United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1992
Generalized System of Preferences Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to promulgate regulations with respect to certain procedural requirements for the filing of petitions requesting designation of an imported article as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences. Requires the President annually to publish and furnish (currently, from time to time) the International Trade Commission (ITC) with lists of articles which may be considered for designation as eligible for such preference. Requires the ITC: (1) to review such lists without regard to the effect that any prospective withdrawal or suspension of the beneficiary developing country designation of any country that produces like articles may have; and (2) in the public version of its digest set forth the reasoning on which its advice to the President with respect to the article is based. Declares the following articles as import-sensitive and not eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences: (1) certain mushrooms; (2) certain glassware; (3) certain goya cheese; (4) sulfazaline; (5) nitro-cellulose; (6) any imported agricultural article which will render ineffective, or materially interfere with, a loan or purchase program of, or other industry-wide operation of, the Department of Agriculture; (7) any article which is subject to any order or action granting import relief under specified U.S. trade laws; and (8) any article not included in the petition. Declares that an article shall be treated as being import-sensitive if its importation will cause harm, or tend to cause harm, to the U.S. industry that produces a like or directly competitive product. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress on duty-free petitions and their economic impact on pertinent U.S. industries, and developmental impact on beneficiary developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1992
Farmer Owned Reserve Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 with regard to the farmer owned reserve program to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide original price support loans for wheat and feed grains; (2) announce program conditions at any time; and (3) permit program entry as unforeseen market conditions warrant. Authorizes discretionary program exit for producers with original loans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1992
Supports the President's statement of August 6, 1992, and commends him for taking decisive steps to put pressure on Serbia to stop the conflict in Bosnia-Hercegovina, including through: (1) the diplomatic and political isolation of Serbia; (2) the strict enforcement of sanctions provided for in United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 757; (3) the implementation of the Security Council-endorsed plan to place heavy weapons belonging to all factions in Bosnia-Hercegovina under UN supervision; (4) the resumption of peace talks among all parties to the conflict; and (5) urging the Security Council to authorize measures, including the use of military force, necessary to ensure the provision of humanitarian relief to the people of Bosnia-Hercegovina. Urges the Security Council to consider means by which: (1) UN and International Committee of the Red Cross personnel shall be granted immediate, unimpeded, and continuous access to all refugee camps, prisoners-of-war camps, internment camps, and other places of detention in all of the republics of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; and (2) civilians in Bosnia-Hercegovina shall be protected from the use of force and violations of the laws of war. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that an international tribunal should be convened to: (1) investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed within the territory of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; and (2) accumulate evidence against, charge, and otherwise prepare the basis for trying any individual whom the tribunal has probable cause to believe is responsible for or committed such a crime.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1992
Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Balancing the Budget - Part A: Purposes - Repeals provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to: (1) emergency powers to eliminate deficits in excess of the maximum deficit amount; (2) budgetary treatment of social security trust funds; and (3) miscellaneous and related provisions. Declares the purpose of this Act to balance the budget by FY 1998 and each year thereafter. Part B: The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - Establishes deficit reduction targets for direct spending and receipts legislation for FY 1993 through 1998. Establishes discretionary funding limits in terms of new budget authority for FY 1994 through 1998. Requires, whenever appropriate, that adjustments to such limits be made to reflect: (1) changes in budget accounting concepts; (2) changes in inflation for each year and outyear (any of the four fiscal years that follow the budget year); (3) renewal/replacement multiyear subsidized housing contracts; (4) emergency requirements; (5) new limits for 1998 and thereafter; and (6) any law that raises excise taxes dedicated to a transportation trust fund. Provides that if at the start of the 1998 budget-year session the baseline assuming deficit reduction projects a deficit (or surplus) for that year, then the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement for that year and the discretionary funding limit for that year shall each be changed by