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Official portrait of Rep. Hertel, Dennis M. [D-MI-14]

Rep. Hertel, Dennis M. [D-MI-14]

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2,097 records where Rep. Hertel, Dennis M. [D-MI-14] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Law· HRH.R. 5126 (102nd)enacted

Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992

Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Civil War Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of historically significant Civil War battlefields.

Bill· HRH.R. 5100 (102nd)open

Trade Expansion Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992

Trade Expansion Act of 1992 - Title I: Market Access Provisions - Subtitle A: Enforcement of United States Rights Under Trade Agreements and Response to Certain Foreign Trade Practices - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through calendar year 1997 the requirement that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that foreign countries that have substantial trade surpluses with the United States, and maintain acts, policies, or practices that are major barriers to, or distortions of, potential U.S. export trade, should be identified (for purposes of "Super 301" under the Trade Act of 1974) as priority foreign countries, and such acts, policies, or practices identified as priority practices. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize any interested person to request the USTR to review to determine whether a foreign country is in material compliance with the terms of a trade agreement. Defines an "interested person" as any person with a significant economic interest that is being or has been adversely affected by a foreign country's failure to comply materially with terms of a trade agreement. Requires the USTR to determine what action to take if a foreign country is found not in material compliance with such agreement. Directs the USTR to initiate an investigation of all acts, policies, and practices of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan that affect the access of U.S. rice to their markets. Requires the USTR to negotiate the elimination of such acts, policies, and practices, and report to the Congress on the progress of such negotiations. Subtitle B: International Trade in Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Directs the USTR to initiate an investigation of all acts, policies, and practices of Japan that affect the access of U.S. motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts to its market, including but not limited to: (1) acts, policies, and practices utilized in the Japanese automotive distribution system; (2) toleration of anticompetitive activities by private Japanese firms (including "Keiretsu"); (3) exclusionary business practices; and (4) testing requirements and other government regulations. Requires the USTR to negotiate with Japan for a trade agreement that: (1) eliminates such acts, policies, and practices; (2) provides enforcement of Japan's commitments under the Structural Impediments Initiative, the Market -Oriented Sector Specific agreements, and the Action Plan announced at the Tokyo Summit in January 1992 with respect to trade in, and purchase of, motor vehicles and motor vehicles parts; (3) establishes long term goals for the purchase by Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers of high value-added motor vehicle parts and accessories; and (4) establishes procedures for the exchange of information between the United States and Japan that will permit the accurate assessment of the bilateral trade in motor vehicle parts. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress if such negotiations prove unsuccessful. Directs the President to negotiate with Japan for a voluntary restraint agreement that will provide for the imposition of limitations on the aggregate number of Japanese passenger automobiles and light trucks that may be exported to the United States between 1992 and 2000. Authorizes the President to enforce such agreements. Requires specified reports with respect to such negotiations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the USTR should refer to the U.S. Government all information pertaining to Japanese acts, policies, and practices that adversely affect access to the purchasing by Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers in the United States of U.S. motor vehicle parts by Japanese-owned or-controlled producers. Requires the Board established by the Foreign-Trade Zones Act to: (1) review the operations of U.S. and foreign motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts producers to determine any positive economic effect on the United States of such Act; and (2) take appropriate action, including revocation or modification of a foreign-trade zone or subzone grant, with respect to any producer whose operations in such zone are determined not to have a net positive effect on the U.S. economy. Title II: Customs Modernization - Customs Modernization and Informed Compliance Act - Subtitle A: Improvements in Customs Enforcement - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise customs procedures with respect to: (1) electronic transmission of forged, altered, or false data to the United States Customs Service with regard to the entry of imported merchandise; (2) penalties for failure to declare imported controlled substances; (3) examination and detention of imported merchandise; (4) certain recordkeeping requirements; (5) examination of books and witnesses; (6) review of protests by the Customs Service; (7) a repeal of a provision relating to the reliquidation on account of fraud; (8) penalties relating to manifests, false drawback or refund claims, and for fraud, gross negligence, and negligence; (9) unlawful unlading or transshipment; (10) public access to Customs Service interpretative rulings and decisions; and (11) seizure of imported merchandise. Subtitle B: National Customs Automation Program - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to establish the National Customs Automation Program which shall be an automated and electronic system for the processing of commercial imports. Provides for electronic data transmission relating to: (1) remote location filing; (2) effective date of rates of duty on imported merchandise; (3) merchandise manifests; (4) imported merchandise invoices; (5) entry and release of imported merchandise; (6) admissibility in administrative and judicial proceedings of electronically transmitted information; (7) appraisement and liquidations of imported merchandise; (8) the payment of duties; (9) abandonment and damage to imported merchandise; (10) protests of Customs Service decisions; (11) refunds and errors; (12) bonds and other security; and (13) customs house brokers. Requires a refund (drawback) of duties (less one per cent of such duties) on articles produced in the United States with imported merchandise that have been destroyed under Customs Service supervision, provided such articles have not been used prior to such destruction. Sets forth provisions with respect to customs officer's immunity in regard to the appraisement of or collection of duties on imported merchandise. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the Secretary to disregard the difference, but not less than $20 (currently ten dollars), between the total estimated duties deposited with respect to imported merchandise and the total amount actually due on such merchandise. Authorizes the Secretary to admit duty-free: (1) gifts from persons in foreign countries to persons in the United States whose value does not exceed $100 (currently, $50), or $200 (currently, $100) in the case of gifts from persons in the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa; (2) articles accompanying persons for personal or household use whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, $25); or (3) articles whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, five dollars) in other cases. Authorizes the Secretary to waive collection of duties due on merchandise that are worth less than $20, or such greater amount as prescribed by him or her. Requires masters of vessels that have visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise while outside the U.S. territorial sea to report their arrival to the nearest customs facility. Provides for the electronic transmission of vessel documentation to the Customs Service. Requires the following vessels to report to the nearest Customs Service facility within 24 hours (or other period of time) as provided after arrival to a U.S. port: (1) vessels from a foreign port; (2) foreign vessels from a domestic port; (3) U.S. vessels having bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (4) vessels which visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the U.S. territorial sea. Authorizes the Secretary to permit masters of vessels to make preliminary entry of their vessel with the Customs Service in lieu of or before formal entry is made. Requires U.S. and foreign vessels to obtain clearance from the Customs Service before proceeding from a U.S. port for: (1) a foreign port; (2) another U.S. port (for foreign vessels only), or (for U.S. vessels only) another U.S. port if the vessel has bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (3) outside the U.S. territorial sea to visit a hovering vessel or to receive merchandise. Exempts from entry and clearance requirements certain passenger vessels on excursion from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands and returning, U.S. documented vessels with recreational endorsement, or (as under current law) undocumented U.S. pleasure vessels not engaged