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Official portrait of Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]

Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]

United States · Official source

Records

2,574 records where Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 448 (102nd)referred

Regarding the Agression against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Conditioning United States Recognition of Serbia, Montenegro, or the Yugoslav Republic.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Urges the United States to: (1) hold the Government of Serbia accountable for the attacks on and occupation of the Republics of Bosnia-Hercegovina and Croatia, and for human rights abuses in Kosovo; (2) withhold diplomatic recognition of Serbia and Montenegro until Serbia ceases its aggression against such republics and halts the brutal repression of the Albanian people in Kosovo and the denial of the right to self-determination; and (3) actively encourage its allies to follow the same course.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 316 (102nd)open

Concerning the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the peopole of Israel on the 25th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Urges that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected; and (2) the President and Secretary of State issue an unequivocal statement in support of such principle.

Bill· HRH.R. 5018 (102nd)referred

Save the Ozone Layer Tax Credit

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Save the Ozone Layer Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for excise taxes paid by producers of ozone-depleting chemicals if such production ceases before the beginning of the year in which it is prohibited. Provides for determining such credit and whether cessation of production has occurred.

Law· HRH.R. 4996 (102nd)enacted

Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Jobs Through Exports Act of 1992 - Title I: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1992 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Provides that a country or areas within a country may be eligible for OPIC assistance if: (1) the country has established diplomatic relations with the United States; (2) the country or area is a developing country or area, or a country in transition from a nonmarket to market economy; and (3) the country respects human rights. Raises the ceiling on the per capita income levels of countries established for purposes of granting preferential consideration for, or restricting, OPIC investment projects. Authorizes OPIC, in any case in which a country no longer meets eligibility criteria, to continue its programs in the country but prohibits the extension of new assistance with respect to projects involving the country's government. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to hold OPIC's capital stock. Authorizes OPIC to establish an equity finance program (currently, a four-year pilot program to be conducted only in Subsaharan African countries and Caribbean countries designated as beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Program). Prescribes monetary and criminal penalties for fraudulent activities involving OPIC. Raises the ceiling on the maximum contingent liability allowed for OPIC insurance and outstanding guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to transfer amounts from a noncredit account revolving fund to pay subsidy costs of program levels for the loan guarantee and direct loan programs. Permits OPIC to draw specified amounts for FY 1993 through 1995 from such fund for administrative costs of such programs. Eliminates OPIC's exemption from Federal taxation. Title II: Trade and Development Agency - Redesignates the Trade and Development Program as the Trade and Development Agency. Requires the Agency to disseminate information about its activities to the private sector. Sets forth Agency auditing requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Title III: Aid, Trade, and Competitiveness - Aid, Trade, and Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish a capital projects office to: (1) develop a program that would focus solely on developmentally sound capital projects; and (2) consider opportunities for U.S. high-technology firms in supporting capital projects for developing countries and countries making the transition from nonmarket to market economies. Sets forth the activities of the capital projects office. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) U.S. Government resources have been expended to support capital projects in such countries and the extent of interagency coordination; and (2) U.S. Government capital projects and tied-aid programs have affected U.S. exports. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, if negotiations for the implementation of the December 16, 1991, agreement within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have not been completed by August 1, 1992, to report to the Congress on: (1) the status of negotiations; (2) the causes for the failure to reach an agreement by that date; and (3) the reasons the U.S. Government believes that continued negotiations will result in achieving such objective. Urges the President to use specified types and amounts of assistance for grants for capital projects. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of allowing AID to offer credit guarantees for the financing of capital projects. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1993 for the Trade and Development Agency. Title IV: United States Commercial Centers - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, as a five-year pilot program, a United States Commercial Center in one Baltic State (to serve Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States) and in one country in Asia and Latin America to provide additional resources for the promotion of exports of U.S. goods and services to such countries. Requires the Centers to make business facilities and services and commercial law information services available on a user fee basis. Directs the Secretary to use the Market Development Cooperator Program to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Centers. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 473 (102nd)referred

To prohibit the proposed sale to Kuwait of an air defense system.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Prohibits the proposed sale to Kuwait of an air defense system described in the certification submitted to the Congress pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act on March 31, 1992 (transmittal number 92-18, including PATRIOT and HAWK missiles).

