United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1993
Urges the Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to cooperate with the U.S. Postal Service and the Polly Klaas Search Center to use nationwide mailings to disseminate information concerning the kidnapping of Polly Klaas. Commends the community of Petaluma, California, the Petaluma Police Department, and the FBI for their hard work on this case.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1993
Establishes a toll-free number to inform consumers regarding: (1) whether a product is made in America; (2) where products may be purchased; and (3) the purchase of products. Allows registration of American-made products.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Managed Competition in Employer-Based Health Plans: Incentives to Control Costs Subtitle A: Use of Tax Incentives to Purchase Cost-Effective Plans Subtitle B: Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives (HPPCs) Subtitle C: Accountable Health Plans (AHPs) Subtitle D: Health Care Standards Commission Subtitle E: Managed Competition in Rural and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle F: Treatment of Chronically Underserved Areas Subtitle G: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements Subtitle H: Definitions Title II: Low-Income Assistance for Health Coverage Subtitle A: Low-Income Assistance Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Phase-Down Assistance to States Subtitle C: Financing Subtitle D: Repeal of Medicaid Program Title III: Training and Education of Health Care Professionals Subtitle A: Reform of Federal Funding for Medical Residency Training Subtitle B: Other Medical Education Grants and Programs Title IV: Preventive Health and Individual Responsibility Subtitle A: Expansion of Public Health Programs Subtitle B: Medicare Title V: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines Title VI: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title VII: Additional Benefits On a Pay-As-You-Go Basis Managed Competition Act of 1993 - Title I: Managed Competition in Employer-Based Health Plans: Incentives to Control Costs - Subtitle A: Use of Tax Incentives to Purchase Cost-Effective Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the excess health plan expenses of any employer which are health plan expenses exceeding specific limits under an accountable health plan for a defined geographical area. (Sec. 1002) Increases to 100 percent and makes permanent the deduction for health plan premium expenses of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 1003) Permits the deduction for medical, dental, etc. expenses without regard to the limitation on such deduction with respect to amounts paid for premiums under an accountable health plan. (Sec. 1004) Provides for the exclusion from gross income of contributions by a partnership or S corporation to a health plan covering partners or shareholders. (Sec. 1006) Eliminates the commonality of interest and geographic location requirements with respect to group purchasing by large tax-exempt organizations. Subtitle B: Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives (HPPCs) - Provides for the establishment of Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives (HPPCs). Considers each State to be a HPPC, except that a State may subdivide into HPPC areas, and that there may be interstate HPPCs, as specified. Requires HPPCs to enter into agreements with accountable health plans and small employers, offer enrollment in accountable health plans, and charge premiums. Subtitle C: Accountable Health Plans (AHPs) - Directs the Health Care Standards Commission to provide a process whereby a health plan may be registered with the Commission by its sponsor as an accountable health plan. Sets forth requirements for a plan to be registered, including: (1) coverage for a specified uniform set of benefits, including cost-sharing for low-income individuals; (2) standard premiums for the uniform benefits; (3) grievance procedures; (4) collecting and providing specified information; (5) prohibiting discrimination in enrollment or benefits; and (6) financial solvency. (Sec. 1208) Sets forth additional requirements for open AHPs, which is any plan which is not closed. Defines a closed plan as one limited by structure or law to one or more large employers. (Sec. 1211) Requires each AHP to provide for payment of one percent of gross premium receipts to the National Medical Education Fund. (Sec. 1221) Sets forth provisions concerning the preemption of State laws for AHPs. (Sec. 1231) Directs the President to provide for the development and publication of guidelines on the application of Federal antitrust laws to AHPs. (Sec. 1232) Provides for the issuance of certificates of public advantage by the Attorney General to eligible health care joint ventures which, if followed, exempt such ventures from antitrust liability. Subtitle D: Health Care Standards Commission - Establishes, as an independent agency in the Executive Branch, a Health Care Standards Commission. Requires the Commission to transmit annually to the Congress recommendations for the uniform set of effective benefits. States that such recommendations shall apply unless the Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval. (Sec. 1303) Directs the Commission to provide for the initial organization, as a nonprofit corporation, of the Benefits, Evaluations, and Data Standards Board in order to make recommendations to the Commission concerning the uniform set of effective benefits and matters related to the evaluation of health care services. (Sec. 1304) Directs the Commission to provide for the initial organization, as a nonprofit organization of the Health Plan Standards Board in order to make recommendations to the Commission concerning the standards for AHPs and concerning its assessment of risk-adjustment factors. (Sec. 1305) Sets forth provisions concerning the registration of AHPs. (Sec. 1306) Directs the Commission to establish rules for the process of risk-adjustment of premiums among AHPs by HPPCs. (Sec. 1307) Directs the Commission to publish information concerning procedures, their prices, and their quality. (Sec. 1309) Establishes, within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency for Clinical Evaluations which shall assume the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Medical Applications of Research at the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the Office of Research and Demonstrations of the Health Care Financing Administration (insofar as such responsibilities relate to clinical evaluations), the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research under title IX of the Public Health Service Act, as well as other specified responsibilities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1311) Prohibits the Commission from establishing or enforcing any controls on health care spending. (Sec. 1313) Authorizes appropriations for the Commission through FY 2000. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1999. Subtitle E: Managed Competition in Rural and Urban Underserved Areas - Authorizes the Governor of any State to designate rural and urban areas of a State as underserved areas. Permits a HPPC serving such an area to require AHPs offered by the HPPC and with a service area adjoining such area to include the area as part of their service area. (Sec. 1411) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) technical assistance for entities seeking to establish a network plan in an underserved area; (2) financial assistance to eligible entities in order to provide for the development and implementation of AHPs in rural areas; and (3) under the Public Health Service Act, migrant health centers and community health centers. (Sec. 1422) Provides coverage under part B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for rural emergency access care hospital services. (Sec. 1431) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments for transitional assistance to eligible hospitals. Requires any hospital accepting such assistance to provide a significant volume of services to persons unable to pay for services. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Treatment of Chronically Underserved Areas - Directs the Health Care Standards Commission to develop standards for the identification of chronically underserved areas. Makes provisions for addressing health care delivery in such areas. Subtitle G: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements - Repeals the COBRA continuation requirements for group health plans and title XXII of the Public Health Service Act. Subtitle H: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for this title and title II. Title II: Low-Income Assistance for Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Low-Income Assistance - Provides premium assistance for very-low income individuals and moderately low-income individuals. Provides for nominal cost-sharing for such individuals and special assistance for certain items and services. Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Phase-Down Assistance to States - Provides for long-term care phase-down assistance to eligible States for each calendar quarter in 1995 through 1998. Subtitle C: Financing - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to achieve savings under such program by: (1) reducing the update for inpatient hospital services; (2) reducing the conversion factor for the physician fee schedule for non-primary care services; and (3) reducing hospital outpatient services through establishing a prospective payment system. (Sec. 2204) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a Medicare part B premium tax on higher-income individuals. (Sec. 2205) Achieves additional Medicare savings through the: (1) phased-in elimination of Medicare disproportionate share adjustment payments; (2) reduction of routine cost limits for home health services; (3) reduction in routine cost limits for extended care services; and (4) reductions in payments for hospice services. Subtitle D: Repeal of Medicaid Program - Repeals title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Title III: Training and Education of Health Care Professionals - Subtitle A: Reform of Federal Funding for Medical Residency Training - Directs the Health Care Standards Commission to approve a resident training position in medical residency program for purposes of funding approved medical residency training programs under this title. Provides funding, in addition, for physician retraining. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the allocation of entry positions among programs; and (2) the general distribution of positions among specialties. (Sec. 3004) Requires payment by AHPs of one percent of gross premium receipts to the National Medical Education Fund. Requires payments from the Medicare trust funds to the National Medical Education Fund. (Sec. 3005) Establishes the National Medical Education Fund. Subtitle B: Other Medical Education Grants and Programs - Authorizes appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for medical education programs, including: (1) the scholarship and loan repayment programs of the National Health Service Corps; (2) area education centers; (3) public health and preventive medicine; (4) family medicine; (5) general internal medicine and pediatrics; (6) physician assistants; (7) allied health projects grants and contracts; and (8) nurse practitioner and nurse midwife programs. Title IV: Preventive Health and Individual Responsibility - Subtitle A: Expansion of Public Health Programs - Authorizes appropriations under the Public Health Service Act for the following public health programs: (1) immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases; (2) prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers; (5) the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; (6) the Office of Minority Health; (7) preventive health and health services block grant; (8) categorical grants for early intervention regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and (9) programs of the Centers for Disease Control regarding the smoking of tobacco products. Directs the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to promote individual responsibility in personal health care and in the use of valuable health care resources. Subtitle B: Medicare - Provides Medicare coverage for: (1) screening fecal-occult blood tests and screening flexible sigmoidoscopies for the purpose of the early detection of cancer; (2) tetanus-diphtheria boosters; (3) well-child services; and (4) an annual screening mammography for women over age 64. Title V: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth the findings, purpose, and definitions for this title. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice liability action in a State court unless there has been an initial resolution under an alternative dispute resolution system. Limits the total noneconomic damages in such actions to $250,000. Sets limits on attorney's fees. Makes special provision for obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) - Establishes requirements for State alternative dispute resolution systems. Provides for grants to States to assist in implementation of such systems. Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for the development of medical practice guidelines for health care professionals that may be applied to resolve medical malpractice liability claims. Title VI: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. Ensures the confidential treatment of electronic health care information. Sets forth provisions which provide for: (1) the standardization of electronic health information; (2) uniform claims forms; (3) the liability of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more plans; and (4) the uniformity of the availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two or more plans. (Sec. 6007) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on a health plan not in compliance with specified requirements of this title. Title VII: Additional Benefits On a Pay-As-You-Go Basis - Expresses the sense of the Congress that additional benefits should be provided by the Federal Government to the extent that additional financing is made available on a pay-as-you-go basis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1993
Supports: (1) freedom and democracy in Nigeria; (2) the wishes of the voters of Nigeria as displayed in the presidential election of June 12, 1993; and (3) extension of limited sanctions now in place against the unelected interim government to include trade sanctions. Declares that the Congress does not recognize the interim government as legitimate. Encourages the President to direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to urge the Security Council to: (1) not recognize the interim government as legitimate; and (2) take action to mediate the removal of such government for purposes of installing the democratically-elected government of June 12, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1993
Supports President Yeltsin's insistence on free and fair elections to allow the peoples of the Russian Federation the opportunity to elect a representative legislature. Applauds President Clinton for voicing his support for President Yeltsin. Expects that President Yeltsin will ensure that elections are held as planned in December 1993. Calls upon the President of the United States, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and the community of nations to offer assistance in facilitating the electoral process in the Russian Federation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should support the process of nonviolent democratic reform in Vietnam; (2) the Secretary of State should declare U.S. support for the democratization of Vietnam and reaffirm that progress on the POW/MIA issue is critical to normalizing economic and diplomatic relations; (3) the administration should take the lead in mobilizing the United Nations and other groups to work toward promoting human rights, the rule of law, and free and democratic elections in Vietnam; and (4) the United States should increase its support for Voice of America programming in Vietnam.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993
General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to set forth a 15-year statute of limitations within which a person may bring a civil action against an aircraft manufacturer for damages for death or injury or damage to property arising from an aircraft accident.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork on the Public Title III: Enhancing Federal Agency Responsibility and Accountability for Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork Title IV: Enhancing Government Responsibility and Accountability for Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork Title V: Enhancing Agency Responsibility for Sharing and Disseminating Public Information Title VI: Additional Government Information Management Responsibility Title VII: Effective Dates Paperwork Reduction Act of 1993 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Title II: Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork on the Public - Applies the Act to all federally sponsored paperwork. Requires a Government-wide paperwork reduction goal of at least five percent and individual agency goals that aggregate to the Government-wide goal. Title III: Enhancing Federal Agency Responsibility and Accountability for Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork - Makes the senior official charged with carrying out the responsibilities of a Federal agency under the Act the head of a separate office with qualified staff responsible for assuring agency compliance with requirements under the Act. Requires each agency to: (1) prepare estimates of the burden that will result from proposed collections of information; (2) develop a strategic Information Resources Management Plan; and (3) establish oversight procedures for agency information systems. Requires each agency head to establish a certification process for the review of each information collection request before it is submitted to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Title IV: Enhancing Government Responsibility and Accountability for Reducing the Burden of Federal Paperwork - Makes the OMB Director responsible for ensuring that all information collection requests display an estimate of the paperwork burden for each response. Requires OMB procedures in order for agencies to estimate such burden. Requires OMB pilot projects to test approaches to improve information management practices and related activities. Reduces the time afforded the OMB Director for approving a routine agency request to collect information. Provides for greater participation by the public and Federal agencies in the review of proposed paperwork burdens generated by agency information requests. Requires the OMB Director to make publicly available any decision to disapprove a collection of information requirement contained in an agency rule, together with the reasons for such decision. Provides protection for whistleblowers of unauthorized Federal paperwork burdens. Provides for expedited OMB review of an agency information request with a reduced paperwork burden. Title V: Enhancing Agency Responsibility for Sharing and Disseminating Public Information - Provides for Government-wide standards for sharing and disseminating public information. Imposes certain responsibilities on Federal agencies for sharing and disseminating public information. Abolishes the Federal Information Locator System established in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and replaces it with a system in each agency for providing public access via electronic and other means to a comprehensive inventory of agency information dissemination products. Title VI: Additional Government Information Management Responsibility - Revises the statistical policy and coordination functions of the OMB Director. Requires the OMB Director to: (1) establish an interagency working group on statistical policy to coordinate agency statistical activities; and (2) provide training in the statistical policy functions of the chief statistician to Federal employees. Provides for the use of electronic information collection and dissemination techniques to reduce the Federal paperwork burden. Requires the OMB Director's annual