtitle A: Ensuring Adequate Food Assistance - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the excess shelter deduction cap for purposes of food stamp program eligibility. (Sets forth transitional caps through 1996.) Eliminates food stamp reductions for households reapplying for program reinstatement within 30 days. Excludes 100 percent (currently only a specified portion) of third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless from consideration as program income. Increases funding for the nutrition assistance program in Puerto Rico. Excludes general assistance vendor payments from consideration as program income. Excludes the income of high school students from consideration as program income. (Current law excludes income until a student's eighteenth birthday.) Subtitle B: Promoting Self-Sufficiency - Excludes from consideration as program income: (1) the first $50 a month received as child support; and (2) child support payments to non-household members. Increases annually the fair market value limit of vehicles that program recipients may own. Subtitle C: Simplifying the Provision of Food Assistance - Permits related adults living in the same household to apply for separate program benefits under specified conditions. Repeals provisions authorizing benefit reductions due to insufficient funding. Subtitle D: Commodity Distribution to Needy Families - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to provide for increased allotments in FY 1993 for commodity purchases under the emergency food assistance program. Subtitle E: Implementation and Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this title. Title VII: Funding - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a surtax on individuals with incomes over $1,000,000.

Supporting the planting of 500 redwood trees from California in Spain in commemoration of the quincentenary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus and designating the trees as a gift to the people of Spain.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992

Supports the planting of 500 redwood trees from California on the northwest coast of Spain in commemoration of the quincentenary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Designates such trees as a gift to the people of Spain made in the name of the people of the United States.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the need for the President to seek the Senate's advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should seek the consent of the Senate to the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989.

To designate May of each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1992

Designates May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Fiscal Accountability and Impact Reform Act (FAIR Act)

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992

Fiscal Accountability and Impact Reform Act (FAIR Act) - States that one purpose of this Act is to assist the Congress in consideration of proposed legislation establishing or revising Federal programs to assure that, to the maximum extent practicable, legislation enacted will: (1) minimize the burden of such legislation on expenditure of scarce local public resources by State and local governments; (2) minimize inefficient allocation of economic resources; and (3) reduce the adverse effect of such legislation on the ability of State and local governments to use local public resources to meet local needs, and on allocation of economic resources, full employment, and international competitiveness. States that a second purpose of this Act is to require Federal agencies to exercise discretionary authority and implement statutory requirements in a manner which, consistent with agency mission and Federal law, minimizes the impact of regulations and other major Federal actions affecting the economy on: (1) the ability of State and local governments to use local public resources to meet local needs; and (2) the allocation of economic resources, full employment, and international competitiveness of American goods and services. Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that whenever a committee of either House reports a bill to its House which mandates unfunded requirements upon State and local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness. Title II: Agency Impact Analysis - Requires, to the fullest extent practicable, that: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with the purposes of this Act; (2) all Federal agencies, consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law, minimize the adverse effects of rules affecting the economy; and (3) Federal agencies take certain actions in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules, developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major Federal action affecting the economy whenever an agency identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the agency's statutory obligations. Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking, promulgates a final rule, or before initiating or implementing any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment. Provides for judicial review of final agency actions for compliance with this title.

Designating October 8, 1992, as "National Firefighters Day".

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992

Designates October 8, 1992, as National Firefighters Day.

Calling on the Secretary of Defense to complete a full investigation into alleged sexual harassment of women at the symposium of the Tailhook Association in September 1991.

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992

Denounces the sexual misconduct that occurred at the annual Navy Tailhook Association symposium in September 1991. Calls on the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the ongoing Department of Defense investigation of such misconduct is full and uncompromising. Urges the Secretary of the Navy to recommend and initiate full disciplinary procedures against any culpable individuals. Recognizes the importance of equality of opportunity for women and men in the armed forces to achieving mutual respect between the sexes. Urges the Secretary of Defense to make available to female military personnel the same opportunities available to male personnel, to the extent consistent with the protection and security of the United States.