Bill· HRH.R. 4979 (102nd)referred

Financial Consumers Association Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Financial Consumers Association Act of 1992 - Establishes the Financial Consumers Association as a nonprofit corporation which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal Government. Requires the Association to establish regional offices in each of the Federal Reserve districts. Authorizes appropriations. Outlines the duties of the Association, including: (1) advising consumers on financial service matters; (2) representing consumer interests in financial service matters; and (3) encouraging membership by low- and moderate-income and minority consumers.

Bill· HRH.R. 4924 (102nd)referred

Resolution Trust Corporation Reform Act of 1992

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 4846 (102nd)referred

Domestic Violence Identification and Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Domestic Violence Identification and Treatment Act - Prohibits grants to or cooperative agreements or contracts with a health professions school, or individuals at such a school, unless the school requires training in identifying victims of domestic violence and in providing treatment for medical conditions arising from such violence.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 306 (102nd)open

Condemning the extraconstitutional and antidemocratic actions of President Fujimori of Peru.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Condemns the extraconstitutional and anti-democratic actions of President Fujimori in Peru. Commends President Bush for his condemnation of such actions and suspension of U.S. assistance. Calls on: (1) President Fujimori to immediately restore the democratically-elected Congress, the judiciary, civil liberties, and a free and independent news media, to release political detainees, and to ensure respect for human rights; (2) the President to continue the suspension of U.S. assistance and seek to delay approval of any international loans for Peru until civilian democratic government is restored and to consider further actions to encourage such restoration; and (3) the Organization of American States to adopt measures that will help restore democracy in Peru.

Bill· HRH.R. 4779 (102nd)referred

To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover from another department or agency of the United States the cost of providing health-care to veterans for nonservice-connected disabilities in the case of veterans who are also beneficiaries of that department or agency.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Entitles the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover the reasonable cost of care or services provided to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability from another Federal department or agency to the extent that such veteran would have been eligible to receive payment for such care or services from such department or agency. Requires the amount recovered to be reduced by any required deductible or copayment. Subrogates the Department to any right or claim that the veteran may have against another department or agency in the receipt of such payment. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to determine the reasonable cost of care and services so provided. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on comments and recommendations with respect to such regulations. Provides that a veteran eligible through the Department for such care or services may not be denied such care or services or be required to make any copayment or deductible in order to receive such care. Directs that amounts recovered shall be credited to the current operating account of the Department facility that provided such care or services. Prohibits any amounts so credited from being offset by reductions in amounts otherwise available to such facility or in the total amount of funds made available to the Department for health care and medical services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for enrollment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act at any time (without regard to special enrollment periods) in the case of any veteran over age 65 who is entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of such title.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 422 (102nd)reported

Concerning the crisis in Somalia.

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.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 305 (102nd)referred

Commending the people of Albania for their successful democratic election, urging the acceleration of market reforms in Albania, urging the President to expedite the negotiation of a commercial agreement with Albania, and urging an increase of aid to Albania.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Commends the people of Albania for the successful democratic election that was held on March 22, 1992. Urges: (1) the newly-elected Albanian Government to accelerate market reforms and complete the establishment of democratic institutions; (2) the President to take steps to increase trade opportunities between the United States and Albania; and (3) increased humanitarian assistance to Albania.

