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Official portrait of Rep. Hastert, J. Dennis [R-IL-14]

Rep. Hastert, J. Dennis [R-IL-14]

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1,931 records where Rep. Hastert, J. Dennis [R-IL-14] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 3145 (103rd)open

To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for downward adjustments in section 602 and section 302 Appropriations Committees allocations and suballocations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for downward adjustments in Appropriations Committees' allocations and suballocations when bills are passed that reduce appropriations and require rescissions. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to provide scorecards for such measures.

Bill· HRH.R. 3098 (103rd)referred

Youth Handgun Safety Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1993

Youth Handgun Safety Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) the sale, delivery, or transfer to a juvenile of a handgun or ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun; and (2) the possession by a juvenile of a handgun or such ammunition. Makes exceptions with respect to a transfer to, or possession by, a juvenile: (1) when the handgun is used in target practice under adult supervision, under specified conditions; (2) when the transfer occurs with the permission of a parent or legal guardian of the juvenile; and (3) in accordance with State and local law. Sets penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3080 (103rd)open

Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services Subtitle G: State Flexibility in the Medicaid Program: The Medical Health Allowance Program Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Accounts Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud Subtitle E: Medicare Payment Changes; Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals Subtitle F: Removing Anti-Trust Impediments Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities Subtitle H: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Long-Term Care Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle B: Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle C: Studies Subtitle D: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1993 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Part 1: Required Coverage Options for Eligible Employees, Spouses, and Dependents - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. Part 2: Preexisting Conditions and Continuity of Coverage; Renewability - Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, or misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. Part 3: Enforcement; Effective Dates; Definitions - Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to impose a tax ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements under part 2 unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a MedAccess plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "MedAccess plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing, only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage; (2) includes only essential and medically necessary services; (3) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; and (4) meets specifies consumer protection standards. Defines "MedAccess standard plan," "MedAccess catastrophic plan," and "MedAccess medisave plan" to mean a MedAccess plan that provides for at least standard coverage, for only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage, respectively. Requests the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to submit to the Secretary a set of rules which NAIC determines is sufficient for determining, in the case of any health insurance plan and for purposes of this subtitle, the actuarial value of the coverage offered by the plan. Directs the Secretary to certify such set of rules for use under this subtitle if they meet such requirements or establish such a set of rules. Specifies that a health insurance plan is considered to provide: (1) standard coverage if the benefits are determined, in accordance with certified rules of actuarial equivalence, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for standard coverage; (2) catastrophic coverage if benefits are available under the plan for a year only to the extent that expenses for covered services in a year exceed a deductible amount that is consistent with a specified requirement for a catastrophic health plan under the Code, and are determined, in accordance with certified actuarial equivalence rules, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for catastrophic coverage; and (3) medisave coverage if such plan consists of a catastrophic health plan within the meaning of the Code and a medical savings account. Requests NAIC to submit to the Secretary target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. Permits NAIC to submit periodic revisions of, and permits the Secretary to revise, the set of rules of actuarial equivalence and target actuarial values where necessary to take into account changes in the relevant types of health benefits provisions, in deductible levels for catastrophic coverage, or in relevant demographic conditions. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available MedAccess plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of MedAccess plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; and (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of MedAccess standards and consumer protection standards by the States; and (2) the Federal role. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. Amends the Code to provide for the imposition of a tax on any health insurance plan which covers any employee in a Federal reinsurance State. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Part 1: Scope of State Regulation - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Part 2: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. (Sec. 1212) Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. Part 3: Encouragement of Multiple Employer Arrangements Providing Basic Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. Part 4: Simplifying Filing of Reports for Employers Covered under Insured Multiple Employer Health Plans - Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. Part 5: Compliance with Coverage Option Requirements - Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals; and (2) that the deduction for certain health insurance costs be determined without regard to an adjusted gross income threshold. Disallows the deduction to individuals eligible for employer-subsidized coverage. Allows the deduction whether or not the individual itemizes other deductions. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Part 1: Increased Authorization for Community and Migrant Health Centers - Directs the Secretary to provide for grants to migrant and community health centers to promote primary health care services for underserved individuals. Allows grants to be used to promote the provision of off-site services, to improve birth outcomes in areas with high infant mortality and morbidity, to establish primary care clinics in areas in need, and for recruitment and training costs of necessary providers and operating costs for unreimbursed services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of such grants on access to health care, birth outcomes, and the use of emergency room services. Part 2: Grants for Projects for Coordinating Delivery of Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities: (1) to carry out demonstration projects to increase access to outpatient primary health services in specified geographic areas (i.e., areas that are rational areas for the delivery of health services, have a population of not more than 500,000 individuals, and have been designated by the Secretary as areas with a shortage of personal health services or that have a significant number of individuals with low incomes or insufficient health care insurance through coordinating the delivery of such services under Federal, State, local, and private programs; and (2) for developing plans to carry out such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Part 1: Establishment of Rural Emergency Access Care Hospitals Under Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Part 2: Rural Medical Emergencies Air Transport - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Emergency Medical Services Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Emergency Medical Services, headed by a Director; (2) engage in specified emergency medical services activities, including disseminating information obtained in carrying out specified activities to public and private entities, providing technical assistance to State and local agencies, coordinating Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) activities with those of other Federal agencies; and (3) ensure that such activities are carried out consistent with certain requirements regarding maintaining an adequate number of health professionals with expertise in the provision of services, developing, periodically reviewing, and revising as appropriate guidelines for the provision of such services, appropriately using available technologies, and serving the unique needs of underserved inner-city and rural areas. (Sec. 1522) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services, subject to specified matching fund, budgetary, and other requirements. (Sec. 1523) Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and medical facilities with expertise or equipment. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the telecommunications technologies demonstrated include interactive video telecommunications, static video imaging transmitted through the telephone system, and facsimiles transmitted through such system. (Sec. 1524) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) emergency medical services (including for State offices of Emergency Medical Services and for telecommunications demonstrations); and (2) trauma care and certain other activities. Subtitle G: State Flexibility in the Medicaid Program: The Medical Health Allowance Program - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the establishment of State health allowance programs under which the State makes payments to a group health plan which provides coverage to an eligible individual as an allowance towards the costs of providing the individual with benefits under the plan. Subtitle H: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends SSA title XIX Medicaid) to modify: (1) Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid; and (2) provisions regarding the extension of certain waivers. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Part 1: General Provisions - Makes this subtitle applicable with respect to any medical malpractice liability claim and to any medical malpractice liability action brought in State or Federal court, except a claim or action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preemption of State law; (2) effect on sovereign immunity and choice of law or venue; (3) jurisdiction; and (4) effective dates. Part 2: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform - Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in any State court during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved (i.e., a decision has been reached on whether the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for damages and on the amount of damages) under a certified alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system or an alternative Federal system. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in Federal court based on diversity of citizenship during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved under such a system in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for tort claims consisting of medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States under chapter 171 of the Federal judicial code (U.S. Court of Federal Claims). Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under such process. Sets forth procedures for filing actions. (Sec. 2012) Limits to $250,000 the amount of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and family members in a medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on punitive damages and on periodic payments for future losses. (Sec. 2013) Set forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on attorney fees and other costs; (2) joint and several liability (generally, liability may be found only for those damages directly attributable to the person's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the injury); (3) a statute of limitations of seven years; and (4) a uniform standard for determining negligence (the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable). (Sec. 2017) Specifies that in the case of a medical malpractice liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the health care professional did not previously treat the injured individual for the pregnancy, the trier of fact may not find that the defendant committed malpractice nor assess damages unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Part 3: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Lists requirements for State ADR systems, including that such a system: (1) applies to all medical malpractice liability claims under the jurisdiction of the courts of that State; (2) requires that a written opinion resolving the dispute be issued within six months after each party against whom the claim is filed has received notice of the claim; (3) is approved by the State or local governments; (4) provides for the transmittal to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers of any findings of malpractice; and (5) provides for the regular transmittal of information on disputes resolved under the system to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research in a manner that protects the identity of the parties involved. (Sec. 2032) Directs the Secretary, by October 1 of each year, to certify State ADR systems that meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish an alternative Federal ADR system for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims in States that do not have in effect a certified ADR system. (Sec. 2033) Directs the Secretary, within five years, to submit to the Congress a report describing and evaluating State ADR systems and the alternative Federal system, including: (1) information on the effect of the ADR systems on health care costs, access to health care, and quality of care provided within the State; and (2) to the extent that such report does not provide information on no-fault systems operated by States as ADR systems, an analysis of the feasibility and desirability of establishing a system for resolving medical malpractice liability claims on a no-fault basis. Part 4: Other Provisions Relating to Medical Malpractice Liability - Authorizes a State agency responsible for disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies to permit their participation in the licensing of such practitioner and to review any health care malpractice action, claims, or allegation, or other information concerning the practice patterns of any such practitioner. Sets forth agreement requirements. (Sec. 2042) Directs the Secretary to study incentives adopted by State and local governments, insurers, medical societies, and other entities to encourage physicians to volunteer to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 2043) Directs each State to require: (1) each health care professional and health care provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent, and provide early warning of, practices which may result in injuries to patients or endanger patient safety; and (2) each provider of health care professional and provider liability insurance in the State to establish risk management programs or sanction programs of risk management for health care professionals and providers provided by other entities, and require each such professional or provider, as a condition of maintaining insurance, to participate in one such program at least once in each three-year period. (Sec. 2044) Directs the Secretary to make grants: (1) for basic research in the prevention of, and compensation for, injuries resulting from health care professional or provider malpractice and for research of the outcomes of health care procedures; (2) to the States to assist in improving their ability to license and discipline health care professionals; and (3) to States and local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and health professional schools for educating the general public about the appropriate use of health care, realistic expectations of medical intervention, and the resources and role of health care professional licensing and disciplinary boards in investigating claims of incompetence or health care malpractice, and for developing programs of faculty training and curricula for educating health care professionals in quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings - Part 1: Standardization of Claims Processing - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to: (1) data elements for use in paper and electronic claims processing under health benefit plans and in utilization review and management of care; (2) uniform claims forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. (Sec. 2102) Authorizes the Secretary, two years after standards are adopted for classes of services upon determining that a significant number of claims for benefits for such services under health benefit plans are not being submitted in accordance with such standards, to require that all providers of such services submit claims to health benefit plans in accordance with such standards. (Sec. 2103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the ongoing receipt and review of comments and suggestions for changes in the standards adopted and promulgated; (2) establish a schedule for the periodic review of such standards; and (3) revise such standards. Part 2: Electronic Medical Data Standards - Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data, including standards for transmission of such data and confidentiality of patient-specific information. Authorizes the Secretary to periodically revise such standards. (Sec. 2112) Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the sharing of hospital information under Medicare; (2) waiver of such requirements; and (3) application of such requirements to hospitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Sec. 2113) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to require a provider to present and transmit a required data element electronically in accordance with applicable presentation or transmission standard. (Sec. 2114) Sets forth limitations on data requirements where standards with respect to data elements are in effect. (Sec. 2115) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission on the standards established under this part and operational concerns about the implementation of such standards. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Development and Distribution of Comparative Value Information - Directs the Secretary to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program that meets specified criteria and a specified schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to enable each State to plan development and initiate implementation of its health care value information program; and (2) recover the amount of such a grant by offset against any other amount payable to the State under the Social Security Act under specified circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2122) Directs the Secretary to take actions necessary to implement a comparable program in a State that fails to develop or implement a health care value information program in accordance with such criteria and schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to charge fees for the information materials provided pursuant to such a program. (Sec. 2123) Directs the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to individuals to develop health care value information relating to each program that such head administers and covering the same types of data that a State program meeting such criteria would provide. (Sec. 2124) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop model systems to facilitate the gathering of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome and the analysis of such data in a manner that will permit the valid comparison of such data among providers and among health plans; (2) support experimentation with different approaches to achieve such objectives in the most cost effective manner; and (3) evaluate the various methods to determine their relative success. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards for the collective and reporting of data on health care cost, quality, and outcomes. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Additional Standards and Requirements; Research and Demonstrations - Directs the Secretary to: (1) adopt standards relating to the design and use of magnetized Medicare identification cards to assist health care providers in determining whether individuals are eligible for benefits for provided services under the Medicare program and in billing the Medicare program for covered services; (2) take steps to encourage and assist States in the design and use of magnetized Medicaid identification cards under their Medicaid plans; and (3) establish a Medicare and Medicaid information system to provide information on group health and other health benefit plans that are primary payors to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2132) Specifies that, effective January 1, 1994, no effect shall be given to any provision of State law that requires medical or health insurance records (including billing information) to be maintained in written, rather than electronic, form. (Sec. 2133) Requires, effective January 1, 1995, each health benefit plan: (1) to use a beneficiary's social security number as the personal identifier for claims processing and related purposes (authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil money penalty on any plan that fails to do so); and (2) to use the unique identifier under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) for a provider that furnishes health care items or services to a beneficiary under the plan as the identifier of that provider for claims processing and related purposes. (Sec. 2134) Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine, where benefits are payable under two or more health benefit plans, whether problems relating to the rules for determining the liability of plans or the availability of information among plans causes significant administrative costs; and (2) promulgate standards, if the implementation of standards would significantly reduce such administrative costs. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil money penalty on plans that fail to comply with such standards. (Sec. 2135) Directs the Secretary to provide grants to qualified entities for research on the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring and improving patient care. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) two to five community organizations or coalitions of health care providers, health benefit plans, and purchasers to establish and document the efficacy of communication links between the information systems of health benefit plans and of health care providers; (2) two to five public or private nonprofit entities for the development of regional or community-based clinical information systems; and (3) public or private nonprofit entities to develop and test the definition of a comprehensive set of data elements and the specification and manner of presentation of the individual data elements of the set, for electronic medical data generated by physicians and other entities (other than hospitals) that provide health care services. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Account - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include under the medical expense deduction the portion of such expense attributable to coverage under a catastrophic health plan. (Sec. 2202) Allows individuals a tax deduction for percentage of contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions. Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud - Part 1: Criminal Prosecution of Health Care Fraud - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) set penalties for health care providers who knowingly engage in any scheme or artifice to defraud any person in connection with the provision of health care; and (2) make activity which, if engaged in by the U.S. Postal Service, would be a violation of mail fraud provisions punishable to the same extent with respect to private or commercial interstate carriers. (Sec. 2303) Authorizes appropriations to hire, equip, and train no fewer than: (1) 225 special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and support staff to investigate health care fraud cases; (2) 50 assistant United States Attorneys and support staff to prosecute such cases; and (3) 25 investigators in the Office of Inspector General, DHHS, to be devoted exclusively to health care fraud cases. (Sec. 2304) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to make payments of up to $10,000 to a person who furnishes information unknown to the Government relating to a possible prosecution of health care fraud, subject to specified requirements and exceptions. Part 2: Coordination of Health Care Anti-Fraud and Abuse Activities - Directs the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of DHHS a program (all-payer fraud and abuse control program) to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control fraud and abuse with respect to the delivery of, and payment for, health care in the United States; (2) conduct investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections relating to such delivery and payment; and (3) facilitate the enforcement of provisions of the Social Security Act and other statutes applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Directs the Secretary to establish standards to carry out such program, including standards relating to the furnishing of information by health insurers, providers, and other to enable the Secretary to carry out the program and procedures to assure that such information is provided and utilized in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the information and the privacy of individuals receiving health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) qualified immunity for providing information; (2) ensuring access to documentation; and (3) failure to comply as grounds for exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (Sec. 2312) Authorizes additional appropriations to enable the Secretary to conduct investigations of allegations of health care fraud and to carry out the all-payor fraud and abuse control program. (Sec. 2313) Establishes in the Treasury an Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund to be used to assist the Inspector General of DHHS in carrying out the all-payor fraud and abuse control program in the fiscal year involved. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the deposit into the Fund of Federal health anti-fraud and abuse penalties; and (2) the use of such penalties to repay beneficiaries for cost-sharing. (Sec. 2314) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the application of Federal health anti-fraud and abuse sanctions to all fraud and abuse against private health benefit plans. Subtitle E: Medicare Payment Changes; Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals: Part 1 - Medicare Payment Changes - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) eliminate the membership limitation for Medicare health maintenance organizations; and (2) revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil money penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with a Medicare select policy. (Sec. 2402) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States. (Sec. 2403) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate the administration of Medicare parts A and B. Part 2: Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals - (Sec. 2411) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the Medicare part B premiums of high income individuals. Subtitle F: Removing Anti-Trust Impediments - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines under which a health care joint venture may submit an application requesting that the Attorney General provide the entities participating in the venture with an exemption under which: (1) monetary recovery on an antitrust claim brought against the entity shall be limited to actual damages if specified conditions are met; and (2) the conduct of the entity in making or performing a contract to carry out the venture shall not be deemed illegal per se. Requires the Attorney General to approve or disapprove the application within a specified time frame and to provide a statement explaining the reasons for any disapproval. Directs the Attorney General to approve the application if an entity participating in the venture submits to the Attorney General an application that contains the identities of the parties to the venture; the nature, objectives, and planned activities of the venture; and specified assurances and information. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revocation and renewal of exemptions and withdrawal of an application; (2) requirements relating to notice and publication of exemptions; and (3) issuance of health care certificates of public advantage to each eligible health care joint venture that complies with specified requirements. Establishes the Interagency Advisory Committee on Competition, Antitrust Policy, and Health Care to: (1) discuss and evaluate competition and antitrust policy and their implications regarding the performance of health care markets; (2) analyze the effectiveness of health care joint ventures receiving exemptions in reducing costs and expanding access; and (3) make recommendations to the Congress. Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Part 1: Application of the Clayton Act to Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Provides that no damages, cost of suit, or attorney fee may be recovered under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act, or under any similar State law, except by a State or the United States, from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities that are: (1) designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients; and (2) not conducted for purposes of financial gain. Directs the court to award the cost of such a suit, including a reasonable attorney fee, to a substantially prevailing defendant. Part 2: Consultation by Federal Agencies - Requires any Federal agency engaged in the establishment of medical profession standards to consult with appropriate medical societies or associations, specialty boards, or recognized accrediting agencies, if available, in carrying out medical professional standard setting and guidelines or standards relating to the practice of medicine. Subtitle H: Prefunding Government Health Benefit for Certain Annuitants - Requires that certain agencies prefund Government health benefits contributions for their annuitants. Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems law to increase the minimum age required to be eligible for an immediate retirement annuity. Provides for the conformance of other Federal retirement systems with the minimum age increase made above. Title III: Long-Term Care - Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of qualified long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance for purposes of insurance company taxation. (Sec. 3002) Excludes from gross income benefits provided under a long-term care insurance contract. Includes in gross income employer-provided coverage for long-term care services. (Sec. 3003) Includes amounts paid for qualified long-term care services as medical expenses for individual itemized deductions. Includes any parent or grandparent as a dependent for purposes of such expenses. (Sec. 3004) Provides for the nonrecognition of gain or loss on the exchange of any life insurance contract or an endowment or annuity contract for a long-term care insurance contract. (Sec. 3005) Excludes from gross income certain amounts withdrawn from individual retirement accounts and certain employer cash or deferred arrangement to pay long-term care premiums. (Sec. 3006) Allows insurance companies to issue accelerated death benefit riders on life insurance contracts. Subtitle B: Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends SSA title XIX to require State Medicaid plans to disregard some or all of the individual's assets attributable to coverage under a qualified long-term care insurance contract in determining the individual's eligibility for long-term care services. Subtitle C: Studies - Requires the Comptroller General to study the feasibility of: (1) encouraging health care providers to donate their services to homebound patients; and (2) providing heads of households who care for elderly family members in their home with an income tax credit. (Sec. 3203) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of encouraging or requiring the use of a single designate public or nonprofit agency to coordinate, through case management, the provision of long-term care benefits under current Federal, State, and local programs in a geographic area. Subtitle D: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects - (Sec. 3301) Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish and operate a volunteer service credit demonstration project in each State.

