United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1992
Authorizes the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to publicly disclose the name and pertinent account information of any Member or former Member who it finds, pursuant to H. Res. 236, has abused banking privileges between July 1, 1988, to October 3, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
Freedom from Government Competition Act of 1992 - Requires Federal agencies to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of their authorized functions by procurement from private sources unless: (1) the goods or services are required by law to be produced or performed, respectively, by the agency; (2) or the head of the agency determines and certifies to the Congress that Government production, manufacture, or provision of a good or service is necessary for national defense, that a good or service is so inherently governmental in nature that it is in the public interest to require production or performance by a Government employee, or that there is no private source capable of providing the good or service. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to the Congress on: (1) agency activities which are inconsistent with such requirements; and (2) a schedule for transferring such activities to the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1992
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal the provision taxing scholarships and fellowships, and to exclude them from gross income, beginning with the 1987 tax year. Waives the statute of limitations for related refund or credit claims filed within one year of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992
Trucking Regulatory Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to include as objectives of U.S. transportation policy in regulating transportation by motor carrier, the promotion of competitive and efficient transportation services in order to: (1) allow, to the maximum extent possible, competition and the demand for services to establish reasonable rates for transportation by motor carriers of property; and (2) minimize the need for Federal regulatory control over the motor carrier transportation system and require fair and expeditious regulatory decisions when regulation is required. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to exempt motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods from its jurisdiction whenever it finds that: (1) its jurisdiction is not necessary to carry out U.S. transportation policy; and (2) either such transaction or service of the motor carrier is of limited scope, or ICC jurisdiction is not needed to protect shippers from the abuse of market power. Authorizes the ICC to exempt transportation provided by such motor carriers as a part of a continuous intermodal movement. Declares that the fact that a rate, classification, rule, or practice relating to motor common carriers was included in a tariff duly filed with the ICC shall not relieve such carriers from liability or any remedy under the antitrust laws in instances where the conditions of an agreement between such carriers regarding such rate, classification, rule, or practice are not met, unless the ICC has determined its reasonableness. Prohibits agreements approved by the ICC from providing for docketing of the independent actions of carriers of non-household goods, or for discussion of or voting upon such actions. Excepts from the general reasonableness standard: (1) independently determined rates or rates determined by the independent action of motor carriers providing transportation of property of non-household goods; and (2) the establishment of through routes by such carriers. Excludes divisions of joint rates by such carriers from the general requirement that they be made without unreasonable discrimination against a participating carrier, and that they must be reasonable. Requires the ICC to prescribe only the maximum rate of the classification, rule, or practice to be followed in the case of a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods which establishes rates collectively in an organization established or continued under an approved agreement or by certain independent action. Declares that the ICC is not authorized to begin immediately on its own initiative or on application of an interested party a proceeding to determine the lawfulness of proposed rates, classifications, rules, and practices that are independently determined, or established by independent action, by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes the ICC to make such a determination when a new rate, classification, rule, or practice established by independent action or collectively by an approved agreement is filed with the ICC by or on behalf of a motor common carrier or two or more interlining motor common carriers of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of household goods on the grounds that such rate is unreasonable because too high or too low if specified requirements are met. Allows the ICC to take such action with respect to rates proposed by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Subjects the docketing of rates by independent actions by motor common carriers of property other than household goods to the U.S. antitrust laws. Bars construction as a violation of such antitrust laws the docketing of independent actions by motor carriers providing transportation of non-household goods. Prohibits the ICC from investigating, suspending, revising, or revoking any rate proposed by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods on the grounds that such a rate is unreasonable because too high, unless the proposed rate is established by independent action or established collectively under an agreement approved by the ICC. Declares that certain limitations on the establishment of rates, classifications, and rules by freight forwarders shall not apply if they are independently determined, or established by independent action, by a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods. Authorizes such a motor common carrier to establish any transportation rate if it is independently determined or established by independnent action. Authorizes the ICC to grant relief, if consistent with the public interest and U.S. transportation policy, from any requirement that a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods have in effect a rate for transportation service which does not limit its liability. Prohibits the ICC from prescribing the maximum reasonable charge or allowance that may be paid for certain shipper-furnished transportation services or facilities by motor common carriers providing transportation of non-household goods under rates that are independently determined or established by independent action. Prescribes alternative ways to satisfy a claim made by a motor carrier of non-household goods or by a non-household goods freight forwarder regarding the collection of rates in addition to those originally billed and collected. Provides for settlement of any dispute about such claims. Sets forth a statute of limitations for civil actions for the recovery of motor carrier charges and overcharges. Authorizes motor carriers and shippers to resolve overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications. Requires a specified report to the Congress. Excepts motor contract carriers of property from the general requirement that contract carriers establish, and file with the ICC, rates for transportation and rules and practices related to such rates. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from the general requirement that carriers providing transportation or service include the rate for such transportation or service in a tariff. Declares any such rate, determined collectively by an agreement approved by the ICC or by independent action, to be considered a maximum rate. Excepts a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods under independently determined rates or rates established by independent action from general tariff requirements. Declares that a motor contract carrier of property is not required to publish or file with the ICC actual or minimum rates. Excepts a motor contract carrier of property or of passengers from the requirement that contract carriers publish, file, and keep open for public inspection a notice of any proposed new or reduced rates. Declares that a published or filed rate shall be conclusive proof against a motor common carrier providing transportation of non-household goods that such rate is the maximum legal rate for the transportation or service with respect to civil actions involving transportation rebates and rate, discrimination, and tariff violations. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the ICC to determine jointly by rule, after notice and opportunity for comment, the proper use of safety ratings (especially conditional and unsatisfactory ratings) in determining whether a motor carrier owner or operator or an applicant for an operating certificate meets certain safety fitness requirements. Amends the conditions for issuing a certificate or permit authorizing a person to provide transportation as a motor common or contract carrier of property or a motor contract carrier. Requires such an issuance if the person is able to comply with existing ICC regulations as well as: (1) certain safety fitness requirements established by the Secretary; and (2) certain minimum financial responsibility requirements. Requires the ICC in making such a finding to consider any evidence that the applicant is unable to comply with such requirements. Authorizes a person to protest an application on the basis that the applicant fails or will fail to comply with such requirements. Requires the ICC to find an applicant unfit if the applicant does not meet the safety fitness requirements. Subjects to certain commercial motor vehicle safety regulations motor carriers providing transportation of shipments weighing 100 pounds or less transported in a motor vehicle in which no one package exceeds 100 pounds and operating one or more commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. Authorizes one or more motor contract carriers of property providing transportation subject to ICC jurisdiction to enter into a contract with one or more purchasers of motor carrier services to provide specified services under specified rates and conditions to the extent permitted by the common law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Authorizes the ICC to suspend a certificate or permit of a motor carrier for failure to comply with certain safety fitness and minimum financial responsibility requirements. Authorizes States to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods. Requires the ICC to establish guidelines for determining whether the standards and procedures that a State authority will use in exercising jurisdiction over such transportation are in accordance with the standards and procedures applicable to regulation of motor carriers by the ICC. Sets forth specified State requirements. Authorizes any motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods, and any party to an administrative proceeding of any State authority in which the lawfulness of intrastate motor carrier transportation of non-household goods is decided, to petition the ICC to review such decision. Grants the ICC authority to issue a certificate and permit authorizing a motor carrier providing transportation of non-household goods to provide such transportation of household goods to provide such transportation intrastate. Grants the ICC exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for such transportation when specified conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities. Provides for reinstatement of the ten percent investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President has the authority to, and should, implement the indexation of the basis of assets for purposes of determining the amount of gain which is subject to taxation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Spending Priority Reform Act of 1992 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the General Fund to be applied against the Federal budget deficit. Title I: Agriculture Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for certain special research grants which were not authorized, not awarded on a competitive basis, or not subjected to congressional hearings ("unauthorized"). Title II: Commerce, Justice, State and Related Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Justice - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Justice for: (1) an unauthorized grant to the National College of District Attorneys for a move into a permanent facility with the latest technology; and (2) an unauthorized grant to SEARCH Group, Inc. for continued support to State and local criminal justice agencies to improve their use of computers and information technology. Subtitle B: Department of Commerce - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for unauthorized funding of: (1) construction, the National Ocean Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, oceanic and atmospheric research, program support, and miscellaneous projects; (2) a specified fresh-water fish