Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2]

An amendment to strike the requirement in the bill that all refuges within the National Wildlife Refuge System must be managed in accord with the provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Act.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to the Dorgan amendment to by asking unanimous consent to add to "agricultural commodities", 'agricultural by-products' for conversion to alcohol and hydrocarbons for use as fuel.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to add that in applying the set aside program to land that has been farmed under summer fallow practices in three of the five years prior to the requirement of a set aside, the Secretary shall consider the effects of a soil erosion and such other factors as he considers appropriate in determining the amount of land to be idled. However, in no case shall farmers be required to idle more than 60 percent of their crop land when included with land already idled by summer fallow practices are in effect. The secretary is to issue rules and regulations defining "summer fallow".

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to prohibit the payment of attorney's fees and expenses for lawsuits to enforce deadlines for EPA to reregister pesticides.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to provide for conveyance of land at Fort William H. Harrison, Montana. It provides that 65.4 acres may be conveyed by the Secretary of the Army to the State of Montana to establish a Montana State Veterans' Cemetery.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment changing the definitions of the bill such that "Indian lands" shall mean only those held in trust for Indian tribes and not also those held for Indian individuals.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require the Department of Interior to either place a bond or a cash deposit with the court, or pay cash to the owner of the land in the amount estimated by the Secretary to be the value of the park.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require the Secretary of Interior to reserve from the Land and Water Conservation Fund an amount sufficient to cover the estimated cost of the land acquisition and specifying that payment for the acquisition shall take priority over all other uses of the fund until the obligation is paid in full.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to add a new subsection to the Torricelli amendment which provides that nothing shall be construed as applying the requirements of cargo preference regulations to purchases of United States goods and services except purchases attributable to a cash transfer in accordance with the conditions for agreement as set forth in the Torricelli amendment.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment in the nature of a substitute sought to designate approximately 1.2 million acres as wilderness in 27 areas of Montana's national forests and release 4 million acres for multiple uses; designate 285,000 acres as special management areas where new mining activities would be permitted; and designate four wilderness study areas comprising 98,500 acres.

United States · United States Congress

Amendments permit hunting within the East Mojave National Monument in California.

United States · United States Congress

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a United States guided missile cruiser should be named the "USS Pearl Harbor".

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that a U.S. guided missile cruiser should be named the USS Pearl Harbor.

To amend title 39, United States Code, to exempt veterans' organizations from regulations prohibiting the solicitation of contributions on postal property.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1992

Requires the Postal Service to ensure that nothing in its regulations prevents a veterans' organization from soliciting contributions on postal property so long as those activities do not impede or disturb: (1) postal employees in the performance of their duties; or (2) the general public in transacting business or obtaining services.

Canyon Ferry Recreation Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1992

Canyon Ferry Recreation Management Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to enter into cooperative management agreements with Montana and any other entity deemed necessary to manage the recreational resources of the Canyon Ferry Recreation Area, Montana. Directs that such management agreement provide that the management responsibilities given to the BLM for lands withdrawn or acquired for reclamation purposes shall be accomplished in accordance with the statutory authority generally exercised by BLM in the management of public lands. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to change, modify, or expand the authorized purposes of the Canyon Ferry Unit. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to manage recreation facilities at Canyon Ferry Reservoir pursuant to the Canyon Ferry Resource Plan prepared by Montana and approved by the BOR and the BLM. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Water Project Recreation Act to remove the limitation on authorized appropriations for the Secretary to provide for public outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement facilities projects at Federal reservoirs, with an exception. (Currently, the maximum appropriation is $100,000 per project.)

Rural Physicians Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992

Rural Physicians Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for physicians who commence practice in a rural area. Allows such credit for the year such commencement occurs and the three succeeding taxable years. Limits such credit to $5,000. Requires the physician to practice medicine in the rural area for at least nine months in a taxable year.

