United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
American Technology and Competitiveness Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to designate the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian Federal agency to work with U.S. industry, State and local governments, and private entities to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Establishes the Nationwide Network of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for a related communications infrastructure and information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Networking Projects program to create technology development programs to create advanced computer-integrated, electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated applications. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Engineering Research Centers program with emphasis on advanced manufacturing. Authorizes the establishment of up to five new Centers for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding any executive branch international trade negotiations which might affect Federal research and development programs. Subtitle B: Council on Technology and Competitiveness - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Technology and Competitiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Advanced Technology Program - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology program. Requires the establishment of at least two new critical technologies consortia. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Technology Commercialization Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make technology commercialization loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Critical Technologies Development-Part I: General Provisions - Critical Technologies Development Act of 1992 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology (Under Secretary) to establish a critical technologies development advisory committee. Part II: Program Structure and Operation - Establishes a program of financing qualified business concerns through federally assisted licensees. Part III: Enforcement - Provides for licensee enforcement. Part IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Under Secretary to issue and guarantee trust certificates for licensee preferred securities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: International Standardization - Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the standards pilot program to promote the dissemination of U.S. technical standards abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with regard to the appropriate Federal role in developing and promulgating domestic and global product and quality standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary; (2) technology policy; (3) Japanese technical literature; (4) National Technical Information Service modernization, including a facilities study; and (5) specified activities within the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prohibits the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits the making of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory. Title VI: Competitiveness Research, Data Collection, and Evaluation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a competitiveness research program. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Education and Workforce Training - Subtitle A: American Industrial Quality and Training - American Industrial Quality and Training Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for workforce quality training partnerships. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants for youth technical apprenticeship programs. Directs such Secretary to establish a program information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants for statewide systems of technical training. Authorizes appropriations. Requires reports on U.S. industry worker training and on the applicability of total quality management to education. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Scientific and Technical Education - Scientific and Technical Education Act of 1992 - Requires NSF to: (1) carry out a program to assist associate-degree-granting colleges to provide education in advanced technology fields, with emphasis on the needs of nontraditional students; (2) establish up to ten scientific and technical education centers of excellence; (3) make grants to eligible college partnerships to assist associate students in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology make the transition to bachelor-degree-granting institutions; and (4) make grants to strengthen the relationships between associate-degree-colleges and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NSF to make grants for technology education teacher training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Secretary to report to the Congress on establishment of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for educational institutions. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Technology Administration the American Industrial Quality Foundation to further U.S. industrial competitiveness in the international marketplace. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the Academic Research Facilities Modernization program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Defense, and of Energy, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Director of the National Institutes of Aeronautics and Space Health to each establish academic research facilities awards programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NASA, NSF, and the Department of Energy to establish a joint awards program in support of science and technology instructional equipment and facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize NSF to foster the development of high performance computing. Amends the Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for grants to educational agencies for systematic reform of mathematics and science education. Title VIII: Tax and Investment Incentives - Investment Incentives Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Tax and Investment Incentives - Part I: Research and Experimentation Tax Credit Made Permanent - Amends the Internal Revenue Service Code to make the research tax credit permanent. Part II: Capital Gain Provisions - Provides for: (1) the indexing of certain assets acquired on or after February 1, 1992, for purposes of determining gain; and (2) a 50 percent exclusion for gain of individuals from certain small business stock. Part III: Temporary Investment Incentives - Provides for: (1) a temporary expensing increase for small businesses; and (2) a special depreciation allowance