amounts that, when debt service effects are added, will produce a balanced budget. Requires these changes to be made through enactment of a spin-off law or, if a spin-off law is not enacted, an adjustment to the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement by two-thirds of the required change (excluding debt service effects) and a one-third adjustment of the required change (excluding debt service effects) to the discretionary funding limit. Provides for preventing deficits starting with FY 1999. Provides for the enactment of a spin-off law through congressional budget procedures or other means to balance the budget in 1998 or prevent deficits after 1998. Establishes a scorecard for the recording of the estimated increase or decrease in deficit reduction for the current year, the budget year, and each fiscal year through 1998 due to enactment (after August 15, 1992) of any law, or the imposition of any sequestration, or the change in the baseline which relates to certain expiring provisions of law and to veterans' compensation, affecting the level of direct spending or the level of receipts. Requires the creation of a new scorecard for FY 1999 and thereafter for the estimated increase or decrease in the deficit or surplus for the budget year. Sets forth deficit reduction requirements for the scorecard. Provides for scoring any law that affects current-year direct spending or receipts. Divides the scorecard between changes in outlays for direct spending and changes in receipts. Excludes certain emergency legislation from the scorecard. Includes certain receipts resulting from an increase in an excise tax dedicated to a transportation fund. Establishes a scorecard for each fiscal year starting with 1994 for discretionary appropriations amounts due to: (1) the enactment of any law in the budget-year session; (2) the enactent of any law in any previous session of Congress; or (3) the imposition of any across-the-board reduction of discretionary programs. Sets forth the method of enforcing deficit reduction targets in direct spending programs through a targeted sequestration procedure. Requires enactment of a spin-off law to initiate such procedure. Establishes a comprehensive sequestration procedure if such spin-off bill is not enacted. Requires under such procedure a freeze of entitlement spending and some revenue provisions in the amount needed to meet deficit targets. Sets forth the method of sequestering discretionary programs through uniform across-the-board reductions, unless the excess of new budget authority is less than $250 million. Lists the budget accounts or activities exempted from sequestration. Authorizes the President to exempt some or all of the budgetary resources of any military personnel account from sequestration, pending notification of the Congress. Subjects Federal administrative expenses to sequestration orders, with specified exceptions. Provides for the permanent sequestration of direct spending and receipts and for determining applicable uniform percentages for reductions. Sets forth the method of making reductions for: (1) the non-JOBS and JOBS portion of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act; (2) the child support enforcement program; (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (4) the conservation reserve program; (5) extended unemployment compensation; (6) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (7) the Federal Housing Finance Board; (8) Federal pay; (9) the guaranteed student loan program; (10) Federal insurance program; (11) the Medicaid program; (12) the Medicare program; (13) the Postal Service Fund; (14) the Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; (15) the uranium enrichment program; and (16) veterans' housing loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the method of sequestration through tax changes. Requires an increase in the top marginal rates and modifies the indexing provision under a sequestration order. Imposes a tax surcharge on individuals and corporations. Sets forth the timetable for estimating assumptions and filing reports and orders by the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Board of Estimates (established by this Act). Requires the making of sequestration reports, sequestration preview reports, and low-growth reports by CBO and OMB. Establishes the administrative procedures relative to such reports. Sets forth assumptions to be used in calculating the baseline for the budget year and each outyear with respect to direct spending and receipts and discretionary programs. Declares that a baseline assuming deficit reduction refers to a projection of current policy baseline surpluses or deficits into the budget year and the outlays that is adjusted in aggregate by: (1) assuming compliance with basic deficit reduction targets; (2) assuming compliance with the discretionary funding limits; and (3) excluding amounts resulting from legislation designated as an emergency requirement. Establishes as a deposit fund in the Treasury a Stabilization Reserve Fund to accumulate balances during years of comparative prosperity, which may later be used to cover the loss of receipts and the increase in outlays that occur during comparative economic distress. Requires annual surpluses to be paid into the Fund. Requires starting with FY 1999 that an additional $10 billion be paid to the Fund. Requires in each year starting with 2000 that an additional $20 billion be paid to such Fund. Prohibits Fund balances from receiving interest. Requires the enactment of a law to transfer balances to the General Fund of the Treasury. Establishes congressional procedures in the event of a low-growth report or a declaration of war. Establishes a Board of Estimates to choose the applicable sequestration report from OMB or CBO to submit to the President. Provides judicial review procedures for provisions of this title. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Standing Rules of Senate, and specified other laws. Establishes the public debt limit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992