in trade, except such vessels must comply upon arrival with specified customs reporting requirements and navigation laws and must not have visited any hovering vessel. Prohibits merchandise, passengers, or baggage from being unladen from any vessel required to make entry or vehicle required to report its arrival until such entry or report of arrival is made and a permit for unlading has been issued by the Customs Service. Authorizes the issuance of such permits through electronic data transmission. Requires every importer of record of merchandise to make and file electronically or otherwise a declaration stating whether such merchandise is imported pursuant to a purchase or purchase agreement and that all other required documents are true and correct. Requires persons who gained any benefit from, or met any obligation to the United States as the result of the prior exportation of merchandise that has returned as undeliverable to inform the Customs Service of the return of such merchandise within a reasonable time. Provides for electronic data transmission of entry information to complete any incomplete entry of imported merchandise. Declares entered or unentered merchandise that remains in customs custody for six months, with an extension at the importer's request of up to a year (currently, for merchandise that remains in custody for one year), and in which duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges have not been paid, to be unclaimed merchandise which shall be appraised and sold by the Customs Service at public auction. Authorizes the sale of imported gunpowder and other explosive merchandise that if permitted to remain in a bonded warehouse for six months (currently, one year) would depreciate in value to the extent that its sale would be insufficient to pay such duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges. Authorizes the Customs Service, in lieu of sale, to provide notice to interested parties that, unless, within 30 days of such notice, the subject merchandise is entered or withdrawn for consumption and payment made of all duties, taxes, and fees, transfer and storage charges and other expenses that title to such merchandise shall be deemed to vest in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to a party that has lost a substantial interest in merchandise by virtue of title vesting in the United States, and can establish that it did not receive a vesting notice, an amount from the Customs Forfeiture Fund equal to what such party would have received if such merchandise had been sold and a proper claim filed. Requires any surplus of the proceeds from the sale of such merchandise to be deposited into the Fund if a claim for such surplus is not filed with the Customs Service. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the declaration and entry of merchandise whose value does not exceed a certain amount, not more than $2,500 (currently not greater than $1,250), and/or when different commercial facilitation and risk considerations that may vary for different classes or kinds of merchandise or different classes of transactions may dictate. Requires the Secretary upon seizure and forfeiture of imported merchandise bearing a counterfeit mark to dispose of such merchandise more than 90 days (currently, one year) after such forfeiture. Authorizes withdrawal of imported merchandise from a warehouse for transfer to a foreign trade zone. Authorizes the Customs Service to order the destruction or other appropriate disposition of vessels, vehicles, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage that has been seized under the customs laws if it determines that the expense of keeping such items is disportionate to their value (currently applies only to items of less than $1,000 in value). Authorizes the use of funds from the Customs Forfeiture Fund for the payment of: (1) certain transfer and storage charges and expenses; and (2) claims against Customs Service employees. Requires actions for fraud, gross negligence, and negligence, false drawback or refund claims, and restoration of lawful duties with respect to imported merchandise to be instituted within five years after the alleged violation or discovery of such fraud. Requires the Customs Service to be reimbursed the administrative cost and expense incurred in collecting fees on behalf of other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to settle, for no more than $50,000 in each case, claims for personal injury, death, or damage to, or loss of, privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer of the Customs Service. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with persons for collection services to recover indebtedness arising under the customs laws, provided the Customs Service has exhausted all administrative efforts to collect such indebtedness. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions and Consequential and Conforming Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to exempt from such Schedule articles which are returned within 45 days after being exported from the United States as undeliverable and which have not left the custody of the carrier or foreign customs service. Prohibits such exportations from satisfying any requirement for exportation in order to receive a benefit from, or meet an obligation, to the United States as a result of such exportation. Declares that certain railway locomotives and railway freight cars on which no duty is owed are not subject to the entry or release requirements for imported merchandise under the Tariff Act of 1930. Exempts instruments of international trade, such as containers, lift vans, rail cars and locomotives, truck cabs and trailers, etc., from formal entry procedures. Requires them to be accounted for however, when imported to and exported from the United States through the manifesting procedures required for international carriers by the U.S. Customs Service. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and other specified Federal law with respect to: (1) certain expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund; and (2) coastwise trade vessels and U.S. vessels visiting foreign ports. Amends Federal law to grant the Court of International Trade exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action for review decisions of the Customs Service that deny, suspend, or revoke accreditation of private customs laboratories. Bars the commencement of such actions unless brought before such Court within 60 days of such decisions. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to report to the Congress each fiscal year after FY 1992 on the collection of duties imposed under the antidumping and countervailing duty laws. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to authorize the Commissioner of Customs to obtain from the operators of centralized cargo examination stations information on fees paid for the provision of services at such stations. Requires the Commissioner to report to specified congressional committees on the payment of such fees. Amends the Customs and Trade Act of 1990 to require the Commissioner of Customs to: (1) devise a methodology for estimating the level of compliance with the U.S. customs laws; and (2) evaluate the extent to which such compliance was obtained during the 12-month period preceeding the 60th day before each fiscal year 1993 through 1995. Directs the Commissioner to initiate, and submit to the Congress, a compliance review of certain carrier services. Title III: Customs and Trade Agency Authorizations for Fiscal Years 1993 and 1994 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize appropriations to the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) for FY 1993 and 1994. Earmarks a specified amount for reception and entertainment expenses. Prohibits use of such funds for any special study, investigation, or report requested by an agency of the executive branch unless such agency reimburses the ITC for its costs. Amends the Customs Procedural Reform and Simplification Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the United States Customs Service for FY 1993 and 1994 for: (1) noncommercial operations; (2) commercial operations; and (3) the air interdiction program. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize appropriaitons to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for FY 1993 and 1994. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize apropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 for certain expenditures from the Customs Forfeiture Fund relating to purchases by the Customs Service of evidence of smuggling of controlled substances. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to eliminate the East-West Trade Statistics Monitoring System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Trade Provisions - Subtitle A: Nontariff Provisions - Directs the President to negotiate trade agreements that eliminate the adverse effects of anticompetitive practices on international trade. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the status of such negotiations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, with respect to ensuring the effectiveness of the U.S. embargo of Cuba, should seek negotiations with countries that trade with Cuba to seek their agreement to restrict trade relations with it. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the Secretary of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of Commerce (currently, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury): (1) to take necessary action to ensure the attainment of the objectives of the machine tool decision of the President on May 20, 1986, and on December 27, 1991; and (2) to enforce any imported machine tool quantitative limitations, restrictions, or other terms contained in related bilateral arrangements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce the quantitative limitations and other provisions of bilateral arrangements negotiated with Taiwan on December 31, 1991, pursuant to the President's machine tool decision of May 20, 1986, until bilateral agreements are negotiated with such country pursuant to the President's December 27, 1991, decision. Directs the ITC to report to the Congress propsals for consolidating and simplifying U.S. international trade laws. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service to make recommendations to the Congress about establishment of a special unit that would: (1) integrate the resources of the Service, the ITC, and other appropriate agencies; and (2) serve as a central and objective source of information for the Congress on data and trends in trade between the United States and foreign countries. Subtitle B: Foreign Subsidies and Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Amendments - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require completion of reviews by the administering authority of the amount of duty with respect to countervailing and antidumping duty orders by the 270th day after the day on which a request for review was received. (Currently, there is no such deadline for completion of such a review.) Requires the ITC to consider contracts with long lead time as a factor when making material injury determinations with respect to an affected domestic industry in countervailing and antidumping duty investigations. Declares that the presence or absence of any factor the ITC is required to consider shall not give decisive guidance with respect to any threat of material injury determinations. Provides that, with respect to the determination of foreign market value of imported merchandise under investigation, no allowance shall be made to account for differences in input costs that are based on whether the end product made from the input is sold in the home market or exported. Requires the United States Customs Service to report annually to the administering authority on the amount of duties collected during each year under each countervailing and antidumping duty order. Requires the administering authority to make such data available to interested parties. Requires the administering authority, when determining whether imported parts or components are circumventing an antidumping or countervailing duty order or finding, and whether to include such parts or components in such order or finding, to consider: (1) the pattern of trade; (2) the value and sources of supply of parts or components historically used in completion or assembly of the merchandise subject to such order; (3) whether the manufacturer or exporter of such parts or components is related to the person who assembles or completes the merchandise sold in the United States from the parts or components produced in the foreign country with respect to which the order or finding applies; and (4) whether imports into the United States of the parts or components produced in such foreign country have increased after the issuance of such order or finding. Authorizes the administering authority to include within the scope of such order or finding imported parts or components that are used in the completion or assembly of certain merchandise sold in the United States and subject to such order or finding, provided: (1) such merchandise is completed or assembled in the United States from parts or components supplied by the exporter or producer with respect to which such order or finding applies, from suppliers that have historically supplied the parts or components to that exporter or producer, or from any party in the exporting country supplying parts or components on behalf of such exporter or producer; (2) the value of such imported parts and components is significant in relation to the total value of all parts and components used in the assembly or completion operation, excluding packing, of the imported merchandise covered by such order or finding; or (3) consideration of specified factors establishes a pattern of circumvention of a countervailing and antidumping duty order or finding. Enables the administering authority to base such a decision on any of such factors by itself, rather than on all of them together. Sets forth similar provisions for merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign countries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the ITC to study and report to the Congress on modification of standards applicable to the initiation of countervailing and antidumping duty actions in order to make petitioning for such initiations less costly and more accessible for domestic petitioners. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress on the operation of the Agreement Concerning the Application of the GATT Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft between the United States and the European Community. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not enter into any international trade agreement on antidumping requiring changes in U.S. antidumping laws that would reduce the effectiveness of such laws as a remedy against injurious dumped imports. Urges the President to review antidumping provisions contained in the Draft Final Act Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations dated December 21, 1991 and seek changes to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. antidumping laws, including, but not limited to, changes in provisions dealing with cumulation of injury and dispute settlement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should not condone the use by foreign governments of trade distorting subsidies, including development subsidies, that cause material injury to U.S. industries. Subtitle C: Other Tariff Provisions - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to remove the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from the list of countries ineligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to create a new tariff classification to cover imports of motor fuel blending stocks. Imposes a duty on such stocks. Revises the classification of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates and linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids. Revises a specified subheading relating to nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes to include non-galvanized forms of such products. Increases the duty on certain other iron and steel pipes and tubes. Imposes a duty on galvanized nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes having a specified thickness. Increases the duty on certain stainless steel pipes and tubes. Authorizes the USTR to negotiate compensation for claims made pursuant to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or any other trade agreement to which the United States is a party, as a result of the amendments made by this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to producers of watches in the insular possessions of the United States who are wage certificate holders, to pay to such a holder, at the holder's election, the face value of such certificates less the value of: (1) any duty refunds claimed by the holder under the certificate; and (2) any duty refunds under such certificate that are sold by such holder. Grants duty-free treatment of articles (not over $600 in value) acquired in Bermuda. Grants duty-free treatment to sweaters in which the number of U.S. citizens, nationals, or resident aliens who perform the assembly operations (in Guam) comprise at least 50 percent of the total number of assembly production workers. Sets forth specified exceptions. Provides that stuffed dolls and doll skins that are imported into the United States on or after December 31, 1985, and before October 1, 1988, shall be liquidated as duty free as of October 1, 1988. Declares that a specified production incentive certificate shall be deemed to have been reissued on the 15th day after the enactment of this Act, and shall expire one year after such day. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt semiconductors from the country of origin marking requirements under such Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to extend until December 31, 1994, the exclusion of bicycle component parts from the exemption from customs laws provided by such Act. Treats certain entries of fabric wholly of polyamide as having been exported from the United States in accordance with and in satisfaction of the temporary importation bond and obligations of The Umbrellas: Joint Project for Japan and U.S.A. Corporation if specified conditions are met. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to authorize the extension of time (not to exceed five years) for the exportation of articles to be repaired, altered, or processed, including processes which result in articles manufactured or produced in the United States, that are imported duty-free under bond, provided that any extension beyond the third year must be accompanied by the importer's certification that such articles are to be incorporated into a communications satellite. Subjects to liquidated damages any such articles imported after January 1, 1983, and before the effective date of this Act, that are certified by the importer as having been dedicated for incorporation into a communications satellite, and as not having been exported within the time required because of launch schedule delays. Limits such liquidated damages to a maximum one percent of the liquidated damages established under the bond.