Bill· HRH.R. 4761 (102nd)reported

Democracy in Haiti Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992

Democracy in Haiti Act of 1992 - Expresses support for the restoration of the democratically elected government in Haiti. Outlines specific actions in furtherance of such goal, including actions to: (1) call upon all governments to abide by the Organization of American States (OAS)-supported embargo of Haiti; (2) support the Protocol between President Aristide and the Parliamentary Negotiating Committee to Find a Permanent Solution to the Haitian Crisis; (3) call upon the Haitian armed forces, parliament, and de facto government to restore individual rights; (4) call upon the armed forces to submit to civilian control and all parties to renounce violence as a means of achieving political goals; (5) support a civilian OAS-DEMOC mission (a mission to restore democracy and human rights); and (6) call upon the OAS to consider additional measures if progress toward restoration of the democratically elected government is not promptly achieved. Authorizes the Secretary of State to make contributions to the OAS-DEMOC mission in Haiti. Declares that the President should use a specified amount of economic support assistance for a contribution to the mission. Authorizes appropriations. Imposes the following sanctions against Haitian nationals who provided support for the coup d'etat overthrowing President Aristide, or for terrorist acts against the Haitian people after the coup: (1) ineligibility to receive visas and exclusion from admission into the United States; and (2) blocking of assets. Continues such sanctions until the President certifies to the Congress that a democratically elected government has been restored in Haiti consistent with the Haitian Constitution.

Bill· HRH.R. 4750 (102nd)referred

Global Climate Protection Act

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.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 454 (102nd)referred

Assassination Materials Disclosure Resolution of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992

Assassination Materials Disclosure Act of 1992 - Provides that except for assassination material or particular information in assassination material the disclosure of which is postponed, all assassination materials shall be transferred to the National Archives and made available for inspection by the general public. Requires the Archivist to charge fees for copying and grant waivers of such fees pursuant to the standards established by the Freedom of Information Act. Authorizes the Archivist to provide copies of assassination materials of broad public interest to the Government Printing Office (GPO), which shall print copies for sale to the public. Requires assassination materials printed by GPO to be placed in Government depository libraries. Establishes as an independent agency the Assassination Materials Review Board. Requires the division of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit charged with appointment of independent counsels to appoint five distinguished and impartial private citizens outside of the Government who have had no prior involvement with inquiries into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to serve as members of the Review Board. Allows the Review Board to appoint an Executive Director. Requires the Review Board to consider and render decisions on referrals by the Executive Director and appeals for a determination whether a: (1) record constitutes assassination material subject to this Act; and (2) record or particular information in a record qualifies for postponement of disclosure under this Act. Describes the circumstances under which the Review Board will terminate. States that disclosure to the general public of assassination material or particular information in assassination material may be postponed if its release would: (1) reveal an intelligence agent, an intelligence source or method currently utilized by the Government, or any other matter currently relating to military defense, intelligence operations, or the conduct of U.S. foreign relations which, if disclosed, would pose such a threat as to outweigh any public interest in its disclosure; (2) constitute an invasion of privacy of a living person, whether or not that person is identified in the material, that is so substantial as to outweigh any public interest in its disclosure; (3) constitute a substantial and unjustified violation of an understanding of confidentiality between a Government agent and a witness or a foreign government; or (4) disclose a security or protective procedure currently utilized by a Federal agency responsible for protecting Government officials, and that disclosure is so harmful that it outweighs any public interest in its disclosure. Requires each executive agency to make available to the Executive Director of the Review Board all assassination materials in its possession. Requires agencies that are uncertain as to whether or not a record is assassination material to make that record available to the Executive Director. Makes the Executive Director responsible for: (1) inquiring as to the existence of further records beyond those made available that may be assassination materials; (2) obtaining access to such records; (3) recommending that the Review Board subpoena such records in the event access is denied; and (4) reviewing all records that are made available by executive agencies. Requires the Executive Director to order release of any assassination material or particular information in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that it falls within the exemptions from disclosure. Requires the Executive Director, after review of each record, either to: (1) notify the originating body or bodies that the record is assassination material that is appropriate for release in its entirety; or (2) refer the record to the Review Board. Provides that in the former event, the Executive Director shall transmit the record to the Archivist of the United States who shall make the record available for public inspection, unless an originating body files an appeal with the Review Board. Requires the Review Board to review and apply the standards for release set forth in this Act to all records that are the subject of appeals and referred to the Review Board by the Executive Director. Provides that: (1) after review of each record, the Review Board shall determine whether such record is assassination material, and, if so, whether such assassination material, or particular information in the assassination material, qualifies for postponement of disclosure; (2) any reasonably segregable particular information in an assassination material shall be considered for release after deletion of information in that assassination material that qualifies for postponement of disclosure; (3) where an entire assassination material qualifies for postponement of disclosure, the Board may create and prepare for release a summary of the assassination material in order to provide for the fullest disclosure feasible; and (4) where the Board determines that a record is not assassination material, or that a record, or particular information in the record, qualifies for postponement of disclosure, the Board shall transmit to the originating body written notice of such determination, together with a copy of the record at issue, and, if the originating body is an executive agency, a copy of such notice and record shall be transmitted to appropriate congressional committees. Provides that in the case of records for which the Warren Commission or specified congressional committees are originating bodies, where the Review Board determines that a record is assassination material, and that a record, particular information in a record, a summary of a record, or a substitution for particular information in a record is appropriate for release pursuant to this Act, the Review Board shall transmit the record, particular information, summary, or substitution to the Archivist in order for it to be made public. States that the Review Board's decision to release shall not be subject to review by the President or any other entity of the Government and shall not be subject to judicial review. Provides that in the case of records for which the originating body is an executive agency, excluding the Warren Commission, where the Review Board determines that a record, particular information in a record, a summary of a record, or a substitution for particular information in a record is appropriate for release pursuant to this Act, the Review Board shall transmit to the originating body written notice of its determination. Provides that in such event, the Review Board shall transmit the record, particular information, summary, or substitute to the Archivist in order for such material to be made public, unless the President has certified to the Review Board and the Archivist that the material qualifies for postponement of disclosure, in which case release of the material shall be postponed, and this decision shall not be subject to judicial review. Prohibits the President from delegating this authority to any other official or entity. Provides that whenever the President makes such a certification, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a written statement setting forth the reasons for superseding the Board's determination and a copy of the material at issue. Requires the Review Board to periodically make available for public inspection a notice of all postponements of assassination materials. Provides that in any case in which a determination of the Review Board to release assassination material is superseded by the President, the President shall publish in the Federal Register notice of such action. Sets forth special rules for the marking and review of materials the disclosure of which is postponed. Authorizes the Review Board to request the Department of Justice to petition any court to release any information relevant to the assassination of President Kennedy that has been sealed. Authorizes the Review Board to request the Attorney General to petition any U.S. court to release any such information that is held under injunction of secrecy of a grand jury. Requires the Review Board to seek access to the autopsy photographs and x-rays donated to the National Archives by the Kennedy family and submit to appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of these materials and on access to these materials by individuals consistent with the deed of gift. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Attorney General should assist the Review Board in good faith to unseal any records that the Board determines to be relevant and held under seal by a court or under the injunction of secrecy of a grand jury; (2) the Secretary of State should contact the government of the Republic of Russia and any other foreign government that may hold relevant information and seek the disclosure of all such information; and (3) all executive agencies should cooperate in full with the Review Board to seek the disclosure of all information relevant to the Kennedy assassination consistent with the public interest. Authorizes appropriations.