Supports the planting of 500 redwood trees from California on the northwest coast of Spain in commemoration of the quincentenary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Designates such trees as a gift to the people of Spain made in the name of the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the General Accounting Office should study and report to the Congress on the economic impacts Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 636 on the various classes and regions of natural gas end-users; and (2) FERC should refrain from processing restructuring proceedings pursuant to such Order until a certain period after such report is due.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1992
Free Trade in Ideas Act of 1992 - Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Export Administration Act of 1979, the Trading With the Enemy Act, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to declare that the authority granted the President under such Acts does not include the authority to regulate or prohibit: (1) the importation from or exportation to any country, or the communication or telecommunication or other form of transmission to any country, of publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, audiotapes and video tapes, artworks, telephone conversations, other voice or data communications, telecasts, and news wire feeds; (2) other forms of telecommunications; (3) other materials which in the United States would be protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; (4) information that is not otherwise controlled under the Export Administration Act of 1979; (5) travel related to importation, exportation, communication, telecommunication, or transmission; (6) transactions for the creation or circulation concerning such information, or rights to such information, whether commercial or otherwise; (7) other transactions incidental to the above-mentioned activities or transactions; (8) any transactions ordinarily incident to travel to and from any country; (9) any transactions ordinarily incident to travel and maintenance within any country; (10) any transactions incident to the arrangement, promotion, or facilitation of travel to, from, or within a country; (11) any transactions incident to nonscheduled flights or voyages to and from any country; (12) normal banking transactions incident to travel to and from any country; (13) the importation or exportation of publications or other informational materials from any country; (14) financial or other transactions, or travel, incident to activities of scholars, other educational or academic activities, cultural activities and exchanges, or public exhibitions by nationals of one country in another country; or (15) financial or other transactions related to the establishment of U.S. news bureaus in foreign countries, or the establishment of foreign news bureaus in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1992
Foreign Aid Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that economic support assistance should be provided principally through commodity import programs, project assistance, sector programs, or the provision of U.S. goods and services. Permits such assistance to be provided to a foreign government as a cash transfer only pursuant to an agreement requiring the recipient government to spend the cash transfer to purchase U.S. goods and services to the extent that the recipient government purchases goods and services not produced in that country. Exempts from this Act any recipient government that: (1) receives less than $25,000,000 cash transfer assistance for a fiscal year; or (2) as of April 1, 1989, was receiving such assistance and has an agreement with the United States under which it agrees to spend an amount equal to the amount of the cash transfer on U.S. goods and services, to carry 50 percent of all bulk shipments of U.S. grain on privately-owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, to purchase U.S. grain at levels comparable to those purchased in prior years, and to comply with such requirements in any fiscal year in which it receives such assistance. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act if it is in the national interest to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1992
All-Soy Ink Printing Act of 1992 - Requires that all federally performed or procured printing be done with all-soy inks and pigment vehicles as soon as commercially cost competitive. Requires that all solicitations for printing and binding services made by the Government Printing Office encourage the use of ink with soy-based pigment vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1992
Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize the National Science Foundation to foster the development and use of computer networks related to science and engineering research and education.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1992
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 23, 1992, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