Bill· HRH.R. 3087 (103rd)open

General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993

General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to set forth a 15-year statute of limitations within which a person may bring a civil action against an aircraft manufacturer for damages for death or injury or damage to property arising from an aircraft accident.

Bill· HRH.R. 3065 (103rd)referred

Medical Cost Containment Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Medical Cost Containment Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medical care savings benefits. Describes such benefits as a health plan which provides that all or part of the premium differential realized by instituting a qualified higher deductible health plan is credited to participating employees to pay for medical care for a plan year. Requires amounts remaining at the end of such plan year to be deposited into a tax-exempt medical care savings account (subject to rules similar to those for retirement plans) for use by the participant for medical expenses.

Bill· HRH.R. 3038 (103rd)referred

Executive Office Accountability Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1993

Executive Office Accountability Act of 1993 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to: (1) establish an Office of Inspector General (IG) in the Executive Office of the President; (2) require the IG to serve under the President's authority, direction, and control with respect to matters concerning ongoing criminal investigations, policy making, and national security (unless the President notifies the IG that disclosure of pertinent information would interfere with the core functions of his or her constitutional responsibilities); and (3) require the IG to comply with the same semiannual reporting requirements that all other IGs are subject to, plus, at a minimum, supply additional specified information as well. Requires the President to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Executive Office of the President. Requires the: (1) Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to direct the CFO to review the financial management activities within the Executive Office of the President for the purpose of consolidating its accounting, budgeting, and other financial management activities under the CFO; (2) CFO to submit to the Director of OMB a proposal for reorganizing the Executive Office of the President for such purposes; (3) Director of OMB to approve or disapprove such proposal; and (4) CFO to implement the proposal upon such approval.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 256 (103rd)referred

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting Federal laws and rules that impose liability for conduct occurring before the date of enactment or issuance.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1993

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that no person, under any law enacted by the Congress or any rule issued by a Federal entity, shall be liable for conduct occurring, or with respect to income accruing, before the date of enactment of the law or issuance of the rule.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 247 (103rd)open

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a point of order against considering any provision of any measure that contains a retroactive tax increase.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1993

Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a bill or joint resolution carrying any provision providing for a retroactive tax increase from being reported in the House. Provides that no amendment in the House or proposed by the Senate carrying a retroactive tax measure shall be in order during the consideration of a bill or joint resolution. Allows a question of order to be raised at any time under this clause.

Bill· HRH.R. 3005 (103rd)referred

Federal Regulation Reduction, Reform, and Budget Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

Federal Regulation Reduction, Reform, and Budget Act of 1993 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to jointly report to the President and the Congress on direct costs to the private sector of complying with Federal regulations. Requires such reports to be issued in five-year intervals. Provides for initial and subsequent annual reports to the President and the Congress on an aggregate regulatory baseline which is a projection of the aggregate direct cost to the private sector of complying with Federal regulations for budget years and outyears. Requires a concurrent resolution on the budget to include reconciliation directives specifying changes in laws and regulations necessary to reduce such direct costs and to reduce regulatory authority from the aggregate regulatory base. Provides for the allocation of aggregate two-year regulatory authority among congressional committees. Requires the CBO to submit to the appropriate committees (except the Committees on Appropriations) an analysis of private sector regulatory costs for each public bill or resolution. Requires the President's annual budget submissions to comply with reconciliation directives. Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to prepare an analysis of the costs that will be incurred by small entities, other businesses, and individuals in complying with proposed agency rules. Requires the submission to the Congress and CBO and OMB of a cost estimate and cost benefit analysis of any new proposed regulations that would have an aggregate direct cost to the private sector of at least $10 million for any fiscal year.

Bill· HRH.R. 2936 (103rd)referred

At-Birth Abandoned Infants Assistance Amendments of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

At-Birth Abandoned Infants Assistance Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 to condition Federal project grants upon the existence of a State statutory scheme which effectuates: (1) the designation of preadoptive parents; (2) prompt placement of designated abandoned infants with preadoptive parents; and (3) expedited judicial proceedings to establish permanent parental rights for such preadoptive parents (thereby terminating the parental rights of all other persons with respect to that infant).