hatchery; (3) a project for fish oil research; and (4) special research grants for the International Trade Administration. Subtitle C: Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Small Business Administration for unauthorized grants for specified miscellaneous projects. Amends the Small Business Act to rescind appropriations and repeal the authorization for a tree planting program. Subtitle D: Department of State - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of State for an unauthorized grant for the North/South Center at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Title III: Department of Defense Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations made under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1992, for certain unauthorized: (1) university grants; (2) miscellaneous projects; (3) certain Army operations and maintenance projects; (4) Navy operations and maintenance projects; and (5) Defense Agencies grants for World University and 1996 Summer Olympics games. Title IV: Energy and Water Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1992 appropriations made under the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 1992, for unauthorized funding of: (1) a Corps of Engineers project in West Virginia; (2) a Shoshone Irrigation project in Wyoming; (3) certain energy supply, research, and development activities; (4) a specified solar and renewable energy project in Hawaii; (5) certain biological and environmental research projects; (6) a certain research and technical analysis project for the University of Connecticut; and (7) a grant to complete the Center of Advanced Electronics Technology at Spartes State Technical College in Eufala, Alabama. Title V: Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations made under the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992, for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain National Park System projects; (2) certain construction projects involving anadromous fish; and (3) certain National Forest System projects. Title VI: Transportation Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Transportation for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain motor carrier safety grants; (2) certain Federal Highway Administration demonstration projects; (3) certain highway feasibility studies; and (4) certain feasibility, design, environmental, and engineering projects. Title VII: Treasury, Postal Service and General Government - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the General Services Administration for certain unauthorized grants for projects funded through the Federal Buildings Fund for the construction of a Federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York. Title VIII: Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Veterans Affairs - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain unauthorized construction projects. Subtitle B: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain housing projects and assistance programs; and (2) certain policy development and research grants. Subtitle C: Independent Agencies - Rescinds 1992 appropriations to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for certain unauthorized construction grants and specified other projects; (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency for certain unauthorized emergency management planning and assistance projects; and (3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for certain unauthorized research and development projects and construction projects. Title IX: Blue Smoke and Mirrors - Expresses the sense of the Congress that, with regard to the appropriations process, "forward funding" tactics should no longer be utilized and Congress should operate within the funding limits prescribed for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit State, local, and interstate governmental agencies to adopt flexible and compressed work schedules (under overtime requirements of such Act).
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse to be constructed at Fifth and Ross Streets in Santa Ana, California, as the Ronald Reagan Building.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Trauma Care Center Alien Compensation Act of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make an allotment each year for each eligible trauma center to compensate, partially or fully, for unreimbursed costs of care to undocumented aliens. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Comprehensive Congressional Reform Act of 1992 - Prohibits: (1) the official mail allowance of the House of Representatives for FY 1993 from exceeding 50 percent of such amount for FY 1992, plus any amount necessary as a result of increased postage rates; and (2) the operational expenses of the House of FY 1993 from exceeding 90 percent of that for FY 1992. Delays the effective date of any pay increase for a Member of the House until the beginning of the Congress after the one in which the law authorizing the increase is enacted. Requires the committees of the House having jurisdiction over specified labor, health, and safety laws to report measures to the House that subject it to the coverage of such laws. Provides that, to the extent that the House is already subject to such laws, the committees shall review their scope, enforcement procedures, and remedies, to ensure that these are as similar as constitutionally permissible to those applied to the private and noncongressional public sector. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit the length of time a Member may serve on a standing committee to six years. Amends rule XI to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting any rule or order which would waive specified requirements with respect to a conference report or a Senate amendment in disagreement unless determined by a minimum two-thirds vote of the Members voting. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the general fund to be applied against expenses associated with servicing the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Reduces specified appropriations for FY 1992. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the General Fund for application against expenses associated with servicing the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Temporary Investment Tax Credit Restoration Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment for the period after December 31, 1991, and before January 1, 1994. Provides for determining such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts and certain other retirement plans used for the acquisition or construction of a principal residence of the individual receiving the distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Amends Federal law to prohibit a Member of the House of Representatives from sending any franked mass mailing outside the Member's congressional district. Authorizes a Member of Congress to mail franked mail with a simplified form of address for delivery within his or her congressional district only. (Current law permits such mailings throughout the Member's State.) Prohibits the Committee on House Administration from approving any payment for, and a Member from making any expenditure from, any allowance of the House or any other official funds if any portion is for any cost related to a mass mailing by a Member of the House outside his or her congressional district.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Requests that the Government of Japan make a formal apology, on or before December 7, 1991, to the survivors of those who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Title I: Additional Safeguards to Protect Taxpayers' Rights - Subtitle A: Taxpayers' Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayers' Advocate, headed by the Taxpayers' Advocate, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Office to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Taxpayers' Advocate to annually report to specified congressional committees on Office activities. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayers' Advocate. Authorizes the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking such actions). Subtitle B: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for installment agreements. Suspends the failure to pay penalty during any period an installment agreement is in effect. Subtitle C: Interest - Extends from ten days to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Provides for the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the error or delay of an IRS managerial act. Increases the interest rate for overpayment of tax from two percent to three percent (making such rate equal to the interest rate for underpayment of tax). Waives interest on all overpayments refunded within 45 days after a return is filed. Subtitle D: Joint Returns - Requires separate deficiency notices in the case of a joint income tax return if the most recent data available to the IRS shows that such spouses did not file a joint return with each other. Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. Removes limitations on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Subtitle E: Collection Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the taxpayer and the United States, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. Subtitle E (sic): Erroneous and Fraudulent Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. Requires the Secretary to take reasonable steps to corroborate the accuracy of an information return when making a determination of a deficiency by a third party, when such return is disputed by the taxpayer. Subtitle F: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Declares that a person shall not be liable for any penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax if such person: (1) is not a significant owner, or highly compensated employee of the trade or business; (2) notifies the Secretary within ten days after such failure; and (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure. Requires the Secretary to disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty. Subtitle G: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Repeals the "substantially justified" test for determining whether a taxpayer may recover costs and fees incurred as part of an administrative or court proceeding. Provides for the awarding of reasonable litigation or administrative costs to a prevailing party who represents himself in an administrative or court proceeding. Makes IRS employees personally liable in certain cases. Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Subtitle H: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. Provides for the treatment of returns prepared for or executed by the Secretary for purposes of certain tax penalties. Provides protection for taxpayers who rely on certain guidance published by the IRS. Title II: Form Modifications, Studies - Subtitle A: Form Modifications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that taxpayers are aware of permission to pay tax in installments, extensions of time for payment of tax, and compromises of tax liability; (2) improve procedures for taxpayers to notify the Secretary of changes in names and addresses; (3) include in a specified publication a section on the rights and responsibilities of divorced individuals; (4) ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities under the Federal tax system and that the public is aware of penalties for failure to collect and pay over tax; and (5) notify taxpayers any payments that cannot be associated with any outstanding tax liability. Subtitle B: Studies - Requires the Secretary to report to the tax-writing committees on: (1) a pilot program for appeals of certain enforcement actions (including lien, levy, and seizure actions; (2) a study on ways to assist the elderly, physically impaired, foreign-language speaking, and other taxpayers with special needs to comply with IRS laws; (3) the scope and content of the IRS taxpayer-rights education program for its officers and employees; and (4) cases involving complaints about misconduct of IRS employees and the disposition of such complaints. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the tax-writing committees on: (1) a study of notices of deficiency; (2) the accuracy and clarity of 25 of the most commonly used IRS forms, notices, and publications; and (3) a study of IRS employee-suggestion programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Commercial Space Competitiveness Act of 1991 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions for this Act. Title II: Space Transportation - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to extend certain provisions relating to payment by the United States against a licensee under the Act. Amends the Launch Services Purchase Act of 1990 to include suborbital payloads in the requirement to purchase launch services from commercial providers. Modifies requirements regarding use of non-commercial providers. Mandates a report on use of commercial services for suborbital launch programs. Establishes a demonstration program to award vouchers to researchers for the payment of commercial launch services and payload integration services for small scientific payloads. Authorizes