Bill· HRH.R. 5075 (102nd)referred

Veterans In Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Veterans In Transition Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide post-service training vouchers to eligible members of the armed forces who apply in order to finance employment retraining provided through programs established under the Job Training Partnership Act. Requires such vouchers to be provided to such members within 60 days of their separation from active duty. Defines as eligible those members serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty on September 30, 1990, who were either involuntarily separated or separated under one of the military separation incentive programs, and who were not entitled to retired or retainer pay incident to such separation. Requires such a member to certify to the Secretary that the member is unemployed and does not have a firm commitment for employment upon separation. Directs the Secretary to provide such vouchers to certain unemployed members who did not receive such vouchers due to lack of the required certification. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such vouchers to other members discharged or released from active duty if they would benefit from the training provided. Directs the Secretary to provide appropriate notification to members eligible for such vouchers. Provides for the determination of voucher amounts, requiring such amounts to be generally equal to the cost of providing the training required to achieve the employment objective chosen by the member. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the Secretary in determining voucher amounts. Authorizes any member receiving such a voucher to exchange it for employment and training services provided under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to the same extent as other individuals eligible to receive such services. Requires such vouchers to be used within a two-year period after discharge, release, or separation. Directs the Secretary, after receiving a voucher, to reimburse the training provider for the actual cost of providing such training, not to exceed the face value of the voucher. Prohibits more than ten percent of the funds provided under this Act from being used for administrative costs. Prohibits the training providers, in accepting vouchers in exchange for employment and training services under the JTPA, from: (1) reducing the number of individuals who receive such services in the absence of the voucher program; or (2) denying such services to veterans who are eligible for such services but do not have a voucher. Directs the Secretary to notify the State agency administering the JTPA in which the member intends to reside and take up training. Amends the JTPA to include such separated members in the defense conversion adjustment program provided under such Act. Requires preseparation counseling of members about to be discharged or released from active duty to occur as soon as possible, but not later than 90 days before the date of discharge (currently, upon discharge). Includes as part of such counseling the creation of a transition plan for the member and spouse to achieve educational, training, and employment objectives. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Veterans Affairs and the Economic Adjustment Committee to improve the coordination of, and eliminate duplication between, specified job training and placement programs available to members who are discharged or released from active duty. Directs the Secretary to use ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated under this Act for the financing of specified coordination efforts. Directs the Secretary, as part of the preseparation counseling provided to discharged or released members, to insure that information is provided to interested members with respect to the establishment and operation of small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a member eligible for a training voucher to assist such member in establishing a small business after such discharge or release. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a business owned or operated by a veteran to assist the business to employ members eligible for training vouchers. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the head of a Federal agency under which the agency makes grants to States and local governments and nonprofit organizations to establish internships or other training programs for members eligible for training vouchers. Provides that all such grants will be made in lieu of providing the member with a training voucher. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to assist discharged or released members and their spouses in locating civilian employment, to conduct marketing and employer outreach activities to promote the creation of employment opportunities for such members and spouses. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 5070 (102nd)referred

DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 1999. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Requires States to submit estimates of the need for assistance for implementing and monitoring such plans. Prohibits the submission of such estimates unless the estimates are approved by the appropriate management conference under the National Estuary Program. Makes States that fail to submit approved estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with amounts in such Accounts to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Allows States to use interest earned on amounts in such Accounts to subsidize up to 90 percent of the principal portion of debt service of certain entities that are financially unable to carry out a necessary project for an estuary plan. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the total cost of implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 1999. Revises provisions concerning the purposes of management conferences. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document that establishes requirements for: (1) management conferences to follow in developing, implementing, and monitoring conservation and management plans; and (2) approving and implementing interim actions to protect water quality of estuaries for which plans are developed. Requires management conferences to be convened for periods of at least five years (currently, up to five years). Permits the extension of a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur in the extension and the extension is necessary to meet requirements. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes such procedures for interim actions.

Bill· HRH.R. 4822 (102nd)referred

Every Fifth Child Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Every Fifth Child Act - Makes appropriations for FY 1993, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in specified amounts to begin a phase-in toward full funding of: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (2) Head Start programs under the Head Start Act; and (3) the Job Corps program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such programs should receive specified minimum levels of funding to allow: (1) the WIC program to be fully funded through FY 1996; (2) Head Start programs to be fully funded through FY 1998; and (3) the Job Corps to establish at least 50 additional centers and serve at least 50 percent more of low-income disadvantaged youth by the year 2000.

