United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate Title III: Effective Date Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the standing committees of the House and their jurisdictions. Lists the standing committees as: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environment and Public Works; (9) Foreign Affairs; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) House Administration; (12) Intelligence (currently, a permanent select committee); (13) Judiciary; (14) Rules; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Veterans' Affairs; and (18) Ways and Means. Abolishes the following standing committees of the House: (1) Appropriations; (2) District of Columbia; (3) Government Operations; (4) Interior and Insular Affairs; (5) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (6) Post Office and Civil Service; (7) Public Works and Transportation; and (8) Science, Space, and Technology. Amends rule XXI to repeal the prohibitions against: (1) reporting or considering appropriations for expenditures not previously authorized; and (2) receiving or considering an appropriation bill or amendment containing a provision reappropriating unexpended balances. Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate - Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to repeal provisions establishing the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Makes conforming amendments to the Standing Rules of the Senate (language to be supplied at a later date). Title III: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective at noon on January 3, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1993 - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product, but supersedes State law only to the extent that State law applies to an issue covered by this Act. Lists specific laws not superseded, including provisions regarding vaccine injury. Makes a product seller liable to a claimant for harm only if the claimant establishes that: (1) the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of was sold by the product seller who failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product and such failure was a proximate cause of the claimant's harm; (2) the product seller made an express warranty applicable to the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the claimant's harm; or (3) the seller engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm complained of by the claimant. Makes it a complete defense to a product liability action that the claimant was intoxicated or was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug and, as a result of such intoxication or influence, was more than 50 percent responsible for causing the accident or event which resulted in such claimant's harm. Directs that the damages for which a manufacturer or product seller is otherwise liable under State law be reduced by the percentage of responsibility for the claimant's harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product if such percentage was proximately caused by a use or alteration of a product: (1) in violation of, or contrary to, the manufacturer's or product seller's express warnings or instructions if the warnings or instructions are adequate under State law; or (2) involving a risk of harm which was, or should have been, known by the ordinary person who uses the product, with an exception for workplace injuries. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limitations on punitive damages; (2) several liability for noneconomic damages; (3) statutes of limitation; (4) workers' compensation offsets; and (5) lack of Federal jurisdiction over civil actions arising under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1993
Family Education Assistance Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child or certain other relatives at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $1,500 annually (adjusted for inflation) for each account. Disallows the deduction for contributions to an account maintained for any individual aged 19 or older. Requires any account balance to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 30. Permits an exclusion from the gross income of the contributor or the beneficiary of account distributions used to pay educational expenses of the latter. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization), unless a contributor or the beneficiary engages in specified prohibited transactions in connection with it. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions not used for educational purposes. Requires the account trustee to report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary concerning the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to report. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions to deduct for contributions to an education savings account. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Child Immunization Incentive Act of 1993 - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to: (1) deny AFDC for children under six who have not received periodic examinations by a physician or immunizations; and (2) require State outreach activities with respect to preventive health care and immunizations for pre-school children. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act to require providers assisted under such Act to require each child receiving their services to receive immunizations in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Surgeon General pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Private Sector Whistleblowers' Protection Act of 1993 - Provides persons subject to regulatory action with protection against reprisal for disclosing agency waste, mismanagement, abuse of authority, or other prohibited regulatory practices.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1993
Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Act of 1993 - Authorizes the establishment of a program of promotion, consumer information, and research to strengthen the cut flowers and cut greens industry, including the creation of a Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion Council.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1993
Community Enhancement Act of 1993 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require specified percentages of appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to be made available for assistance to States for outdoor recreation programs. Provides that payments to States for outdoor recreation may not cover more than 75 percent of: (1) the cost of acquisition of specified lands, waters, and interests; or (2) the cost of revising comprehensive State outdoor recreation plans to conform to specified requirements. Permits counties or political subdivisions to receive funds allocated to States for land acquisition purposes to cover up to 50 percent of the cost of developing or revising local plans to retain land for recreation and open space preservation purposes. Authorizes counties or other governmental entities to receive funds to cover up to 60 percent of the cost of acquiring lands, waters, or interests, following adoption of a plan and through September 30, 1997. Treats Indian tribes and Alaska Native Village Corporations collectively as one State for purposes of receiving outdoor recreation assistance and provides for a competitive grant program for the receipt of such assistance. Requires statewide outdoor recreation plans to contain: (1) a description of Federal and State activities that adversely affect open space and recreational resources; and (2) an evaluation of the extent to which local zoning or the lack of zoning contributes to degradation of State and local projects funded with outdoor recreation assistance. Establishes a program to provide Federal assistance to States, local and interstate entities, and private nonprofit organizations for the protection or establishment of: (1) Greenways (linear parks or open spaces linking natural and cultural features within or near metropolitan areas); and (2) Urban Open Space Preserves (open spaces with natural, rural, or agricultural character within large metropolitan areas). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct studies and report to the Congress on Federal assistance to protect open space areas. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for loans to State, local, or interstate entities if recreational resources are of vital significance and are in imminent danger of damage or when an opportunity to address a severe recreation deficiency will be foregone. Establishes an advisory board to assist in the selection of projects to receive such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1993
Resolution Trust Corporation Compensation Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set limitations upon the compensation (including bonuses and regional pay differentials) received by employees of: (1) the Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board; (2) the Resolution Trust Corporation; and (3) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
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 · 5 April 1993
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins symbolic of women's service in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Independence Hall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the shrines of liberty, showing the Liberty Bell on one side and the Independence Hall on the other. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of coins be distributed equally between the Treasury and the Independence Hall Preservation Fund.