Amends the Bankruptcy Judges, United States Trustees, and Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 to: (1) postpone from October 1, 1993, to October 1, 1995, repeal of provisions concerning the debt adjustment of a family farmer with regular annual income; and (2) modify the guidelines for court-authorized extension of the filing period for bankruptcy plans by a family farmer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
Rural Community Environmental Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds through FY 2000. Requires each State to establish a rural community environmental assistance account in such fund and to deposit at least 25 percent of the amount of the grant received for the establishment of the fund into such account. Permits monies in such accounts to be used only for the construction of wastewater treatment works and public water systems in economically distressed rural communities, subject to certain loan and grant conditions. Requires States to determine the amount of interest to be charged on loans and to establish grant eligibility criteria. Permits assistance to be provided only if: (1) the wastewater treatment works is consistent with planning requirements under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) the public water system is approved by the State agency with primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Requires States, in providing such assistance, to give priority to an economically distressed rural community in which: (1) there is a need for collector sewers and interceptors to improve access to wastewater treatment facilities; (2) residents rely on inadequate wastewater treatment facilities or drinking water systems that are determined by public health officials to be a hazard; or (3) residents rely on public water systems which do not meet requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorizes States to provide such assistance for eligible innovative projects only after conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Requires States to submit plans for the intended uses of amounts in rural community environmental assistance accounts to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Administrator to approve or disapprove such plans. Reserves one percent of funds in such accounts per fiscal year for planning activities. Permits the submission of a plan only if it has been approved by a State Rural Environmental Infrastructure Advisory Panel. Requires such panels to assist in plan preparation, review, and approval. Sets forth accounting and auditing requirements. Withholds payments from States that fail to comply with requirements for rural community environmental assistance accounts. Directs the Administrator to: (1) make grants to regional, State, and local agencies and not-for-profit organizations to assist economically distressed rural communities by providing technical assistance for the financing, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment works and public water systems; and (2) set aside a specified percentage of appropriations for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
Provides for the printing of the book entitled "Year of the American Indian, 1992: Congressional Recognition and Appreciation" (prepared under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing) as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow, on order of a veterinarian: (1) a new animal drug approved for one use to be used for a different purpose, provided the use does not result in residues in food in violation of established safe levels for the drug; and (2) a new drug approved for human use to be used in non-food producing animals.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Every Fifth Child Appropriations Act - Appropriates funds to carry out the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC program) authorized in specified provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Head Start programs authorized in specified provisions of the Head Start Act. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the programs, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Job Corps program authorized in specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act. Declares that, in order to establish a minimum number of additional centers, serve a minimum additional number of youths, and achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1992
States it shall be U.S. policy that: (1) President Aristide should be reinstated as President of Haiti; (2) the United States will coordinate with the Organization of American States to implement the Haitian trade embargo; and (3) humanitarian assistance to Haitians will be extended and their forced repatriation will cease. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals. Directs the President to: (1) notify Haiti of U.S. intentions to terminate the migrant interdiction agreement between the two countries; and (2) expand processing facilities for Haitians seeking U.S. protection. Excludes from U.S. entry certain Haitians who directly or indirectly assisted the overthrow of President Aristide or who participated in terrorist acts against the Haitian people.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) reach agreement with Mexico on the creation of a bilateral commission to raise and distribute money for development of environmental protection infrastructure and cleanup projects along the U.S.-Mexican border, not later than the date of enactment of legislation implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); and (2) enter into an agreement with Mexico, as part of NAFTA, in which each country would make a commitment to enforce environmental laws and to submit annual public reports on their enforcement practices and records.