Bill· HRH.R. 4738 (102nd)referred

Polish Housing Guaranty Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992

Polish Housing Guaranty Act of 1992 - Permits the President to use the authorities of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to issue guaranties in connection with loans made for projects in Poland directed at providing market-based affordable housing and related services. Limits the total principal amount of guaranties. Permits guaranties to be issued only so long as the President determines that the Government of Poland: (1) is in compliance with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement for use of IMF resources or is in compliance with similar economic reform measures based on progress toward a market economy; and (2) has taken actions necessary for the implementation of the guaranty program. Declares that the United States should work with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to ensure that loan guaranties and housing and related loans made available for Poland by the Bank have comparable policy conditionality. Makes certain restrictions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 on the amount and use of housing guaranties inapplicable to guaranties for Poland. Permits the Polish Government, in order to reduce the amount required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 to be appropriated to cover the cost of guaranties, to establish an escrow account to assure that funds would be available to satisfy obligations from loans guaranteed under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 415 (102nd)open

Concerning observance by the Government of Romania of the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992

Urges the Government of Romania to uphold all existing human rights treaties and decrees to ensure the safety of the minorities who reside in Romania. Requests the President and Secretary of State to discuss the human cultural and self-determination rights of the Hungarians of Transylvania with the Government of Romania and other appropriate governments.

Bill· HRH.R. 4585 (102nd)referred

National Child Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1992

National Child Protection Act of 1992 - Establishes a national criminal background check system (system) to which a designated agency in each State is required to report child abuse crime information, or index such information in the system, for purposes of background checks of child care providers. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) guidelines for the reporting of such information; and (2) timetables for each State to report such information to the System (with a three-year deadline for all States to be reporting at a specified level of currency). Requires State agencies to maintain close liaison for the exchange of technical assistance in cases of child abuse with the National Center: (1) on Child Abuse and Neglect; (2) for Missing and Exploited Children; and (3) for the Prosecution of Child Abuse. Directs the Attorney General to publish annually: (1) a statistical summary of the child abuse crime information reported under this Act; and (2) a summary of each State's progress in reporting child abuse crime information to the system. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to conduct a study to determine various factors relating to potential child abuse crimes and offenders, based on a statistically significant sample of convicted child abuse offenders and other relevant information. Requires a report on such study to be submitted to specified congressional committee officials. Authorizes a State to have in effect procedures to permit a qualified entity (i.e., a business or organization that provides child care or child care placement services, or that certifies others to provide such care or services) to contact a State agency to request a nationwide background check to determine if a child care provider is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a background check crime. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) guidelines for State background check procedures, but permits the Attorney General to certify that a State procedure is equivalent to that under this Act under specified circumstances; and (2) criteria for such certifications. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) prescribe such other measures as may be required to carry out the purposes of this Act; and (2) encourage the use of the best technology available in conducting background checks. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to provide for the use of drug control and system improvement grants for the improvement of State record systems and the sharing of records of child abuse crime information to implement this Act. Directs the Attorney General, subject to appropriations and with preference to States that have the lowest percent currency of case dispositions in computerized criminal history files, to make additional grants to each State to be used, for purposes of this Act: (1) for the computerization of criminal history files; (2) for the improvement of existing computerized criminal history files; (3) to improve accessibility to the system; and (4) to assist the State in the transmittal of criminal records to, or the indexing of criminal history records in, the system. Authorizes: (1) appropriations; and (2) the withholding of a portion of the allocation for a fiscal year under the Omnibus Act to a State that is not in compliance with the timetable established under this Act.

