United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Amends the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 to authorize appropriations for the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds, pursuant to a cooperative agreement with the Secretary, to Illinois, a political subdivision of Illinois, or any person to assist in the development of capital improvement projects necessary or appropriate to implement the plan under such Act. Prohibits the funds from being used to cover more than 50 percent of the aggregate costs of such projects. Requires the remaining share of such costs to be funded with non-Federal moneys. Extends: (1) the boundaries of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor; and (2) the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission to the year 2004.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) define the term "dietary supplement"; and (2) exclude a dietary supplement from the definition of "food additive." Deems a dietary supplement adulterated if it: (1) contains an unsafe dietary ingredient which presents a substantial and unreasonable risk of illness or injury; or (2) contains a dietary ingredient that has not been adequately substantiated for safety. Prohibits the establishment of maximum limits on the potency of any dietary supplement, except in the case of a supplement represented to be for the use of individuals with specific diseases or disorders. Allows a dietary supplement's label to characterize the relationship between the supplement and a disease under specified conditions. Deems food misbranded unless the label lists the daily value of specified nutrients which shall reflect the daily intake of each nutrient that will promote optimal health. Prohibits such value from being less than the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance. Establishes an Office of Dietary Supplements within the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care system of the United States should not include price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement to permit the Caring Place at Loyola, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit organization, to establish on the grounds of the Edward Hines, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Hines, Illinois, a facility for providing temporary accommodations for family members of severely ill children being treated at the Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center and other hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be paid to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to help raise an endowment to be a permanent source of support for the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Wool and Mohair Federal Support Program Elimination and Deficit Reduction Act of 1993 - Repeals the National Wool Act of 1954 (thus eliminating wool and mohair price supports).
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Fairness to Condominium and Cooperative Owners Amendment of 1993 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to preclude an individual debtor from being discharged from any debt for condominium or cooperative membership association fees if such fee is payable after the petition for relief in bankruptcy has been granted for any period during which the debtor occupied the dwelling unit.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1993
Repeals the Helium Act (an Act concerned mainly with the extraction and recovery of helium for national defense purposes). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to sell or otherwise dispose of: (1) all facilities, equipment, and real or personal property held for activities under such Act; and (2) all helium reserves held by the United States other than those required for specific immediate needs. Requires sale proceeds to be used solely to reduce outstanding Federal debt.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1993
Dollars for Scholars Community Scholarship Foundation Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make an endowment grant to an eligible organization to support the establishment of 25 area program centers to foster development of locally based, volunteer organizations to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary attendance through providing academic support services and financial assistance for postsecondary education. Sets forth requirements for the eligible organization, the area program centers, and the local affiliates of the eligible organization. Sets forth conditions for the endowment grant. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Teamwork for Employees and Management Act of 1993 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to allow employers to establish, assist, maintain, or participate in an organization or entity in which employees participate to discuss matters of mutual interest (including issues of quality, productivity, and efficiency) if such participation does not claim or seek authority to negotiate, enter into, or amend collective bargaining agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to entitle a beneficiary to a prorated OASDI benefit for the month in which he or she dies. Disregards OASDI benefits for the month of death in determining maximum family benefits under OASDI.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits fiscal year Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding receipts (except those derived from borrowing), unless the Congress authorizes a specific excess by a three-fifths vote of both Houses. Permits any bill for raising taxes to become law only if a majority of the whole number of both Houses of Congress approves it by roll call vote. Authorizes a waiver of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits an increase in the public debt limit unless three-fifths of both Houses provide by law for such an increase by a roll call vote.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the energy excise tax proposed by the President will seriously harm middle income citizens, rural residents, and the economy and should not be approved.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Debt Reduction Title II: Capital Formation Title III: Cooperative Enterprise Title IV: Business Liability Reform Subtitle A: Findings Subtitle B: Professionals' Liability Reform Subtitle C: Product Liability Fairness Title V: Regulatory Review Title VI: Total Quality Management Title VII: Long-Term Investment Title VIII: Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 Fundamental Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Title I: Public Debt Reduction - Allows individual taxpayers to designate a portion of tax liability (not to exceed ten percent) on their tax returns to reduce the public debt. Establishes the Public Debt Reduction Trust Fund consisting of amounts so designated. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for a sequestration of revenues equivalent to the estimated aggregate amount so designated. Specifies accounts exempted from such sequestration and establishes reporting requirements with respect to budget procedures. Title II: Capital Formation - Establishes a method of computing the credit for increasing research activities based on aggregate research expenses, as an alternative to the method based on qualified research expenses. Establishes a variable capital gains deduction with formulas on a sliding scale ranging from ten percent for assets held for one year up to 100 percent for assets held for ten years. Allows a deduction of 50 percent of the capital gain from stock investments by non-corporate taxpayers in start-up companies where initial stock offerings are held for two years. 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 disposition, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Permits an income tax deduction in the amount of dividends paid by domestic corporations, except S corporations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and personal holding companies. Repeals the income tax deductions currently permitted in connection with: (1) dividends received by a corporation; (2) dividends received by a corporation on the preferred stock of a public utility; and (3) dividends paid by a public utility on its preferred stock. Increases the deductible percentage of amounts received by a corporation from a qualified ten-percent owned foreign corporation. Allows a charitable deduction for corporate contributions of employee volunteer services to an educational organization. Establishes an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment. Provides for determining the applicable percentage of such credit, which includes an efficiency improvement percentage. Increases the limitation based on the amount of tax for purposes of the general business credit. Provides for the treatment of losses on stock in manufacturing companies as ordinary (as opposed to capital) losses. Allows a partial exclusion of dividends or interest received by an individual. Provides for ordinary-loss treatment for losses on investments in a qualified startup company. Title III: Cooperative Enterprise - Amends the Clayton Act to bar the acquisition by one corporation of stock of another, subject to specified conditions, where there is a significant probability that such acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power (currently, where the effect of such acquisition may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly). Defines the ability to exercise market power for purposes of such provision as the ability of one or more firms profitably to maintain prices above competitive levels for a significant period of time. Directs the court, in determining whether there is a significant probability that any acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power, to consider all economic factors relevant to the effect of the acquisition in the affected markets. Amends the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 to include a joint production venture within the scope of such Act as an activity that shall not be deemed illegal per se under the antitrust laws. Changes the short title of such Act to the National Cooperative Research, Development, and Production Act. Title IV: Business Liability - Subtitle A: Findings - Makes findings with respect to the increasing amount of litigation in our society and the desirability of encouraging alternative dispute mechanisms and providing uniform legal standards in the areas of professional and product liability. Subtitle B: Professionals' Liability Reform - Professionals' Liability Reform Act of 1993 - Establishes certain limitations and procedures regarding professional liability actions. Preempts certain State laws. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prohibit any State from developing or implementing alternative procedures for: (1) expediting the adjudication of professional liability claims; (2) resolving professional liability disputes; or (3) compensating for harm caused by professional services. Requires professional liability actions to be brought within three years after the claimant discovered, or should have discovered, the harm. Requires the claimant, in any professional liability action, to establish certain elements of proof. Permits future damage awards exceeding $100,000 to be made by periodic payments. Requires that damage awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. States that the principles of comparative liability shall apply unless persons engaged in concerted action which proximately caused the harm. Permits the awarding of punitive damages only where the conduct of the defendant: (1) manifested a malicious and reckless disregard for safety; and (2) constituted an extreme departure from accepted standards of safety. Makes any attorney who files a frivolous claim subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. Requires each State to encourage professional organizations to form risk management programs. Subtitle C: Product Liability Fairness - Part I: General Provisions - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this Act, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this Act would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this Act within one year after the effective date of this Act. Part II: Out of Court Procedures - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Part III: Court Procedures - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this Act. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Sets forth uniform standards for the award of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this title: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within 25 years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this Act in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title V: Regulatory Review - Prohibits an agency from proposing or promulgating a regulation without first analyzing its direct and indirect effects on the health and safety of consumers and workers, including effects due to wage and job losses, price increases, product restrictions, technological delays, and substitution effects. Title VI: Total Quality Management - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to allow the formation or operation of quality circles or joint production teams composed of labor and management, with or without the participation of representatives of labor organizations. Title VII: Long-Term Invesment - Long-Term Investment Promotion Act of 1993 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to eliminate the requirement that publicly-held corporations report their financial status on a quarterly basis. Title VIII: Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to change from discretionary to mandatory a Federal agency's authority to permit the director of any of its laboratories to enter into cooperative research and development agreements on its behalf. Authorizes each Federal agency to copyright on behalf of the United States any computer software prepared in whole or in part by Government employees involved in cooperative research and development agreements. Includes software royalties in the current distribution format (agency, laboratory, author, and Treasury) under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Foreign Aid Reporting Reform Act of 1993 - Directs the President, in conjunction with the submission of annual requests for enactment of authorizations and appropriations for foreign assistance programs, to submit to the Congress a single report containing: (1) an integrated justification for all foreign assistance programs proposed for the coming fiscal year; and (2) an assessment of when the objectives of those programs will be achieved so that the assistance can be terminated. Directs congressional committees reporting legislation authorizing the enactment of or providing new budget authority for foreign assistance programs to include in reports accompanying such legislation an explanation for any change proposed in: (1) the total amount of new budget authority authorized or provided for any program as compared to the amount proposed by the President; or (2) the amount of assistance for any specific recipient or for any centrally-funded program as compared to the amount proposed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Welcomes the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (as association of reserve officers representing nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to the United States for its XLVI Congress at Washington, D.C., during August 1993. Urges and commends efforts of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Reserve Officers Association, and all Federal departments and agencies in hosting such Congress and carrying out appropriate activities and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Calls upon: (1) the Government of Romania to allow the approximately 190 children and youths at the Romanian Institution for the Unsalvageables at Sighetu Marmatiei to come to the United States for humanitarian assistance, including proper medical attention and treatment; and (2) the Secretary of State to grant these persons expedited entry into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agriculture Appropriations Title II: Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subtitle A: Department of Commerce Subtitle B: Related Agencies Subtitle C: Department of State Title III: Defense Appropriations Subtitle A: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Subtitle B: Other Department of Defense Programs Subtitle C: Operations and Maintenance Title IV: Energy and Water Appropriations Subtitle A: Corps of Engineers Subtitle B: Department of Energy Title V: Interior Appropriations Title VI: Transportation Appropriations Title VII: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Title VIII: Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subtitle A: Department of Veterans Affairs Subtitle B: Independent Agencies Subtitle C: Department of Housing and Urban Development Title IX: Blue Smoke and Mirrors Spending Priority Reform Act of 1993 - 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 to be applied against the Federal budget deficit. Title I: Agriculture Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for certain special research grants and for the construction of buildings and facilities of the Cooperative State Research Service which were not authorized, not awarded on a competitive basis, or not subjected to congressional hearings ("unauthorized"). Title II: Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Commerce - Rescinds FY 1993 specified appropriations to: (1) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (2) the International Trade Administration. Subtitle B: Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Small Business Administration for unauthorized grants for specified miscellaneous projects. Subtitle C: Department of State - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Department of State for an unauthorized grant for the North/South Center at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida, and certain educational and cultural exchange programs. Title III: Defense Appropriations - Subtitle A: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1993 appropriations made to the Department of Defense for: (1) university grants; (2) electrical vehicle demonstration projects; (3) Army industrial preparedness and manufacturing technology development programs; (4) medical research; (5) naval research, development, testing, and evaluation; and (5) the Space Surveillance Network Improvement Program. Subtitle B: Other Department of Defense Programs - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations for efforts to prevent brown tree snakes from entering Hawaii from Guam. Subtitle C: Operations and Maintenance - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations for the following projects: (1) self-powered locks; (2) grants for World University and 1996 Summer Olympics games and World Cup 1994; (3) Army procurement of extended cold weather clothing systems; (4) study of nuclear disposal by the former Soviet Union and for Project Peace; and (5) the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Title IV: Energy and Water Appropriations - Subtitle A: Corps of Engineers - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1993 appropriations for funding of surveys and planning activities and construction of water resource projects. Subtitle B: Department of Energy - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1993 appropriations made under the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1993, for funding certain energy supply, research, and development activities. Title V: Interior Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain National Park System projects; (2) certain construction projects of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and (3) certain National Forest Service projects. Title VI: Transportation Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Department of Transportation for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain airway science programs; (2) a certain highway research, development, and technology project; (3) certain construction and maintenance projects; (4) certain Federal Highway Administration demonstration projects; and (5) transit planning and research. Title VII: Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the General Services Administration for certain unauthorized grants for projects funded through the Federal Buildings Fund. Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Office of Personnel Management for the establishment of health promotion and disease prevention programs. Title VIII: Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Veterans Affairs - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to be Department of Veterans Affairs for unauthorized construction projects. Subtitle B: Independent Agencies - Rescinds 1993 appropriations to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for certain unauthorized projects; (2) the Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network; and (3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for certain unauthorized research and development projects and construction projects. Subtitle C: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Rescinds FY 1993 appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for unauthorized funding of certain housing projects and assistance programs. Title IX: Blue Smoke and Mirrors - Expresses the sense of the Congress that, with regard to the appropriations process, "forward funding" tactics should no longer be utilized and Congress should operate within the funding limits prescribed for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Exclusion and Asylum Reform Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create grounds for exclusion of an alien who: (1) uses or attempts to use a fraudulent document to enter the United States, or to board a common carrier for such purpose; or (2) uses a document to board a common carrier and then fails to present such document to an immigration official upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Prohibits the granting of asylum to an alien who is found to be using fraudulent entry documents or who fails to present entry-related documents, unless a specially trained immigration officer determines such actions were pursuant to departure from a country in which: (1) the alien had a credible fear of persecution; or (2) there was a significant danger that the alien would be returned to a country in which he or she would have a credible fear of persecution. Provides for port of entry exclusion and deportation without administrative or judicial appeal (except by a limited petition of habeas corpus) for such admission document fraud. Increases penalties for certain alien smuggling offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1993 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the reverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing America's veterans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes by a specified date (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Workplace Leave Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that the length of an employee's leave of absence (even if it is only part of one day) shall not disqualify that employee from the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hours requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reorganization of the Headquarters Operation of the Department of Agriculture Title II: Reorganization of the Provision of Services to Farmers Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1993 - Title I: Reorganization of the Headquarters - Reorganizes the Department of Agriculture. Sets forth the Department's composition and officers. Title II: Reorganization of the Provision of Services to Farmers - Establishes in the Department the Farm Services Administration to consolidate farmer service programs, field offices, and specified Department agencies. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) reduce Department headquarters personnel; and (2) establish a centralized data system within the Farm Services Administration. Expresses the sense of the Congress in favor of farm program simplification.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Reform Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) - Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution 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: Federal Intergovernmental Relations - 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 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 Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Welfare and Teenage Pregnancy Reduction Act - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to replace the program of aid to families with dependent children under SSA title IV part A (AFDC) with a program of block grants to States for families with dependent children whose natural parents have attained age 18. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on actions required under this Act to reduce AFDC administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish certification standards under title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) providing health benefits. Treats as employee welfare benefits plans, and exempts from certain restrictions on preemption, a MEWA which provides benefits consisting solely of specified medical care, which is not fully insured, and which applies for and receives a specified exemption. Sets forth exemption procedures, as well as additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employees. Requires exempted MEWAs which are not fully insured to maintain specified types of reserves. Sets forth corrective actions which such MEWAs' operating committees must take: (1) to avoid depletion of reserves; or (2) in connection with termination of the MEWA. Provides for review of actions by the Secretary of Labor with respect to denials of applications for, or suspensions or revocations of, such exemptions. Revises ERISA with respect to: (1) a specified exemption from preemption; (2) treatment of single employer arrangements; and (3) treatment of certain collectively bargained arrangements. Sets forth ERISA requirements relating to employee leasing health care arrangements (ELHAs). Provides for treatment of ELHAs as MEWAs, with certain exceptions. Sets forth special rules under which an ELHA may receive a MEWA exemption. Includes under such exemption requirements: (1) a minimum three-year lessor