United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care system must: (1) ensure that every person has access to coverage for medically and psychologically necessary treatments for mental disorders that is equitable to the coverage provided for treatments of physical illnesses; and (2) meet specified requirements concerning coverage, consumer choice, financial protection, financing policies, and coordination across Federal, State, and local programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk-Taking Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Title V: Community Investment Economic Growth and Financial Institutions Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1993 - Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to direct the appropriate Federal banking agencies to minimize the negative impact upon credit availability for small business, residential, and agricultural purposes and on low-and moderate-income communities when prescribing real estate lending standards. (Sec. 102) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to encourage the States to develop reciprocity agreements among themselves so as to readily authorize licensed appraisers in good standing to perform appraisals in sister States. Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability - (Secs. 111-113) Amends the FDIA to amend the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) audits of insured depository institutions; (2) recourse agreements; and (3) market value accounting. (Sec. 114) Requires the Department of the Treasury to report to certain congressional committees on the effect on the national economy resulting from implementation of risk based capital standards (including the Basle international capital standards). Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk Taking - (Sec. 121) Amends the FDIA and the Federal Credit Union Act with respect to the due process protections accorded the attachment of assets, and the statutory authority to require a depository institution to prohibit a person from alienating property under certain circumstances. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions - (Sec. 131) Mandates the establishment of a regulatory appeals process within each appropriate Federal banking agency and the National Credit Union Administration. (Secs. 132 and 133) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to modify the aggregate limits on insider lending for specified small banks. Mandates that certain agencies study and report to the Congress on the advisability and budgetary impact of requiring insured depository institutions to maintain sterile reserves. (Sec. 134) Amends the FDIA to prescribe guidelines under which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) may, with respect to an undercapitalized insured depository institution, waive its right to repudiate an agreement to sell credit card accounts receivable. (Sec. 135) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to permit FHLBA banks to: (1) make secured advances upon obtaining a security interest in certain nonresidential real estate-related collateral; and (2) invest surplus funds to purchase participation interests in residential construction loans originated by member institutions. Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement - (Secs. 201-204) Amends the FDIA to modify the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) safety and soundness standards; (2) paperwork reduction; (3) rules on deposit taking; and (4) a transition period for new regulations. Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation -Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Secs. 301-303) Amends the FDIA with respect to: (1) bank examinations; (2) coordination of State and Federal examinations; and (3) the use of accounting principles. (Secs. 304-306) Prescribes guidelines for the reduction of call report requirements and capital compliance requirements. Excludes automated teller machines and specified bank branches from FDIA branch closure notice requirements. (Sec. 307) Amends Federal law regarding monetary instruments transactions to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to annually: (1) review all regulations pertaining to monetary instruments transaction requirements, seeking public comment; and (2) publish all written rulings interpreting such law, as well as staff commentaries. (Sec. 309) Amends the FRA and the FDIA to cite conditions under which accounts of U.S. banks are shielded from liability to repay] deposits made at foreign branches. Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies - (Secs. 321-325) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to modify the procedures under which bank holding companies: (1) are formed; and (2) acquire interests in nonbanking activities. Reduces the post-approval waiting period for bank holding company acquisition and bank mergers. Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements - (Sec. 401) Mandates a Federal Reserve study and report to the Congress on ways to streamline the credit-granting process. (Secs. 402-403) Amends the Truth in Lending Act regarding: (1) certain exemptions from credit cost disclosure requirements; (2) modification of waiver of the debtor's rescission rights; and (3) alternative disclosures for adjustable rate mortgages. (Sec. 405) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to exempt business accounts from its purview. Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - (Secs. 411-413) Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act regarding: (1) the availability of Treasury checks and local checks; (2) new accounts; and (3) the allocation of risks of loss and liability to the States and political subdivisions. (Secs. 414 and 421) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer and the Truth in Lending Act to increase the consumer liability limit in specified circumstances of unauthorized electronic fund transfers and unauthorized use of credit cards where the cardholder has substantially contributed to the unauthorized transfer or use. (Sec. 432) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to reduce the homeownership debt counseling notification requirement to no more than once per year. (Sec. 433) Prohibits a Federal banking agency from imposing data collection requirements upon an institution under its jurisdiction other than the information required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. (Secs. 441 and 442) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) modify the disclosure guidelines for the servicing of mortgage loans; and (2) exempt certain credit transactions from its purview. Title V: Community Investment - (Sec. 501) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the Act) with respect to: (1) minimizing the regulatory paperwork costs and burdens associated with compliance; (2) conditions under which an application for a deposit facility shall not be denied on the basis of compliance; (3) granting credit to a financial institution for making investments and loans to either minority and women's depository institutions, or to entities providing benefits to distressed communities; (4) assessments of special purpose banks; and (5) the acceptability of State examinations in lieu of Federal examinations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
Authorizes the Air Force Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
Volunteer Protection Act of 1993 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal financial liability for acts on behalf of the organization or entity. Sets forth exceptions and conditions that a State may impose on the granting of such immunity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to a State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State has, within two years, certified to the Secretary that it has enacted a State law which provides such immunity. Provides for the continuation of such increase based on an annual recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States considers the acts of the Castro government, including its violations of human rights, a threat to international peace; and (2) the President should instruct U.S. representatives to the United Nations Security council to seek an international embargo against the totalitarian government of Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Manufacturing Subtitle A: Manufacturing Technology and Extension Subtitle B: National Science Foundation Manufacturing Programs Title III: Critical Technologies Subtitle A: Benchmarking Science and Technology Subtitle B: Advanced Technology Program Subtitle C: Civilian Technology Loan Program Subtitle D: Civilian Technology Development Program Title IV: Miscellaneous Title V: Authorizations of Appropriations Title I: General Provisions - National Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Subtitle A: Manufacturing Technology and Extension - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1993 - (Sec. 204) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish the National Technology Outreach Program to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for: (1) a related communications infrastructure; (2) an information clearinghouse; and (3) manufacturing outreach centers. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to establish an Advanced Manufacturing Program, whose goal shall be to create programs to develop design and manufacturing technologies and associated applications, including advanced computer integration and electronic networks. (Sec. 207) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Institute to establish local manufacturing offices. (Sec. 208) Establishes within the Institute a State Technology Extension Program. Subtitle B: National Science Foundation Manufacturing Programs - (Sec. 212) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to expand the number of Engineering Research Centers and strengthen the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program. (Secs. 213 and 214) Authorizes the Director to establish: (1) graduate traineeships; (2) a manufacturing managers in the classroom program; and (3) a quality management program. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Benchmarking Science and Technology - (Sec. 301) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to make the Department of Commerce the lead Federal agency in making available information for assessing the comparative strength of U.S. scientific and technological capabilities. Directs: (1) the Secretary to establish within the Technology Administration an Office of Technology Monitoring and Assessment; and (2) such Office to establish a related fellowship program. Subtitle B: Advanced Technology Program - (Secs. 321 and 322) Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology Program. Authorizes Program support of large-scale joint ventures. Subtitle C: Civilian Technology Loan Program - (Sec. 331) Authorizes the Secretary to make or guarantee loans to qualified small and medium businesses for research, development, or utilization of critical or advanced technologies. Subtitle D: Civilian Technology Development Program - Civilian Technology Development Act of 1993 - (Secs. 343 through 361) Establishes within the Technology Administration: (1) a program to supplement the availability of long-term investment capital for U.S. critical or advanced technology businesses through licensed technology investment companies; and (2) an Office of Technology Financing to administer such program. Establishes a related Civilian Technology Development Advisory Committee. Title IV: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 401) Establishes a Department of Commerce Technology Advisory Board to assist the Technology Administration. (Sec. 402) Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the Institute's standard pilot program to permit contracts with non-Federal organizations to promote U.S. technical standards dissemination activities abroad. (Sec. 403) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to prohibit the making of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises. Makes educational institutions an Award category. (Sec. 407) Directs the Critical Technologies Institute to report to the Congress on advanced lithography technologies for the production of semiconductor devices. (Sec. 408) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for American workforce quality partnerships (training consortia between industry and institutions of higher education). Title V: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Immediate Reforms Subtitle A: Small Employer Health Insurance Market Reform Subtitle B: Community Health Services Expansion Subtitle C: Expansion of Tax Incentives for Self-Employed Individuals Subtitle D: Expanding the Supply of Health Professionals in Rural Areas Subtitle E: Malpractice Reform Subtitle F: Joint Ventures Title II: Long-Term Reforms Subtitle A: Establishment of Commission and Advisory Board Subtitle B: Reform and Standardization of Private Insurance Subtitle C: Low-Income Assistance Subtitle D: Congressional Consideration of Commission Recommendation Subtitle E: Enforcement Provisions Subtitle F: Financial Provisions Subtitle G: Definitions BasiCare Health Access and Cost Control Act - Title I: Immediate Reforms - Subtitle A: Small Employer Health Insurance Market Reform - (Sec. 101) Regulates small employer (fewer than 51 employees) accident and health insurance regarding: (1) price; (2) sales practices; (3) issuance; (4) core benefits (requiring the same benefits as title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act); (5) deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and copayments; and (6) children's preventive benefits. Preempts State and local laws. Regulates eligibility, exclusion of preexisting conditions, renewability, waiting periods, and rating requirements. Allows application of State standards instead of these requirements, provided core benefits and sales practices requirements are met. (Sec. 106) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit deductions for the tax imposed by this Act on insurers offering plans that do not qualify as BasiCare plans. Subtitle B: Community Health Services Expansion - (Sec. 111) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish a program of allotments to States for grants for community-based primary health services to low-income or medically underserved populations regarding infant mortality and referrals for the health management of infants and pregnant women. Earmarks for the allotments specified percentages of appropriations under certain provisions added by this Act. (Sec. 112) Mandates grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities for providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by a FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Expansion of Tax Incentives for Self-Employed Individuals - (Sec. 121) Amends the IRC to increase the portion of health insurance costs self-employed individuals may deduct. Removes provisions ending the deduction on a specified date. Subtitle D: Expanding the Supply of Health Professionals in Rural Areas - (Sec. 131) Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program. Earmarks certain portions to carry out provisions of this Act relating to FQHCs. (Sec. 132) Amends the IRC to allow a credit for service by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who: (1) provides primary health services to individuals in a rural health professional shortage area; and (2) is not receiving a National Health Service Corps scholarship or loan repayment and not fulfilling service obligations under such programs. Excludes National Health Service Corps loan repayments from gross income. Allows, with regard to elections to expense depreciable business assets, a higher aggregate cost to be taken into account for rural health care property in a rural health professional shortage area. Allows a deduction for a limited amount of the interest paid on medical education loans by an individual performing services under an agreement with a rural community to perform professional services in the community. Authorizes use of the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Subtitle E: Malpractice Reform - (Sec. 142) Declares that these provisions apply to any health care liability action brought in any Federal or State court. (Sec. 143) Limits the dollar amount of: (1) recovery by an individual and the individual's family members in a health care liability action, regardless of the number of providers or the number of actions; and (2) single payments which may be required. Requires collateral source offset. Limits punitive damages. Regulates attorney's fees and joint and several liability. Sets forth time limits on initiation of actions. Preempts State laws in certain circumstances. (Sec. 148) Mandates grants to States for the development and implementation of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRs). (Sec. 149) Requires the Commission to advise the Secretary on ADR eligibility, approval, and review requirements, providing for the establishment of a panel of advisors. (Sec. 150) Authorizes appropriations for the ADR grants. (Sec.151) Mandates grants for demonstration private sector no-fault compensation programs, using the same panel of advisors. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Joint Ventures - (Sec. 161) Amends provisions of the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 allowing, notwithstanding antitrust laws, certain cooperative research agreements to add references to joint health care provider ventures, defined as a group of activities by two or more hospitals for the provision or delivery of health care services. Title II: Long-Term Reforms - Subtitle A: Establishment of Commission and Advisory Board - (Sec. 201) Establishes the Commission on National Health Care Access and Reform and the National Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Reform and Standardization of Private Insurance - (Sec. 212) Requires the Commission to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal with specified elements, including: (1) a uniform national health benefits package (BasiCare); (2) a national health care insurance reform plan applicable to all carriers of health insurance in the United States; (3) self-insured plan requirements; and (4) a program to assist low-income individuals in the transfer from coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to BasiCare coverage and financial assistance in obtaining BasiCare coverage. (Sec. 213) Sets forth the Commission's continuing duties, including: (1) submission of a legislative proposal annually for the next two years if the Congress does not approve the Commission's recommendation; (2) annual review and revision, subject to congressional recision, of benefits and premiums; (3) oversight of provider participation and billing; (4) oversight of the supplemental health insurance market; (5) submission of plans for the long-term disposition of Medicaid benefits not covered or subsumed by BasiCare and assimilation of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act), the veterans health care program, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), the Indian health service program, and the Federal employees' health benefits program into the BasiCare system; and (6) submission of a legislative proposal for affordable and easy access to prescription drugs. (Sec. 214) Includes in BasiCare coverage basic hospitalization, basic outpatient services, prescription drugs, protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket costs, coverage against extraordinary long-term care costs, and coverage for preventive care. (Sec. 215) Requires each carrier to offer BasiCare. Preempts inconsistent State and local laws. Prohibits duplication of BasiCare benefits. Prohibits discrimination based on health status, including preexisting conditions. Requires guaranteed issue, a minimum plan period, guaranteed renewability, and community-wide ratings. Applies these standards to reinsurance policies. Mandates guidelines for a risk adjustment structure. Regulates premiums. (Sec. 217) Prohibits employment-related BasiCare plans from imposing waiting periods. Requires: (1) such plans to apply equally to employees of all income levels; and (2) total contributions for an employer for low-income employees to equal or exceed