Law· HRH.R. 4542 (102nd)enacted

Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992 - Title I: Tougher Law Enforcement Against Auto Theft - Subtitle A: Enhanced Penalties for Auto Theft - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a fine, up to 20 years imprisonment, or both, for taking (or attempting to take) a motor vehicle from the person or presence of another by force, violence, or intimidation. Increases penalties for: (1) the importation and exportation of stolen motor vehicles, off-highway mobile equipment, vessels, or aircraft (stolen vehicles); and (2) the transportation, sale, or receipt of stolen vehicles. Makes altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers, exporting or importing stolen vehicles, and dealing in counterfeit obligations or securities predicate offenses to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Subtitle B: Targeted Law Enforcement - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to Anti-Car Theft Committees submitting applications in compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. Sets forth application requirements, including a statement from a chief executive of such committee that the applicant committee: (1) is either a State agency, an agency of a unit of local government, or a nonprofit entity organized pursuant to specific authorizing legislation by a State or such unit; (2) is or will be financed in part by a tax or fee on motor vehicles registered by or possessed within the State of not less than one dollar per vehicle; and (3) will devote its resources entirely to combating motor vehicle theft. Establishes formulas for the allocation of grant funds. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Automobile Title Fraud - Directs the Attorney General: (1) by March 1, 1993, to conduct a review of information systems pertaining to the titling of motor vehicles utilized by one or more States or by a third party which represents the interests of States, and promulgate such regulations as the Attorney General deems necessary to the establishment of an information system to serve as a clearinghouse for information pertaining to the titling of motor vehicles; and (2) within six months of the promulgation of regulations, and by no later than September 1, 1993, to establish such a system. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to: (1) system operation; (2) user fees; (3) minimum capabilities of the system (such as enabling the user to determine the validity and status of a document purporting to be a certificate of title); and (4) information availability. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes a State, by written notice to the operator, to elect to participate in the system. Grants the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation authority to deny access to the National Crime Information Center system to any State failing to participate in the information system pursuant to this Act. Sets forth: (1) title verification requirements (by participating States); (2) reporting requirements (by operators of junk or salvage yards and by insurance carriers); and (3) enforcement provisions (providing for the assessment and collection by the Attorney General of a civil penalty, which sum may be deducted from any sums owed by the United States to the person charged, subject to specified requirements). Title III: Illicit Trafficking in Stolen Auto Parts - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate a vehicle theft prevention standard which conforms to the requirements of this Act and which applies with respect to major automobile parts and replacement parts. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) deadlines for promulgation of a proposed and final standard, extensions, and the effective date of such standard; and (2) application of such standard (to major parts installed by the motor vehicle manufacturer in automobiles with a model year designation later than the calendar year in which such standard takes effect and major replacement parts manufactured after such standard takes effect). Requires that engines and transmissions installed by the motor vehicle manufacturer be permanently stamped with the vehicle identification number and that other major parts have labels affixed meeting certain specifications. Prohibits the standard, in the case of major replacement parts, from requiring identification of any part which is not designed as a replacement for a major part required to be identified under such standard and the inscribing or affixing of any identification other than a symbol identifying the manufacturer and a common symbol identifying the part as a major replacement part. Prohibits such standards from imposing costs, to comply with such standard, upon any manufacturer of: (1) motor vehicles in excess of $15 per vehicle; or (2) major replacement parts in excess of such reasonable lesser amount per major replacement part as the Attorney General specifies in such standard. Specifies that the cost of identifying engines and transmissions shall not be taken into account in calculating a manufacturer's costs under such provision. Directs the Secretary of Labor, at the beginning of each calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1993, as data becomes available, to certify to the Attorney General and publish in the Federal Register the percentage difference between the average of the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months preceding the beginning of such calendar year and such average for the base period. Specifies that, effective for model years beginning in such calendar year, the amounts specified in the previous paragraph shall be adjusted by such percentage difference. Requires every manufacturer of a motor vehicle part which is subject to the standard and any manufacturer of major replacement parts subject to such standards: (1) to establish and maintain such records, make such reports, and provide such items and information as the Attorney General may reasonably require to enable the Attorney General to determine whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this Act and such standard; and (2) upon request of an officer or employee (officer) designated by the Attorney General, to permit such officer to inspect vehicles and major parts subject to the standard and appropriate documents relevant to determining whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this Act and such standard. Sets forth additional requirements with respect to inspections, certification of compliance with such standard, notification of errors to the Attorney General, and inapplicability of certification requirements (to motor vehicles or major replacement parts intended solely for export, which are so labeled or tagged on the vehicle or replacement part itself and on the outside of the container, if any, until exported, and which are exported). Directs the Attorney General to enter into an agreement for the operation of an information system containing the identification numbers of stolen motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and to designate an individual or entity as the operator of such system. Requires such system to include, at a minimum, the following information pertaining to each motor vehicle reported to a law enforcement authority as stolen and not recovered: (1) the vehicle identification number; (2) the make and model year; (3) the date on which the vehicle was reported as stolen; (4) the location of the law enforcement authority that received the reports of the vehicle's theft; and (5) if the vehicle at the time of its theft contained parts bearing identification numbers different from the vehicle identification number of the stolen vehicle, such identification numbers. Sets forth additional provisions regarding availability of information, recordkeeping, and user fees. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person from: (1) manufacturing for sale, selling, offering for sale, or introducing or delivering for introduction in interstate commerce or import into the United States any motor vehicle subject to the theft prevention standard under this Act or any major replacement part subject to such standard which is manufactured on or after the date the standard takes effect unless it is in conformity with such standard; (2) failing to comply with any rule prescribed by the Attorney General under this Act; (3) failing to keep specified records (or refusing access to or copying of records), make reports or provide items or information, or permit (or refusing to permit) entry or inspection as required by this Act; or (4) failing to furnish certification, or issuing a certification if such person knows that such certification is materially false or misleading, pursuant to this Act. Prohibits (with exceptions) any person from selling, transferring, or installing a major part marked with an identification number without: (1) first making a request of the operator of the system and determining that such major part has not been reported as stolen; and (2) providing the transferee with a written certificate bearing a description of such major part and the identification number affixed to such major part. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act, including injunctions (upon petition by the Attorney General) to restrain specified violations of, and criminal contempt for violation of an injunction or restraining order issued pursuant to, this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to venue and subpoenas. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the confidentiality of information reported to, or otherwise obtained by, the Attorney General pursuant to this Act, with exceptions; (2) judicial review; and (3) coordination of State and local law with the Federal vehicle theft prevention standard. Directs the Attorney General to conduct three- and five-year studies regarding motor vehicle theft and make recommendations to the Congress. Title IV: Export of Stolen Vehicles - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Commissioner of Customs to direct customs officers to conduct random inspections of motor vehicles and shipping containers that contain motor vehicles being exported for purposes of determining whether such vehicles were stolen. Directs the Commissioner to require all persons or entities exporting used self-propelled vehicles by air or ship to provide to the U.S. Customs Service, at least 72 hours before the export, the vehicle identification number of each such vehicle and proof of ownership of such vehicle. Makes such requirement applicable to vehicles exported for personal use. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a pilot study of the utility of a nondestructive examination system for inspection of containers that contain motor vehicles leaving the country for the purpose of determining whether such vehicles are stolen.

Bill· HRH.R. 4543 (102nd)referred

Health Benefits for Small Businesses and Their Employees Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Health Benefits for Small Businesses and Their Employees Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat partners and certain shareholders of subchapter S corporations (certain small businesses) so as to exclude from gross income contributions by the partnership or S corporation to an accident or health plan for such partners and shareholders and their employees.

Bill· HRH.R. 4537 (102nd)open

Coral Reef Environmental Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Coral Reef Environmental Act - Establishes a joint program between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct environmental research, monitoring, and public education relating to coral reef ecosystems. Directs the EPA Administrator and the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to jointly develop guidelines for assessing quality of coastal and marine waters in which coral reef ecosystems are found to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of such ecosystems. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of State to work with other nations and international organizations to: (1) implement an international research program to monitor the status of coral reef and related ecosystems; (2) implement a global strategy for the sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems and to encourage multilateral research efforts on sustainable management of such ecosystems; and (3) promote public education on the conservation of such ecosystems. Directs the President to convene conferences of the parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) and the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) for purposes of identifying research and management needs in coral reef ecology and their sustainable use and the implementation of such programs in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4394 (102nd)referred

To amend title 46, United States Code, to require merchants mariners' documents for certain seamen.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992

Amends Federal law relating to unlicensed shipping personnel to require merchant mariner's documents for individuals serving on a vessel of at least five gross tons (currently, at least 100 gross tons), subject to certain exceptions, including small passenger vessels (currently, including vessels operating only on rivers and lakes, except the Great Lakes). Removes provisions excepting barges.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 424 (102nd)referred

To designate April 9, 1992, as a "Day of Recognition of Filipino World War II Veterans".