tenure; (2) solicitation restrictions; (3) creation of an employment relationship, involving disclosure statements, informed consent, and informed recruitment of the lessee's employees; and (4) a requisite employer-employee relationship under the ELHA. Allows delegation to a State of some or all of the Secretary's enforcement authority with respect to MEWAs with exemptions. Directs the Secretary to provide enforcement and technical assistance to the States with respect to MEWAs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Public Buildings Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to prohibit the Committees on Public Works of the Senate and House of Representatives from adopting a resolution of approval for construction, alteration, purchase, or acquisition of a building before the Administrator of General Services submits a prospectus of the proposed facility. Includes within the list of prospectus requirements a statement that the vacancy rate (within 30 miles of the proposed facility) for commercial office space comparable to that provided by the facility is greater than ten percent unless the Administrator certifies that material and substantial savings will accrue to U.S. taxpayers from the facility.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Establishes the Joint Committee on Intelligence. Declares that such Committee has exclusive legislative jurisdiction with respect to any intelligence activity of the Federal Government and authorizations of appropriations for specified intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities. Directs the Joint Committee to review and study on a continuing basis any intelligence activity conducted by any Federal agency or department. Prohibits any Member of Congress or committee from disclosing information received from the Joint Committee except in a closed session of the House of Representatives or the Senate. Requires a Federal agency or department which conducts any intelligence activity to keep the Joint Committee fully and currently informed and, if requested, to furnish any periodic reports relating to such activities. Directs the Joint Committee to: (1) classify its information and records according to standards used generally by the executive branch; and (2) establish guidelines under which such information and records may be maintained, used by the Joint Committee's staff, and made available to any Member of Congress. Authorizes public disclosure of information possessed by the Joint Committee if it is determined that such disclosure would serve the public interest. Sets forth procedures relating to public disclosure of classified security information received from the executive branch. Directs the Joint Committee to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of information in its possession. Repeals rule XLVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives relating to the establishment of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Amends rule XLVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to reduce the size of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from a maximum of 19 to 18 members beginning on January 1, 1994, 16 members beginning on January 1, 1995, and 13 members beginning with the 106th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any person: (1) convicted in any court of a drug crime from possessing a firearm for five years after committing such a crime or violating any Federal or State law relating to firearms; (2) during such period, from knowingly transferring a firearm to any individual who has been convicted in any court of a drug crime; or (3) from knowingly transferring a firearm to any individual under indictment for a drug crime. Provides enhanced penalties for possession of a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a drug crime.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safe Streets For Women Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs Subtitle C: Victim Compensation Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women Title II: Safe Homes for Women Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons Title III: Civil Rights Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts Violence Against Women Act of 1993 - Title I: Safe Streets for Women - Safe Streets for Women Act of 1993 - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to reduce the rate of violent crimes against women to States and nonprofit nongovernmental victim services programs, and to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or nongovernmental domestic violence and sexual assault victim services programs on Indian reservations; and (2) request any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to use its authorities and resources to support such State and local efforts. (Sec. 112) Specifies that no State is entitled to funds under this title unless the State or other grantee incurs the full cost of forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault. Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs - Chapter 1: Rape Prevention Grants - Authorizes the Director to make education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women. Chapter 2: Offender Training and Information Programs - Directs the: (1) National Institute of Justice to establish criteria and develop training programs to assist probation and parole officer and other personnel who work with released sex offenders in the areas of case management, supervision, and relapse prevention; and (2) Attorney General to compile information regarding sex offender treatment programs and ensure that information regarding treatment programs in the community into which a convicted sex offender is released is made available to persons imprisoned for sexual abuse offenses. Subtitle C: Victim Compensation - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a court order restitution for violations of Federal sexual abuse laws. Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women - Establishes an Interagency Advisory Board on Violent Crime Against Women to assess and review, and make recommendations regarding, policies and practices of the Government regarding violence against women. Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women - Directs the Attorney General to provide for a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of campus sexual assaults and the effectiveness of institutional and legal policies in addressing such crimes and protecting victims. Title II: Safe Homes for Women - Safe Homes for Women Act - Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for traveling across a State line with the intent to: (1) contact that person's spouse or intimate partner and, in the course of such contact, intentionally committing a crime of violence causing bodily injury to such spouse or partner; and (2) engage in conduct that violates a protection order, or that would violate such order if the conduct occurred in the jurisdiction in which the order was issued, and engaging in such conduct. Requires that in any proceeding for the purpose of determining whether a defendant charged shall be released pending trial, or the conditions of such release, the alleged victim be given an opportunity to be heard regarding the danger posed by the defendant. Mandates that a court order restitution to the victim of an offense under this Act. Requires, provided that certain conditions are met, that a protection order issued by the court of one State be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another State. Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize the Director to make grants to eligible States, Indian tribes, municipalities, or local governmental entities to encourage arrest policies in domestic violence cases, including mandatory arrest programs for protective order violations and improving judicial handling of domestic violence cases. Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) permit an alien to petition for preference or immediate relative status under the Act (currently, only a U.S. citizen may petition claiming that an alien is entitled to such status), and provide that such a petition may only be withdrawn by the beneficiary or self-petitioner; (2) provide that an abused alien family member shall be considered to remain the spouse or child of a citizen or resident abuser after the legal termination of the marriage through which the member seeks immigrant status if specified conditions are met; and (3) provide for a stay of deportation and the granting of work authorization for abused alien family members until such time as an immigrant visa is available and the alien's application for adjustment of status has been finally adjudicated by the Attorney General (but authorizes the Attorney General to revoke the work authorization of, and initiate deportation proceedings against, any alien who has fraudulently made a claim to be an abused alien family member, if the alien has received notice of intent to revoke and has a reasonable opportunity to rebut evidence supporting the revocation). Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons - Directs the Postmaster General to promulgate regulations to secure the confidentiality of abused persons' addresses or otherwise prohibit the disclosure of an abused person's address, subject to specified requirements. Title III: Civil Rights - Declares that all individuals within the United States, and the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall have the right to be free from crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Permits individuals deprived of such right to bring a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or any combination thereof, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts - Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to make evidentiary rulings pursuant to Rule 412 (Rape Cases; Relevance of Victim's Past Behavior) subject to interlocutory appeal by the Government. (Sec. 402) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the past sexual behavior of an alleged victim inadmissible in a criminal case, other than a sex offense case. Allows other types of evidence of a victim's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 403) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the plaintiff's past sexual behavior inadmissible in a civil action involving allegations of actionable sexual misconduct. Allows other types of evidence of a plaintiff's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 404) Makes evidence of an alleged victim's clothing in a criminal case under Federal laws relating to sexual abuse inadmissible to show that the victim incited or invited the offense. Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts - Authorizes the State Justice Institute to award grants to develop, test, present, and disseminate model programs to be used by States in training judges and court personnel in the laws of the State on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts - Directs the: (1) circuit judicial councils to conduct studies of the instances of gender bias in their respective circuits; (2) Judicial Conference of the United States to designate an entity within the judicial branch to act as a clearinghouse to disseminate any reports and materials issued by the gender bias task forces and to respond to requests for such reports and materials; and (3) Federal Judicial Center to include in its educational programs information on issues related to gender bias in the courts, prepare materials necessary to accomplish that end, and take into consideration the findings and recommendations of such studies and consult with individuals and groups with relevant expertise in gender bias issues as it prepares or revises such materials.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Voluntary Standards and Assessment Title II: National Education Reform and Excellence Title III: Freedom to Improve Educational Achievement Educational Excellence for All Students Act of 1993 - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding attainment by the year 2000 of certain national educational goals relating to readiness for school, high school completion, student achievement and citizenship, science and mathematics, adult literacy and lifelong learning, and safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools. Title I: Voluntary Standards and Assessment - Part A: National Educational Goals Panel - Establishes a National Education Goals Panel. Directs the Panel to issue: (1) an annual national report card on progress toward achieving such goals; and (2) certification of content and student performance standards and the criteria for world-class assessments. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Voluntary National Education Standards and Assessments - Establishes a National Education Standards and Assessments Council. Directs the Council to: (1) coordinate establishment of voluntary national education content and student performance standards, and of a voluntary system of assessments for individual students consistent with such standards; (2) develop criteria and establish guidelines for such standards and assessments; (3) issue approval of such standards, and transmit approved standards and criteria to the Panel for certification; and (4) report annually on progress and obstacles to State and local adoption of such standards. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the Council's work. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: National Commission on Early Childhood Assessment - Establishes a National Commission on Early Childhood Assessment. Directs the Commission to: (1) advise the panel and establish a framework for understanding and assessing school readiness; (2) coordinate research and oversee development of such assessment; (3) monitor field testing and evaluate the assessments and their use; and (4) report annually. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Education Reform and Excellence - National Education Reform and Excellence Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies for State and local educational reform and improvement. Sets forth requirements for development and approval of State and local plans for and uses of such grants and subgrants. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth State allotment formulas, based on the chapter 1 formula for aid to disadvantaged students (under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Reserves a portion for education of Indian students. Provides for availability of information and training under this title for private schools and their teachers and administrators. Requires annual State progress reports. Requires the Secretary to: (1) evaluate State and local reform efforts; (2) disseminate information on approaches and materials developed; and (3) report annually to the Congress. Title III: Freedom to Improve Educational Achievement - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive certain Federal statutory and regulatory requirements, with specified exceptions, for States, and local educational agencies, and schools as part of systemic educational reform and efforts to meet the national education goals for all children. Allows additional waivers for specified related programs, with the approval of the appropriate Federal agency. Sets forth requirements for waiver applications, restrictions, evaluations, and reports (annually by States and local agencies or schools; biennially by the Secretary to the Congress).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Establishes the Commission on Information Technology and Paperwork Reduction in order to minimize the information reporting burden imposed by the Federal Government, consistent with the information needs of the Government for policy purposes. Lists specific Commission functions, which include the study and review of former Commission on Paperwork recommendations for paperwork reduction. Requires a final Commission report to the Congress and the President and action by the Office of Management and Budget on Commission recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Tax Fairness and Accountability Act of 1993 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require any legislation that increases the tax rate, the tax base, or the amount of income subject to tax, or decreases a deduction, exclusion, or credit to be approved in the House of Representatives and the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its Members.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require a three-fifths majority vote in the House of Representatives to waive or suspend a point of order under titles III, IV, and VI of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that tax increases should not be considered until real and substantial spending cuts have been enacted and a Balanced Budget Amendment has been sent to the States for ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Private Motor Carrier Equity Act - Prohibits a State, political subdivision, or agency or organization of two or more States (entities) from enacting or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, or standard relating to interstate or intrastate rates, routes, or services: (1) of a corporate compensated carrier operating under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC); (2) involving transportation by a motor vehicle and driver leased by a lessee from a single source when the lessee is a motor private carrier in interstate commerce and certain conditions exist; and (3) of any transportation of property provided by motor vehicles leased, with or without drivers, from a motor private carrier, (operating in interstate commerce), to the extent that such law, rule, regulation, or standard is in addition to, or more stringent than, the requirements for such operations established by the ICC. Prohibits such entities from enacting or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, or standard that subjects to certain requirements a private motor carrier (operating in interstate commerce) that seeks to obtain a motor common carrier certificate or a motor contract carrier permit to provide intrastate transportation of property, if such requirements are not applied to a transportation business seeking the same authority to operate as a motor common or motor contract carrier. Prohibits such entities from enacting or enforcing requirements on dedicated contract carriers related to the safety of operations and minimum amounts of financial responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Vehicle Damage Disclosure Act of 1993 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prohibit the licensing in a State of a vehicle whose ownership has been transferred unless the State discloses on the vehicle's title information indicating: (1) whether it was previously issued a title containing a word or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "junk," "reconstructed," or "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood; and (2) if it was issued such a title, which State first issued it. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules governing the manner in which a State shall disclose such information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Amends Federal law to extend certain retirement-related provisions of the Civil Service Retirement System for Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers in the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers in the U.S. Customs Service; and (3) inspectors in the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, in seeking to reduce the Federal deficit, any proposal which would diminish, defer, or otherwise adversely affect periodic cost-of-living adjustments in Federal retirement benefits should be uniformly applied.