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.

Law· HRH.R. 4551 (102nd)enacted

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents of an individual of Japanese ancestry in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Terminates the duties of the Attorney General a specified period after the Fund terminates (currently, when the Fund terminates).

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 297 (102nd)referred

Condemning the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aires.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992

Condemns the March 17, 1992, bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Declares that the U.S. Government should fully cooperate with the Governments of Argentina and Israel in identifying and bringing to justice all of the individuals responsible.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 292 (102nd)open

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to United States participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that, consistent with national sovereignty considerations, the position of the United States at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development should: (1) place the highest priority on the success of the Conference by participating actively, particularly through the personal participation of the President; (2) negotiate international agreements that effectively reduce the threat of climate change and biological diversity loss; (3) propose or support an initiative on financing global environmental cooperation efforts that takes into account the additional costs of international environmental protection and the basic development goals of developing countries and increases accountability for the use of funds provided for environmental purposes; (4) seek to advance the development of a stronger international legal framework and the creation of appropriate institutional mechanisms for protecting the global environment; (5) promote public participation in environmental and development decisions at all levels; and (6) support new programs and institutions to help developing countries become more energy efficient and otherwise increase their capacity for acquiring and using technology to make their economies more environmentally sustainable, global goals of slowing deforestation of primary forests, the creation of a global action plan to raise the status of women, the development of new agreements to eliminate land-based sources of marine pollution, a process of international consultations aimed at identifying ways that poverty can be alleviated and natural resources better conserved through reduction of developing country debt burdens, the development of a reformed system of national accounting that would reflect full economic costs of environmental and resource degradation and the benefits of the sustainable use of natural resources, and programs that provide maternal and child health care, education and training especially for women, and voluntary family planning.