report to the Congress to list any increased Federal paperwork burdens and describe each agency's plans to implement the applicable policies, standards, and guidelines under the Act. Requires the OMB Director to develop a plan for meeting the automatic data processing needs of the Federal Government in accordance with the Act and certain requirements of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Title VII: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: School-to-Work Opportunities Basic Program Components Title II: School-to-Work Opportunities System Development and Implementation Grants to States Subtitle A: State Development Grants Subtitle B: State Implementation Grants Title III: Federal Implementation Grants to Partnerships Title IV: National Programs Title V: General Provisions School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1993 - Establishes a national framework for development of School-to-Work Opportunities systems in all States. Declares the congressional intent that the Secretaries of Education and Labor jointly administer this Act in a flexible manner. Directs the Secretaries to jointly administer the programs established by this Act. Title I: School-to-Work Opportunities Basic Program Components - Requires School-to-Work Opportunities (SWO) programs to: (1) integrate work-based and school-based learning; (2) provide students with the opportunity to complete career majors; and (3) incorporate specified program components including work-based and school-based learning and connecting activities. Title II: School-to-Work Opportunities System Development and Implementation Grants to States - Subtitle A: State Development Grants - Authorizes the Secretaries to award development grants to applicant States to complete development of a comprehensive, statewide SWO system. (Such development may have begun with funds awarded under the Job Training Partnership Act and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act.) Subtitle B: State Implementation Grants - Allows States to apply to the Secretaries for competitive implementation grants, with applications containing: (1) plans for comprehensive, statewide SWO systems meeting content requirements; (2) descriptions of how funds will be allocated to local SWO partnerships; and (3) optional requests for waivers of certain statutory or regulatory requirements. Title III: Federal Implementation Grants to Partnerships - Authorizes the Secretaries to award competitive SWO implementation grants to partnerships in States that have not received State implementation grants. Authorizes the Secretaries to award grants to implement SWO programs in high poverty areas. (Such funds may be awarded in combination with funds appropriated for the Youth Fair Chance Program.) Title IV: National Programs - Directs the Secretaries to provide for: (1) research, demonstration, and other projects; (2) performance outcomes and evaluation, in collaboration with States; and (3) training and technical assistance. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) State requests and responsibilities for waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements; (2) such waivers by each of the Secretaries; (3) program safeguards, including nondisplacement of current workers; and (4) acceptance of gifts. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1993
Free and Independent Cuba Assistance Act of 1993 - Requires the President, at such time as a transition government is in power in Cuba, to develop a plan for providing economic assistance to the Cuban people while such government and a democratic government are in power. Limits such assistance to humanitarian assistance while a transition government is in power. Expands such assistance to include development and agricultural assistance and export financing (as well as other specified assistance) when a democratic government is in power. Requires the President to take steps to obtain the agreement of other countries and international financial institutions to provide comparable assistance to Cuba. Directs the President to determine whether to designate Cuba as a beneficiary country pursuant to the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Requires the President, upon enactment of legislation implementing a free trade agreement between the United States and another country in the Western Hemisphere, to: (1) take steps to enter into a framework agreement with the transition government in Cuba providing for trade and investment in Cuba; and (2) enter into negotiations with a democratic government in Cuba to conclude a free trade agreement. Directs the President to communicate the plan for assistance to the Cuban people. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the President to terminate the trade embargo on Cuba upon submitting a determination that a democratic government is in power in Cuba to the Congress. Sets forth conditions under which a government in Cuba will be considered transitional or democratic.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1993
National Education Goal for Parental Participation Act - Directs the National Education Goals Panel to establish as an additional National Education Goal that, by the year 2000, every school and home will engage in partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1993
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt from specified groundwater monitoring requirements any facility: (1) at which fewer than 20 tons of municipal solid waste is disposed of daily; (2) at which there is no evidence of existing groundwater contamination; and (3) which serves a community that experiences an annual interruption of at least three consecutive months of surface transportation that prevents access to a regional waste management facility or that has no waste management alternative and is in an area that receives 25 inches or fewer of precipitation annually.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1993
Equitable Escheatment Act of 1993 - Amends specified Federal law to prescribe guidelines under which unclaimed distributions of security interests shall be subject to the custodial taking (escheatment) by the State which contains the principal executive offices of either the issuer or the holder of those securities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1993
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to: (1) require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide hospital care, and authorize such Secretary to provide nursing home care, to veterans exposed to environmental hazards during their military service; (2) make eligible for hospital and nursing home care for any disability of a Persian Gulf War veteran who was exposed to environmental hazards; (3) extend the authority for all such care through FY 2003; and (4) provide priority outpatient care for any disability of a Persian Gulf War veteran exposed during such service to environmental hazards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Army Title II: Navy Title III: Air Force Title IV: Defense Agencies Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title VII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title VIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Subtitle C: Land Transactions Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, to carry out architectural planning and design activities, and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for FY 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title II: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title I. Title III: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title I. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1994 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1993 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1993 for the Guard and Reserve forces for acquisition, architectural planning and design activities, and construction of facilities. Title VII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI of this Act on October 1, 1996, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1997, whichever is later. Extends certain FY 1991 military construction projects. Title VIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes - Makes miscellaneous changes with respect to military construction and family housing programs. Subtitle B: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Amends the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize the Secretary to: (1) contract with local governments for the provision of community services at military installations to be closed; and (2) receive further funding for environmental restoration activities at such installations. Subtitle C: Land Transactions - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to: (1) Washington Gas Company, Virginia, the natural gas distribution system at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; (2) American Water Company, Virginia, the water distribution system at Fort Lee, Virginia; and (3) Blackstone, Virginia, the waste water treatment facility at Fort Pickett, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1993