To designate the month of October 1992 as "Country Music Month".

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1992

Designates October 1992 as Country Music Month.

Recognizing the accomplishments of the National Eye Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1992

Declares that the Congress: (1) recognizes the accomplishments of the National Eye Institute; (2) commends the Institute on its 25th anniversary; and (3) supports taxpayer education concerning the returns yielded by their investments in vision research.

International Woman and Child Health Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1992

International Woman and Child Health Act of 1992 - Requires U.S. contributions to international organizations and nongovernmental organizations for programs to immunize people in high-mortality countries for diseases such as measles or polio to be at least $100,000,000 greater in each of FY 1993 through 1995 than the amount of such contributions for FY 1992. Provides additional funding for vitamin A supplementation and fortification programs and iodine and iron supplementation and fortification programs for pregnant women. Directs the Agency for International Development, during FY 1993 through 1995, to ensure that a specified amount in local currencies made available under foreign assistance programs is used to provide training, compensation, and other support for maternal and child health workers in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Reduces funding for military assistance programs during such fiscal years in order to provide funding for this Act without increasing the foreign assistance budget.

Open Space Preservation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992

Open Space Preservation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate tax the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement (less the amount of any indebtedness secured by such land). Includes in the gross estate tax the value of each development right retained by the donor in the conveyance of the easement. Makes such tax due upon the disposition of the property. Provides that such land subject to the exclusion will have a carryover basis for purposes of determining gain or loss. Excludes from the gift tax transfers by gift of land subject to a conservation easement (other than development rights retained by the donor of such easement). Defers the reduction in certain estate tax rates after 1993 and before 1998.

International Refugee Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1992

International Refugee Protection Act of 1992 - States that: (1) the Congress affirms that U.S. obligations under certain international refugee agreements have applied to U.S. actions with respect to persons outside U.S. territorial boundaries; and (2) the United States shall refrain from the involuntary return of refugees to their home country from boundaries outside the United States or from the territorial waters of such home country, with specified exceptions.

Health Professional Shortage Area Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1992

Health Professional Shortage Area Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a certain percentage of the population being 65 years old or older to the indicators of need which must be taken into consideration in designating health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Prohibits, for frontier areas, considering the travel time between population centers or to contiguous area resources. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to continue, for three months after withdrawal of the designation of an area as an HPSA, the additional payments mandated for services furnished in HPSAs.

Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the Nation and designating November 23, 1992, as "National Military Families Recognition Day".

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1992

Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 23, 1992, as National Military Families Recognition Day.

Designating July 1992 as "National Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1992

Designates July 1992 as National Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month.

Providing for the printing of the book entitled "Year of the American Indian, 1992: Congressional Recognition and Appreciation" as a House document.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992

Provides for the printing of the book entitled "Year of the American Indian, 1992: Congressional Recognition and Appreciation" (prepared under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing) as a House document.

Designating March 1993 as "Irish-American Heritage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1992

Designates March 1993 as Irish-American Heritage Month.

Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish and operate the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to promote an understanding of the Lower Mississippi River and the United States Army Corps of Engineers' role in developing and managing that resource.

To prohibit the transfer of excess Department of Defense construction and fire equipment to foreign governments.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exclude construction and fire equipment from the definition of "excess defense articles" for purposes of restricting the transfer of such equipment to foreign countries.

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow, on order of a veterinarian: (1) a new animal drug approved for one use to be used for a different purpose, provided the use does not result in residues in food in violation of established safe levels for the drug; and (2) a new drug approved for human use to be used in non-food producing animals.

Every Fifth Child Appropriations Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Every Fifth Child Appropriations Act - Appropriates funds to carry out the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC program) authorized in specified provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Head Start programs authorized in specified provisions of the Head Start Act. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the programs, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Job Corps program authorized in specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act. Declares that, in order to establish a minimum number of additional centers, serve a minimum additional number of youths, and achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years.

Designating July 2, 1992, as "National Literacy Day".

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Designates July 2, 1992, as National Literacy Day.