Bill· HRH.R. 4419 (102nd)referred

Democracy Corps Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992

Democracy Corps Act of 1992 - Establishes a Democracy Corps Board to carry out this Act. Requires the Board to establish a Democracy Corps composed of U.S. citizens who have expertise relevant to the development of democratic institutions and free market economies in eligible former Soviet republics and the Baltic States. Directs the Corps to: (1) recruit and train teams of Corps members and assign such teams to eligible republics to make onsite assessments of the needs of individuals and organizations for training and other assistance relevant to the development of democratic institutions and free market economies; (2) prepare reports on critical needs at the regional and local levels; (3) identify local leaders who might benefit from training programs in the United States and other democratic countries; and (4) review the effectiveness of the distribution of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Requires the teams to establish Democracy Houses in localities to assist local efforts to create democratic institutions and a market economy and to provide logistical support and information to U.S. Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations assisting in the development of democracy. Directs the Corps to disseminate the needs assessments to relevant Government agencies, the National Endowment for Democracy, and other nongovernmental organizations and foreign governments engaged in assisting the transition to democratic institutions and free market economies. Requires the Corps to seek to obtain support in the United States for those working to consolidate such transition. Permits funds made available under this Act to be used to compensate Corps members. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4378 (102nd)referred

To prohibit exports of dual use items to terrorist countries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1992

Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to: (1) repeal the current licensing requirements for exports of dual use items to countries whose governments support international terrorism; and (2) prohibit such exports outright. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if: (1) the export transaction is determined essential to U.S. national security interests; and (2) the President consults with specified congressional committees about the proposed transaction and submits the reason for such waiver to the Congress in writing. Requires denial of a license to export any chemical or biological weapons if the ultimate consignee is a country whose government has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on all visits to the United States by any official of any such government.

Bill· HRH.R. 4357 (102nd)referred

National Education Property Board Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1992

National Education Property Board Act - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to establish as an independent establishment a National Education Property Board to: (1) identify and collect information on surplus and excess Federal personal property available from Federal agencies; (2) make such property available to the education community; (3) establish an information dissemination strategy; (4) provide technical assistance to property managers in participating government agencies; (5) develop a method of direct transfer of property from the Federal agency to the receiving educational institution; (6) develop a method to provide a Federal agency with the option to directly transfer surplus or excess personal property by loan, grant, or education donation slip; (7) oversee that transfers shall not be competitive and shall be at the discretion of the designated education authority at the respective Federal agency; (8) facilitate the disposal of all applicable surplus and excess personal property to educational institutions; and (9) report annually to the President and the Congress as specified. Authorizes the Board to make surplus and excess personal property, which would otherwise be made available to educational institutions through State agencies, directly available to educational institutions. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4356 (102nd)referred

Safe Schools Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1992

Safe Schools Act of 1992 - Establishes in the Department of Education a National School Safety Center to serve as a clearinghouse for school-related information about violence and vandalism, safety programs, and crisis intervention plans. Authorizes the Center to: (1) conduct workshops and seminars; and (2) assist in teacher and administrator training and design and operation of school safety programs. Authorizes appropriations. Weapons-Free School Zones Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to make it unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a potentially deadly weapon in a school zone. Authorizes the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, upon request by the Governor or chief executive officer of an affected State or local government, to: (1) declare a severely threatened local school district a violent crime region; and (2) take necessary action, including use of Federal agency resources and personnel to support State and local law enforcement activities.