for certain equipment acquired in 1992. Subtitle B: Revenue Provisions - Makes the high-income personal exemption phaseout permanent. Disallows the deduction for: (1) certain employee remuneration in excess of $1 million; and (2) club membership dues. Requires specified identifying information with regard to certain seller-provided financing. Extends temporarily the overall limitation on high-income taxpayer itemized deductions. Sets forth a mark-to-market accounting method for securities dealers. Increases the base tax rate on ozone-depleting chemicals. Title IX: National Security Reinvestment - Subtitle A: Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporations - Provides for the establishment of a pilot Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporation which shall: (1) expand the commercial market for advanced manufacturing equipment produced by eligible Department of Defense (DOD) contractors; and (2) provide such equipment through lease or sale to small and medium commercial businesses at less than market rates. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Science and Mathematics Educational Reinstatement - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for teaching certification in science and mathematics for qualifying displaced or retiring military and defense support personnel. Funds the program through DOD. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Security Retraining Fellowships - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for retraining qualifying displaced or nonretiring military and defense support personnel with specialized defense-related expertise in science or engineering. Funds the program through DOD. Provides for the establishment of a related Engineer Reinvestment Panel. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Multiprogram Laboratory Conversion - Requires that within five years of enactment of this Act, ten percent of all Federal funding for research and development at (the Department of Energy) multiprogram laboratories shall be used for joint projects with private industry, including specified priority projects. Subtitle E: Research and Development Spending - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any budget reductions in DOD research and development should be balanced by equal increases in civilian research and development spending; and (2) defense and civilian research and development spending should be made approximately equal as soon as practicable. Subtitle F: Manufacturing Extension and Critical Technologies - Authorizes DOD appropriations for: (1) manufacturing extension programs; and (2) critical technology application centers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Balanced Budget Implementation Act of 1992 - Title I: Repeal of Budget Agreement Enforcement Provisions - Repeals the budget agreement enforcement provisions of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Title II: Emergency Powers to Eliminate Deficits in Excess of Maximum Deficit Amount - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for enforcement of deficit reduction to balance the Federal budget by the end of FY 1997. Requires enforcement to be implemented through sequestration and revenue surtax (current provisions only require budget enforcement through sequestration). Repeals provisions which govern enforcement of discretionary spending limits and pay-as-you-go through FY 1995. Revises provisions concerning enforcing deficit targets. Requires the President, within 15 calendar days after the Congress adjourns to end a session, to take action to eliminate the excess deficit, in any. Sets forth the maximum deficit amounts allowed for FY 1993 through 1997. Reduces such amounts to zero by FY 1997 plus any amount designated to meet a condition of national economic urgency. Requires 60 percent of the excess deficit in a budget year to be eliminated through across-the-board outlay reductions and 40 percent through a revenue surtax. Provides rules for such sequestration process. Revises the timetable and requirements for deficit reduction reports and presidential orders. Requires within-session deficit reduction reports. Revises the list of exempt programs and activities. Removes the special exemption for social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, certain veterans programs, payments made for the earned income tax credit, and certain low-income programs. Removes the special exceptions, limitations, and rules with respect to sequestration for: (1) certain automatic spending increases; (2) the guaranteed student loan program; (3) foster care and adoption assistance programs; (4) the Medicare program; (5) community and migrant health centers, Indian health services and facilities, and veterans' medical care; (6) the child support enforcement program; (7) payments and advances for unemployment compensation; (8) the Commodity Credit Corporation; and (9) the jobs portion of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Repeals the provision that requires permanent cancellation of budgetary resources sequestered from any account other than a trust or special fund account. Adds a special rule if the President exempts military personnel from sequestration with respect to further reductions in the appropriate subfunctional category. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) suspension of deficit reduction in the event of low economic growth; (2) the President's flexibility in making deficit reductions among defense programs, projects, and activities; and (3) the special reconciliation process. Sets forth congressional procedures to make available excess budgetary resources whenever the President transmits to the Congress a declaration of national economic urgency. Title III: Tax Surcharge to Reduce Deficit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax surcharge on the income of every taxpayer if the Office of Management and Budget reports to the Congress and the President that a revenue increase is required. Establishes procedures for determining and administering such surcharge. Repeals such surcharge if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that it is not needed. Title IV: Budget Submitted by the President - Requires the President's budget to ensure that the deficit for such fiscal year does not exceed the maximum deficit amount. Requires the submission of a balanced budget for FY 1997 and subsequent fiscal years. Makes such requirements inapplicable during a declaration of national economic urgency or a declaration of war. Title V: Total of President's Budget Shall Represent Spending Ceiling - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to prohibit the Congress from passing legislation which provides budgetary resources in excess of those proposed in the President's budget. Title VI: Fiscal Year 1993 Deficit Reduction Actions - Requires the President to submit to the Congress a revised budget for FY 1993 to achieve the deficit targets set forth under this Act. Requires the Congress, after receipt of the President's budget, to report revised concurrent budget resolutions for FY 1993 to achieve such deficit targets.