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992

Authorizes and urges the President to designate April 9, 1992, as Day of Recognition of Filipino War Veterans (the 50th anniversary of the fall of Bataan). Expresses the sense of the Congress that a copy of this resolution be presented to Filipino veterans and the Filipino people in Manila on April 9, 1992, during the observance of such anniversary, as an expression of goodwill and reaffirmation of the continuing regard of the United States and the American people for a lasting Filipino-American friendship.

Bill· HRH.R. 4310 (102nd)open

National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992

Title I: Reauthorization and Improvement of National Marine Sanctuaries Program - National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1992 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to modify: (1) various definitions; (2) the factors to be considered, and the procedures to be used, in designating sanctuaries; (3) reporting requirements; and (4) provisions relating to certain access and use rights. Prohibits destruction or injury of any marine sanctuary resource and related acts. Provides for enforcement. Replaces provisions relating to promotion and coordination of research with provisions mandating research, monitoring, and education programs. Replaces provisions authorizing cooperative agreements and acceptance of donations with provisions authorizing: (1) cooperative and other agreements and grants; (2) the acceptance of donations; and (3) the acquisition of property. Makes any person who destroys or injures any sanctuary resource liable to the United States for the response costs, damages, and interest on those costs and damages (currently, for the response costs and damages). Provides for liability in rem. Removes the dollar limit on the amount of recovered amounts which must be used to finance response actions and damage assessments. Removes provisions requiring (but leaves provisions allowing) amounts recovered as civil penalties to be used for payment of storage, care, and other costs or for certain rewards. Authorizes establishment of advisory councils to advise the Secretary of Commerce on the management of one or more sanctuaries. Mandates the protection and management of any cultural or historical resource located in a sanctuary. Makes the recovery of an abandoned shipwreck in a sanctuary, by any person holding title to the shipwreck, subject to the authority of the Secretary to manage the sanctuary and its resources. Authorizes appropriations. Designates title III (Marine Sanctuaries) of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 as the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Title II: Coastal and Ocean Sanctuary Foundation - Coastal and Ocean Sanctuary Foundation Act - Establishes the Coastal and Ocean Sanctuary Foundation to support and enhance the management of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and other coastal, marine, and Great Lakes areas of national significance, including through: (1) supporting conservation, research, restoration, education, and management activities; and (2) encouraging, accepting, and administering donations. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4275 (102nd)open

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a nonimmigrant status for the spouses of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a nonimmigrant (but not permanent resident) status for the spouse and minor children of a lawful permanent resident alien. Prohibits such spouse from working in the United States. Terminates such status upon termination of the marriage.

Bill· HRH.R. 4271 (102nd)referred

To reform the system under which compensation for overtime customs inspectional services is determined; to amend chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that customs inspectors and canine enforcement officers be treated as law enforcement officers for purposes of those chapters; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992

Revises the overtime pay system for United States Customs Service inspectors, with changes providing overtime pay for: (1) overtime services provided on other than Sundays, holidays, or on callback at twice the hourly rate of basic pay of the customs inspector or canine enforcement officer (inspector), with no work for which overtime is authorized to be treated as being less than two hours in duration (unless the work occurs immediately before or after a shift, in which case the hourly rate shall be applied to the actual time worked); (2) Sunday and holiday work at such rate, with no work for which overtime is authorized to be treated as being less than four hours in duration; and (3) unscheduled work at such rate (or, where the inspector is required to return to such employee's place of work at such rate plus an amount equal to the product of the employee's hourly rate of basic pay multiplied by three hours, as compensation for commuting time), with no work for which overtime is authorized to be treated as being less than two hours in duration. Specifies that customs officers and employees who may be required to remain on duty between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to perform services in connection with the lading or unlading of cargo, the lading of cargo or merchandise for transportation in bond or for exportation in bond or with benefit of drawback, the receiving or delivery of cargo on or from the wharf, or the unlading, receiving, or examination of passengers' baggage, shall receive overtime compensation at the rates provided under this Act. Treats inspectors as law enforcement officers for purposes of the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System. Ties the Customs User Fee Account under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to Civil Service retirement provisions regarding deductions, contributions, and deposits. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to fix the rates of pay for journeyman level inspectors undertaking inspectional services at no less than the minimum rate payable for GS-11.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 282 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program should be funded for fiscal year 1993 at a level greater than or equal to its funding for fiscal year 1992.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) consideration of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should be a high priority; (2) LIHEAP funding for FY 1993 should be increased to a level greater than or equal to funding for FY 1992; and (3) the President should accept the LIHEAP funding level for FY 1993 as recommended by the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 4100 (102nd)open