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
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 · 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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate tax and the unified credit against the gift tax and provide a cost-of-living adjustment for such credits.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Ethics in Government Reform Act of 1993 - Codifies in the Federal criminal code the lobbying restrictions on senior executive branch appointees under Executive Order 12834, generally, and with certain technical changes, and extends those restrictions to the Vice President, Members of Congress, and highly paid staffers. Prohibits the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and certain other Federal officials from receiving gifts from a foreign government after their Federal service or employment ends.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the extra-label use of drugs in animals if such use is upon the order of licensed veterinarian, is in compliance with appropriate regulations, and is in the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Prohibits such use if it results in unacceptable residues of a drug in food.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Amends rule XXVII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Clerk to make the signatures on a motion to discharge a matter of public record once it has been filed in the House.
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 · 16 March 1993
Creates the Congressional Office of Inspector General (Office), independent of the executive departments and under the control and direction of the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Makes an Inspector General (Inspector), to be appointed by the Speaker and minority leader, head of the Office for a seven-year term, unless removed by the Speaker and minority leader for cause. Makes the Inspector ineligible for reappointment. Requires the Inspector to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing to supervise the auditing of the office procedures and operations of each Member or committee of the House and any other House office whose employees are paid by the Clerk; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations to supervise investigations of such office procedures and operations. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector. Requires each Inspector General to report annually to the Speaker and minority leader of the House. Authorizes the Inspector to receive and investigate complaints or information from a House employee concerning the possible existence of a violation of law or the Rules of the House, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse or authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector, upon receiving the complaint or information, from disclosing the complainant's identity without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits any employee who has authority to take, directs others to take, or recommends or approves any personnel action from taking action against an employee as reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to an Inspector, unless the complaint was false and the complainant knew this or willfully disregarded truth or falsity. Repeals a provision of the Rules of the House which establishes and outlines the duties of an Inspector General.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Franking Reform Act of 1993 - Prohibits any: (1) Member of Congress from sending any unsolicited franked mail (currently, franked mass mailings) postmarked fewer than 60 days immediately before any primary or general election in which such Member is a candidate; and (2) Representative who is a candidate for any other public office from sending unsolicited franked mail outside his or her congressional district.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
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 · 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
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 · 9 March 1993
Makes unspent allowances of a Member of the House of Representatives available to the Member for college scholarships to residents of the Member's congressional district and reduction of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Deficit Reduction Act of 1993 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to set the aggregate amount of required outlay reductions for: (1) FY 1993 at $25 million; (2) FY 1994 at the amount necessary to bring the outlay level to 95 percent of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) baseline for such fiscal year; and (3) FY 1995 at the amount necessary to bring the outlay level to 90 percent of such baseline. Bases the OMB baseline for FY 1994 and 1995 on FY 1993 enacted appropriations less 1993 sequestrations. Requires an across-the-board sequestration to carry out the required outlay reductions. Exempts social security, interest on the debt, Medicare payments, and Head Start from sequestration. Authorizes the President to exempt any account from sequestration or provide for a lower uniform percentage reduction than would otherwise apply if such percentage reduction is increased for non-exempt accounts (subject to limitation).
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 · 24 February 1993
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care system must: (1) ensure that every person has access to coverage for medically and psychologically necessary treatments for mental disorders that is equitable to the coverage provided for treatments of physical illnesses; and (2) meet specified requirements concerning coverage, consumer choice, financial protection, financing policies, and coordination across Federal, State, and local programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Federal Budget Structure Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to require that the budget the President submits to the Congress be a unified budget comprising an operating budget and a capital budget, each presented separately for total funds, Federal funds, and trust funds. Restricts the capital budget to the major activities, projects, and programs supporting the acquisition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of capital assets. Includes all other items in the operating budget. Requires the following reports to specified congressional committees on capital activities and operating activities associated with: (1) roadways and bridges, airports and airway facilities, and mass transportation systems; (2) waste water treatment and related facilities; (3) water resource projects; and (4) public buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Improved Budget Presentation Act - Establishes the Commission on the Presentation of the Budget of the United States to study and report to the President and the Congress on recommendations to provide improved governmental processes in the formulation, presentation, and implementation of the Federal budget with respect to: (1) the ability of the budget to distinguish between capital and operating activities, and between operating and trust funds, to identify the resources needed to meet the Government's needs; (2) improved procedures among Federal departments, agencies, independent establishments, and instrumentalities to provide improved coordination and control with respect to the budget; and (3) more effective arrangements between the executive branch and the Congress which will better enable each to carry out its budgeting, revenue, and appropriation responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1993
Repeals provisions of Federal law authorizing a departing Member of the House of Representatives to purchase his or her district office equipment or furnishings.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal in commemoration of organ donors and their families. Declares that any organ donor, or donor's family, is eligible for the medal. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals through a qualified organ procurement organization. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with the entity operating the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network with respect to the solicitation of donations to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000439_200.jpg)