Open Space Preservation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992

Open Space Preservation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate tax the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement (less the amount of any indebtedness secured by such land). Includes in the gross estate tax the value of each development right retained by the donor in the conveyance of the easement. Makes such tax due upon the disposition of the property. Provides that such land subject to the exclusion will have a carryover basis for purposes of determining gain or loss. Excludes from the gift tax transfers by gift of land subject to a conservation easement (other than development rights retained by the donor of such easement). Defers the reduction in certain estate tax rates after 1993 and before 1998.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly insurance benefit thereunder shall be paid for the month in which the recipient dies to the recipient's surviving spouse, subject to a reduction of 50 percent in the last monthly payment if the recipient dies during the first 15 days of such month.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1992

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly benefit shall be paid to the recipient's surviving spouse for the month in which the recipient dies, subject to a reduction of 50 percent in the last monthly payment if the recipient dies during the first 15 days of such month.

National Cancer Institute Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1992

National Cancer Institute Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require expansion, intensification, and coordination of research conducted or supported by the National Cancer Institute on: (1) breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers of the reproductive system of women, including operating at least six research and demonstration centers on breast cancer; and (2) prostate cancer, including operating at least six research and demonstration centers on prostate cancer. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the Institute, including the provisions enacted by this Act. Removes provisions authorizing appropriations for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Mandates a study to determine the factors contributing to the elevated breast cancer rates in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes appropriations.

Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1992

Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage - Subtitle A: Increased Affordability and Availability for Employees - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the NAIC) to develop model regulations requiring each carrier that makes available in a State any small employer health benefit plan to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess basic plan and a MedAccess standard. Directs the Secretary to develop such regulations, if the NAIC does not. Defines MedAccess plan as a health benefits plan that: (1) provides benefits typical of the benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market or provides only benefits for essential preventive and medical services and has an average actuarial value not exceeding 60 percent of the average actuarial value of the typical benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market; (2) accepts every small employer in the State applying for coverage and accepts for enrollment every eligible individual (defined as an individual who is a full-time employee and, if family coverage is offered, covers the employee's spouse and dependents under age 19 or under age 25 for students); and (3) meets consumer protection standards established by this Act relating to limitation of pre-existing condition clauses, continuity of coverage, renewability, and premium limitations. Prohibits the imposition, by a carrier, of a limitation of benefits based on the fact a condition pre-existed the effectiveness of the policy if: (1) the condition relates to a condition not diagnosed within three months before coverage under the plan; (2) the limitation extends beyond six months after coverage under the plan; (3) the limitation applies to an individual who, as of date of birth, was covered under the plan; and (4) the limitation relates to pregnancy. Requires continuous coverage. Prohibits cancellation of a plan or denial of coverage unless there is: (1) nonpayment of premiums; (2) fraud; (3) noncompliance with plan provisions; (4) failure to maintain the required number of enrollees; (5) misuse of a provider network provision; or (6) a cessation by the carrier of the provision of any plan in a State. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the failure of a carrier or an employer health benefit plan to comply with the provisions of the Act. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for individuals and small employers who are enrolled under a small employer health benefit plan that meets the consumer protection standards and for whom a carrier is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan. Requires each State to establish and fund one or more reinsurance or allocation or allocation of risk mechanisms that are consistent with a model. Directs the Secretary to develop models, if the NAIC does not. Permits a State, in order to insure the financial solvency of the mechanism, to impose charges on any entity providing employee-related health benefits, so long as such charges do not discriminate with respect to entities that would not be subject to such charges. Directs the Secretary to establish a reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism, if a State does not. Imposes an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the providing of any health benefit plan which covers any employee in a Federal reinsurance State. Permits either a State or the Secretary (in a Federal reinsurance State) to require each employer health benefit plan to: (1) be registered; and (2) provide such information as is necessary for the reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Private Health Coverage to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary; and (2) provide for the appointment of an advisory committee to advise the Director. Permits the Director to research the impact of this subtitle and conduct related demonstration projects. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods of measuring, in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under small employer health benefit plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans, the relative health risks of eligible individuals; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among carriers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this paragraph. Subtitle B: Improved Small Employer Purchasing Power of Affordable Health Insurance - Preempts from insurance mandates a qualified small employer purchasing group, if the group consists of employers with not more than 100 employees, the group consists of not fewer than 100 employers, and the health benefit plans with respect to the employer members are in compliance with applicable State laws relating to health benefit plans. Subtitle C: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent and increase from 25 to 100 percent the health insurance tax deduction for the self-employed. Subtitle D: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Directs the Secretary to provide for a program of grants to migrant and community health centers receiving grants or contracts under provisions of the Public Health Service Act in order to promote the provision of primary health care services for underserved individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem as an employee of the Public Health Service, for purposes of civil actions against commissioned officers or employees, any officer, employee, or contractor who is a physician or other licensed health care practitioner while performing functions for an entity receiving Federal funds under provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Requires an entity, in order to receive a grant under such provisions, to implement certain policies to assure against malpractice. Requires: (1) the Attorney General to estimate the amount of all claims expected, during each year, to arise against such an entity from acts of officers or employees; (2) the Secretary to withhold from grants to such entities the amount estimated; and (3) the withheld amount to be transferred to the Treasury to pay judgments against the United States arising from such claims. Directs the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of increasing access to outpatient primary health services in geographic areas with a: (1) population of not more than 500,000 individuals; (2) shortage of personal health services; and (3) significant number of low-income or underinsured individuals. Sets forth requirements for receiving such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Retitles title XII of the Public Health Service Act "Emergency Medical Services" (formerly, "Trauma Care") and directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Emergency Medical Services which shall, with respect to emergency medical services (including trauma care): (1) conduct research; (2) sponsor workshops; (3) assist States; and (4) coordinate activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purposes of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Sets forth matching fund requirements. Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and other medical facilities that have equipment that can be utilized through telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations for purposes of the programs of this paragraph. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas access to treatments for the injuries or other conditions arising from such emergencies. Sets forth requirements for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year special treatment rules for Medicare-dependent small rural hospitals. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice claim: (1) more than two years after the alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered and in no event more than four years after the alleged injury occurred; and (2) in any State court unless there has been an initial resolution through a certified alternative dispute resolution system (ADR). Requires the use of ADR in a Federal medical malpractice liability claim. Requires a pre-trial settlement conference in any medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on: (1) noneconomic damages; (2) punitive damages; and (3) attorney's fees. Requires offsets for damages paid by a collateral source. Requires liability in a medical malpractice action to be several and not joint. Provides a complete defense to any allegation of negligence in a medical malpractice liability action to any defendant who followed the appropriate practice guideline. Prohibits finding a defendant guilty in a medical malpractice liability action relating to services provided during labor or delivery of a baby if the defendant did not previously treat the plaintiff during the pregnancy, unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Directs the Secretary to determine whether a States' ADR meets ADR system requirements established by this Act. Establishes such requirements. Amends title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to earmark funds for sanctioning practice guidelines for purposes of an affirmative defense in medical malpractice liability actions. Permits a State agency responsible for the conduct of disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies for such type of health care practitioner to permit such societies to participate in the licensing of such health care practitioner and to review health care malpractice allegations. Requires each State to require each health care professional and provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent and provide early warning of practices which may result in injuries to patients or which otherwise endanger patient safety. Directs the Secretary to make grants for the conduct of basic research in the prevention of and compensation for injuries resulting from health care professional or health care provider malpractice, and research of the outcomes of health care procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study the factors discouraging physicians from volunteering to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to each of the following: (1) data elements for use in claims processing under health benefits plans; (2) uniform claim forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. Authorizes the Secretary to require providers to submit claims to health benefit plans in accordance with such standards. Provides for periodic review of the standards. States that the term "health benefit plan," in this subtitle, includes the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act). Requires the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data. Permits the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning electronic medical data for providers that are not hospitals. Requires hospitals, in order to participate in Medicare, to: (1) maintain clinical data in a set of comprehensive data elements in electronic form on all patients; and (2) upon the Secretary's request, transmit electronically the data set and any data from such set. Provides for electronic transmission to Federal agencies. Prohibits a health benefit plan, if standards with respect to data elements are promulgated with respect to a class of provider, from requiring for the purpose of utilization review or as a condition of providing benefits under the plan that a provider in the class: (1) provide any data element not in the set of comprehensive data elements; or (2) transmit or present any such data element in a manner inconsistent with applicable standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission of hospital executive and data base managers, physicians, health services researchers, and technical experts in the collection and use of data and operation of data systems. Authorizes appropriations for such commission. Requires the Secretary, in order to assure the availability of comparative value information to purchasers of health care in each State, to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program that meets stated criteria. Permits grants to a State for the development of its health care value information program. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Requires the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to individuals to promptly develop health care value information relating to each program that such head administers. Directs the Secretary to develop model systems to facilitate: (1) the gathering of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome; and (2) analyzing such data to permit the valid comparison of such data. Authorizes appropriations for the development of such model systems. Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to the design and use of magnetized Medicare identification cards for the purpose of assisting health care providers in determining eligibility and billing. Authorizes appropriations. Nullifies any State law requiring that medical or health insurance records be maintained in written rather than electronic form. Requires each health benefit plan: (1) for each of its beneficiaries that has a social security number, to use that number as an identification number for claims processing; and (2) for each provider that has a unique identifier for Medicare purposes, to use that identifier for claims processing. Requires the Secretary to determine whether problems relating to the rules for determining liability when benefits are payable under two or more plans or the availability of information among such plans causes significant administrative problems, and if so, directs the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning liability and the transfer of information among plans. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to qualified entities to demonstrate the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring patient care and in improving patient care. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts (Medisave) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee any amount contributed by the employer to a medical savings account pursuant to a qualified medical savings account plan. Sets contribution limits. Defines a "medical savings account" as a trust created exclusively for purpose of paying an individual's medical expenses. Permits expenses from such account only to the extent such amounts are not compensated for by insurance. Subjects the employee to taxation as owner of the account. Subtitle D: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify Medicaid contracting requirements for coordinated care services. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified Medicaid requirements with respect to nursing facilities located in a State if the State provides assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the waiver of such requirements will not adversely affect the quality of life of the residents in such facilities. Subtitle E: Limitations on Physician Self-Referrals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend physician self-referral limitations to all payors as well as to certain additional services. Revises exceptions. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study in order to estimate the changes in aggregate costs for designated health services, under the Medicare program and other health plans, which will result from the implementation of the amendments made by this subtitle. Subtitle F: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care - Preempts managed care restrictions under State law. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Subtitle G: Medicare Payment Changes - Amends the Medicare program to make revisions in the methodology for determining updates to Medicare hospital payments. Provides for a reduction in Medicare payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Subtitle H: Modification of the Operation of the Antitrust Laws to Hospitals - Permits two or more hospitals, without violating the antitrust laws, to share expensive medical services or high technology equipment. Directs the Secretary to grant waivers to exempt hospitals from the antitrust laws in order to carry out agreements permitting such sharing. Sets forth reporting requirements. Subtitle I: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Prohibits damages, interest on damages, costs, or attorney's fees from being recovered under the Clayton Act or any similar State law from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients.