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the President, prior to each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed budget for that year in which total expenditures (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing). Provides that if the President transmits to the Congress a declaration of National Economic Urgency for that fiscal year and if such declaration identifies the amount of excess expenditures required to meet national needs, budgetary resources equivalent to the amount of excess expenditures shall become eligible for appropriation only if Congress approves such declaration by a majority rollcall vote in each House. Prohibits the Congress from approving a budget for any fiscal year which is estimated to result in a higher amount of total expenditures than those recommended by the President for that fiscal year. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) suspend all assistance and cooperative programs with Serbia and Montenegro and prevent them from gaining access to benefits and assets available to the other newly independent states of the former Yugoslavia (independent states); (2) urge the European Community (EC), other members of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), and the United Nations to take immediate action to impose more comprehensive sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro, such as an oil embargo; (3) urge international financial institutions to cease negotiations with Serbia and Montenegro, and urge the EC, CSCE, and other members of the United Nations to freeze credit lines to Serbia and Montenegro; (4) take no action to recognize Serbia and Montenegro until they meet EC criteria for recognition and until Serbia ceases aggression against Bosnia-Hercegovina, withdraws military forces from Bosnia, and agrees to respect the territorial integrity of all the newly independent states; (5) press for full suspension of the Yugoslav seat from the CSCE and other international bodies; (6) promote efforts to establish a security zone around Sarajevo to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance; (7) insist that Serbia restore the autonomy of Kosovo and Vojvodina; and (8) encourage each of the newly independent states to respect the CSCE principles guiding relations between states.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Authorizes and instructs the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, and the appropriate agents of the Congress to cooperate fully with the Internal Revenue Service and the Defense Manpower Data Center in their efforts to match Government employee names and Social Security numbers with computerized bad debt records, among other ways by providing computer tapes for Members of Congress and their staff for use in such computer matches as part of the debt collection effort. Directs the Congress to comply voluntarily with the provisions of the Federal Debt Collection Act of 1982, so that the law applies to Members of Congress and their staff as it applies to executive branch and judicial branch employees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to create a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award category for educational institutions. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding award and application criteria for such category.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1992
Small Business Equity Enhancement Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise provisions with respect to debentures issued by small business investment companies (SBICs) to specify that: (1) the total amount of debentures and participating securities that may be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and outstanding from an SBIC licensed under the Act shall not exceed 300 percent of the private capital of such SBIC; and (2) in no event shall the aggregate amount of outstanding debentures and participating securities purchased or guaranteed by the SBA of any such SBIC which are commonly controlled (as determined by the SBA) exceed $90,000,000. Provides that: (1) nothing under such provisions shall require any such SBIC that on March 31, 1993, has outstanding debentures in excess of 300 percent of its private capital to repay such excess; and (2) any such SBIC may apply for additional debenture guarantee or participating security with the proceeds to be used solely to pay the amount due on such maturing debenture, but the maturity date of the new debenture or security shall not be later than September 30, 2002. Sets forth a formula for determining the maximum amount of outstanding guaranteed debentures and participating securities made available to an SBIC licensed under the Act, to be effective after March 31, 1993. Directs the SBA, not later than December 15, 1994, and in each subsequent calendar year, to apply an inflationary adjustment to the dollar amounts specified in the leverage formula which shall be the percentage (if any) by which the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding calendar year exceeds the CPI for calendar year 1993. Authorizes the SBA to guarantee the payment of the redemption price and dividends or interest on participating securities issued by SBICs licensed pursuant to the Act, and of a trust or pool acting on behalf of the SBA to purchase such securities. Sets forth: (1) restrictions with respect to redemption of, dividend and interest payments on, and other issues regarding, such securities; and (2) terms and conditions regarding the computation of amounts due the SBA under such securities. Revises provisions of the Act related to the issuance and guarantee of trust certificates to provide for the redemption, whether voluntary or involuntary, of all participating securities residing in the pool, as well as debentures. Bars any Federal, State, or local law from precluding or limiting the exercise by the SBA of its ownership rights in participating securities residing in a trust or pool against which trust certificates are issued. Directs the SBA to contract with an agent or agents to carry out on behalf of the SBA pooling and central registration functions (currently, with an agent to carry out central registration functions), including maintenance on behalf of and under the direction of the SBA of such commercial bank accounts as necessary to facilitate trusts or pools backed by debentures or securities guaranteed or purchased under the Act and the issuance of trust certificates to facilitate such pooling. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the SBA, prior to licensing and approving any request for financing, to determine the ability of an SBIC to make periodic payments on any debt of the SBIC which is interest bearing, taking into consideration the income which the SBIC anticipates on its contemplated investments, the experience of its owners and managers, its history as an entity, and its financial resources. Requires each SBIC to adopt written guidelines for determination of the value of its investments. Makes the board of directors of corporations, the general partners of partnerships, and the owners of proprietorships solely responsible for making a good faith determination of the fair market value of the investments made by such SBIC. Requires that such determinations be made and reported to the SBA at least semiannually or at more frequent intervals as the SBA determines appropriate (but any SBIC which does not have outstanding financial assistance under the Act shall be required to make such determinations and reports annually, unless the SBA determines otherwise). Subjects each SBIC to examinations made by the Investment Division of the SBA (currently, by SBA examiners). Transfers resources related to the examination function under the Act from the Inspector General of the SBA to the SBA's Investment Division. Specifies that if any SBIC has obtained SBA financing which remains outstanding, the aggregate amount of obligations and securities acquired and for which commitments may be issued by such SBIC under the provisions of the Act for any single enterprise shall not exceed 20 percent of the private capital of such SBIC without SBA approval. Permits SBICs with outstanding financings (currently, SBICs) to invest funds, subject to specified conditions. Directs the SBA to: (1) complete a review of regulations intended to provide for the safety and soundness of those SBICs which obtain SBA financing under the Act; and (2) exempt from such regulations, or separately regulate, those SBICs which do not obtain such financing. Sets forth reporting requirements. Increases minimum capital requirements for SBICs licensed on or after October 1, 1992 (currently, 1979). Defines "private capital" to mean the private paid-in capital and paid-in surplus of a corporate licensee, or the private partnership capital of an unincorporated licensee, inclusive of any funds invested in the licensee by a public or private pension fund, and commitments from institutional investors that meet SBA criteria which are funded by such investors prior to the licensee obtaining financing from the SBA based on such commitments, but exclusive of any funds borrowed by the licensee from any source, obtained from the SBA through the sale of preferred securities, or derived directly or indirectly from any Federal source. Directs the SBA to permit those SBICs which have obtained financings pursuant to the Act to charge a maximum rate of interest based upon the cost of such financings determined on an annual basis. Amends the Small Business Act to provide that, subject to approval in appropriations Acts, amounts authorized for preferred stock, debentures, or participating securities under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 may be obligated in one fiscal year and disbursed or guaranteed in the following fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Mortgage Refinancing Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to include within their purview residential mortgage refinancing disclosure requirements. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor to promptly refund any unearned portion of the finance charge, together with any unearned portion of the insurance premium, if a consumer prepays in full the financed amount under any consumer credit transaction. Applies this requirement to refinanced transactions, and prepayments made as a result of the acceleration of the obligation to repay. Requires a creditor to calculate the refund of the unearned portion of the finance charge on unearned insurance premiums for any precomputed consumer credit transaction based on a method which is at least as favorable to the consumer as the actuarial method. Entitles consumers to obtain one free annual statement disclosing the amount due on any precomputed consumer credit account. Treats as a statutory mandate a finance charge commitment made by a creditor to a consumer regarding a residential mortgage transaction that is to be consummated within a certain time-frame after the date such commitment is made (unless the offer clearly states that the term is subject to change). Mandates a disclosure statement of the rights and duties of the creditor and consumer with respect to such finance charge commitments. Grants such consumers the right to withdraw a credit application in connection with a residential mortgage transaction without incurring any obligation (other than handling fees) if the withdrawal is made pursuant to prescribed procedures. Increases the civil penalty applicable to creditors who fail to make the disclosures required by this Act in connection with an extension of credit for residential mortgage transactions, including refinancing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Small Business Cost Estimate Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to prepare for each public measure reported by a congressional committee (except the Committee on Appropriations of each House) and to submit to that committee for inclusion in the committee report: (1) an estimate of the costs in each of the first five fiscal years of carrying out such measure and of small business compliance with such measure, if significant; and (2) a comparison of those estimates with estimates made by such committee or by a Federal agency.