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 · 21 May 1992
Designates February 21 through 27, 1993, as American Wine Appreciation Week. Commends the winegrape and fruit growers and vintners of the United States for the production of high quality agricultural products.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Octane Replacement Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to issue regulations establishing a program to require that, on a schedule of increments from one-half to two between 1994 and 2006, specified octane numbers of the octane ratings of domestically sold gasoline be derived from domestically produced, renewable nonpetroleum sources. Authorizes the Secretary to waive application of such requirements for any ozone nonattainment area during the high ozone season upon a determination by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that compliance would prevent or interfere with the attainment by the area of a national primary ambient air quality standard. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations establishing a system for the use of marketable octane credits for domestically sold gasoline under which credits due to gasoline with a higher octane number than is statutorily required, derived from domestically produced, renewable, nonpetroleum sources, may be used to offset gasoline sales with a lower octane number than is required. Permits the transfer of such credits between companies or within one company.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Agricultural Market Promotion Program Amendments Act of 1992 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to make a private brand product processed in whole or in part in the United States and composed in whole or in part of U.S. agricultural commodities eligible for market promotion assistance. Sets forth related marketing plan requirements. Requires an eligible trade organization to establish per country market penetration goals. Limits per country promotion assistance to the attainment of such goal.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to include up to 160 acres of farmland on which a residence is located in the one-time exclusion of gain from sale of a principal residence by an individual who has attained age 55.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Physician Assistant Incentive Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for physician assistants at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by physician assistants in health professional shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Generalized System of Preferences Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to promulgate regulations with respect to certain procedural requirements for the filing of petitions requesting designation of an imported article as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences. Requires the President annually to publish and furnish (currently, from time to time) the International Trade Commission (ITC) with lists of articles which may be considered for designation as eligible for such preference. Requires the ITC: (1) to review such lists without regard to the effect that any prospective withdrawal or suspension of the beneficiary developing country designation of any country that produces like articles may have; and (2) in the public version of its digest set forth the reasoning on which its advice to the President with respect to the article is based. Declares the following articles as import-sensitive and not eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences: (1) certain wine; (2) certain brandy; (3) certain mushrooms; (4) certain glassware; (5) certain goya cheese; (6) sulfazaline; (7) nitro-cellulose; (8) any imported agricultural article which will render ineffective, or materially interfere with, a loan or purchase program of, or other industry-wide operation of, the Department of Agriculture; (9) any article which is subject to any order or action granting import relief under specified U.S. trade laws; and (10) any article not included in the petition. Declares that an article shall be treated as being import-sensitive if its importation will cause harm, or tend to cause harm, to the U.S. industry that produces a like or directly competitive product. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress on duty-free petitions granted, their economic impact on pertinent U.S. industries, and developmental impact on beneficiary developing countries.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives (practitioners) at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by such practitioners in health professional shortage areas. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who is a registered nurse and is licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the clinical nurse specialist services are performed and holds a master's degree in a defined clinical area of nursing from an accredited educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992
Every Fifth Child Act - Makes appropriations for FY 1993, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in specified amounts to begin a phase-in toward full funding of: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (2) Head Start programs under the Head Start Act; and (3) the Job Corps program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such programs should receive specified minimum levels of funding to allow: (1) the WIC program to be fully funded through FY 1996; (2) Head Start programs to be fully funded through FY 1998; and (3) the Job Corps to establish at least 50 additional centers and serve at least 50 percent more of low-income disadvantaged youth by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992
Designates October 24 through November 1, 1992, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America. Recognize the hard work and dedication of those involved in combatting substance abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992
Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on a commercial agricultural crop or site where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; (2) the acreage expected to be treated as a result of that use is less than 300,000 acres annually or the agricultural crop represents production from less than 300,000 acres annually; (3) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support initial or continuing registration; and (4) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if it is determined that the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the incremental risk presented by the minor use and that such risk would have an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data. Terminates the exclusive use of such data if the registration is voluntarily cancelled, or if the data are used to support a nonminor use. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Grants registrants who make good faith requests for minor use waivers regarding required data, and whose requests are denied, a full time period for providing such data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to four years if the registrant provides data to support other uses of the pesticide and a schedule to assure that the data production will be completed before the expiration of the extension. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks. Prohibits amendments if the pesticide meets or exceeds risk criteria associated with human dietary exposure and other specified conditions. Provides for extensions of minor use registration and data submission deadlines in cases where a registrant is not providing data to support a minor use but is providing data in a timely fashion to support other uses. Requires the Administrator, when a minor use registration application is filed no later than two years after another registrant voluntarily cancels registration for a similar use, to evaluate such application as if the voluntary cancellation had not yet taken place for purposes of data use, subject to environmental risk considerations. Directs EPA to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program within the Office of Pesticide Programs. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture matching fund minor use program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals, including the data to support minor use pesticide registrations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
Reinvest in American Education Act - Title I: Care and Development of Children - Amends the Head Start Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for the Head Start program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for the child care and early childhood development improvement program. Title II: Elementary and Secondary Education Improvements - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make school competitiveness challenge grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for use by local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement public school programs to: (1) reduce class size; and (2) purchase and integrate computers and software programs. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires States to allocate all such funds to LEAs eligible to receive funds under provisions for disadvantaged students under chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1). Requires State appointment of a review panel to recommend LEAs that appear to meet the Secretary's requirements for such grant awards. Limits the Federal share to 90 percent of project costs. Limits certain uses of funds. Requires annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make foreign language program grants to SEAs to develop and implement innovative programs to teach foreign languages to public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Requires States selected to receive such grants to distribute grants to LEAs, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations with expertise in foreign language training or foreign language integration with area studies, geography, and cultural awareness. Gives special consideration to entities with expertise in European and Pacific Rim languages. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires State appointment of a review panel to recommend LEAs based on ability to meet the the Secretary's requirements for such grant awards. Limits the Federal share to 90 percent of project costs. Requires annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make demonstration grants for comprehensive services for children and youth to eligible entity partnerships to provide multiyear educational and social services to specified target populations of disadvantaged at-risk children and youth and their families. Requires such programs to coordinate activities under Federal, State, and local partnership grants into an integrated service delivery system colocated at a school or other community-based site accessible to and used by at-risk youth. Gives priority to entities that provide comprehensive services extending beyond traditional school or service hours (including year-round programs providing evening and weekend services). Allows award of such grants for up to five years, if progress is satisfactory. Requires equitable geographic distribution to both urban and rural areas with a high proportion of at-risk youth. Provides for bonus awards. Requires an entity to serve a target population of: (1) students enrolled in schools participating in school-wide projects assisted under ESEA chapter 1, and their families; (2) students enrolled in the most economically disadvantaged schools within the LEA; (3) out-of-school youth at-risk of having limited future options due to teenage pregnancy and parenting, substance abuse, recent immigration, disability, limited English proficiency, family migration, illiteracy, being the child of a teen parent, living in a single parent household, or being a high school dropout; or (4) any combination of in-school and out-of-school youth. Provides for: (1) authorized program activities; (2) one-year planning grants; (3) applications; (4) comprehensive service plans; (5) planning councils; (6) joint review of applications by the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services; (6) annual interim reports; (7) a program evaluation study and report to specified congressional committees by the Secretary of Education; (8) minimum and maximum grant limits; (9) an 80 percent Federal share; and (10) technical assistance and information dissemination on successful models. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Augustus F. Hawkins Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990 to direct the Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families to: (1) identify and, if possible, eliminate program regulations or practices that impede coordination and collaboration; (2) develop and implement plans for creating jointly funded programs, unified assessments, eligibility, and application procedures, and confidentiality regulations that facilitate information-sharing; and (3) recommend legislative action needed to facilitate coordination of educational and social services for children, youth, and families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to LEAs, in areas where the dropout rate for high school students is 20 percent or more, for daily after-school activities for at-risk students in the fourth through eighth grades of public schools in such an LEA's jurisdiction. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent of the costs of such activities. Sets forth required guidelines for such activities, including: (1) organization by peer group leaders from high schools, each to be paid for their services $1 per hour more than the Federal minimum wage; and (2) supervision by teachers, each to be paid for their services $20,000 per year in addition to their regular salary. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications and assurances. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to repair, renovate, and modernize existing public school buildings to address health, safety, and environmental concerns. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires appointment of a review panel. Gives priority to: (1) schools that have buildings that are more than 25 years old; and (2) schools in which the buildings' physical condition warrants repair or renovation. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent of project costs. Requires annual State progress reports to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop programs in public elementary schools regarding the Bill of Rights. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop or continue physical education programs and interscholastic sports programs in public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop or continue arts education in public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for State grants and national programs to strengthen the skills of teachers and improve instruction in mathematics and science. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance to vocational education. Title III: Higher Education Loan Program - Self-Reliance Scholarship Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for Self-Reliance Scholarships to assist students in financing their undergraduate and graduate education. Establishes the self-reliance scholarship program as a student loan program, with repayments to be made over chosen periods under the income tax system on the basis of the individual's adjusted gross income. Requires the Director of the Office of Self-Reliance Scholarships established by this Act (the Director) to make such loans to each eligible student who qualifies, in an amount determined according to a specified formula. Authorizes the Director to enter into a contract for the conduct of the program or any portion of it. Requires each eligible institution to submit a list of loan applicants and the amounts for which they are qualified and promptly notify the Director of any change in their enrollment status. Requires the Director to establish an account for each such loan recipient by name and taxpayer identification number and provide for the increase of the total amount stated for such account by any amounts subsequently loaned to such recipient. Sets forth the terms of institutional agreements under such program, enforcement provisions, and reporting requirements. Requires each eligible institution entering such a program agreement, if it experiences a percentage increase in its cost of attendance exceeding a certain amount, to report to the Director on such increase and its justification. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on the reasons for such excessive increases and whether such information should be used as a basis on which to suspend or revoke, in whole or in part, the agreement with the eligible institution. Sets forth annual and aggregate limits on the amounts of such loans to individuals, with adjustments for inflation and for less than full-time students. Sets forth terms of such loans and provisions for disbursement of proceeds. Prohibits the amount of any such loan from being taken into consideration in determining student eligibility for assistance under any other program assisted under HEA. Establishes in the Treasury the Education Trust Fund (the Fund), consisting of transfers from education loan repayment taxes and surtaxes on individuals with incomes over $1,000,000 and from loan refunds after student withdrawals, amounts received pursuant to the issuance of obligations, and any interest earned on Fund investments. Bases the transfer of tax and surtax amounts on estimates. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest the portion of the Fund which the Director judges is not required to meet current withdrawals. Authorizes the Fund to issue certain obligations. Authorizes the Director to obligate certain sums available to the Fund for specified purposes. Requires the Director to hold the Fund and report annually to the Congress on its financial condition, the results of its operations, and its expected condition and operations. Provides for repayment of such loans. Requires the Director to develop and implement a procedure for computing repayment percentage options for each borrower, taking specified factors into consideration. Sets various limits on such repayments based on the individual's gross income. Limits the maximum repayment period to 25 years, with individuals given the option of selecting a 15-, 20-, or 25-year repayment period. Requires development of a buyout procedure, including interest and a prepayment penalty. Requires the Director to: (1) provide each borrower with the option to select a repayment status with a repayment percentage determined in accordance with specified procedures and factors; and (2) transmit such information along with the borrower's taxpayer identification number to the borrower and to the Secretary of the Treasury by January 1 of each calendar year. Requires repayment status to commence at the start of the first taxable year following either the date of the loan or the date of graduation, but in no event later than the sixth taxable year after the date of the loan. Authorizes the Director, however, to establish special repayment rules for individuals in categories of special consideration. Makes proprietary trade schools ineligible for the Self-Reliance Scholarship program. Makes eligible for such scholarships any student who is a U.S. citizen of age 17 through 50. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the education loan repayment tax, to be imposed upon individuals certified by the Director in an amount equal to the repayment percentage of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for the taxable year. Sets forth minimum and maximum adjusted gross income amounts. Sets forth requirements for joint returns. Establishes a surtax on individuals with taxable incomes over $1,000,000. Imposes such surtax on income tax at a specified rate in certain cases, and on the tentative minimum tax at a specified rate in certain cases. Makes special rules for a surtax on estate and trusts and for treatment of married individuals filing separate returns. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish the Office of Self-Reliance Scholarships, to be administered by the Director who is responsible for overseeing this Act. Directs the President of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on the impact of higher education tuition rate increases on students and families, along with recommendations for cost containment measures. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through March 31, 1994 (currently, 1993) special payments under part A of Medicare for the operating costs of inpatient services of small, rural Medicare-dependent hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1992
Savings Associations Interstate Branching Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to preclude a savings association from establishing or operating a new branch outside its home State unless it has the written approval of the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Restricts the Director's authority to approve interstate branching by a savings association to situations where: (1) the law of the host State allows interstate branching; (2) the interstate branch is operated pursuant to the laws of the host State; and (3) the savings association is adequately capitalized under Federal law.