Bill· HRH.R. 2910 (103rd)referred

Risk Communication Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

Risk Communication Act of 1993 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to apply the following principles when preparing risk assessments to assure that such assessments are scientifically objective and inclusive of all relevant data: (1) explicitly distinguish scientific findings in such assessments from other considerations affecting the design and choice of regulatory strategies; (2) consider and discuss both negative and positive laboratory or epidemiological data when presenting assessments of human health risks; and (3) where the assessment process involves selection of any significant assumption, inference, or model: present a representative list and explanation of plausible and alternative assumptions, inferences, or models; explain the basis for any choices; and identify policy or value judgments. Directs the Administrator, in characterizing risk in any risk assessment document, regulatory proposal or decision, report to the Congress, or other document made available to the public, to: (1) characterize the populations or natural resources at risk; (2) explain the range of exposure scenarios used in the assessment and provide a statement of the size of the corresponding population at risk and the likelihood of the exposure scenarios; (3) provide appropriate comparisons with estimates of other risks; (4) include a statement of any known and significant substitution risks when a risk assessment or characterization for proposed and final regulatory actions is provided; and (5) present the summary of results of an assessment provided by a commenter in any case in which a public commment period is provided with respect to an assessment or regulation. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance consistent with the risk assessment principles of this Act and to provide a format for summarizing assessment results; (2) publish a plan to review and revise risk assessments with respect to which new information or methodologies that could significantly alter assessment results become available; and (3) report to the Congress on policy and value judgments which are made in risk assessments for programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act and the effect such judgments have on the regulatory decisions of such programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 2938 (103rd)referred

At-Birth Abandoned Baby Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

At-Birth Abandoned Baby Act of 1993 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to place babies abandoned at birth with preadoptive parents within 30 days of obtaining custody of such babies, and to find new preadoptive parents for such babies if the initial preadoptive parents do not petition the courts of the State within 90 days of receiving them for an expedited hearing to become their permanent adoptive parents. Treats such babies as children with special needs, thus qualifying their adoptive parents for adoption assistance.

Bill· HRH.R. 2929 (103rd)referred

Budget Process Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose Title II: Binding Budget Law Title III: Enforcement Mechanics Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law Subtitle B: Line Item Reduction Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism Title V: Protection of Social Security Title VI: Timetable Title VII: Conforming Amendments Title VIII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation Title IX: Effective Date Budget Process Reform Act - Title I: Statement of Congressional Purpose - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to facilitate rational, informed, and timely decisions by the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal budget process should focus the attention of policymakers and the public on the aggregate impact of Federal spending on the economy, and on the tradeoffs that must be made among priorities in order to control overall levels of spending. Declares that the budget process should contain safeguards against delay and inaction, so that temporary shut-downs of the Government may be avoided. Title II: Binding Budget Law - Requires the Congress to enact a binding budget law, in the form of a joint resolution, by April 15 of the calendar year before that in which the fiscal period commences. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any spending bill affecting spending in a major functional category unless and until a joint resolution on the budget is enacted. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit baseline budgeting. Requires the President to submit to the Congress on or before the 15th day after a joint resolution on the budget is enacted a detailed budget for the fiscal period beginning on October 1 of the current calendar year. Title III: Enforcement Mechanics - Subtitle A: Supermajority Required to Break Budget Law - Requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House and the Senate to consider any spending bill prior to the enactment of the budget law. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to provide to the Congress an estimate of the costs in each major functional category of certain spending bills as soon as practicable after its introduction. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to consider over-budget spending bills. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive any provision of this Act. Subtitle B: Limited Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to limit the President's rescission authority to spending that is above the limits of the budget law. Subtitle C: "Blank Check" Appropriations Prohibited - Declares the intent of the Congress to end open-ended, "blank check" appropriations which typically authorize spending "such sums as may be necessary." Requires fixed-dollar appropriations for every account except social security and interest on the debt. Prohibits open-ended appropriations. Requires Executive agencies to adjust benefit levels to ensure that appropriations for entitlement programs are not exceeded. Restricts budget authority and entitlement authority to one fiscal period. Subtitle D: "Pay As You Go" Requirement for New Spending - Prohibits the Congress from considering any legislation which exceeds the budget ceiling unless it offsets such increased spending with an equal amount of reductions. Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the House and the Senate to waive such prohibition. Title IV: Sustaining Mechanism - Makes appropriations to provide for an automatic continuing resolution if for any account an appropriation for a fiscal period does not become law before the beginning of such period. Restricts legislation providing funding to the Committees on Appropriations. Title V: Protection of Social Security - Provides that no reduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) shall be made as a consequence of this Act. Title VI: Timetable - Revises the timetable for the congressional budget process. Title VII: Conforming Amendments - Makes various technical and conforming amendments, including changing references to a concurrent resolution on the budget to references to a joint resolution on the budget. Title VIII: Definitions and Rules of Interpretation - Sets forth definitions for specified terms. Title IX: Effective Date - Declares the effective date of this Act to be January 1, 1995, applicable to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1995.

Bill· HRH.R. 2888 (103rd)referred

Television Violence Reduction Through Parental Empowerment Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1993

Television Violence Reduction Through Parental Empowerment Act of 1993 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that any television with a screen of at least 13 inches which is manufactured, or imported for use, in the United States be equipped with circuitry designed to enable viewers to block the display of channels, programs, time slots, and all programs with a common rating. Prohibits shipping in interstate commerce, manufacturing, assembling, or importing any such television except pursuant to rules prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Requires such rules to provide performance and display standards for such blocking technology. Directs the FCC, as new video technology is developed, to ensure that blocking service continues to be available to consumers.