the total for other employees. (Sec. 219) Regulates self-insured plans. (Sec. 220) Requires providers, as a BasiCare participation condition, to accept any BasiCare payment as full payment. (Sec. 221) Mandates development of recommended managed care plan standards regarding benefits, coverage, and delivery systems. Establishes the Managed Care Advisory Committee. Preempts certain laws regarding managed care plans. Subtitle C: Low-Income Assistance - (Sec. 231) Requires the Commission to provide for the termination of Medicaid program coverage duplicating BasiCare. Terminates, after five years, any remaining Medicaid benefits. Mandates financial assistance, through a voucher system, to low-income individuals for BasiCare premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing. Subtitle D: Congressional Consideration of Commission Recommendation - (Sec. 241) Declares that these provisions are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate with recognition of the right of either House to change the rules as any other rule of that House. Provides for the introduction and consideration of a joint resolution approving of the Commission's legislative proposal under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Enforcement Provisions - (Sec. 251) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove provisions relating to a tax on any employer or employee organization that contributes to a group health plan or large group health plan that does not comply with certain Medicare provisions. Imposes a tax on: (1) insurers offering plans that do not qualify as BasiCare plans; (2) the failure of any service provider under a BasiCare plan to comply with specified provisions of this Act; and (3) the failure of any person to comply with provisions of this Act relating to employer responsibilities and self-insured plan requirements. (Sec. 252) Disallows personal exemptions unless the individual's BasiCare policy number is included in the individual's tax return. Subtitle F: Financial Provisions - (Sec. 261) Creates the BasiCare Trust Fund and transfers to the Fund: (1) a specified percentage of wages and self-employment income; (2) all of the taxes imposed by this Act; (3) additional revenues resulting from this Act; (4) the State's Medicaid share; and (5) all unobligated amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund: (1) the Federal Medicaid share; and (2) amounts equal to appropriations for the veterans health care program, CHAMPUS, the Indian health service program, and the Federal employees' health benefits program. Authorizes appropriations for additional sums as required to make expenditures under specified provisions of this Act. Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude amounts under certain provisions of this Act from appropriation to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 262) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income employer-provided coverage under a BasiCare plan (currently, under an accident or health plan); (2) prohibit deductions for employer expenses for a group health plan unless the plan qualifies as a BasiCare plan; (3) include amounts paid for a BasiCare plan (currently, for insurance) in the definition of "medical care" for provisions relating to medical and dental expenses; and (4) allow a deduction, without regard to adjusted gross income, for BasiCare premiums. Subtitle G: Definitions - (Sec. 272) Defines various terms as used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Regulatory Flexibility Amendments Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to eliminate provisions respecting judicial review of Federal agency compliance with regulatory flexibility analysis requirements. Requires an agency to consider the direct and indirect effects of a rule in determining whether or not it is likely to have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Sets forth guidelines governing agency transmittal of proposed rules to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Authorizes such official to transmit to the agency a statement of opposition to the proposed rule. Requires publication of such statement and the agency's response in the Federal Register. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such official should be permitted to appear as amicus curiae in any action or case brought in a U.S. court for the purpose of reviewing a rule.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Waives these provisions when the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993
Jefferson Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello. Mandates that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid to the Jefferson Endowment Fund, and to the Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the coin program shall be self-sustaining and that its administration should result in no net cost to the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993
Mandates that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1993
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that the assessment base additions for Bank Insurance Fund members shall be deposits and obligations received in any office of the depository institution (thus including foreign as well as domestic deposits in the base).
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993
Makes eligible for the award of the Purple Heart those persons wounded in action on or after December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the origin of the weapon fire.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1993
Parents as Teachers: the Family Involvement in Education Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for parents as teachers programs, with special consideration for hard-to-serve populations. Makes eligible for such a grant any State which operates a parents as teachers program associated with the Parents as Teachers National Center in Missouri. Sets forth program requirements, limiting services to families during the period from the last three months of a mother's pregnancy to the child's attaining age three. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Parents as Teachers National Center for information dissemination and technical and training assistance for States with such programs; and (2) evaluate such programs within four years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Securities Private Enforcement Reform Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to declare that a defendant may be liable jointly and severally for damages in an implied private action only if the trier of fact specifically determines that the defendant knowingly engaged in securities fraud. Sets forth a liability allocation scheme to determine the percentage of responsibility among the defendants if the trier of fact finds that the defendant did not engage in knowing securities fraud. Prescribes guidelines for the award of reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the prevailing party in any implied private action. Declares that in any implied right of action that is certified as a plaintiff class action: (1) the share that is awarded to the representative plaintiff shall be calculated in the same manner as the share awarded to all other members of the plaintiff class; (2) a party may not be represented by any attorney who owns or has a beneficial interest in the securities that are the subject of the litigation, or who is obligated to pay remuneration to a third party for assistance in obtaining the representation of any party to the action; and (3) funds disgorged as a result of Securities and Exchange Commission action shall not be distributed as payment for attorneys' fees or expenses incurred by private parties seeking distribution of the disgorged funds. Sets a statute of limitations on private rights of action under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Congressional Accountability Act - Makes applicable to the Congress the following Federal laws to the extent they relate to the terms and conditions of employment, the health and safety of employees, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees: (1) Social Security Act; (2) National Labor Relations Act; (3) Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (4) Civil Rights Act of 1964; (5) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (6) Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (7) title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; (8) Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (9) Privacy Act of 1974; (10) Age Discrimination Act of 1975; (11) Ethics in Government Act of 1978; and (12) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Makes applicable to the Congress the Freedom of Information Act and specified provisions of Federal law relating to the independent counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) make the deduction permanent; and (2) phase in an increase in the allowable deduction, reaching 100 percent for taxable years beginning in 1996 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Garnishment Equalization Act of 1993 - Provides for the treatment of Federal pay in the same manner as non-Federal pay with respect to garnishment. Allows administrative costs to be included in such garnishment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Life Imprisonment for Egregious Recidivists Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require the court, in the case of a conviction for a Federal violent felony, to sentence the defendant to life imprisonment if the defendant has previously been convicted of two other violent felonies. Specifies that this provision shall not be construed to prevent the imposition of the death penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1993 - Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits the use of official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right to vote or not to vote for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or to refrain from voting; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee, official, or contractor. Prohibits an employee from getting involved with political contributions with any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employee's official duties. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Freedom of Choice Act of 1993 - Provides that a State may not restrict the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy: (1) before fetal viability; or (2) at any time, if such termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. Allows a State to impose requirements medically necessary to protect the life or health of such women. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to prevent a State from: (1) requiring minors to involve responsible adults before terminating a pregnancy; and (2) protecting individuals from having to participate in abortions to which they are conscientiously opposed.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Paperwork Reduction in Health Care Act of 1993 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) identify, inventory, and assess the Federal paperwork burden associated with health care services; and (2) establish a goal for reducing such burden in each of FY 1994 through 1997 by at least five percent of the preceding fiscal year's paperwork burden.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Military Retirement Equity Act of 1993 - Permits retired members of the armed forces to be paid retirement pay concurrently with compensation for any service-connected disability if the person's entitlement to such retirement pay is based solely on age, length of service, or both. Reduces the retirement pay of individuals receiving both types of pay by a specified percentage of the disability compensation which decreases as the disability rating increases. Prohibits any reduction in the retirement pay of a disabled person when the disability rating is total. Declares that, once the Federal budget deficit has been reduced, the Congress should reexamine and eliminate any offset of retired pay by a veteran's disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1993
Declares that the Congress opposes any attempt to lower the estate tax exemption or raise the effective rate of taxes on estates because such measures contradict the fundamental goal of the United States Government of encouraging long-term private saving through which productive investment that promotes economic growth can be realized.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992
Managed Competition Act of 1992 - 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 an excise tax on the excess health plan expenses of employers. Allows a full and permanent deduction for the health plan premium expenses of self-employed individuals, except with respect to excess health plan expenses. Excludes from gross income contributions by a partnership or S corporation to an accident or health plan covering its partners or shareholders. Subtitle B: Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives (HPPCs) - Provides for the establishment of health plan purchasing cooperatives as not-for-profit corporations in or among States to: (1) enter into agreements with accountable health plans; (2) enter into agreements with small employers; (3) enroll individuals in accountable health plans; (4) receive and forward adjusted premiums, including the reconciliation of low-income assistance among such plans; and (5) coordinate and carryout other functions as required by this title. Subtitle C: Accountable Health Plans (AHPs) - Sets forth requirements for accountable health plans with respect to: registration and qualifications, uniform benefits, cost-sharing for low-income individuals, standardized information, prohibition of discrimination based on health status, standard premiums, financial solvency, grievance mechanisms, and coordinating benefits. Preempts State laws for accountable health plans. Subtitle D: National Health Board - Establishes a National Health Board to: (1) specify a uniform set of effective benefits by October 1, 1993; (2) provide for an advisory Health Benefits and Data Standards Board and a Health Plan Standards Board; (3) register accountable health plans; (4) establish rules for the process of risk-adjustment premiums; (5) establish standards for a national health data system; (6) measure the quality of care in specialized centers; and (7) make specified reports to the Congress. Subtitle E: Treatment of Areas of Ineffective Competition - Authorizes States to develop plans for controlling growth in premiums of accountable health plans where there is ineffective price competition. Subtitle F: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Public Health Service Act with respect to continuation coverage requirements of group health plans. Subtitle G: Definitions - Provides definitions for terms under this title. Title II: Low-Income Assistance for Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Low-Income Assistance - Provides assistance to low-income individuals enrolled under accountable health plans who are not eligible for Medicare through adjustments of premiums, cost-sharing assistance, and payments for certain items and services. Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Phase-Down Assistance to States - Phases down assistance to States for long-term care from 1994 through 1997. Subtitle C: Financing - Repeals the dollar limitation on the amount of wages subject to the hospital insurance tax. Subtitle D: Repeal of Medicaid Program - Repeals title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Requires the National Health Board to report to the Congress on changes in the laws needed to conform to such repeal. Title III: Improved Access in Rural and Underserved Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend authorizations of appropriations for migrant health centers, community health centers, scholarship and loan repayment programs of the National Health Service Corps, and area health education centers. Title IV: Preventive Health and Personal Responsibility Subtitle A: Expansion of Public Health Programs - Extends authorized appropriations for: immunizations against vaccine preventable diseases, lead poisoning prevention, preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers, health information and health promotion, and preventive health and health services block grants. Provides for the use of appropriated funds for the prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis and for grants for early intervention regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Authorizes appropriations for programs regarding the smoking of tobacco products. Subtitle B: Expansion of Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage for colorectal screening, certain immunizations, well-child care, annual mammography screenings, and certain additional benefits. Title V: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to the need for malpractice reforms. Subtitle B: Grants to States for Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for a two-year period for the implementation and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution systems. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States seeking such grants and standards and regulations for such program. Subtitle C: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Establishes uniform standards for health care liability actions brought in a Federal or State court and to medical malpractice claims subject to an alternative dispute resolution system, except in the case of an injury arising from the use of a medical product. Subtitle D: Liability Protections for Federally-Supported Health Centers - Provides liability protection for physicians or other licensed or certified health care practitioners deemed to be employees of the Public Health Service. Requires the Attorney General to report to the Congress on medical malpractice liability claims arising under this subtitle. Title VI: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State laws that require medical or health insurance records to be maintained in written, rather than electronic form. Requires the National Health Board to ensure the confidentiality of electronic health care information and establish standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information. Requires the Board to establish goals and time frames for: (1) the use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (2) achieving uniformity in determining the liability of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (3) achieving uniformity in the availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two or more health plans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the administrator of a health plan for failure to satisfy certain health plan requirments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that inmates of State penal or correctional institutions are not to be treated as employees for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1992
Public School Redefinition Act of 1992 - 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 (the Secretary) 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 (ten percent in the first year and 25 percent in the second and third years). 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. Sets forth application requirements for SEAs and eligible partnerships and for outcomes agreements between the school and the sponsor participating in the eligible partnership. Provides that each outcome-based public school receiving a grant under this Act 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 toward meeting outcomes described in its agreement. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1992
National Aeronautical Research and Competitiveness Act - 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 · 24 June 1992
Directs that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992