Trade Enhancement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992

Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Definitions - Trade Enhancement Act of 1992 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to access to Japanese markets by U.S. manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Title II: Merchandise Trade Deficit Reduction - Sets forth annual merchandise trade deficit reduction targets with respect to Japan's trade deficit with the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to compute annually whether the target has been met for each year, and if it has not, to publish in the Federal Register the import and production restriction implementation period for such year. Authorizes the Secretary to impose temporary quantitative import restrictions on Japanese or Japanese-related motor vehicles (foreign motor vehicles) entered during the first three months of the calendar year following the year for which such computation is made. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that representatives of the United States and Japan should continue discussions regarding measures, to be selected by the Japanese Government, to achieve the merchandise trade deficit reduction targets. Urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during such discussions to address market access priorities for U.S. exports to Japan. Title III: Import and Production Restrictions to Be Implemented If Trade Deficit Reduction Target Not Met - Directs the Secretary to compute for calendar years 1993 through 1999 quantitative import restrictions on foreign motor vehicles and domestic motor vehicle production restrictions for transplanted Japanese-related auto manufacturers, except such computations are not required for calendar years 1997 through 1999 if trade deficit reduction targets for calendar years 1992 through 1996 are met. Sets forth civil penalties. Requires each person that has one or more motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts manufacturing facilities within the United States to certify to the Secretary whether it is a domestic vehicle or parts manufacturer or a transplanted Japanese-related vehicle manufacturer. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the Secretary's authority to obtain information and data; and (2) enforcement of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Sets forth provisions with respect to the enforcement and judicial review of such penalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on implementation of this Act. Title IV: Negotiations and Other Actions - Requires the USTR to enter into negotiations with Japan to enter into a bilateral agreement that: (1) provides a phased-in increase in the use by transplanted motor vehicle manufacturers of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to the point where such parts constitute 60 percent or more of the total parts used in the production of such vehicles; and (2) eliminate those aspects of the Japanese automotive distribution system that affect the access of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to Japanese markets. Directs the USTR to enter into negotiations with representatives of the European Community, Japan, and the governments of other major vehicle-producing countries to enter into multilateral agreements that rationalize world-wide market access and production of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Considers acts, practices, and policies of Japan (including, but not limited to, acts, policies, and practices utilized in the Japanese automotive distribution system known as "Keiretsu") that affect the access of manufacturers of domestic motor vehicle parts to the Japanese market as being unjustifiable and burdensome or restrictive to U.S. commerce, according to the Trade Act of 1974. Adds to response authority under such Act authority to increase the percentage of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts used in the production of motor vehicles for purposes of the qualification of Japanese manufacturers as domestic vehicle manufacturers. Specifies certain objectives to be included in negotiations with Japan if the USTR decides to take action with respect to such practices. Requires the USTR to make certain estimates with respect to the percentage of the Japanese market that is accounted for by domestic motor vehicle parts manufacturers. Directs the Secretary to commence an antidumping duty investigation under the Tariff Act of 1930 to determine whether imports or sales (or the likelihood of sales) of Japanese motor vehicle parts to the United States warrant the imposition of antidumping duties. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) "Keiretsu" operations in the United States are in compliance with the internal revenue laws, particularly those relating to transfer pricing; and (2) the Internal Revenue Service is auditing such operations. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to classify for the purposes of tariff treatment certain light trucks as motor vehicles for the transport of goods.

Bill· HRH.R. 4053 (102nd)referred

Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the heroic service of veterans who served during the Vietnam War and the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $7 per coin. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund for specified veteran programs and services.

Bill· HRH.R. 4045 (102nd)open

Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992 - Title I: Recovery Plans - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary (either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested) to: (1) develop and implement recovery plans by December 31, 1996, for listed endangered and threatened species for which such plans have not been developed as of December 31, 1992; and (2) do the same for such non-listed species as of December 31, 1992, within two years after the species is listed. Title II: Penalties and Enforcement - Waives the 60-day notice requirement with respect to the filing of a civil suit by an individual in the case of an action against any person respecting an emergency posing a significant risk to the well-being of any listed species of fish or wildlife. Authorizes the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations to carry out the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the resolutions of its parties as well as to enforce this Act. Title III: Habitat Conservation Plans - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with any State, municipality, county, or local government to assist in the development of a plan for the conservation of any threatened or endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans, under specified conditions, to any such entities: (1) in the development of such plans; (2) to carry out biological and other studies in connection with it; and (3) related tasks. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Planning Fund for the deposit of all appropriated sums to assist in the development of conservation plans. Title IV: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 256 (102nd)open

To express the sense of the Congress with respect to the support of the United States for the protection of the African elephant.

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Bill· HRH.R. 3842 (102nd)reported

Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Extension and Enforcement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991

Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Extension and Enforcement Act of 1991 - Declares that territorial sea of the United States is subject to U.S. sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction. Establishes the contiguous zone of the United States, consisting of a belt of sea contiguous to the outer limits of the U.S. territorial sea and extending a certain distance seaward from the U.S. baselines determined in accordance with international law. Declares that contiguous zone subject to exclusive U.S. jurisdiction. Amends specified Acts to define, for purposes of those Acts: (1) "import" to include bringing into any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including the U.S. territorial sea, whether or not the bringing constitutes importation within the meaning of customs laws; and (2) "territorial sea of the United States" to mean the U.S. territorial sea as described in a specified Presidential Proclamation. Amends other Acts to add references to the same Proclamation. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to: (1) refer to that proclamation in the definition of "territorial sea of the United States;" (2) extend the distance constituting the contiguous zone to conform to the definition of that zone under this Act; and (3) include the U.S. territorial sea in the definition of "marine environment." Amends the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 to: (1) refer to that proclamation in the definition of "territorial sea of the United States;" and (2) specify which law shall control between three and 12 nautical miles from the baselines. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to extend to twelve miles from the line of ordinary low water the distance constituting the territorial seas. Amends specified Federal laws to substitute for references to operating on the high seas: (1) reference to operating beyond three nautical miles from the baselines; or (2) references to operating beyond the U.S. territorial sea. Authorizes a competitive grant for a study of the adequacy of existing Federal and State laws for the management of living and nonliving resources within the U.S. territorial sea between three and 12 nautical miles.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 246 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the relation of trade agreements to health, safety, labor, and environmental laws of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991

Calls upon the President, as part of the Uruguay Round General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks, to initiate negotiations to make GATT compatible with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other U.S. health, safety, labor, and environmental laws, including laws to protect the environment outside of the United States. Declares that the Congress will not approve legislation to implement any trade agreement (including the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement) that jeopardizes such laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Clean Air Act.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 242 (102nd)referred

Emphasizing the vast extent of environmental damage in the Persian Gulf region and urging expeditious efforts by the United Nations to set aside funds to redress environmental and public health losses.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991

Urges the President to request that: (1) the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) direct the UN Environmental Program and other appropriate UN organizations to monitor the long-term environmental and public health impacts resulting from the destruction of natural resources in the Persian Gulf region; and (2) the UN Compensation Commission give high priority to environmental damages as a category of claims, provide a special and substantial allocation for such category in the UN Compensation Fund, include within such allocation funds for consolidated claims and reimbursement to various governmental and private organizations for expedited damage assessments to the environment and public health as a result of the oil fires and slick, and provide for reimbursement of cleanup and restoration costs. Encourages the governments of nations affected by Iraq's acts of ecoterrorism to take further steps to mitigate the environmental and public health damages caused by such acts.