Bill· HRH.R. 4355 (102nd)referred

American Schools Revitalization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1992

American Schools Revitalization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations to assist eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) in repairing and renovating instructional facilities in schools. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve one percent of such funds for monitoring activities under this title. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder to eligible LEAs with approved applications. Directs the Secretary to allocate such funds on the basis of the number of: (1) children between the ages of five and 17 from families below the poverty line; (2) school buildings used for instructional purposes; and (3) school buildings more than 25 years old used for instructional purposes. Limits the period covered by a grant application to three years, and requires annual review by the Secretary. Lists types of programs eligible LEAs must conduct with their allotments for: (1) repair and renovation of school buildings; and (2) improvements related to environmental concerns and safety. Requires each eligible LEA to use half of its allotment for programs for school building repair and renovation, and half for programs for school environmental concerns and safety improvements. (Authorizes the Secretary to waive such 50 percent division in certain cases.)

Bill· HRH.R. 4350 (102nd)referred

Tobacco and Nicotine Health and Safety Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992

Tobacco and Nicotine Health and Safety Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to create a new chapter on tobacco products. Makes unlawful the distribution of a tobacco product that presents risks to health: (1) to persons under the age of 18, or under the higher age limit set by the State involved; (2) if it is misbranded or adulterated as prescribed by this Act; or (3) as a free sample or by coupons or other discounting. Requires States to enact laws and promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if State enforcement is insufficient to comply with the age requirements of this Act, to impose requirements on the form, manner, and location of tobacco product sales in that State. Deems a tobacco product misbranded if: (1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular; (2) its labeling fails to contain the statements required by the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act; (3) its labeling fails to contain the statement "Federal Law Prohibits Sale to Minors"; or (4) other requirements are not met. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, by regulation, to require manufacturers to provide additional information to consumers through labeling, inserts, or other means. Allows the Secretary to modify the existing warning labels so long as the modifications do not weaken the health message in the warnings. Deems a tobacco product adulterated if: (1) the level of any tobacco additive is in violation of a requirement set under this Act; (2) the nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, or other harmful constituent level has not been established under this Act; (3) it contains any added poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it injurious to health; or (4) other conditions are met. Requires manufacturers, importers, or packagers to provide the Secretary with a list of additives used in tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary to establish public disclosure requirements for such additives. Requires the Secretary to test and establish the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful constituent levels for each brand of tobacco product before such product may be lawfully sold. Authorizes the Secretary to make such information public. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the use of tobacco additives and the levels of harmful constituents in tobacco products. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change the required Surgeon General's warning messages. Deems to be a drug any product that contains nicotine but does not meet the FDCA definition of tobacco products.

Bill· HRH.R. 4343 (102nd)referred

National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992

National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to such retailers. Directs retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to such consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold by such retailers or distributors. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by such distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements identical to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Makes States that fail to maintain such rate for a consecutive 12-month period subject to this Act's requirements. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to provide for the adjustment for inflation of the ten-cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 4351 (102nd)referred

Emergency Benefits Flexibility Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992

Emergency Benefits Flexibility Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (FSEUCA) to revise the eligibility requirements applicable both to extended unemployment compensation benefits under FSEUCA and to emergency unemployment compensation benefits under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-164). Allows the State the flexibility of choosing more than one Federal wage eligibility standard in determining an individual's eligibility for such benefits.

Bill· HRH.R. 4300 (102nd)reported

Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992

Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1992 - Title I: General Provisions - States that the provisions of this Act shall not be construed to provide new budget authority. Title II: Interagency Council on the Homeless - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney Act) to extend: (1) authorization of appropriations for the Interagency Council on the Homeless; and (2) the Council's sunset date. Title III: Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Federal emergency management food and shelter program. Title IV: Housing Assistance - Subtitle A: Existing FEMA and HUD Programs - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the emergency shelter grants program; (2) the supportive housing demonstration program; (3) supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless; and (4) the shelter plus care program (rental housing and rental housing for the elderly or handicapped). Increases budget authority for single room occupancy assistance. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to extend the transition period for homeless housing programs under title IV of the McKinney Act. Subtitle B: New FmHA Programs - Amends the McKinney Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out programs: (1) for disposing of single family Farmers Home Administration properties to house homeless individuals and families; and (2) of rural homelessness grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Title V: Health Care for the Homeless - Subtitle A: Categorical Grants for Primary Health Services and Substance Abuse Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for health care grants for the homeless. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs of substance abuse prevention and treatment among the homeless. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Formula Grants to States for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State formula grants for homelessness transition. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations for Community Demonstration Projects - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for mental health services for homeless persons with chronic mental illness. Title VI: Education, Training, and Community Services Program - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) adult education for the homeless; (2) education for homeless children and youth; (3) the emergency community services homeless grant program; (4) family support centers; and (5) job training for the homeless, including homeless veterans' reintegration projects. Title VII: Veterans Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to extend the authorization of appropriations for veterans' medical care. Provides for disposition of single family Department of Veterans Affairs properties to house homeless individuals and families. Title VIII: National Homeless Advocate Demonstration Grant Program - Amends the McKinney Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a homeless advocate demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4298 (102nd)open