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk-Taking Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Title V: Community Investment Economic Growth and Financial Institutions Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1993 - Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to direct the appropriate Federal banking agencies to minimize the negative impact upon credit availability for small business, residential, and agricultural purposes and on low-and moderate-income communities when prescribing real estate lending standards. (Sec. 102) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to encourage the States to develop reciprocity agreements among themselves so as to readily authorize licensed appraisers in good standing to perform appraisals in sister States. Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability - (Secs. 111-113) Amends the FDIA to amend the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) audits of insured depository institutions; (2) recourse agreements; and (3) market value accounting. (Sec. 114) Requires the Department of the Treasury to report to certain congressional committees on the effect on the national economy resulting from implementation of risk based capital standards (including the Basle international capital standards). Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk Taking - (Sec. 121) Amends the FDIA and the Federal Credit Union Act with respect to the due process protections accorded the attachment of assets, and the statutory authority to require a depository institution to prohibit a person from alienating property under certain circumstances. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions - (Sec. 131) Mandates the establishment of a regulatory appeals process within each appropriate Federal banking agency and the National Credit Union Administration. (Secs. 132 and 133) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to modify the aggregate limits on insider lending for specified small banks. Mandates that certain agencies study and report to the Congress on the advisability and budgetary impact of requiring insured depository institutions to maintain sterile reserves. (Sec. 134) Amends the FDIA to prescribe guidelines under which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) may, with respect to an undercapitalized insured depository institution, waive its right to repudiate an agreement to sell credit card accounts receivable. (Sec. 135) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to permit FHLBA banks to: (1) make secured advances upon obtaining a security interest in certain nonresidential real estate-related collateral; and (2) invest surplus funds to purchase participation interests in residential construction loans originated by member institutions. Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement - (Secs. 201-204) Amends the FDIA to modify the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) safety and soundness standards; (2) paperwork reduction; (3) rules on deposit taking; and (4) a transition period for new regulations. Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation -Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Secs. 301-303) Amends the FDIA with respect to: (1) bank examinations; (2) coordination of State and Federal examinations; and (3) the use of accounting principles. (Secs. 304-306) Prescribes guidelines for the reduction of call report requirements and capital compliance requirements. Excludes automated teller machines and specified bank branches from FDIA branch closure notice requirements. (Sec. 307) Amends Federal law regarding monetary instruments transactions to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to annually: (1) review all regulations pertaining to monetary instruments transaction requirements, seeking public comment; and (2) publish all written rulings interpreting such law, as well as staff commentaries. (Sec. 309) Amends the FRA and the FDIA to cite conditions under which accounts of U.S. banks are shielded from liability to repay] deposits made at foreign branches. Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies - (Secs. 321-325) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to modify the procedures under which bank holding companies: (1) are formed; and (2) acquire interests in nonbanking activities. Reduces the post-approval waiting period for bank holding company acquisition and bank mergers. Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements - (Sec. 401) Mandates a Federal Reserve study and report to the Congress on ways to streamline the credit-granting process. (Secs. 402-403) Amends the Truth in Lending Act regarding: (1) certain exemptions from credit cost disclosure requirements; (2) modification of waiver of the debtor's rescission rights; and (3) alternative disclosures for adjustable rate mortgages. (Sec. 405) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to exempt business accounts from its purview. Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - (Secs. 411-413) Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act regarding: (1) the availability of Treasury checks and local checks; (2) new accounts; and (3) the allocation of risks of loss and liability to the States and political subdivisions. (Secs. 414 and 421) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer and the Truth in Lending Act to increase the consumer liability limit in specified circumstances of unauthorized electronic fund transfers and unauthorized use of credit cards where the cardholder has substantially contributed to the unauthorized transfer or use. (Sec. 432) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to reduce the homeownership debt counseling notification requirement to no more than once per year. (Sec. 433) Prohibits a Federal banking agency from imposing data collection requirements upon an institution under its jurisdiction other than the information required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. (Secs. 441 and 442) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) modify the disclosure guidelines for the servicing of mortgage loans; and (2) exempt certain credit transactions from its purview. Title V: Community Investment - (Sec. 501) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the Act) with respect to: (1) minimizing the regulatory paperwork costs and burdens associated with compliance; (2) conditions under which an application for a deposit facility shall not be denied on the basis of compliance; (3) granting credit to a financial institution for making investments and loans to either minority and women's depository institutions, or to entities providing benefits to distressed communities; (4) assessments of special purpose banks; and (5) the acceptability of State examinations in lieu of Federal examinations.