Bill· HRH.R. 2873 (103rd)reported

Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1993

Natural Disaster Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop programs to carry out specified multihazard mitigation and emergency management initiatives, including the development of model building codes and other hazard mitigation measures for catastrophic natural disasters, training and research in such areas, hazard mitigation technology, and local emergency response operations. Allows local communities five years after the date of enactment of this Act to comply with multihazard building and safety codes outlined under this Act, after which public assistance funds will be withheld for noncompliance. Requires the Director to identify States which are prone to damages from hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding (natural disasters), and to designate each State appropriately as hurricane-, windstorm-, earthquake-, volcanic eruption-, or flood-prone. Requires each State so designated to either: (1) adopt the relevant natural disaster hazard mitigation portions of the newest building codes for such State for all new or substantially modified building construction in such State; or (2) certify that the local communities have adopted building codes which meet or exceed such requirements. Requires each State designated as disaster-prone to either: (1) develop a hazard mitigation plan with accompanying schedules for improving the State's ability to reduce the hazards of future natural disasters; or (2) designate an existing plan which meets such requirements. Requires a completed plan to be submitted to the Director within two years after designation. Outlines State compliance procedures, and imposes penalties for hazard mitigation plan noncompliance. Establishes the Self-Sustaining Mitigation Fund for Federal and State support of hazard mitigation and emergency management activities, with amounts provided by the Director to each disaster-prone State for appropriate purposes. Establishes the Natural Disaster Mitigation and Planning Advisory Committee as an independent advisory committee to advise the Director on hazard mitigation and disaster planning, and to review hazard mitigation regulations issued by the Director. Requires the Director to establish and carry out a national multihazard insurance program (the Primary Insurance Program) to provide insurance against real or personal property loss in any State resulting from an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Requires the Director to evaluate the feasibility of including flood as a covered peril under the Primary Insurance Program. Outlines specified procedures for increased participation in the Federal flood insurance program under the National Flood Insurance Act, with a required report. Outlines further provisions with respect to the Primary Insurance Program, including program scope (initially limited to residential housing), terms and limitations, covered hazards, and insurance actuarial rates. Establishes in the Treasury the Primary Insurance Program Fund to carry out such Program. Provides for Fund uses, investments, and disbursements, authorizing the Director, when necessary, to borrow from the Treasury for Fund purposes. Requires the Director, in carrying out the Program, to provide certain insurance mitigation incentives, including the charging of lower premiums for residential property located in disaster-prone States. Requires the Director to make available to eligible entities excess reinsurance coverage for any direct and indirect losses that arise from a hurricane, earthquake, volcanic eruption, or tsunami (tidal wave). Outlines provisions concerning eligible entities and reinsurance coverage terms, limitations, and obligations, including the covered lines of insurance. Requires the establishment of actuarially sound rates for such coverage. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinsurance Fund for implementation of such reinsurance coverage. Requires the Director to develop a plan of operation to ensure the fair, reasonable, and equitable administration of the Primary Insurance Program Fund, the Reinsurance Fund, and other activities outlined in this Act. Establishes the Federal Insurance and Reinsurance Advisory Committee as an independent committee and requires the plan to be submitted to such Committee for review and recommendations. Requires a Committee report.

Bill· HRH.R. 2860 (103rd)open

Trucking Regulatory Reform Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1993