To prohibit the transfer of excess Department of Defense construction and fire equipment to foreign governments.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exclude construction and fire equipment from the definition of "excess defense articles" for purposes of restricting the transfer of such equipment to foreign countries.

Used Oil Recycling Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992

Used Oil Recycling Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the listing or identification of used oil destined for recycling, used oil to be burned for energy recovery, recycled oil, or affiliated material as hazardous wastes. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) promulgate regulations for the management of used oil and to encourage recycling of such oil; and (2) take into account the effect of such regulatons on small businesses. Exempts from such regulations used oil generated, collected, or stored by an individual who removes oil from the engine of a motor vehicle, aircraft, household appliance, or item of domestic equipment if owned by such individual and used only for personal purposes. Sets forth regulation requirements for used oil generators, including to: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground tank unless it meets specified requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) make used oil in above ground tanks subject to the Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Control Plan requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (4) require owners or operators of such tanks or other used oil containers to notify the Administrator of releases of used oil in excess of 25 gallons and to clean up such releases and comply with closure or disposal requirements. Authorizes the transfer of used oil by generators only to: (1) a permitted used oil recycling facility or a burner of used oil for energy recovery that complies with specifed regulations; (2) a permitted hazardous waste management facility; or (3) a used oil transporter obligated by contract to deliver used oil to another such transporter or to one of the aforementioned facilities. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for generators, transporters, and recyclers and requires records to be maintained for at least three years. Applies used oil storage and transfer requirements for generators to transporters, except permits transporters to store such oil for only 60 days before transferring it to another transporter or authorized facility. Requires transporters to: (1) comply with all requirements of the Secretary of Transportation for the shipping of used oil; (2) comply with financial responsibility requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; and (3) have identification numbers provided by the Administrator. Sets forth regulation requirements for recyclers of used oil. Exempts from regulations used oil generated by: (1) petroleum refining or exploration, production or transportation facilities, or bulk terminals which is to be refined or processed along with normal process streams at a refining facility; and (2) a manufacturer or processor or by an electric or gas utility that is processed, reclaimed, or refined by such generator or its parent, subsidiary, or corporate affiliate, provided that the oil is reused by such entities and such activities meet certain storage, shipping, financial responsibility, contingency, and release detection requirements under this Act. Applies storage requirements similar to those for generators and transporters to recyclers, as well as requiring: (1) aboveground storage tanks and containers of used oil recyclers to comply with hazardous waste storage standards; (2) recyclers to maintain contingency plans to minimize unanticipated damage from used oil; (3) recyclers to comply with requirements for maintenance and operation of used oil recycling facilities and training of personnel; (4) detection of releases of used oil at recycling facilities and cleanup; (5) testing by recyclers, prior to processing, of all used oil received for levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, halogens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other materials, as appropriate, and for the testing of fuel for such materials before it leaves the facility; (6) the separate storage of used oil contaminated with any hazardous waste for a specified time period; (7) financial responsibility equivalent to that required for hazardous waste facilities; and (8) class permits for recycling facilities. Requires the Administrator to conduct annual inspections of used oil recycling facilities to determine compliance with permit requirements. Makes a facility ineligible to apply for a permit if: (1) the facility has utilized any pit, pond, lagoon, or other surface impoundment for containing used oil; and (2) there has been a release from such impoundments which requires corrective action or is otherwise subject to post closure care requirements. Permits States to be authorized by the Administrator to carry out permit programs. Prohibits: (1) the placement of used oil in such impoundments or in any uncovered tank; (2) the mixing of used oil with a hazardous waste unless the mixture is managed as a hazardous waste; and (3) the use of used oil as a dust suppressant. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the closure of such impoundments and tanks containing used oil, to include requirements for: (1) corrective action or postclosure care; (2) allowable fuel specification levels for lead and halogens for the burning of used oil for energy recovery; and (3) lead levels for the burning of industrial specification used oil. Requires oil fuels failing to meet lead limitations to be burned in specified facilities. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the hazards associated with the improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from legitimate used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines to assist State and local governments and other public service organizations in the development of used oil collection programs. Makes used oil generators who comply with this Act eligible for an exclusion from cost recovery authorities of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Directs the Administrator to propose regulations establishing guidelines for the procurement of used oil by Federal agencies and other governmental entities.

Postal Patron Privacy Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1992

Postal Patron Privacy Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Postal Service to permit its officers or employees to disclose the names and addresses of postal patrons if such disclosure: (1) consists of information relating to a change of address that was obtained on a Postal Service form which informed the patron of how the information would be disclosed and provided a means for the patron to deny disclosure; (2) has not been denied; and (3) would contribute to the efficiency of postal operations.

Expressing the support of the Congress for the 1992 reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is the cornerstone of U.S. efforts to: (1) improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives; (2) maintain a high quality and cost effective health care system; and (3) provide a framework within which American Indians and Alaska Natives can participate in health care decisions affecting their communities.

Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992

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

Environment and Economic Stability Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992

Environment and Economic Stability Act of 1992 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require an analysis of the economic costs and benefits of determining that a species is endangered or threatened before including it on either of such lists. States that such analysis shall be separate from any determination of a species' endangered or threatened status. Prohibits the regulatory taking of private property under such Act unless the Attorney General has certified that the issuing agency is in compliance with a specified executive order or a similar procedure regarding such assessments. Transfers authority of the Endangered Species Committee (Committee) to grant Federal agency exemptions to the appropriate Secretaries (Interior, Commerce, or Agriculture). Establishes a right of appeal to the Committee for the denial of an exemption permit. Revises provisions regarding: (1) prohibitions with respect to endangered species; and (2) status determinations, including data collection, peer review, and species estimation. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations before a subspecies or distinct population segment of a species may be considered endangered or threatened. Transfers authority to develop and implement species recovery plans from the Secretary to the appropriate Secretaries (Interior, Commerce, or Agriculture). Provides for the consideration of alternatives and public participation in the development of such plans. Provides, with regard to experimental populations, for: (1) release in National Park or National Wildlife Refuge lands whenever possible; and (2) efforts to protect public and domestic animal safety and welfare in cases of release outside such lands.

Designating September 18, 1992, as "National POW/MIA Recognition Day", and authorizing display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag.

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.

To extend emergency crop loss assistance to agricultural producers who suffered crop losses in 1991 and 1992 due to infestations of sweetpotato whitefly and to authorize research to minimize or prevent future infestations.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Extends emergency crop loss assistance to producers who lost crops during the period July 1, 1991, to April 15, 1992, to infestations of sweetpotato whitefly. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide specified funds to the Cooperative State Research Service for expanded research on sweetpotato whitefly control.

To further clarify authorities and duties of the Secretary of Agriculture in issuing ski area permits on National Forest System lands.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Revises formulae for ski area permit fees for National Forest System lands.

National Forest Health Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

National Forest Health Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare an annual Forest Health Report for the National Forest System which shall contain: (1) an inventory of forest health; and (2) a review of management activities aimed at reducing forest mortality due to fire, drought, disease, insects, or other catastrophe. Authorizes salvage timber sales as a management activity in specified circumstances, and sets forth sales procedures for certain roadless and other areas. Prohibits salvage sales: (1) with respect to specified National Forest System lands (management plan lands unsuitable for timber production, Wilderness Preservation System lands withdrawn from timber production); and (2) if the sale would result in a quantity of timber offered for sale exceeding specified limits.

To clarify authorities of the Secretary of Agriculture in considering and issuing certain special use permits on National Forest system lands.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit specified tracts of land on or near National Forest ski areas to be used for construction of employee housing.

To amend the Historic Preservation Act.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Amends the Historic Preservation Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) promulgate regulations outlining procedures for making eligibility determinations for the National Register of Historic Places; and (2) make such determinations promptly upon receipt of a request from any Federal agency, State or local government, or person which may be affected by such determination. Specifies that: (1) such regulations shall provide that only the Secretary is empowered to make a formal determination of eligibility; and (2) prior to making a determination that any property or district, five acres or larger, is eligible for the Register and therefore subject to the review process, the local governing body with authority for making land use determinations shall be given the opportunity to concur in or object to such determination (and if a simple majority objects, the Secretary shall take no further action with respect to the property until such objection is withdrawn). Deletes a requirement that such regulations include provisions to carry out specified purposes of such Act with respect to the multiple ownership of a single property.

Wetlands Delineation Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Wetlands Delineation Fairness Act - Requires Federal wetlands delineation criteria regarding wetland hydrology to apply uniformly to all areas, including areas known as playas, playa lakes, prairie potholes, vernal pools, and pocosins. Defines "wetland hydrology" as the number of consecutive days that an area must be inundated or saturated with water.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for the purchase of a principal residence by first-time homebuyers.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence a tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price of such residence. Limits the credit to $5,000. Requires married individuals filing jointly to both be first-time homebuyers. Allows the use of 50 percent of the credit in the first taxable year in which the residence is purchased and the remaining 50 percent in the succeeding taxable year. Makes this credit applicable to residences acquired after February 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1993, or for which a binding contract is entered into during such period.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should extend for a period of one year the 90-day moratorium on new unnecessary federal regulations.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should extend for one year the 90-day moratorium on new unnecessary Federal regulations ordered in the President's Memorandum on Reducing the Burden of Government Regulations, dated January 28, 1992.

Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992

Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on a commercial agricultural crop or site where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; (2) the acreage expected to be treated as a result of that use is less than 300,000 acres annually or the agricultural crop represents production from less than 300,000 acres annually; (3) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support initial or continuing registration; and (4) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if it is determined that the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the incremental risk presented by the minor use and that such risk would have an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data. Terminates the exclusive use of such data if the registration is voluntarily cancelled, or if the data are used to support a nonminor use. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Grants registrants who make good faith requests for minor use waivers regarding required data, and whose requests are denied, a full time period for providing such data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to four years if the registrant provides data to support other uses of the pesticide and a schedule to assure that the data production will be completed before the expiration of the extension. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks. Prohibits amendments if the pesticide meets or exceeds risk criteria associated with human dietary exposure and other specified conditions. Provides for extensions of minor use registration and data submission deadlines in cases where a registrant is not providing data to support a minor use but is providing data in a timely fashion to support other uses. Requires the Administrator, when a minor use registration application is filed no later than two years after another registrant voluntarily cancels registration for a similar use, to evaluate such application as if the voluntary cancellation had not yet taken place for purposes of data use, subject to environmental risk considerations. Directs EPA to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program within the Office of Pesticide Programs. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture matching fund minor use program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals, including the data to support minor use pesticide registrations.

Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992

Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies - Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior (Secretaries) to make available employee rental or leasing housing on or off lands under each Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes joint public-private competitive leases for construction of field employee quarters. Allows for: (1) Federal contributions; (2) occupancy guarantees; (3) joint development authority by the Secretaries; and (4) contracts for field employee quarters management. Authorizes the sale of field employee quarters, or the lease of land for such quarters, to agency employees or to a cooperative made up exclusively of such employees. Authorizes the leasing of seasonal employee quarters where the need is temporary and leasing is more cost effective than construction. Allows nongovernmental leasing when not required for agency use. Requires each of the Secretaries to: (1) survey and prioritize for repair existing employee housing for land management agencies under their respective jurisdictions; and (2) submit such survey to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires housing funds to follow such priority survey. Requires rental income to be deposited in an agency special fund. Authorizes cooperative agreements with Federal, State or local, Indian, or private entities to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities necessary to field employee housing. Authorizes appropriations.

Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992

Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies - Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior (Secretaries) to make available employee rental or leasing housing on or off lands under each Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes joint public-private competitive leases for construction of field employee quarters. Allows for: (1) Federal contributions; (2) occupancy guarantees; (3) joint development authority by the Secretaries; and (4) contracts for field employee quarters management. Authorizes the sale of field employee quarters, or the lease of land for such quarters, to agency employees or to a cooperative made up exclusively of such employees. Authorizes the leasing of seasonal employee quarters where the need is temporary and leasing is more cost effective than construction. Allows nongovernmental leasing when not required for agency use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with regard to the rollover of gain on the sale of a principal residence, to suspend (for up to six years) the two-year residential repurchase period for Department of the Interior or the Forest Service field employees. Requires each of the Secretaries to: (1) survey and prioritize for repair existing employee housing for land management agencies under their respective jurisdictions; and (2) submit such survey to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires housing funds to follow such priority survey. Requires rental income to be deposited in an agency special fund. Authorizes cooperative agreements with Federal, State or local, Indian, or private entities to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities necessary to field employee housing. Authorizes appropriations.

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.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that equitable mental health care benefits must be included in any health care reform legislation passed by the Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992

Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation passed by the Congress to address American health care needs must include coverage for mental disorders.

Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992

Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1992 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prescribe guidelines for: (1) issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of nuclear reactor combined construction and operating licenses; and (2) post-construction hearings on such licenses. Provides for judicial review of final Commission orders affecting such licenses.