Cyanide Mining Impact Relief Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992

Cyanide Mining Impact Relief Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an environmental excise tax of 50 cents per pound on cyanide: (1) sold by any person for use by the purchaser in mining or mineral activities in the United States; or (2) used by any person in such mining or mineral activities unless there was a previous taxable sale. Establishes the Abandoned Mine Remediation Trust Fund consisting of a Federal Account and a State Account to share equally in revenues from the excise tax on cyanide used in mining or mineral activities. Authorizes expenditures from the Federal account for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral (other than coal or fluid minerals) and mineral materials mining. Authorizes expenditures from the State Account for mining-related cleanup, research into the consequences of intensive metals production, and monitoring and enforcement.

Bill· HRH.R. 4255 (102nd)open

Wetlands Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992

Wetlands Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make any pollutant discharge or alteration of navigable waters unlawful. Revises certification requirements for persons seeking to conduct activities which may result in discharges or other alterations of navigable waters to provide State certifications that such activities will allow for the protection, achievement, and maintenance of designated uses included in water quality standards. Authorizes the issuance of permits for other alterations of navigable waters. Defines "other alterations" as activities which impair the flow, reach, or circulation of surface water, or which result in changes in the hydrologic regime, bottom contour, or configuration of the waters or in the type, distribution, or diversity of vegetation. Revises provisions concerning general permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into, or other alteration of, navigable waters. Prohibits authorization for an activity within a State that has denied or revoked a water quality certification for such activity. Provides for biennial review of permits and revision or revocation to avoid or minimize adverse effects on navigable waters and for reports to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to establish a special Fast Track team in each district office to expedite the review and processing of minor permits. Prohibits the issuance of permits if there is a practical alternative to the proposed activity that would have less adverse impact on navigable waters. Requires all adverse impacts to wetlands and other U.S. waters to be fully mitigated to achieve full restoration of the functions and values lost. Applies exemptions from permit requirements for agricultural and certain other activities to other alterations of navigable water that occur as a result of such activities. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of the Army to promulgate final regulations determining the circumstances under which discharges of dredged or fill material or other alterations of navigable waters which were converted to production of commodity crops prior to December 23, 1985, shall be exempt from permit requirements. Authorizes citizen suits for violations of general permits or permit conditions. Title II: Other Provisions - Directs the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an analysis of needs of the Corps of Engineers and EPA for additional personnel, administrative resources, and funding to improve implementation of the wetlands permit program. Requires funds to be used for: (1) the training and certification of wetlands delineators authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1990; and (2) the improvement of existing education and outreach programs of the Corps of Engineers or EPA regarding wetlands permitting. Requires the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to use funds for wetlands mapping and for the delineation of wetlands in watersheds and ecosystems for which the need for delineation is particularly acute. Provides for the update of existing maps at least once every 15 years. Directs the Administrator to contract for an independent study of the scientific basis for wetlands identification and delineation to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences. Requires such study to specifically address the scientific bases of certain Federal manuals for identifying and delineating wetlands and to recommend appropriate scientific methods and procedures for identification and delineation. Provides for the submission of study results to specified congressional committees. Prohibits revisions to or clarifications of the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands or regulations related to the definition, delineation, or identification of wetlands until the study has been completed. Title III: Wetlands Restoration Pilot Program - Directs the Secretary to initiate a pilot program of wetlands restoration.