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Amends rule XIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the Speaker of the House from recognizing Members to make special-order speeches. Amends rule XXXIV to prohibit extensions of remarks by Members from being inserted in the Congressional Record, except as they pertain to legislative matters before the House, its committees or subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Act of 1992 - Prohibits funds appropriated or made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended to maintain U.S. bases in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries if the countries do not enter into an agreement or agreements with the President to provide for the payment, in the aggregate (in the form of money or real or personal property), of at least one-half of the cost of maintaining and compensating U.S. armed forces stationed in such countries. Requires the President to report to the Congress describing any agreement reached pursuant to this Act. Ceases the prohibition on such obligation and expenditures of funds if an agreement is entered into after the prohibition takes effect and if the President submits a report to the Congress which describes the agreement. Establishes the Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer quarterly to such Fund all NATO country payments to be credited to the Defense Cooperation Account under this Act. Transfers appropriated funds for operations and maintenance of U.S. military bases in Europe which are suspended by this Act from the Defense Cooperation Account to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the aggregate amount of funds deposited to the Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Fund and to make such amount available for expenditure according to a specified formula for purposes including general assistance, energy research and development, and urban mass transit. Directs administrative agencies to formulate regulations to expedite consideration of grant applications for programs receiving increased appropriations pursuant to this Act by any State, county, or local government: (1) experiencing a level of unemployment greater than the national average, or (2) which has been determined to be substantially and seriously affected due to realignment or closure of a military installation or defense facility, or cancellation or curtailment of a major defense contract.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1992
Declares the 27th article of amendment to the Constitution, providing that no law varying the compensation for the services of Members of Congress shall take effect until an election of Representatives has intervened, to be part of the Constitution.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Agricultural Market Promotion Program Amendments Act of 1992 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to make a private brand product processed in whole or in part in the United States and composed in whole or in part of U.S. agricultural commodities eligible for market promotion assistance. Sets forth related marketing plan requirements. Requires an eligible trade organization to establish per country market penetration goals. Limits per country promotion assistance to the attainment of such goal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Designates September 18, 1992, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on a flagstaff of the White House, the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service Commission, each national cemetery, and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on such day. Requires the flag to be flown on a flagstaff of each national cemetery and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1992 (Memorial Day), and on November 11, 1992 (Veterans Day). States that the flag shall be displayed as a symbol of national concern and commitment to resolving the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Residential Mortgage Credit Fairness Act of 1992 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from: (1) imposing terms and conditions for a residential mortgage transaction which are less favorable to the consumer than the terms and conditions which were originally disclosed to the consumer; or (2) limiting the availability or effectiveness of such terms and conditions to a specified period. Allows an exception to such requirements if: (1) the disclosure contains a clear and conspicuous statement that such terms and conditions are subject to change; or (2) any delay in consummating the transaction is due to an unreasonable delay caused by the consumer. Requires that any disclosure made in connection with a residential mortgage shall: (1) be mailed or delivered before the earlier of the date on which the credit is extended or three days after the creditor receives the consumer's application; and (2) include a statement of the rights and duties of the creditor and the consumer and any form to be used by the consumer to exercise the right to withdraw the application. Allows a consumer to withdraw a mortgage application without incurring any obligation to the creditor (other than certain reasonable fees) if the consumer provides the creditor written notice within three days after receiving the required disclosure statement from the creditor. Specifies that, for purposes of such required disclosure statements, the term "finance change" shall include any fee imposed by the creditor for any such extension of credit. Increases the civil penalty for failure to make a required disclosure for a residential mortgage from a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $1,000 to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Defense Workers Bill of Rights Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide each person determined to be a displaced defense worker (a defense facility employee laid off or terminated due to the reduction or elimination of defense contracts) with written certification of such displaced status. Prohibits an eviction or distress from being made with respect to the premises of a displaced defense worker for which the rent does not exceed $1,200 per month for a period of one year after termination or layoff, or the date on which the displaced worker returns to that or comparable employment, except upon leave of court granted in an action affecting the right of possession. Provides for an automatic stay of such proceedings for up to three months, unless the court determines that the availability of the defense worker to pay the rent is not materially affected by being displaced. Provides penalties for violation of the eviction and distress prohibitions. Provides that, in the case of a displaced defense worker who has paid a deposit or an installment under a contract or lease, no person shall exercise any right or option to rescind or terminate the contract or resume possession of the property for nonpayment by the displaced defense worker, except by action of a court of competent jurisdiction. Provides penalties for violations and judicial remedies for breach of such installment contracts, including repayment of installment payments or a stay of proceedings. Provides that, in the case of an existing mortgage or trust deed for real or personal property owned by a displaced defense worker on the date of his or her termination or layoff, a court, in an action to enforce payment obligations, may stay the proceedings or make such other disposition of the case as may be equitable to conserve the interests of all parties. Provides penalties for violations and judicial remedies in such actions, including payment to the displaced defense worker of his or her equitable interest in the property before foreclosure. Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from taking any action, or maintaining or enforcing any regulation, which causes an insured depository institution to: (1) violate provisions of the foreclosure protection requirements of this Act; or (2) enforce an obligation for which the displaced defense worker is entitled to protection. Provides that no sale of real or personal property and property owned for dwelling, business, or agricultural purposes shall be made until: (1) one year after the worker's termination or layoff; or (2) the date on which the displaced worker returns to his or her original or comparable employment, unless the court determines that the ability of the defense worker to pay such taxes or assessments is not materially affected by being displaced. Allows the court to stay a proceeding for the sale of property for collection of taxes or assessments for up to six months after the end of the required waiting period. Provides that when, by law, such property may be sold or forfeited for collection purposes, the displaced defense worker shall have the right to redeem such property for up to six months after the waiting period. Provides an interest limit of six percent on taxes or assessment allowed to remain unpaid during the required waiting period.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Industrial Revitalization Act of 1992 - Title I: Domestic Loan Guarantee Fund for the Revitalization of American Industry - Creates an Economic Transition Assistance Board. Authorizes the Board to guarantee principal and interest on loans and, in certain circumstances, provide interest subsidies for the loans, giving priority to aerospace manufacturing loans. Sets forth assistance conditions, including that the applicant be: (1) affected by U.S. defense budget reductions or by assistance by foreign governments to foreign competitors; and (2) engaged in work critical to national security or economic security. Requires full collateralization. Prohibits, during the loan and without Board approval, certain borrower actions, including: (1) declaring an extraordinary dividend; (2) making payment on certain other indebtedness; or (3) shifting any significant part of its manufacturing activities outside the United States. Limits the aggregate amount of obligations of the Board and the maximum obligations to any single enterprise. Establishes in the Treasury an emergency loan guarantee fund to be administered by the Board to pay Board expenses and to fulfill the Board's obligations under this title. Authorizes the Board, if amounts in the fund are insufficient, to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires any Federal Reserve bank which is requested to do so to act as fiscal agent for the Board. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Commercial Aircraft Agreement - Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to report on the operation of the Agreement Concerning the Application of the GATT Agreement in Civil Aircraft, including on: (1) subsidies to the aerospace industry by European Community nations; (2) any Agreement benefits to the U.S. aerospace industry; and (3) subsidies by the European Space Agency to Arianespace in commercial launch services. Title III: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Technology Development - Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to: (1) modify procedures for the development, acquisition, and dissemination of technical aeronautics and space information; and (2) conduct technology projects with U.S. industry partners under agreements providing at least partially exclusive rights to participating companies. Title IV: Export-Import Bank Provisions - Requires the Export-Import Bank of the United States to report on: (1) the competitiveness of the bank's export finance services to the domestic commercial aerospace industry as compared to the services offered by foreign governments that finance the export of commercial aircraft; and (2) how the bank can more effectively assist U.S. commercial aircraft manufacturers to sell in the world market. Title V: Skills Conversion - Establishes the Skills Conversion Program to reeducate, retrain, and reorient scientific and technical personnel displaced or threatened with displacement by defense budget reductions to fill positions in existing or emerging industries. Authorizes grants for: (1) retraining services; and (2) assistance to employees during retraining. Mandates a fellowship, not to exceed a specified amount, for an employee while participating in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Employment Tax Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Procedures Applicable to Determinations of Employment Status - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules and procedures for determining employment status. Provides that if: (1) the taxpayer did not treat an individual as an employee for any period; and (2) in the case of periods after December 31, 1978, all Federal tax returns (including information returns) filed by the taxpayer are filed on a basis consistent with the treatment of such individual as not being an employee, then for purposes of employment taxes, the individual shall be deemed not to be an employee of the taxpayer unless the taxpayer had no reasonable basis for not treating such individual as an employee. Provides limitations for certain past Internal Revenue Service employment tax audits. Waives employment tax liability for reasonable good faith misclassifications based on common law rules. Makes such revised rules for determining employment status applicable for income tax purposes. Revises the employer's liability for employment taxes where the employer complies with reporting requirements. Title II: Provisions to Increase Compliance - Increases the penalty for failure to file information returns which include amounts paid for services. Requires a separate statement of nonemployee compensation on such returns. Requires backup withholding if the payor has not met taxpayer identification number verification requirements and payee notification requirements with respect to service payments. Requires information returns on services paid of $100 or more (currently, $600 or more).