Black Bear Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992

Black Bear Protection Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the export of American black bear viscera. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress on the American black bear viscera trade. Requires the United States Trade Representative to discuss issues involving such trade with countries that are the leading importers of such products.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the prior law exclusion for scholarships and fellowships.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992

Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal the provision taxing scholarships and fellowships, and to exclude them from gross income, beginning with the 1987 tax year. Waives the statute of limitations for related refund or credit claims filed within one year of enactment of this Act.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into challenge cost-share agreements, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1992

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into challenge cost-share agreements with regard to National Forest System or Forest Service functions or responsibilities. Requires contribution funds to be deposited in the Trust Fund for Cooperative Work, Forest Service, or a successor account.

Motorcycle Rider Responsibility Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992

Motorcycle Rider Responsibility Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to revise eligibility requirements with respect to grants to States for traffic safety programs to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants if the State has in effect a law which makes unlawful the operation of a motorcycle by a covered individual (any individual under age 21 and any individual who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for less than two calendar years) who is not wearing a motorcycle helmet, or an individual whenever there is a passenger under age 21 on the motorcycle who is not wearing a helmet. (Current law calls upon States to require any individual regardless of age to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.) Adds as a further requirement for such grants (including second-year and third-year grants) that States have a law requiring any individual under age 21 to complete a motorcycle safety rider course before being issued a motorcycle operator's license.

To amend title 23, United States Code, to repeal a penalty for noncompliance by States with a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992

Repeals penalties for noncompliance by States with a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets.

Oil and Gas Exploration Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992

Oil and Gas Exploration Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove percentage depletion and intangible drilling costs from computation of the alternative minimum tax. Makes permanent the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Allows such credit to offset the alternative minimum tax. Limits such credit to the production of a specified amount of gas or oil from any one well or in any one facility.

Access to Justice Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992

Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorney fees or costs shall not be included. Provides that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) shall be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorney fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the action. Specifies that such fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party up to the amount of such fees of the nonprevailing party or, if the nonprevailing party receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the reasonable value of such services. Requires the counsel of record in any such action, in order to receive attorney fees, to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered to the extent that it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorney fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or in which the United States, any State, or any agency, officer, or employee thereof is a party. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorney fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions for the calculation of such cost of living adjustment. Amends the Federal judicial code to require the potential plaintiff, at least 30 days before filing suit in a civil action brought in a U.S. district court, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses. Directs such plaintiff, at the commencement of the action, to file in such court a a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations that would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where a defendant or assets are subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such notice requirements have not been met by the plaintiff and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days after service of the summons or complaint, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorney fees, shall be be imposed upon the plaintiff. Permits the plaintiff, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is transmitted as provided by this Act and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorney fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the action or proceeding: (1) in any civil action commenced by the United States; (2) in civil proceedings involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) in a case in which the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorney fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district court to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC); and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Terminates such designation and the program after three years. Requires every court which has been designated as an MDC to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan providing for: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, or arbitrators; and (4) standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues and whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each assigned judge or magistrate judge conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after the complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to use nonbinding ADR procedures (such as early evaluation by a neutral party, mediation, minitrials, summary jury trial, and arbitration) in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy. Authorizes the district courts to: (1) use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, and arbitrators; and (2) establish their compensation, subject to limits established by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Makes it the duty of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information and report annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General on the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits). Provides that: (1) a State judicial officer shall not be held liable for any costs, including attorney fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission of such officer while acting in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree in the action was violated by such officer or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime and confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. (Current law calls for a 90-day extension if the court believes it would be appropriate and in the interests of justice.) Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center determinations regarding ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay. Provides that a court in banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service, with exceptions. Repeals a provision authorizing any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals.

Designating the week beginning November 1, 1992, as "National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992

Designates the week beginning November 1, 1992, as National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the use of Armed Forces insignia on State motor vehicle license plates issued to members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1992

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to approve an application by a State to use or imitate the seal or other insignia of such military department or of the armed forces on motor vehicle license plates issued by the State to an individual who is a member or former member of the armed forces. Authorizes such Secretary to prescribe any regulations necessary regarding the display of such seals or insignias on license plates.