Applauds the conclusion of the Joint Understanding of June 17, 1992, between the United States and the Russian Federation, as a breakthrough in reversing the nuclear arms race. Urges the President to: (1) respond to President Yeltsin's initiative to deactivate SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles by taking parallel actions with U.S. strategic forces; (2) seek agreement with the Russian Federation to proceed with the mutual destruction of highly MIRVed land-based missiles as a first priority as soon as technically feasible; (3) consider parallel initiatives to accelerate the reduction of nuclear warheads on submarine-launched missiles; and (4) fully use funds provided by the Congress to assist in destruction or elimination of strategic nuclear arms in Russia and request any additional funds which may be required to secure the reduction of Russian nuclear force levels to those called for by the Joint Understanding by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1992
Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Cuba. Declares that the President should encourage countries that conduct trade with Cuba to restrict their trade and credit regulations with Cuba in a manner consistent with this Act. Authorizes the President to impose the following sanctions against countries that provide assistance to Cuba: (1) ineligibility for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act; (2) a prohibition on agreements with the United States for the establishment of free trade areas; and (3) ineligibility for forgiveness or reduction of debt owed to the U.S. Government. Terminates such sanctions if the President reports to the Congress that Cuba has met conditions established under this Act concerning democracy, human rights, and a free market economy. Prohibits restrictions on the export to Cuba of medicines, subject to specified conditions and inspection requirements. Permits telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to promote nonviolent democratic change in Cuba. Prohibits the issuance of licenses for certain transactions between U.S.-controlled firms in third countries and Cuba. Bars domestic concerns from receiving a tax deduction for the portion of the deductible expenses of such concerns which are allocated or apportioned to income derived from Cuba. Prohibits vessels which enter Cuba to engage in trade from loading or unloading any freight in the United States within 180 days after departure from Cuba. Prohibits: (1) vessels carrying goods or passengers to or from Cuba or carrying goods in which a Cuban national has an interest from entering a U.S. port, except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) specified commodities authorized to be exported under a general license from being exported under such a license to any such vessels. Directs the President to establish strict limits on remittances to Cuba by U.S. persons for purposes of financing the travel of Cubans to the United States to assure that such remittances are not used by the Cuban Government as a means of gaining access to U.S. currency. Declares that food, medicine, and medical supplies for humanitarian purposes should be made available to Cuba under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 if the President certifies to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Government of Cuba: (1) has made a commitment to hold free and fair elections for a new government within six months and is proceeding to implement that decision; (2) has made a commitment to respect and is respecting human rights and basic democratic freedoms; and (3) is not providing weapons or funds to any group in any other country that seeks the violent overthrow of the government of such country. Waives sanctions against Cuba under this Act if the President reports to the Congress that Cuba: (1) has held free and fair elections conducted under internationally recognized observers; (2) has permitted opposition parties ample time to campaign for such elections and has permitted full access to the media to all candidates; (3) is showing respect for basic civil liberties and human rights; (4) is moving toward establishing a free market economic system; and (5) has committed itself to constitutional change that would ensure regular free and fair elections. Requires the President, if he makes such report, to take the following actions with respect to a freely-elected Cuban Government: (1) encourage the admission of such government to international organizations and financial institutions; (2) provide emergency relief during Cuba's transition to a viable economic system; (3) take steps to end the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba; and (4) enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with Cuba. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to exercise the authorities of the Trading With the Enemy Act in enforcing this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Trading With the Enemy Act to authorize the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on violators of such Act. Provides for forfeiture of any property or vessel that is the subject of a violation. Requires the Department of the Treasury to establish a branch of the Office of Foreign Assets Control in Miami, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should undertake initiatives to: (1) assist in bringing on line enough replacement power and modern energy efficiency measures and technologies in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union so that the RBMK reactors may be shut down and placed in stable condition to prevent radiological contamination; (2) assist Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in upgrading their other nuclear reactors to western standards of safety and in ensuring that such reactors receive routine maintenance and repairs; (3) provide technical assistance to Russia and Ukraine to enact domestic legislation governing reactor safety; (4) negotiate formal agreements for nuclear cooperation with Russia and Ukraine; (5) identify nuclear safety research as a principal focus of the soon-to-be created nuclear science center in the Ukraine; and (6) make greater resources available to the International Atomic Energy Agency to promote programs of nuclear safety in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Directs the Preident to report to the Congress on the nuclear safety situation in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, with a description of the initiatives the Administration plans to take to address safety issues.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Withdraws most favored nation status from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Authorizes the President to restore such status after he certifies to the Congress that: (1) such treatment would promote compliance with the provisions of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (2) Yugoslavia has ceased its armed conflict with the other ethnic peoples of the region, and has agreed to respect the borders of the six republics, that formerly comprised the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Title I: General Provisions - National Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to designate the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian Federal agency to work with U.S. industry, State and local governments, and private entities to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Establishes the Nationwide Network of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for a related communications infrastructure and information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Networking Projects program to create technology development programs to create advanced computer-integrated, electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated applications. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish local manufacturing offices. Eliminates the requirement that a Manufacturing Technology Center be financially self-supporting after six years of operation. Authorizes appropriations for existing and new centers. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Engineering Research Centers program with emphasis on advanced manufacturing. Authorizes the establishment of up to five new Centers for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding any executive branch international trade negotiations which might affect Federal research and development programs. Subtitle B: Council on Technology and Competitiveness - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Technology and Competitiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Advanced Technology Program - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology program. Requires the establishment of at least two new critical technologies consortia. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Technology Commercialization Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make technology commercialization loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Critical Technologies Development-Part I: General Provisions - Critical Technologies Development Act of 1992 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology (Under Secretary) to establish a critical technologies development advisory committee. Part II: Program Structure and Operation - Establishes a program of financing qualified business concerns through federally assisted licensees. Part III: Enforcement - Provides for license enforcement. Part IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Under Secretary to issue and guarantee trust certificates for licensee preferred securities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: International Standardization - Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the standards pilot program to promote the dissemination of U.S. technical standards abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with regard to the appropriate Federal role in developing and promulgating domestic and global product and quality standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary; (2) technology policy; (3) Japanese technical literature; (4) National Technical Information Service modernization, including a facilities study; and (5) specified activities within the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prohibits the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits the making of a Malcolm Baldrige Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory. Title VI: Competitiveness Research, Data Collection, and Evaluation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a competitiveness research program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