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992
Displaced Federal Employees Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes notification requirements for reductions in force (RIFs) affecting Federal employees. Requires: (1) at least 60 days' written notice to the employee and any such employee's exclusive representative for collective-bargaining purposes before such employee is so released; and (2) 60 days' notice, if the RIF would involve the separation of a significant number of employees, to the appropriate State dislocated worker units and the chief elected official of such units of local government as appropriate. Specifies that, with respect to certain RIFs involving the separation of a significant number of employees of the Department of Defense (DOD), the notice period shall be 120 days. Requires: (1) the Office of Personnel Management to establish and keep current a Government-wide list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) positions; and (2) specified executive agencies, in filling vacant positions for which qualified RIFed employees have applied, to give full consideration to the applications of such employees before selecting any candidate from outside the agency for the position, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program under which separation pay (equal to six months basic pay) may be offered to encourage eligible employees to take immediate or early retirement, subject to specified requirements. Allows RIFed employees to keep their Government health insurance for 18 months while paying only the employee share of the premium, with the cost paid out of DOD's salaries and expenses account.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Servicemembers Education Conversion Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Voluntary Separation Programs - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in administering the special separation benefits program and the voluntary separation program and in order to provide an incentive for members of the armed forces to become elementary and secondary school teachers, to modify those programs in accordance with this Act. Entitles such modifications as the teacher training enhancement program. Authorizes a member of the armed forces who is offered participation in either of the separation programs to apply to the Secretary for the training program. Allows the Secretary to accept applications only in the case of a member who could become certified as a teacher after pursuit of a program of one year or less. Prohibits the acceptance of any applications after September 30, 1997. Modifies the separation programs to: (1) continue to provide for 12 months after separation from service the full amount of the member's basic pay paid before such separation; and (2) pay such benefit or incentive as computed by using half the member's years of service (currently, all) payable at the end of the 12-month period in which the member received full basic pay. Directs the Secretary to provide information about the training program to all members of the armed forces on active duty before they enter preseparation counseling as required under Federal law. Title II: Elements of Teacher Training Enhancement Program - Requires a former member of the armed forces who is accepted into the training program to enter into a written agreement with the Secretary to: (1) accept modification of the separation programs; (2) obtain teacher certification within one year after separation; and (3) teach, within seven years from receiving certification, for at least five years in a public or private nonprofit elementary or secondary school in the United States. Requires an individual who fails to comply fully with the agreement requirements to reimburse the United States on a pro rata basis for the benefits provided under the training program. Allows an individual to make any required reimbursement through a reduction in the amount of voluntary separation incentive payments due to such individual for his or her period of service. Provides instances in which such repayment or teaching obligations shall be waived. Title III: Role of Department of Education in Teacher Training Enhancement Program - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) collect information regarding States and local educational agencies that have a shortage of elementary and secondary school teachers and the applicable teacher certification requirements; and (2) provide such information to the Secretary of Defense for dissemination to members of the armed forces as part of their information package. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) assist individuals selected for the program in selecting an appropriate teacher certification to pursue and in obtaining appropriate employment after certification; (2) provide information to States, local educational agencies, and accredited private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools regarding the existence of the program and the availability of program participants as teachers; (3) assist States and local educational agencies in developing alternative certification procedures for former members of the armed forces; and (4) submit an annual report on program effectiveness to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Manufacturing Extension and Critical Technologies Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Defense for FY 1993 for providing financial assistance to manufacturing extension programs and critical technology application centers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Resolution Trust Corporation Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Serving the Real Economy - Subtitle A: Evaluation of Economic Impact - Amends the Home Loan Bank Act to require the Oversight Board and the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) to include in their semiannual report to the Congress an analysis of: (1) the impact that real property asset disposition by the RTC has had upon local real estate markets in certain metropolitan statistical areas in which it disposes of such property; (2) the efficacy of RTC procedures to ensure compliance with certain requirements to minimize the impact of RTC actions upon local real estate markets; and (3) specified details regarding RTC disposition of real property parcels. Requires the RTC, upon acquiring control of any asset, to: (1) evaluate the costs of holding and managing the property; and (2) take such evaluation into account when determining property disposition. Prohibits the RTC from disposing of any real property unless it has been appraised during the six-month period ending on the date of disposition. Subtitle B: Treatment of Residential Real Property Assets - Extends from 90 to 180 days after RTC notice the period in which qualifying multifamily purchasers may give written notice of serious interest in certain RTC property disposition. Grants the RTC loan guarantee authority for loans made by qualified lenders to finance purchases under the affordable housing program with respect to RTC-held residential properties (including condominium properties). Prescribes loan guarantee limitations. Authorizes appropriations to cover loan guarantee commitment costs. Sets forth maintenance standards for RTC-held residential property. Prohibits the RTC from disaffirming or repudiating