Trucking Regulatory Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to include as objectives of U.S. transportation policy in regulating transportation by motor carrier, the promotion of competitive and efficient transportation services in order to: (1) allow, to the maximum extent possible, competition and the demand for services to establish reasonable rates for transportation by motor carriers of property; and (2) minimize the need for Federal regulatory control over the motor carrier transportation system and require fair and expeditious regulatory decisions when regulation is required. (Sec. 6) Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to exempt motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods from its jurisdiction whenever it finds that: (1) its jurisdiction is not necessary to carry out U.S. transportation policy; and (2) either such transaction or service of the motor carrier is of limited scope, or ICC jurisdiction is not needed to protect shippers from the abuse of market power. (Sec. 7) Declares that the fact that a rate, classification, rule, or practice relating to motor common carriers was included in a tariff duly filed with the ICC shall not relieve such carriers from liability or any remedy under the antitrust laws in instances where the conditions of an agreement between such carriers regarding such rate, classification, rule, or practice are not met, unless the ICC has determined its reasonableness. Prohibits agreements approved by the ICC from providing for docketing of the independent actions of carriers of non-household goods, or for discussion of or voting upon such actions. (Sec. 8) Excepts from the general reasonableness standard: (1) independently determined rates or rates determined by the independent action of motor carriers providing transportation of property of non-household goods; and (2) the establishment of through routes by such carriers. Excludes divisions of joint rates by such carriers from the general requirement that they be made without unreasonable discrimination against a participating carrier, and that they must be reasonable. (Sec. 9) Requires the ICC to prescribe only the maximum rate of the classification, rule, or practice to be followed in the case of a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods which establishes rates collectively in an organization established or continued under an approved agreement or by certain independent action. (Sec. 10) Declares that the ICC is not authorized to begin immediately on its own initiative or on application of an interested party a proceeding to determine the lawfulness of proposed rates, classifications, rules, and practices that are independently determined, or established by independent action, by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes the ICC to make such a determination when a new rate, classification, rule, or practice established by independent action or collectively by an approved agreement is filed with the ICC by or on behalf of a motor common carrier or two or more interlining motor common carriers of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of household goods on the grounds that such rate is unreasonable because too high or too low if specified requirements are met. Allows the ICC to take such action with respect to rates proposed by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Subjects the docketing of rates by independent actions by motor common carriers of property other than household goods to the U.S. antitrust laws. Bars construction as a violation of such antitrust laws the docketing of independent actions by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods on the grounds that such a rate is unreasonable because too high, unless the proposed rate is established by independent action or established collectively under an agreement approved by the ICC. (Sec. 11) Declares that certain limitations on the establishment of rates, classifications, and rules by freight forwarders shall not apply if they are independently determined, or established by independent action, by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes such a motor common carrier to establish any transportation rate if it is independently determined or established by independent action. Authorizes the ICC to grant relief, if consistent with the public interest and U.S. transportation policy, from any requirement that a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods have in effect a rate for transportation service which does not limit its liability. Prohibits the ICC from prescribing the maximum reasonable charge or allowance that may be paid for certain shipper-furnished transportation services or facilities by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods under rates that are independently determined or established by independent action. (Sec. 12) Makes it an unreasonable practice for a non-household goods motor carrier, a non-household goods freight forwarder, or a person representing one or the other to attempt to charge or to charge for a transportation service the difference between the lawfully filed tariff rate and the negotiated rate for such transportation, if the carrier or freight forwarder is no longer transporting property or is transporting property for the purpose of avoiding application of this section. Grants the ICC exclusive jurisdiction to make determinations with respect to unreasonableness. Authorizes persons from whom the additional applicable tariff rate is sought to elect to satisfy such claim by payment of: (1) ten percent of the difference between the motor carrier's applicable rate and the rate originally billed and paid; and (2) one percent of the difference between the motor carrier's applicable rate and the rate originally billed and paid if such person qualifies as a small business or charitable organization. Shortens the statute of limitations for the filing of claims by: (1) a motor common carrier for recovery of transportation or service charges; and (2) a person to recover overcharges by a motor carrier. Decreases the limitation period for both kinds of claims from 36 months to: (1) 24 months for claim accruals during the year following enactment of this Act; and (2) 18 months for claim accruals on or after one year following enactment. Permits motor carriers and shippers to resolve by mutual consent, subject to ICC review and approval, any overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to properly and timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications. Prohibits any tariff filed with the ICC from being held invalid solely on the basis that it uses a numerical or alpha account code to designate customers or describe the applicability of rates. Prohibits motor carriers from overriding ICC regulations by tariff rate publication. Authorizes ICC regulations relating to tariff rate publication and filing to provide that tariffs which do not comply with such regulations are void. (Sec. 13) Excepts motor contract carriers of property from the general requirement that contract carriers establish, and file with the ICC, rates for transportation and rules and practices related to such rates. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from the general requirement that carriers providing transportation or service include the rate for such transportation or service in a tariff. Declares any such rate, determined collectively by an agreement approved by the ICC or by independent action, to be considered a maximum rate. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from general tariff requirements. Declares that a motor contract carrier of property is not required to publish or file with the ICC actual or minimum rates. Excepts a motor contract carrier of property or of passengers from the requirement that contract carriers publish, file, and keep open for public inspection a notice of any proposed new or reduced rates. Declares that a published or filed rate shall be conclusive proof against a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods that such rate is the maximum legal rate for the transportation or service with respect to civil actions involving transportation rebates and rate, discrimination, and tariff violations. (Sec. 14) Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the ICC to determine jointly by rule, after notice and opportunity for comment, the proper use of safety ratings (especially conditional and unsatisfactory ratings) in determining whether a motor carrier owner or operator or an applicant for an operating certificate meets certain safety fitness requirements. (Sec. 15) Amends the conditions for issuing a certificate or permit authorizing a person to provide transportation as a motor common or contract carrier of property or a motor contract carrier. Requires such an issuance if the person is able to comply with existing ICC regulations as well as: (1) certain safety fitness requirements established by the Secretary; and (2) certain minimum financial responsibility requirements. Requires the ICC in making such a finding to consider any evidence that the applicant is unable to comply with such requirements. Authorizes a person to protest an application on the basis that the applicant fails or will fail to comply with such requirements. Requires the ICC to find an applicant unfit if the applicant does not meet the safety fitness requirements. Subjects to certain commercial motor vehicle safety regulations motor carriers providing transportation of shipments weighing 100 pounds or less transported in a motor vehicle in which no one package exceeds 100 pounds and operating one or more commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. (Sec. 16) Authorizes one or more motor contract carriers of property providing transportation subject to ICC jurisdiction to enter into a contract with one or more purchasers of motor carrier services to provide specified services under specified rates and conditions to the extent permitted by the common law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. (Sec. 17) Authorizes the ICC to suspend a certificate or permit of a motor carrier for failure to comply with certain safety fitness and minimum financial responsibility requirements. (Sec. 18) Authorizes States to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods. Requires the ICC to establish guidelines for determining whether the standards and procedures that a State authority will use in exercising jurisdiction over such transportation are in accordance with the standards and procedures applicable to regulation of motor carriers by the ICC. Sets forth specified State requirements. Authorizes any motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods, and any party to an administrative proceeding of any State authority in which the lawfulness of intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods is decided, to petition the ICC to review such decision. Grants the ICC authority to issue a certificate and permit authorizing a motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods to provide such transportation of household goods intrastate. Grants the ICC exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for such transportation when specified conditions are met.

Bill· HRH.R. 2862 (103rd)referred

To assure compliance with the guarantees of the 5th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution by prohibiting the intentional creation of legislative districts based on race, color, or language minority status of voters within such districts.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1993

Prohibits the intentional creation of legislative districts based on race, color, or language minority status of voters within such districts. Provides a private right of action for a violation of such prohibition.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 234 (103rd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that obstetrician-gynecologists should be designated as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1993

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be designated as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 131 (103rd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the situation in Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1993

Condemns the Sudanese Government for its human rights abuses and calls upon such government to improve human rights conditions. Calls on the Sudanese People's Liberation Army to cease hostilities and resolve differences through peaceful means. Encourages the military government of Sudan to hand over political power to an elected civilian government as soon as possible. Recognizes the right of the people of southern Sudan to self-determination. Calls upon the President to: (1) appoint a special representative for mediation, reconciliation, peace, and humanitarian affairs in Sudan; (2) increase the levels of humanitarian assistance provided through nongovernmental organizations; (3) place Sudan on the list of states that support international terrorism; (4) oppose specified international financial institution assistance for Sudan; (5) explore other means necessary to force the Sudanese Government to halt its war should humanitarian conditions further deteriorate and such government continues to impede relief efforts; and (6) urge the United Nations to take certain steps to end the conflict in Sudan and to protect war and famine victims.

Bill· HRH.R. 2819 (103rd)referred

Senior Citizen Consumer Protection Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1993

Senior Citizen Consumer Protection Act of 1993 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to revise the prohibitions and penalties against misleading mailings. Requires penalties relating to misleading mailings to be deposited in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Confers responsibility upon the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services for enforcing such prohibitions. Requires annual reports to the Congress with respect to prohibition violations and associated penalties.