American Technology and Competitiveness Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to designate the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian Federal agency to work with U.S. industry, State and local governments, and private entities to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Establishes the Nationwide Network of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for a related communications infrastructure and information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Networking Projects program to create technology development programs to create advanced computer-integrated, electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated applications. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Engineering Research Centers program with emphasis on advanced manufacturing. Authorizes the establishment of up to five new Centers for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding any executive branch international trade negotiations which might affect Federal research and development programs. Subtitle B: Council on Technology and Competitiveness - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Technology and Competitiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Advanced Technology Program - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology program. Requires the establishment of at least two new critical technologies consortia. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Technology Commercialization Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make technology commercialization loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Critical Technologies Development-Part I: General Provisions - Critical Technologies Development Act of 1992 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology (Under Secretary) to establish a critical technologies development advisory committee. Part II: Program Structure and Operation - Establishes a program of financing qualified business concerns through federally assisted licensees. Part III: Enforcement - Provides for licensee enforcement. Part IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Under Secretary to issue and guarantee trust certificates for licensee preferred securities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: International Standardization - Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the standards pilot program to promote the dissemination of U.S. technical standards abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with regard to the appropriate Federal role in developing and promulgating domestic and global product and quality standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary; (2) technology policy; (3) Japanese technical literature; (4) National Technical Information Service modernization, including a facilities study; and (5) specified activities within the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prohibits the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits the making of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory. Title VI: Competitiveness Research, Data Collection, and Evaluation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a competitiveness research program. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Education and Workforce Training - Subtitle A: American Industrial Quality and Training - American Industrial Quality and Training Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for workforce quality training partnerships. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants for youth technical apprenticeship programs. Directs such Secretary to establish a program information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants for statewide systems of technical training. Authorizes appropriations. Requires reports on U.S. industry worker training and on the applicability of total quality management to education. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Scientific and Technical Education - Scientific and Technical Education Act of 1992 - Requires NSF to: (1) carry out a program to assist associate-degree-granting colleges to provide education in advanced technology fields, with emphasis on the needs of nontraditional students; (2) establish up to ten scientific and technical education centers of excellence; (3) make grants to eligible college partnerships to assist associate students in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology make the transition to bachelor-degree-granting institutions; and (4) make grants to strengthen the relationships between associate-degree-colleges and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NSF to make grants for technology education teacher training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Secretary to report to the Congress on establishment of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for educational institutions. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Technology Administration the American Industrial Quality Foundation to further U.S. industrial competitiveness in the international marketplace. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the Academic Research Facilities Modernization program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Defense, and of Energy, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Director of the National Institutes of Aeronautics and Space Health to each establish academic research facilities awards programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NASA, NSF, and the Department of Energy to establish a joint awards program in support of science and technology instructional equipment and facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize NSF to foster the development of high performance computing. Amends the Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for grants to educational agencies for systematic reform of mathematics and science education. Title VIII: Tax and Investment Incentives - Investment Incentives Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Tax and Investment Incentives - Part I: Research and Experimentation Tax Credit Made Permanent - Amends the Internal Revenue Service Code to make the research tax credit permanent. Part II: Capital Gain Provisions - Provides for: (1) the indexing of certain assets acquired on or after February 1, 1992, for purposes of determining gain; and (2) a 50 percent exclusion for gain of individuals from certain small business stock. Part III: Temporary Investment Incentives - Provides for: (1) a temporary expensing increase for small businesses; and (2) a special depreciation allowance for certain equipment acquired in 1992. Subtitle B: Revenue Provisions - Makes the high-income personal exemption phaseout permanent. Disallows the deduction for: (1) certain employee remuneration in excess of $1 million; and (2) club membership dues. Requires specified identifying information with regard to certain seller-provided financing. Extends temporarily the overall limitation on high-income taxpayer itemized deductions. Sets forth a mark-to-market accounting method for securities dealers. Increases the base tax rate on ozone-depleting chemicals. Title IX: National Security Reinvestment - Subtitle A: Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporations - Provides for the establishment of a pilot Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporation which shall: (1) expand the commercial market for advanced manufacturing equipment produced by eligible Department of Defense (DOD) contractors; and (2) provide such equipment through lease or sale to small and medium commercial businesses at less than market rates. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Science and Mathematics Educational Reinstatement - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for teaching certification in science and mathematics for qualifying displaced or retiring military and defense support personnel. Funds the program through DOD. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Security Retraining Fellowships - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for retraining qualifying displaced or nonretiring military and defense support personnel with specialized defense-related expertise in science or engineering. Funds the program through DOD. Provides for the establishment of a related Engineer Reinvestment Panel. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Multiprogram Laboratory Conversion - Requires that within five years of enactment of this Act, ten percent of all Federal funding for research and development at (the Department of Energy) multiprogram laboratories shall be used for joint projects with private industry, including specified priority projects. Subtitle E: Research and Development Spending - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any budget reductions in DOD research and development should be balanced by equal increases in civilian research and development spending; and (2) defense and civilian research and development spending should be made approximately equal as soon as practicable. Subtitle F: Manufacturing Extension and Critical Technologies - Authorizes DOD appropriations for: (1) manufacturing extension programs; and (2) critical technology application centers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