any qualified residential lease. Requires the RTC to comply with State and municipal laws regarding residential leases and tenancies. Subtitle C: Increases in National Savings - Amends Federal law regarding the public debt to direct the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to issue citizen restitution bonds for the purpose of: (1) making restitution to the American taxpayer; (2) increasing national savings; and (3) providing funds to the RTC. Directs the Secretary to establish a marketing program for advertising the citizen restitution bonds and offering them for sale in depository institutions, including credit unions and United States Postal Service facilities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code exclude from gross income up to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) of interest on passbook savings accounts in federally insured depository institutions. Subtitle D: Preservation of Environmentally Sensitive Land - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prescribe disposition guidelines for real property assets with natural value of special significance, including their transfer, upon agency request, to any Federal or State agency for conservation purposes. Title II: Accountability to Taxpayers and Consumers - Subtitle A: Bank and Thrift Disclosure Provisions - Bank and Thrift Disclosure Act of 1992 - Requires each appropriate banking agency to disclose to the public the reports of all examinations of each failed depository institution performed during the five-year period preceding its transfer, failure, or receipt of certain Federal depository insurance (or other Federal "bail-out" funds for a failed depository institution). Limits such disclosure requirement to any institution that received such funds while it was critically undercapitalized within the one-year period before its failure. Cites conditions under which public disclosure may be delayed because of threats to safety, soundness, or pending administrative, civil, or criminal investigations. Subjects a holding company of such a failed institution to the same public disclosure requirements, but excludes open institutions and affiliated solvent institutions. Mandates public disclosure of settlement agreements between the Resolution Trust Corporation or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and any other party with respect to certain failed depository institutions. Applies the public disclosure requirements of this Act to specified kinds of failed institutions. Subtitle B: Public Right-to-Know Requirements - Directs the RTC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish and maintain: (1) a comprehensive national information tracking system to monitor data on insured depository institutions in conservatorship or receivership; and (2) standardized information to assess the status of such institutions, including the disposition of their assets. Requires such standardized information to be entered into the tracking system in a manner which allows direct electronic access by appropriate governmental agencies. Sets forth specific content requirements with respect to real estate and contractors. Subtitle C: Tort and Fraud Claims Recovery - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to extend from three years to five years the statute of limitations for tort actions brought by the Federal conservator or receiver of an insured depository institution. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to authorize any person to bring a civil action to assess a civil money penalty for certain criminal violations affecting a federally insured financial institution. Subtitle D: RTC Accountability - Amends Federal law regarding Government corporations to define the RTC as a wholly-owned Government corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992
Designates October 24 through November 1, 1992, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America. Recognize the hard work and dedication of those involved in combatting substance abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992
Condemns the conduct since November 1991 of General Mohamed Farah Aideed, Interim President Ali Mahdi Mohamed, and other warring parties in Somalia (the parties) which has resulted in the destruction of Mogadishu and has placed the entire civilian population of the city at risk. Calls upon the parties to: (1) curb the violence and destruction by immediately suspending artillery shelling; (2) guarantee protection of relief commodities; and (3) participate in good faith in United Nations (UN) sponsored efforts to achieve a ceasefire and political reconciliation in Somalia. Commends: (1) the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for its efforts to provide food and humanitarian relief to Somalia; and (2) UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali for his attention to Somalia and for promoting the adoption of resolutions on Somalia in the UN Security Council. Calls upon the U.S. representative to the UN to urge the UN to: (1) appoint a special UN envoy to Somalia; (2) take steps to assure the safety of UN and other relief personnel and to coordinate relief efforts and facilitate negotiations; and (3) allow the provisions of extensive food and humanitarian relief even in the absence of a ceasefire. Requests that the Secretary of State convey to the parties the U.S. condemnation of the practices employed by all parties which have contributed to the tragedy in Somalia.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
Global Climate Protection Act - Directs the President to promulgate final regulations that will achieve stabilization of carbon dioxide emissions by January 1, 2000. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate and report biennially to the Congress on the progress made pursuant to such regulations. Directs the President to promulgate additional regulations to achieve stabilization if the Administrator finds that the regulations will not achieve stabilization. Permits citizen suits against officers of the United States for failures to perform duties in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Government should not condone foreign trade distorting subsidies, including development subsidies, that cause material injury to U.S. industries.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1992
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to eliminate the exemption for banks (or similar institutions) or insurance carriers from the requirement for an independent audit of certain financial statements regarding employee benefit plan assets.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
American Math and Science Student Support Act - Prohibits any institution of higher education, two years after enactment of this Act, from using Federal research and development funds to pay nonimmigrant aliens to carry out such research and development activities, unless the institution submits to the granting agency a report including: (1) specified information on such nonimmigrant aliens; and (2) a certification that no qualified U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens are available for such research employment, despite the institution's efforts to hire them.
![Official portrait of Rep. Horn, Joan Kelly [D-MO-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000788_200.jpg)