Bill· HRH.R. 2789 (103rd)open

Medicaid Health Allowance Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1993

Medicaid Health Allowance Act of 1993 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to create State health allowance programs under which the State makes payments to an insurer of an eligible individual as an allowance towards the cost of providing the individual with benefits under an approved health benefit plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 2640 (103rd)open

Health Care Cooperative Antitrust Protection Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1993

Health Care Cooperative Antitrust Protection Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines under which a health care joint venture may submit an application requesting that the Secretary provide the entities participating in the venture with an exemption under which: (1) monetary recovery on an antitrust claim brought against the entity shall be limited to actual damages if specified conditions are met and the conduct of the entity in making or performing a contract to carry out the venture shall not be deemed illegal per se; or (2) the antitrust laws shall not apply to conduct within the scope of the venture for a five-year period. Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the application within a specified time frame and, with respect to a disapproval, to provide a statement explaining the reasons for such disapproval. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to approve the application if: (1) in the case of a venture seeking the five-year exemption, the Secretary finds that such venture meets specified criteria, such as promoting enhancement of the quality of health care services to individuals residing in the geographic area served by the participating entities, preserving meaningful competition among health care providers, reducing costs or increasing efficiency, improving utilization of services, and eliminating costly and unnecessary duplication in the delivery of health care services in such area; and (2) an entity participating in the venture submits to the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Interagency Advisory Committee on Competition, Antitrust Policy, and Health Care (created by this Act) an application that contains the identities of the parties to the venture; the nature, objectives, and planned activities of the venture; and specified assurances and information. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revocation and renewal of exemptions, and withdrawal of an application; and (2) requirements relating to notice and publication of exemptions. Establishes the Advisory Committee to: (1) discuss and evaluate competition and antitrust policy and their implications regarding the performance of health care markets; (2) analyze the effectiveness of health care joint ventures receiving exemptions in reducing costs and expanding access; and (3) make recommendations to the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 2623 (103rd)referred

Amateur Radio Volunteer Services Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1993

Amateur Radio Volunteer Services Act of 1993 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that an individual licensee in the Amateur Radio Service who provides volunteer services to the Federal Communications Commission in programs benefiting the Service shall not incur personal financial responsibility for any alleged damage, loss, or injury from any act or omission of the volunteer from the provision of such services if such: (1) individual was acting in good faith and within the scope of such individual's official function and duties; and (2) damage was not caused by willful and wanton misconduct by such individual.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 229 (103rd)referred

Establishing July 13, 1993, as "Cost of Government Day".

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1993

Recognizes July 13, 1993, as Cost of Government Day. Encourages all Federal, State, and local elected officials to carefully consider Government spending costs and regulatory schemes in the year to come.

Bill· HRH.R. 2515 (103rd)referred

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the extension of unlisted trading privileges for corporate securities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1993

Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) repeal the notice and hearing requirements formerly applicable to unlisted trading privileges for corporate securities; and (2) prescribe guidelines under which a national securities exchange may extend unlisted trading privileges to a security listed and registered on any national securities exchange.

Bill· HRH.R. 2448 (103rd)referred

Radon Awareness and Disclosure Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1993

Radon Awareness and Disclosure Act of 1993 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize appropriations for radon control activities (except activities to address radon in schools) for FY 1994 through 1997. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to require: (1) products for radon measurement or mitigation to meet performance criteria; and (2) persons offering services for radon measurement or mitigation to meet a level of proficiency. Provides for fees to be imposed on persons manufacturing or importing such products and on persons offering such services to cover program costs. Waives fees for employees of child care facilities, schools, hospitals, or other care facilities. Requires the Administrator to implement an outreach program to provide information about radon to the medical community. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a strategy for identifying areas and buildings within the United States with exceptionally high levels of radon and for reducing such radon levels. Establishes the President's Commission on Radon Awareness. Requires the Administrator to establish a national education campaign to increase awareness of radon health risks and motivate action to reduce radon levels. Directs the Administrator to establish minimum radon prevention standards for new vulnerable premises (defined as any frequently occupied space below the third floor of a building, other than buildings used for industrial purposes) in high radon areas, the construction of which commences after the promulgation of standards. Authorizes State programs to enforce Federal requirements for radon measurement or mitigation services or new construction standards, subject to the Administrator's approval. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the disclosure of radon in vulnerable premises offered for sale or lease. Requires contracts for such premises to contain radon warning statements and affords potential purchasers the right to conduct a test and access to a radon hazard information pamphlet. Directs the Administrator to publish such pamphlet. Authorizes set-asides of State grants to provide assistance to local governments in high radon areas. Makes Federal agencies subject to Federal, State, and local requirements respecting radon in the same manner as such requirements are applied to nongovernmental entities.

Bill· HRH.R. 2444 (103rd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the deductibility of certain home office expenses.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the deduction for home office expenses if a portion of a dwelling unit is used as the sole fixed location of business for a taxpayer who has no other fixed location of business, regardless of: (1) the amount of time or type of work performed in such location; or (2) the proportion of the total income from the business attributable to such location.

Bill· HRH.R. 2319 (103rd)referred

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of the Federal Government to use recycled paper.

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1993

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require all Federal agencies to use printing and writing paper containing at least ten percent postconsumer material. Authorizes Federal agencies that are in compliance with such requirement to use any monies received from the sale of materials collected for recycling for activities within their legal authority.

Bill· HRH.R. 2286 (103rd)referred

Comprehensive Recycling Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1993

Comprehensive Recycling Act of 1993 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide technical assistance and guidance to States on recycling methods and opportunities. Directs States to develop and implement comprehensive multimaterial recycling programs. Requires such programs to be designed to provide at least 20 percent of a State's population with an opportunity to participate in such programs within two years of this Act's enactment. Provides that such programs must be available to an additional 20 percent of a State's population every two years, until the entire population is provided with such opportunity. Requires States to include recycling programs in the solid waste plan required by the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Makes States with approved plans eligible for Federal grants for recycling programs. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator to make grants to States for implementing recycling programs.