BasiCare Health Access and Cost Control Act - Title I: Immediate Reforms - Subtitle A: Small Employer Health Insurance Market Reform - Regulates accident and health insurance issued to small employers (defined as having fewer than 51 employees) regarding: (1) price; (2) sales practices; (3) guaranteed issue; (4) core benefits (requiring the same benefits as title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act); (5) deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and copayments; and (6) preventive benefits for children under 23. Preempts inconsistent State and local laws. Regulates: (1) guaranteed eligibility; (2) limited exclusion of preexisting conditions; (3) guaranteed renewability; (4) waiting periods; and (5) rating requirements. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to agree with a State to apply the standards set by that State's laws instead of these requirements, provided the core benefits and sales practices requirements are met. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to prohibit tax deductions for the tax imposed by title II, subtitle E, of this Act on insurers offering plans that do not qualify as BasiCare plans. Subtitle B: Community Health Services Expansion - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to establish a program of allotments to States for grants for community-based primary health services to low-income or medically underserved populations regarding infant mortality and referrals for the health management of infants and pregnant women. Links the amount of the allotment to population and need. Describes the services to be included. Earmarks for the allotments specified percentages of appropriations under certain provisions added by this Act. Mandates grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities for providing access to services, as described in specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by a FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Expansion of Tax Incentives for Self-Employed Individuals - Amends the IRC to increase to 100 percent (currently 25 percent) the portion of health insurance costs self-employed individuals may deduct. Removes provisions ending the deduction on a specified date. Subtitle D: Expanding the Supply of Health Professionals in Rural Areas - Amends the PHSA to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment program. Earmarks certain portions to carry out provisions of this Act relating to FQHCs. Amends the IRC to allow a tax credit for service by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who: (1) provides primary health services to individuals in a rural health professional shortage area; and (2) is not receiving a National Health Service Corps scholarship or loan repayment and not fulfilling service obligations under such programs. Excludes National Health Service Corps loan repayments from gross income. Allows, with regard to elections to expense depreciable business assets, a higher aggregate cost to be taken into account for rural health care property in a rural health professional shortage area. Allows a deduction for a limited amount of the interest paid on medical education loans by an individual performing services under an agreement with an applicable rural community to perform professional services in the community. Authorizes use of the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Subtitle E: Malpractice Reform - Part I: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for purposes of this subtitle. Part II: Tort Reform of Health Care Liability Actions - Declares that this part applies to any health care liability action brought in any Federal or State court. Limits the dollar amount of: (1) recovery by an individual and the individual's family members in a health care liability action, regardless of the number of providers or the number of actions; and (2) single payments which may be required. Requires offset for damages paid by a collateral source. Prohibits punitive damages from exceeding the sum of economic and non-economic damages. Regulates the award of attorney's fees and joint and several liability. Sets forth time limits on initiation of actions. Preempts State laws in certain circumstances. Subtitle F: Joint Ventures - Amends provisions of the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 allowing, notwithstanding antitrust laws, certain cooperative research agreements to add references to joint health care provider ventures, defined as a group of activities by two or more hospitals for the provision or delivery of health care services. Title II: Long-Term Reforms - Subtitle A: Establishment of Commission and Advisory Board - Establishes the Commission on National Health Care Access and Reform and the National Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Reform and Standardization of Private Insurance - Requires the Commission to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal with specified elements, including: (1) a uniform national health benefits package (BasiCare); (2) a national health care insurance reform plan applicable to all carriers of health insurance in the United States; (3) self-insured plan requirements; and (4) a program to assist low-income individuals in the transfer from coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to BasiCare coverage and financial assistance in obtaining BasiCare coverage. Sets forth the continuing duties and responsibilities of the Commission, including: (1) submission of a new legislative proposal annually for the next two years if the Congress does not approve the Commission's recommendation; (2) annual review and revision, subject to congressional recision, of benefits and premiums; (3) oversight of provider participation and billing; (4) oversight of the supplemental health insurance market; (5) submission to the Congress of plans for the long-term disposition of Medicaid benefits not covered or subsumed by BasiCare and assimilation of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act), the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and the Federal employees' health benefits program into the BasiCare system; and (6) submission to the Congress of a legislative proposal for affordable and easy access to prescription drugs. Includes in BasiCare coverage basic hospitalization, basic outpatient services, prescription drugs, protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket costs, coverage against extraordinary long-term care costs, and coverage for preventive care. Requires each carrier to offer BasiCare. Preempts inconsistent State and local laws. Prohibits duplication, in whole or part, of BasiCare benefits. Prohibits discrimination based on health status, including preexisting conditions. Requires guaranteed issue, a minimum plan period, guaranteed renewability, and community-wide ratings. Applies these standards to reinsurance policies. Regulates premiums. Prohibits employment-related BasiCare plans from imposing waiting periods. Requires: (1) such plans to apply equally to employees of all income levels; and (2) total contributions for an employer for low-income employees to equal or exceed the total for other employees. Regulates self-insured plans. Mandates development of recommended managed care plan standards regarding benefits, coverage, and delivery systems. Establishes the Managed Care Advisory Committee. Preempts certain State laws regarding managed care plans. Subtitle C: Low-Income Assistance - Requires the Commission to provide for the termination of Medicaid program coverage which duplicates BasiCare. Terminates, after five years, any remaining Medicaid benefits. Mandates financial assistance, through a voucher system, to low-income individuals for BasiCare premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing. Subtitle D: Congressional Consideration of Commission Recommendation - Declares that these provisions are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate with recognition of the right of either House to change the rules as any other rule of that House. Provides for the introduction and consideration of a joint resolution approving of the Commission's legislative proposal under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Enforcement Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove provisions relating to a tax on any employer or employee organization that contributes to a group health plan or large group health plan that does not comply with certain Medicare provisions. Imposes a tax on: (1) insurers offering plans that do not qualify as BasiCare plans; (2) the failure of any service provider under a BasiCare plan to comply with specified provisions of this Act; and (3) the failure of any person to comply with provisions of this Act relating to employer responsibilities and self-insured plan requirements under this Act. Disallows personal exemptions unless the individual's BasiCare policy number is included in the individual's tax return. Subtitle F: Financial Provisions - Creates the BasiCare Trust Fund and transfers to the Fund: (1) a specified percentage of wages and self-employment income; (2) all of the taxes imposed by this Act; (3) additional revenues received as the result of amendments made by this Act; (4) the State's Medicaid share; and (5) all unobligated amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund: (1) the Federal Medicaid share; and (2) amounts equal to appropriations for CHAMPUS and the Federal employees' health benefits program. Authorizes appropriations for additional sums as required to make expenditures under specified provisions of this act. Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude amounts under certain provisions of this Act from appropriation to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income employer-provided coverage under a BasiCare plan (currently, under an accident or health plan); (2) prohibit deductions for employer expenses for a group health plan unless the plan qualifies as a BasiCare plan; and (3) include amounts paid for a BasiCare plan (currently, for insurance) in the definition of "medical care" for provisions relating to medical and dental expenses. Subtitle G: Definitions - Defines various terms as used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the following elements of the U.S. Government: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Department of Defense; (3) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) the National Security Agency; (5) the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) the Department of State; (7) the Department of the Treasury; (8) the Department of Energy; (9) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (10) the Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1993, for the conduct of such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Authorizes the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the numbers authorized for FY 1993 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires the DCI to promptly notify the House and Senate intelligence committees whenever the Director exercises the authority granted under this title. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1993. Title III: General Provisions - Specifies that: (1) appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees may be increased by such additional amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law; and (2) such authorization of appropriations shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Civil War Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of historically significant Civil War battlefields.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Prohibits U.S. assistance to Serbia and Montenegro or any successor entity and requires the President to block all assets of the former Yugoslavian Government until he certifies to the Congress that: (1) Serbia and Montenegro have withdrawn their forces from Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina; and (2) the government of Serbia and Montenegro or any successor entity is democratically-elected and recognizes the territorial integrity of neighboring states and the political rights of Kosovo. Urges President Bush to withdraw U.S. recognition of Yugoslavia and to refuse to recognize Serbian and Montenegrin claims as a successor state. Supports withholding formal recognition of Serbia and Montenegro until all Serbian military, paramilitary, and irregular units are withdrawn from Bosnia-Hercegovina, Slovenia, and Croatia and until Serbia and Montenegro respect the territorial integrity of neighboring nations. Calls upon the administration to impose an "air cap" to provide protection to Bosnia-Hercegovina and Croatia, as is being afforded to the Kurds in Iraq. Supports the immediate provision of humanitarian and refugee assistance for the victims of war in Bosnia-Hercegovina and Croatia. Urges President Bush to call for a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution calling on member countries to: (1) suspend aid to Serbia and Montenegro; (2) block Serbian assets; (3) participate in an international trade embargo of Yugoslavia; (4) withdraw recognition of the Yugoslavian Government; and (5) terminate Yugoslavia's membership in international and multilateral organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the peopole of Israel on the 25th anniversary of the reunification of that city. Urges that: (1) Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected; and (2) the President and Secretary of State issue an unequivocal statement in support of such principle.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to carry out an educational satellite loan guarantee program. Guarantees any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming. Restricts such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies, and other distance learning and instructional resource providers; and (4) which is in existence as of January 1, 1992. Requires such corporation, before such loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported to the Secretary its findings; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth limitations on the amount of guaranteed loans to: (1) acquire such system; and (2) operate and manage such system for up to three years. Requires the lender to assign rights and interests in such system to the United States upon payment of such loan guarantee. Authorizes the United States to exercise, retain, or dispose of any such right or interest in any manner it deems fit, upon recommendation of the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
National Advanced Research Projects Agency Act of 1992 - Renames the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency as the National Advanced Research Projects Agency. Establishes an interagency executive committee to advise the Secretary of Defense and the Agency Director regarding policies, priorities, and programs. Empowers the Agency as the central research and development (R&D) organization of the Department of Defense (DOD) with the primary responsibility of maintaining the technological superiority of the United States over its potential adversaries. Directs the Agency to: (1) pursue R&D projects having significant potential for both military and civilian applications, as well as projects having solely military applications; (2) support and stimulate a national technology base that serves both military and civilian purposes and increases the productivity of each sector; (3) pursue R&D having the potential for scientific breakthroughs and revolutionary approaches for improved cost and performance of advanced technology having future military and civilian applications; (4) manage and direct the conduct of R&D of any other advanced technology that can be applied to increase the ability of a department or agency to attain its mission objectives; and (5) stimulate increased emphasis on the prototyping of defense systems and subsystems. Requires the Agency Director to enter into cooperative agreements and other transactions with private sector firms for R&D, especially R&D of advanced technologies with the potential for having both commercial and defense applications. Requires the Director to ensure participation in such cooperative agreements of private sector firms that have not had a significant level of involvement in R&D activities of DOD. Authorizes the head of a Federal department or agency to transfer funds to the Agency to carry out R&D requested by such department or agency. Provides the Federal pay rates for the Director of Defense Research and Engineering and the Agency Director.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992
AmeRus Foundation for Research and Development Act of 1992 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish the AmeRus Foundation for Research and Development as an endowed, nongovernmental, nonprofit foundation to: (1) promote and support joint research for peaceful purposes between scientists and engineers in the United States and former Soviet states; (2) establish joint nondefense industrial research and development through private sector linkages which may involve the academic sectors and shall include some contribution from industrial participants; and (3) ensure equal distribution of Foundation funding. Authorizes the Foundation to accept funding from governmental appropriations, private donations, debt conversions, and local foreign currencies generated by U.S. assistance programs as available. Requires a specified percentage of royalty revenues on patents resulting from Foundation projects to be returned to the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Makes eligible for the award of the Purple Heart those persons wounded in action on or after December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the origin of the weapon fire.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992
Democracy Corps Act of 1992 - Establishes a Democracy Corps Board to carry out this Act. Requires the Board to establish a Democracy Corps composed of U.S. citizens who have expertise relevant to the development of democratic institutions and free market economies in eligible former Soviet republics and the Baltic States. Directs the Corps to: (1) recruit and train teams of Corps members and assign such teams to eligible republics to make onsite assessments of the needs of individuals and organizations for training and other assistance relevant to the development of democratic institutions and free market economies; (2) prepare reports on critical needs at the regional and local levels; (3) identify local leaders who might benefit from training programs in the United States and other democratic countries; and (4) review the effectiveness of the distribution of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Requires the teams to establish Democracy Houses in localities to assist local efforts to create democratic institutions and a market economy and to provide logistical support and information to U.S. Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations assisting in the development of democracy. Directs the Corps to disseminate the needs assessments to relevant Government agencies, the National Endowment for Democracy, and other nongovernmental organizations and foreign governments engaged in assisting the transition to democratic institutions and free market economies. Requires the Corps to seek to obtain support in the United States for those working to consolidate such transition. Permits funds made available under this Act to be used to compensate Corps members. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1992
Title I: Administrator of the House of Representatives - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LII establishing the position of Administrator of the House (Administrator). Directs the Administrator, under the policy supervision and oversight of the Committee on House Administration (except in those areas under the jurisdiction of the House Office Building Commission) to plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative support operations of the House. Requires the Administrator to study the functions of the House and, within one year after his or her appointment and periodically thereafter, make recommendations to the Committee on House Administration regarding changes needed to assure the efficient operation of the House, including any changes in its rules, policies, and procedures. Adds rule LIII to establish the position of Auditor of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the chairman of the Committee on House Administration with the approval of the Speaker and the minority leader. Title II: Committee on House Administration - Amends rule X to revise the functions of the Committee on House Administration to include general oversight with respect to the Administrator, the Auditor, and his or her staff. Title III: Annual Reporting Requirement - Amends rule I to direct the Speaker to require the Administrator, the Clerk, the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Doorkeeper, and the Postmaster each to report annually to the Speaker, with copies of the report to be printed as a House document and made available to the public.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCurdy, Dave [D-OK-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000398_200.jpg)