Bankruptcy Amendments of 1993 - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to raise to $1 million the ceiling on debts for eligibility to file as a chapter 13 debtor (bankrupt consumer repayment of debt under court supervision). (Currently the ceiling is $100,000 for unsecured debts, or $350,000 for certain secured debts.) Modifies the guidelines for: (1) chapter 13 bankruptcies; (2) automatic stays; (3) exemptions; (4) discharges; and (5) preferences. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to compile and make available to the public statistical information regarding bankruptcy cases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Title II: Advanced Space Technology Program Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Space Activities Title IV: Aeronautics Research and Technology National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Places an aggregate limit on FY 1994 authorization of appropriations under this subtitle, except for Space Station Freedom (appropriations authorized through FY 2000). Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) to provide the Congress with a job loss transition plan as it restructures space station management. (Sec. 101 through 105) Authorizes NASA appropriations for: (1) research and development; (2) space flight, control, and data communications; (3) construction of facilities research and program management; and (4) the Inspector General. Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities, including: (1) expenditure prerequisites with respect to management transfer of the External Tank Program from the Marshall Space Flight Center; (2) authorizations available for disaster relief; and (3) a facility plan and analysis for NASA facilities in Yellow Creek, Mississippi. Title II: Advanced Space Technology Program - Directs the Administrator of NASA to establish an advanced space technology investment program to: (1) advance U.S. industrial competitiveness; (2) encourage industry-led consortia to develop critical technologies; and (3) encourage industrial participation from entities not part of the traditional Federal contracting base. (Sec. 206) Directs the Administrator to coordinate a technology procurement initiative. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Space Activities - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize FY 1994 appropriations to carry out such Act. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make space transportation infrastructure matching grants. Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations. (Sec. 304) States that the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce shall be responsible for the development and coordination of all commercial space policy recommendations and activities, except for functions and activities statutorily authorized to other agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the Office. (Sec. 305) Provides for domestic procurement by NASA. (Sec. 306) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 307) Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to require NASA to develop a Global Change Data and Information System to process, archive, and distribute data generated by the Global Change Research Program. (Sec. 308) Directs the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop an access plan for data from classified archives and systems for global change research. (Sec. 309) Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a plan for control of orbital debris. (Sec. 310) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to state that NASA activities should include support of private sector space technologies development. (Sec. 311 and 312) Directs NASA to study: (1) the differences between U.S. and foreign expendable space launch systems; and (2) the feasibility and potential implementation of a University Innovative Research Program. (Sec. 314) Requires NASA cost-type research and development contracts to incorporate contractor performance provisions. (Sec. 315) Authorizes NASA to accept certain land conveyances from the cities of Cleveland and Brook Park, Ohio, in order to establish a Visitor Center for the Lewis Research Center. (Sec. 316) Directs the Administrator to establish within the Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology an expedited technology procurement demonstration program. Obligates specified funds for the program, which shall terminate ten years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 317) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator to: (1) provide farmers and other interested parties with agricultural information available through remote sensing; (2) evaluate the need for, and develop a proposal as necessary for, a radar imaging platform that could enhance agricultural resource remote sensing capability; and (3) develop a proposal to inform farmers and other users about remote sensing data. Terminates such provisions five years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 318) Directs NASA to establish new programs or functions in depressed communities. (Sec. 319) Prohibits NASA contracts with a foreign company unless such company's country offers comparable opportunities to U.S. companies, or unless comparable U.S. products or services are not reasonably available. (Sec. 320) Authorizes NASA to purchase helium from private sector sources. (Sec. 321) Requires NASA to comply with specified diversity procurement factors. Title IV: Aeronautics Research and Technology - Requires independent reviews of NASA aeronautics programs of: (1) research and development; and (2) private sector technology transfer. (Sec. 405) Directs the Administrator to study and report on Federal-private cost sharing provisions concerning wind tunnels and? related test facilities. (Sec. 406) Requires NASA and other appropriate Federal agencies to establish a joint aeronautical research and development program. (Sec. 407) Directs the Administrator to conduct an assessment of the hypersonic research plane.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the accounting standards proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board will have grave economic consequences, particularly for businesses in new-growth sectors; and (2) the Board should not change the current accounting rules by requiring that businesses deduct from profits the value of stock options.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Programs and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Programs Subtitle B: Related Provisions Title II: Organization Title III: Reauthorization Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments National Service Trust Act of 1993 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to reauthorize, revise, and reorganize national and community service and domestic volunteer programs, establish a Corporation for National Service and a National Service Trust program of Federal investment in support of national service, and provide expanded opportunities for national service and educational awards for participants. Title I: Programs and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (the Act) to establish the National Service Trust program, replacing the current American Conservation and Youth Service Corps. Authorizes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) to make matching grants to State and local governments, Indian tribes, public and private nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions for: (1) full- or part-time national service programs, including summer programs; and (2) subgrants for national service programs of other entities. Authorizes CNS to enter into agreements with other Federal agencies to support their national service programs. Directs CNS to approve national service educational awards for participants serving in CNS-assisted national service programs. Describes types of eligible national service programs addressing unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs, including community corps, youth corps, service-learning, special skills or specialized training, individualized placement, campus-based, preprofessional training, professional corps, disadvantaged youth community service, national service entrepreneur, intergenerational, or other programs. Directs CNS to establish qualification criteria. Authorizes CNS to provide the following types of program assistance: planning, operational, replication, subgrantee, training, technical, and other special assistance (including support for State commissions and challenge grants for national service programs). Requires CNS to ensure that participants in VISTA or the Civilian Community Corps receive national service educational awards, except in specified circumstances. Sets forth application and program requirements. Requires an assurance that the program assisted will not perform service that provides a direct benefit to any: (1) for-profit business; (2) labor union; (3) partisan political organization; or (4) organization engaged in religious activities (unless such service does not involve use of assistance or participants to give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any form of proselytization). Sets a minimum age for national service participants of 17, except for certain youth programs where the beginning of service may be between age 16 and 25. Sets rules for selection of participants, including selection and training of a national leadership pool. Sets a term of service at a minimum of 1,700 hours during: (1) a full-time period of nine months to one year; or (2) a part-time period of one to two years. Establishes requirements for participant living allowances. Limits the Federal share to not more than 85 percent of the VISTA volunteer allowance. Makes those who serve in approved national service positions eligible for national service educational awards. (Sec. 102) Establishes the National Service Trust in the Treasury to provide for the payment of national service educational awards. Sets forth eligibility standards for national service educational awards. Bases such awards on only the first and second terms of service. Requires that the award be used within five years after completion of the term of service. Sets the award's value at $5,000 for each term of service (up to two terms). Allows the use of such awards to: (1) repay outstanding student loans; (2) pay current educational expenses; (3) enable participation in approved school-to-work programs; and (4) pay interest during forbearance on loan repayment. Provides that awards shall not be considered: (1) in a means-test for Federal or federally-assisted benefits; or (2) as taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes conforming amendments to student loan provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Makes Stafford loan forgiveness available. (Sec. 103) Establishes School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs to replace current Programs for Students and Out-of-School Youth. Revises the Serve-America program (currently named Service-America) to include: (1) school-based programs for students; (2) community-based service programs for school-age youth; and (3) a service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes CNS to make planning grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with respect to service-learning coordinators participating in an assisted national service program or receive a national service educational award. Authorizes grants for school-based service-learning programs and community-based service programs. Directs CNS to provide financial assistance to eligible public and private nonprofit organizations to establish a service-learning clearinghouse. Adds priority criteria for the making of grants for Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service. (Sec. 104) Establishes an Investment for Quality and Innovation program to carry out specified innovation and quality improvement activities. Directs CNS to provide assistance to appropriate entities to establish one or more clearinghouses, including the service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes the President, acting through CNS, to make Presidential awards for service to individuals providing significant service, and to outstanding service programs. Provides that Civilian Community Corps members may receive educational awards (or suitable alternative benefits if ineligible for such awards). Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend the authority to conduct the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program. Subtitle B: Related Provisions - (Sec. 111-121) Makes conforming amendments and repealers to specified Federal law. Title II: Organization - (Sec. 201) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to require the establishment of State commissions on national service as a condition for receiving certain grants or allotments or a distribution of approved national service positions. Sets commission membership standards, and duties, including planning. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) as a Government corporation to administer programs under the Act. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the ACTION Agency to report directly to the CNS Chairperson (under interim authorities). Directs the Chairperson to establish (or request the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to provide) job search and related assistance to employees of the ACTION Agency who are not transferred to CNS. (Sec. 202 & 203) Transfers to CNS functions of: (1) the Commission on National and Community Service (under interim authorities); and (2) the ACTION Agency (under final authorities). Title III: Reauthorization - Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1978 (DVSA) to reauthorize, reorganize, and revise its programs. Chapter I: VISTA and Other Anti-Poverty Programs - (Sec. 321) Adds to VISTA program objectives generating private sector resource commitment, encouraging local level volunteer service, and strengthening local agencies and organizations to carry out the program. (Sec. 322) Revises procedures and other requirements for selection and assignment of VISTA volunteers. Allows a sponsoring organization to recruit VISTA volunteers, subject to final approval of the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director). (Sec. 323) Revises provisions for terms and periods of service. Authorizes a VISTA summer associates program. (Sec. 324) Revises postservice stipends. (Sec. 325) Requires encouragement of participation of both younger (18 through 27) and older (55 and older) VISTA volunteers. (Sec. 328) Repeals authority for student community service programs grants and contracts. (Sec. 329) Renames the University Year for ACTION the University Year for VISTA program. Shortens the minimum period of participation to an academic semester or equivalent. Allows volunteers to receive a living allowance or such other support the Director deems appropriate. (Sec. 330) Revises authority to establish and operate special volunteer and demonstration programs. Requires a competitive process for any grant or contract exceeding $100,000. (Sec. 331) Permits the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to employers and other private organizations that use or desire to use volunteers. (Sec. 332) Repeals a separate authority for drug abuse education and prevention programs under special volunteer programs. Chapter 2: National Senior Volunteer Corps - (Sec. 342) Renames the retired senior volunteer program the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). (Sec. 343) Expands RSVP eligibility to include older working persons and those over 55 (currently 60). (Sec. 345) Requires certain adjustments and minimums for stipends for low-income volunteers. (Sec. 346) Allows non-low-income persons to participate in the Foster Grandparent and the Senior Companion programs, without any financial support except reimbursement for related expenses. (Sec. 347) Repeals certain conditions for grants and contracts under those two programs, including a requirement that volunteers no longer be in the regular work force. (Sec. 348) Eliminates one type of evaluation of the Senior Companion Program. (Sec. 349) Encourages agreements with other Federal agencies involving retired, senior, intergenerational, and conservation volunteer programs. (Sec. 352) Authorizes grants and contracts for demonstration programs of innovative activities involving older volunteers. Prohibits reducing other older volunteer programs to support such demonstrations. Chapter 3: Administration - (Sec. 365) Bases disability or death benefits for VISTA volunteers on a grade GS-5 (rather than GS-7) Federal employee entrance salary. (Sec. 370) Grants copyright protection for the programs of the ACTION Agency. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Director to establish a Center for Research and Training on Volunteerism. (Sec. 372) Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to make retirement credit for time served as a VISTA volunteer available to all who become Federal employees subsequent to such volunteer service, upon their paying a deposit based on their post-service stipend. Chapter 4: Authorization of Appropriations and Other Amendments - (Sec. 381-383) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 385) Repeals Youthbuild Projects authority. Chapter 5: General Provisions - (Sec. 391) Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments - (Sec. 401-405) Sets forth various changes of definitions and references in specified Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Employment Dispute Resolution Act of 1993 - Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for pre-litigation mediation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) or another mediator. Prohibits suit while mediation is pending. Sets forth procedures and requirements. Amends Federal law to provide for pre-suit mediation, by the FMCS or another mediator, of disputes involving enforcement of employment-related contracts under provisions relating to equal rights under the law. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Authorizes the President to present to Red Skelton, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal in recognition of his performance as an entertainer and humanitarian. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems and to strike and sell bronze duplicates of it. Declares such medals national medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1993
Calls for the U.S. Trade Representative to insist that any trade agreement negotiated pursuant to the Uruguay Round must provide U.S. copyright-based industries with: (1) fair and equal access to the markets of the nations that are party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; (2) equal opportunities to obtain government funding; (3) adequate and effective copyright protection, including full national treatment and recognition of contractual rights; and (4) a mechanism to resolve expeditiously disputes concerning market access, national treatment, and copyright protection.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Character Education Demonstration Program Title II: National Conference on Character Education Character Education Act of 1993 - Title I: Character Education Demonstration Program - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide for an ethics and values demonstration program under the Secretary's Fund for Innovation in Education. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations to conduct activities designed to stimulate understanding of ethics, civic and character values, and the principles of democracy as a means of enhancing and improving elementary and secondary education. Title II: National Conference on Character Education - Directs the Secretary of Education to sponsor the National Conference on Character Education. Directs the Secretary to report, with recommendations, to the Congress after such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
Provides that any amount remaining in an official allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives at the end of the session of Congress or other period for which the allowance is made available shall be returned to the Treasury to be used for deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate Title III: Effective Date Title I: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the House of Representatives - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the standing committees of the House and their jurisdictions. Lists the standing committees as: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environment and Public Works; (9) Foreign Affairs; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) House Administration; (12) Intelligence (currently, a permanent select committee); (13) Judiciary; (14) Rules; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Veterans' Affairs; and (18) Ways and Means. Abolishes the following standing committees of the House: (1) Appropriations; (2) District of Columbia; (3) Government Operations; (4) Interior and Insular Affairs; (5) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (6) Post Office and Civil Service; (7) Public Works and Transportation; and (8) Science, Space, and Technology. Amends rule XXI to repeal the prohibitions against: (1) reporting or considering appropriations for expenditures not previously authorized; and (2) receiving or considering an appropriation bill or amendment containing a provision reappropriating unexpended balances. Title II: Jurisdictions of Standing Committees of the Senate - Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to repeal provisions establishing the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Makes conforming amendments to the Standing Rules of the Senate (language to be supplied at a later date). Title III: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective at noon on January 3, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1993 - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product, but supersedes State law only to the extent that State law applies to an issue covered by this Act. Lists specific laws not superseded, including provisions regarding vaccine injury. Makes a product seller liable to a claimant for harm only if the claimant establishes that: (1) the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of was sold by the product seller who failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product and such failure was a proximate cause of the claimant's harm; (2) the product seller made an express warranty applicable to the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the claimant's harm; or (3) the seller engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm complained of by the claimant. Makes it a complete defense to a product liability action that the claimant was intoxicated or was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug and, as a result of such intoxication or influence, was more than 50 percent responsible for causing the accident or event which resulted in such claimant's harm. Directs that the damages for which a manufacturer or product seller is otherwise liable under State law be reduced by the percentage of responsibility for the claimant's harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product if such percentage was proximately caused by a use or alteration of a product: (1) in violation of, or contrary to, the manufacturer's or product seller's express warnings or instructions if the warnings or instructions are adequate under State law; or (2) involving a risk of harm which was, or should have been, known by the ordinary person who uses the product, with an exception for workplace injuries. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limitations on punitive damages; (2) several liability for noneconomic damages; (3) statutes of limitation; (4) workers' compensation offsets; and (5) lack of Federal jurisdiction over civil actions arising under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to enter into a cooperative agreement with the National Center for Housing Management to provide for a training program to assist recently discharged members of the armed forces to obtain training and employment as managers and employees with public housing authorities and management companies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Establishes certain privacy protections for employees and customers with respect to electronic monitoring in the workplace by employers. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enforce such protections. Provides for coverage of employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Gulf of Mexico Economic and Environmental Protection Act of 1993 - Authorizes an interagency program for the preservation and protection of the economic and environmental resources of the Gulf of Mexico, to be known as the Gulf of Mexico Program. Designates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead agency of the Program. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA, to be located in a Gulf State. Requires the President to establish a Gulf of Mexico Executive Board. Directs the Board to establish a Gulf Citizens Advisory Committee. Directs the Board to: (1) develop a preliminary comprehensive joint plan for the Gulf to recommend a mechanism for balancing priority actions to address Gulf economic and environmental problems; and (2) report to the Congress on the impact of environmental quality on the economic viability of the Gulf. Directs the EPA Administrator to develop a final plan similar to the preliminary plan. Requires Federal agencies represented on the Board and appropriate non-federal and private entities to carry out the plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Education Goals Title II: National Education Reform Leadership, Standards, and Assessments Title III: State and Local Education Systemic Improvement Title IV: National Skill Standards Board Title V: Miscellaneous Goals 2000: Educate America Act - Title I: National Education Goals - (Sec. 102) Sets forth national goals for education, to be achieved by the year 2000, in the following categories: (1) school readiness; (2) school completion; (3) student achievement and citizenship; (4) mathematics and science; (5) adult literacy and lifelong learning; and (6) safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools. Sets forth specific objectives for each goal. Title II: National Education Reform Leadership Standards, and Assessments - Part A: National Education Goals Panel - (Sec. 202) Establishes the National Education Goals Panel in the executive branch. (Sec. 203) Requires the Panel to issue an annual national report card on progress toward achieving the national education goals and on actions that Federal, State, and local governments should take to enhance such progress. Part B: National Education Standards and Improvement Council - (Sec. 212) Establishes the National Education Standards and Improvement Council in the executive branch. (Sec. 213) Requires the Council to develop and certify (subject to Panel review and approval) voluntary national standards for content areas, student performance, and fair opportunity-to-learn. Authorizes the Council to certify any such standards presented by a State, if these are consistent with the national standards. Directs the Council to certify a system of assessments voluntarily presented by a State if such system meets certain criteria, including coverage of all students, especially those with disabilities or limited English proficiency. Prohibits such a system from being used to make decisions regarding graduation, grade promotion, or retention of students for five years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 218) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make a competitive grant to a consortium of various individuals and organizations to develop voluntary national opportunity-to-learn standards. (Sec. 219) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to applicant States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to help defray costs of developing, field testing, and evaluating systems of assessments aligned to Council-certified State content standards. Part C: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 221) Authorizes appropriations for the Panel, the Council, the opportunity-to-learn development grant, and the assessment development and evaluation grants. Title III: State and Local Education Systemic Improvement - Establishes a five-year grant program for State and local education systemic improvement. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 306) Sets forth requirements for State improvement plans, including strategies for: (1) improving teaching and learning (including standards for content, student performance, and opportunity-to-learn); (2) system governance and management; (3) parental and community support and involvement; (4) State system-wide improvement; and (5) promoting bottom-up reform. (Sec. 309) Requires State education agencies (SEAs) to make competitive subgrants for: (1) local reform, to LEAs; and (2) preservice teacher education and professional development activities, to consortia of LEAs, higher education institutions, private nonprofit organizations, or combinations of these, through a peer-review process. Requires that at least 50 percent of local reform subgrants be awarded to LEAs with a greater percentage or number of disadvantaged children than the statewide average. (Sec. 310) Authorizes the Secretary to waive requirements and related regulations of specified Federal laws relating to education upon request of SEAs, LEAs, and schools if such requirements impede their ability to carry out the State or local education improvement plans, and if other conditions are met. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for national leadership activities, including technical assistance, data-gathering, research, evaluation, and information-dissemination. Reserves funds for grants to urban and rural LEAs with large numbers of concentrations of students economically disadvantaged or with limited English proficiency, to assist in school improvement plans development and implementation. (Sec. 313) Provides for assistance under this title for outlying areas, Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, and Department of Defense schools. Title IV: National Skill Standards Board - (Sec. 402) Establishes a National Skill Standards Board. (Sec. 40) Directs the Board to identify broad clusters of major occupations (except certain construction industry occupations or trades with recognized labor-management-developed apprenticeship standards) that involve one or more industries in the United States and, with respect to each cluster, promote and assist in voluntary development and adoption by specified representative groups of industries, employees, and educational institutions of: (1) skill standards; (2) assessment and certification systems; (3) evaluation systems; (4) information dissemination systems; and (5) revision and updating of systems. Provides for Board endorsement of standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants and contracts to carry out purposes of this title. (Sec. 406) Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 502) Prohibits the use of funds under titles II or III of this Act to undertake assessments that will be used to make decisions regarding the graduation, grade promotion, or retention of students for five years from the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Sensible Advertising and Family Education Act - Declares it to be an unlawful or deceptive act under the Federal Trade Commission Act to advertise through magazines, newspapers, brochures, and promotional displays any alcoholic beverage, unless the advertising includes one of specified health warnings. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain toll free numbers referred to in some of the warnings.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that an important factor in improving relations, including trade relations, with Romania should be actions by the Government of Romania to: (1) improve the welfare of institutionalized children; and (2) ease bureaucratic impediments to adoption not required by consideration of the welfare of the children concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Independence Hall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the shrines of liberty, showing the Liberty Bell on one side and the Independence Hall on the other. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of coins be distributed equally between the Treasury and the Independence Hall Preservation Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Data Collection Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1993 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Data Collection - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance. Mandates research, development, and dissemination of integrated pest management techniques and other pest control methods that enable producers to reduce or eliminate application of pesticides which pose a greater than negligible dietary risk to humans. Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to define, subject to exception, "pesticide chemical" as it is defined in FIFRA. Deems a food adulterated if it bears or contains: (1) a pesticide chemical residue that is unsafe; or (2) a new animal drug or conversion product that is unsafe. Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance higher than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health. Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food, and the adverse effects from the reduction would outweigh the risk posed by the residue. Allows the Administrator to issue an exemption from the requirement for a tolerance only if a tolerance is not needed to protect the public health, in view of the levels of dietary exposure that could reasonably be expected to occur. Prohibits a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, if the Administrator takes certain actions with respect to the registration of a pesticide, to revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of the chemical or chemical residue. Requires the suspension of any tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of an associated registered pesticide. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State from enforcing a residue limit which was lawful at the time of application. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be paid to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to help raise an endowment to be a permanent source of support for the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish the position of Assistant Secretary for Natural Gas, whose functions shall include coordination of: (1) research and development; (2) Federal policy respecting natural gas imports; and (3) Federal policy regarding natural gas exploration, production, transmission, and use.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1993
Urges the Board for International Broadcasting to: (1) authorize RFE/RL, Incorporated to commence broadcast activity of Radio Free Europe to the successor states of Yugoslavia; and (2) ensure that such broadcast activity provides to the people of the region objective, balanced reporting of developments in the former Yugoslav states and international reaction to the situation in the former Yugoslavia, and that such new broadcasting service is adequately staffed with professional journalists constituting a fair representation of the major ethnic groups of the region.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
Deplores human rights violations committed by the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)-controlled government forces and by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Condemns UNITA's refusal to negotiate, its attempts to expand the war, and its apparent effort to disregard the democratic process and instead win a military victory in Angola. Urges both parties to the conflict to negotiate an immediate ceasefire and set a timetable for full implementation of the Bicesse Peace Accords. Calls upon the President to: (1) accord diplomatic recognition to the Government of Angola; (2) appoint a Special Envoy to Angola; (3) urge the United Nations Secretary General to take steps to facilitate a ceasefire and build an acceptable climate for a presidential run-off in Angola; (4) take steps in the international community to pressure any nation or party to the conflict determined to be obstructing peace in Angola; and (5) consider dispatching a team to Angola to assess the humanitarian crisis and make recommendations for a U.S. response.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the extra-label use of drugs in animals if such use is upon the order of licensed veterinarian, is in compliance with appropriate regulations, and is in the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Prohibits such use if it results in unacceptable residues of a drug in food.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Supports the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) right to conduct inspections of any site in a nonnuclear weapon state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Condemns North Korea's decision to withdraw from the Treaty. Urges the United Nations Security Council to: (1) insist that North Korea provide the IAEA with full access before its official withdrawal from the Treaty; and (2) impose sanctions on North Korea should it continue to refuse to provide such access. Calls on the President and the international community to strengthen the international nuclear nonproliferation regime.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Urges President Clinton to: (1) continue working with Belgium, France, and other allies in applying diplomatic pressure necessary for democratic change in Zaire; (2) pressure President Mobutu to leave Zaire so that the legitimate transitional government can complete the process of democratization as mandated by the Sovereign National Conference; and (3) impose a variety of sanctions on President Mobutu, including freezing the bank accounts of, and denying visas to, President Mobutu, his family, and associates and expelling Mobutu's ambassador. Recommends that: (1) the United States support the suspension of Zaire from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, impose an arms embargo, and ban all imports from Zaire if further measures are needed to ensure Mobutu's departure; and (2) if the previously stated actions are unsuccessful, President Clinton encourage such allies to join the United States in urging the United Nations Security Council to consider other options, including intervention to stabilize the situation in Zaire. Urges President Clinton, upon the departure of President Mobutu, to consider waiving the Brook Amendment and all U.S. sanctions against Zaire to allow for emergency economic assistance to the transitional government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Reform Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) - Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness. Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations - Requires, to the fullest extent practicable, that: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with this Act; (2) all Federal agencies, consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law, minimize the adverse effects of rules affecting the economy; and (3) Federal agencies take certain actions in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules, developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major Federal action affecting the economy whenever an agency identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the agency's statutory obligations. Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking, promulgates a final rule, or before initiating or implementing any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1993
National Aeronautical Research and Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish a joint military and civilian aeronautical research and development program; (2) prepare and transmit to the Congress a five-year aeronautical research plan; and (3) establish an Aeronautical Research Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
National Aviation Research and Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to jointly establish a research program on aviation technologies that applies to both military and civil aviation vehicles and airports and that enhance U.S. competitiveness. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a national aviation research plan that advances aviation technologies over a five-year period. Establishes a Joint Aviation Research Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Limits the Official Mail Allowance for each Member of the House of Representatives for the second session of the 103d Congress to 80 percent of the allowance for the first session. Applies savings to deficit reduction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safe Streets For Women Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs Subtitle C: Victim Compensation Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women Title II: Safe Homes for Women Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons Title III: Civil Rights Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts Violence Against Women Act of 1993 - Title I: Safe Streets for Women - Safe Streets for Women Act of 1993 - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to reduce the rate of violent crimes against women to States and nonprofit nongovernmental victim services programs, and to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or nongovernmental domestic violence and sexual assault victim services programs on Indian reservations; and (2) request any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to use its authorities and resources to support such State and local efforts. (Sec. 112) Specifies that no State is entitled to funds under this title unless the State or other grantee incurs the full cost of forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault. Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs - Chapter 1: Rape Prevention Grants - Authorizes the Director to make education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women. Chapter 2: Offender Training and Information Programs - Directs the: (1) National Institute of Justice to establish criteria and develop training programs to assist probation and parole officer and other personnel who work with released sex offenders in the areas of case management, supervision, and relapse prevention; and (2) Attorney General to compile information regarding sex offender treatment programs and ensure that information regarding treatment programs in the community into which a convicted sex offender is released is made available to persons imprisoned for sexual abuse offenses. Subtitle C: Victim Compensation - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a court order restitution for violations of Federal sexual abuse laws. Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women - Establishes an Interagency Advisory Board on Violent Crime Against Women to assess and review, and make recommendations regarding, policies and practices of the Government regarding violence against women. Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women - Directs the Attorney General to provide for a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of campus sexual assaults and the effectiveness of institutional and legal policies in addressing such crimes and protecting victims. Title II: Safe Homes for Women - Safe Homes for Women Act - Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for traveling across a State line with the intent to: (1) contact that person's spouse or intimate partner and, in the course of such contact, intentionally committing a crime of violence causing bodily injury to such spouse or partner; and (2) engage in conduct that violates a protection order, or that would violate such order if the conduct occurred in the jurisdiction in which the order was issued, and engaging in such conduct. Requires that in any proceeding for the purpose of determining whether a defendant charged shall be released pending trial, or the conditions of such release, the alleged victim be given an opportunity to be heard regarding the danger posed by the defendant. Mandates that a court order restitution to the victim of an offense under this Act. Requires, provided that certain conditions are met, that a protection order issued by the court of one State be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another State. Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize the Director to make grants to eligible States, Indian tribes, municipalities, or local governmental entities to encourage arrest policies in domestic violence cases, including mandatory arrest programs for protective order violations and improving judicial handling of domestic violence cases. Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) permit an alien to petition for preference or immediate relative status under the Act (currently, only a U.S. citizen may petition claiming that an alien is entitled to such status), and provide that such a petition may only be withdrawn by the beneficiary or self-petitioner; (2) provide that an abused alien family member shall be considered to remain the spouse or child of a citizen or resident abuser after the legal termination of the marriage through which the member seeks immigrant status if specified conditions are met; and (3) provide for a stay of deportation and the granting of work authorization for abused alien family members until such time as an immigrant visa is available and the alien's application for adjustment of status has been finally adjudicated by the Attorney General (but authorizes the Attorney General to revoke the work authorization of, and initiate deportation proceedings against, any alien who has fraudulently made a claim to be an abused alien family member, if the alien has received notice of intent to revoke and has a reasonable opportunity to rebut evidence supporting the revocation). Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons - Directs the Postmaster General to promulgate regulations to secure the confidentiality of abused persons' addresses or otherwise prohibit the disclosure of an abused person's address, subject to specified requirements. Title III: Civil Rights - Declares that all individuals within the United States, and the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall have the right to be free from crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Permits individuals deprived of such right to bring a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or any combination thereof, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts - Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to make evidentiary rulings pursuant to Rule 412 (Rape Cases; Relevance of Victim's Past Behavior) subject to interlocutory appeal by the Government. (Sec. 402) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the past sexual behavior of an alleged victim inadmissible in a criminal case, other than a sex offense case. Allows other types of evidence of a victim's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 403) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the plaintiff's past sexual behavior inadmissible in a civil action involving allegations of actionable sexual misconduct. Allows other types of evidence of a plaintiff's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 404) Makes evidence of an alleged victim's clothing in a criminal case under Federal laws relating to sexual abuse inadmissible to show that the victim incited or invited the offense. Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts - Authorizes the State Justice Institute to award grants to develop, test, present, and disseminate model programs to be used by States in training judges and court personnel in the laws of the State on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts - Directs the: (1) circuit judicial councils to conduct studies of the instances of gender bias in their respective circuits; (2) Judicial Conference of the United States to designate an entity within the judicial branch to act as a clearinghouse to disseminate any reports and materials issued by the gender bias task forces and to respond to requests for such reports and materials; and (3) Federal Judicial Center to include in its educational programs information on issues related to gender bias in the courts, prepare materials necessary to accomplish that end, and take into consideration the findings and recommendations of such studies and consult with individuals and groups with relevant expertise in gender bias issues as it prepares or revises such materials.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Youth Apprenticeship Act of 1993 - Establishes an Institute for Youth Apprenticeship as an independent establishment to administer youth apprenticeship demonstration programs set up under this Act. Directs the Institute Board Chairperson to establish guidelines, criteria, and procedures for such programs. Directs the Institute Executive Director to enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private organizations to develop and evaluate youth apprenticeship demonstration programs. Requires each eligible entity entering into such a contract with the Institute Board to establish partnerships among secondary and postsecondary schools and employers, labor organizations, and community and civic leaders to provide apprenticeship training to students. Requires at least: (1) one secondary school wage incentive demonstration program under which the Institute shall pay 50 percent of the apprenticeship wage; and (2) one secondary school disadvantaged youth demonstration program. Authorizes two postsecondary school demonstration programs. Requires training for various levels of secondary school students. Requires employers to pay: (1) 100 percent of the apprentice wage rate in secondary school programs (but 50 percent in the wage incentive program); (2) 100 percent of the apprentice wage rate and costs of continuing basic skills courses in postsecondary programs; and (3) costs of on-the-job training. Does not require employers to hire apprentices upon completion of the apprenticeships. Requires program coordination and assistance by the Institute, including operating a clearinghouse for the partnerships and gathering information on labor mobility of apprentices. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Board, Institute, and these programs within 69 months.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Public School Redefinition Act of 1993 - Establishes a demonstration program to provide Federal assistance to encourage States to assist teachers, parents, and local communities to establish and develop outcome-based public schools. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to conduct such outcome-based public school programs (or, if a State elects not to participate, to award such a grant directly to an outcome-based public school). Limits such grants to three years and requires the school to provide matching funds. Prohibits grant funds from being used for construction or major renovation or repair of facilities, but allows their use for planning, equipment purchases and other start-up costs, including minor renovation of facilities to meet applicable health and safety requirements. Provides that each such outcome-based public school shall be eligible to receive Federal, State, and local education revenue, grants, and other aid as though such school were a local educational agency. Directs the Secretary or the SEA receiving such a grant to terminate grant payments to an outcome-based public school upon determination that it is not making acceptable progress. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCurdy, Dave [D-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000398_200.jpg)