grants for projects relating to the development or improvement of space transportation infrastructure. Establishes in the Treasury the Commercial Space Transportation Trust Fund, to consist of revenues from any fees assessed by the Department of Transportation for the licensing of commercial launch activities and to be used for projects that directly benefit the U.S. space transportation industry. Requires that projects be selected by an Industry Selection Committee representing fee payors. Requires an inventory to identify federally-owned launch support facilities: (1) not needed for public use; or (2) which could be made available for non-Federal use on a reimbursable basis without interfering with Federal activities. Title III: Use of Missile Assets for Space Launch - Allows Federal agencies to make use of missile systems or components thereof decommissioned from the military arsenal (missile assets) only when such use is more cost effective than commercial launch services. Requires an agency, when missile assets are used, to make the assets available as Government-furnished equipment and purchase commercial launch services from the private sector. Regulates the decision on whether to use missile assets and, if so, their use. Allows Federal agencies, in certain circumstances, to provide for acquisition by the private sector of missile assets. Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to allow, for purposes of provisions relating to acquisition and payment by the private sector of launch property or services, an agency providing launch property to define "fair market value" as the most beneficial price offered to the Government at auction. Requires an agency, to promote fair and open competition, to make certain data available to bidders. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the release of missile assets by foreign governments or the offer of launch services by foreign entities using such assets should be addressed in fair trade negotiations. Requires Federal agencies to consider such release or offer in decisions regarding the sale of U.S. missile assets. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into contracts in which the Government agrees to procure sufficient quantities of a commercial space product or service needed to meet Government mission requirements so that a commercial venture is made viable (anchor tenancy contracts) in order to increase the viability of a commercial space venture. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to authorize NASA to: (1) make contracts in excess of available funds; and (2) provide for liability payments from certain sources in the event the Government terminates such contracts. Authorizes Federal agencies to allow non-Federal entities to use their space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to mandate protection of information developed under specified provisions of the Act from dissemination. Establishes a Commercial Space Achievement Award, consisting of a medal and, if funding is available, a cash prize, to individuals, corporations, corporate divisions, or corporate subsidiaries meeting certain criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to accept gifts from public and private sources for the cash prize.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Federal-State Pesticide Regulation Partnership Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to remove the authority of political subdivisions to inspect records of persons selling or delivering pesticides for purposes of enforcing such Act. Prohibits local governments from imposing or continuing any requirement regarding pesticides or devices.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to participate in the study, engineering, design, and construction of a regional water reuse system for southern California to provide a new water supply for agricultural, municipal, industrial, and environmental needs in that area. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the results of the study. Authorizes the Secretary to study, engineer, design, and construct water reuse demonstration facilities in order to develop advanced technology for economically and environmentally sound alternative water supplies for the San Diego, California, metropolitan area. Requires a report from the Secretary on study results. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to participate with Santa Rosa, California, and other appropriate authorities in the design, planning, and construction of projects to treat waste water and store such treated water for such city and surrounding areas in order to: (1) provide new water supplies for agricultural, municipal, environmental, and other purposes; and (2) reduce the use of potable water supplies when treated waste water is a viable substitute. Authorizes the Administrator to participate with Napa County, California, and other appropriate authorities in the expansion of the Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant. Limits the Federal share of each project's cost to 50 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government Act - Establishes the Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government to: (1) conduct a private sector survey on management and cost control in the Federal Government; (2) review executive agency operations and existing General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget Office, Inspector General Reports, and other existing governmental and nongovernmental recommendations for reducing waste; and (3) submit to the President and the Congress a list of those recommendations with estimated savings that the Commission determines are most significant and recommendations for improving the budget process, management, and reducing waste and costs in the Government. Requires the Commission to identify, address, and to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) opportunities for increased efficiency and reduced costs in the Government that can be realized by executive action or legislation; (2) areas in the Government where managerial accountability can be enhanced and administrative control can be improved; (3) specific Federal programs that have accomplished their objectives and ought to be terminated; (4) specific Federal program services that could be provided at a lower cost by the private sector; (5) specific reforms of the budget process that would yield savings, increase accountability and efficiency, and enhance public confidence in the budget process; (6) specific areas in the Government where further study can be justified by potential savings; and (7) specific recommendations for legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to be funded, staffed, and equipped, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, by the private sector without cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the qualified military benefits of retired military personnel employed as administrators or instructors in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Requires that of the amounts appropriated for FY 1992 for travel expenses for officers and employees of the Federal Government, not more than 75 percent be obligated or spent for such expenses and 25 percent be returned to the Treasury to reduce the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain employees of community colleges from overtime pay provisions of such Act under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Economic Growth and Family Tax Freedom Act of 1991 - Title I: Nonrefundable Tax Credit for Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each child under the age of six and $300 for each child between the age of six and 18. Makes the dependent care credit inapplicable to children under the age of six. Title II: Reducing the Cost of Capital by Reducing Capital Gains Tax Rates, Indexing the Basis of Certain Assets, and Excluding Gain From Sales of Principal Residences - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Provides for the phaseout of personal exemptions and the overall limitation on itemized deductions to take into account adjusted gross income which has been reduced by net capital gain. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers. Excludes from gross income the sale or exchange of property that has been owned and used by the taxpayer as the taxpayer's principal residence. Terminates provisions relating to the rollover or gain on the sale of a principal residence. Title III: Adjusting Depreciation Rates to Reflect Inflation - Provides a depreciation deduction adjustment for tangible property (other than residential rental property and nonresidential real property) placed in service after 1991. Allows phase-in deductions for such property placed in service after 1996. Title IV: Savings Incentives - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Provides for qualified distributions from such accounts, other than for general retirement purposes, including special purpose distributions made for the purchase of a first home and for medical or educational purposes. Prohibits special purpose distributions from being made during the first five years of the account. Title V: Treatment of Passive Losses - Provides for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities. Title VI: Enterprise Zones - Subtitle A: Designation of Enterprises Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every two years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Subtitle B: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gains from income computation of alternative minimum taxes. Subtitle C: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Subtitle D: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis, and to expedite the processing of, applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Subtitle E: Repeals of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Congressional Accountability Act - Makes applicable to the Congress the following Federal laws, to the extent that 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 also to the Congress specified provisions of Federal law: (1) commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act; and (2) relating to independent counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Civil Rights Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal Civil Rights Remedies - Amends Federal law to declare that: (1) for purposes of provisions relating to equal rights under the law, the right to make and enforce contracts includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contractual relationship; and (2) the rights protected by the amended provisions are protected against impairment by nongovernmental discrimination and impairment under color of State law. Allows limited compensatory and punitive damages in certain cases of intentional employment discrimination. Allows the awarding of attorney's fees in connection with an action or proceeding to enforce these provisions. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for the burdens of proof which must be met by the various parties when an allegation of an unlawful employment practice is based on an assertion that a particular employment practice or particular employment practices result in disparate impact. Declares it an unlawful employment practice for a respondent, in connection with employment or promotion selection or referral, to adjust the scores of, use different cutoff scores for, or otherwise alter the results of, employment related tests on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established when it is shown that a discriminatory basis was a motivating factor, even though other factors also motivated the practice. Allows, when such mixed motives have been proven and the respondent shows it would have taken the same action in the absence of the impermissible motivating factor, declaratory relief, limited types of injunctive relief, and attorney's fees and costs demonstrated to be directly attributable only to the pursuit of a claim under the enforcement provisions of title VII. Prohibits, in such cases, awarding damages or issuing certain types of orders. Provides for the finality of litigated or consent judgments or orders resolving an employment discrimination claim, barring actions (challenging an order) by persons who had certain types of notice and opportunity. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to include U.S. citizens employed in a foreign country in the definition of "employee." Provides for the application of employment discrimination provisions to foreign situations. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to establish the Technical Assistance Training Institute to provide technical assistance and training regarding the laws and regulations enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the EEOC, with regard the rights and obligations under title VII or other laws, to carry out educational and outreach activities, including in languages other than English, targeted to: (1) individuals who have historically been victims of employment discrimination and who have not been equitably served by the EEOC; and (2) individuals on whose behalf the EEOC has authority to enforce any other law. Declares that an unlawful employment practice occurs, with respect to a seniority system that has been adopted for an intentionally discriminatory purpose, whether or not that purpose is apparent on the face of the system, when the system is adopted, when an individual becomes subject to the system, or when a person is injured by the application of the system. Amends Federal law to allow expert fees to be included in attorney's fees awarded to the prevailing party in an action to enforce provisions of Federal law relating to: (1) equal rights under the law and making and enforcing contracts; and (2) damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow expert fees to be included in attorney's fees awarded to the prevailing party in an employment discrimination case. Extends the time limit for an aggrieved employee or employment applicant to file a civil action after notice of final action by a department, agency, or unit of the Federal Government. Requires the same interest to compensate for delay in payment by the Government as in cases involving non-public parties. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) to replace provisions providing for tolling of the statute of limitations for actions under the ADEA with provisions requiring the EEOC to give certain notice if it dismisses a charge or otherwise terminates proceedings. Allows a person to bring a civil action within a specified time limit. Prohibits construing certain amendments made by this Act to affect court-ordered remedies, affirmative action, or conciliation agreements that are in accordance with the law. Declares that: (1) the rights and protections under title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall apply with respect to any employee in an employment position in the House of Representatives and any employing authority of the House, with remedies and procedures as described in a specified House Resolution, as incorporated into the Rules of the House of Representatives; and (2) the provisions of this Act relating to such Resolution and Rules are enacted as an exercise in the rulemaking power of the House and may be changed as any other rule of the House. Provides for judicial review. Expresses the sense of the House that House Rules should address payments on behalf of Members who violate the nondiscrimination requirements of the Resolution. Declares that the rights and protections under this Act and title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall apply with respect to the conduct of each instrumentality of the Congress, with the chief official of each instrumentality establishing the remedies and procedures to be used. Makes such remedies and procedures exclusive, except for employees who are defined as Senate employees. Defines instrumentalities of the Congress to include the Architect of the Capitol, the Congressional Budget Office, the General Accounting Office, the Government Printing Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Encourages the use of alternative means of dispute resolution to resolve disputes arising under the Acts and provisions of Federal law amended by this Act. Title II: Glass Ceiling - Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to conduct a study and prepare recommendations concerning: (1) eliminating artificial barriers to the advancement of women and minorities; and (2) increasing opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to management and decision making positions in business. Establishes the National Award for Diversity and Excellence in American Executive Management for a business which makes substantial effort to promote the opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster advancement to management and decisionmaking positions. Allows an award recipient to publicize the receipt of the award and use the award in its advertising if the business agrees to help other U.S. businesses to improve opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission and authority to make the award four years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Government Employee Rights - Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 - Requires all personnel actions affecting Senate employees to be made free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or disability. Establishes as an office of the Senate the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices to implement provisions of this title and programs for the Senate to heighten awareness of employee rights in order to prevent violations. Sets forth a procedure for consideration of alleged violations, including a hearing by a board of independent hearing officers. Provides for remedies as under specified provisions of: (1) the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (2) other specified Federal law relating to equal rights under the law and compensatory damages for intentional discrimination; or (3) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Allows review by the Select Committee on Ethics. Allows and regulates subsequent judicial review. Prohibits intimidation and reprisal. Declares that: (1) subject to exception, provisions of this title are enacted by the Senate as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and may be changed as any other rule of the Senate; and (2) except for provisions governing judicial review, enforcement is in the exclusive jurisdiction of the Senate. Declares that it is not a violation to consider a Senate employee's or applicant's party affiliation, domicile, or political compatibility with the employing office. Prohibits actions to redress discriminatory practices under this title title except as provided in this title. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that legislation should be enacted to provide the rights under this title to employees of congressional instrumentalities not provided with those rights. Declares that: (1) the Senate reaffirms its commitment to a Standing Rule of the Senate regarding employment discrimination within the Senate; and (2) notwithstanding any provision of this title, the Select Committee on Ethics shall retain full power with respect to disciplinary action. Applies certain rights of this title (prohibiting discrimination and providing for certain remedies) to employment of: (1) presidential appointees; and (2) individuals by an elected official of a State or political subdivision. Provides for enforcement by administrative action and for judicial review. Provides, notwithstanding title IV of this Act, for the severability of judicial review provisions of this title. Requires, as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and retaining the power to change the provision as any other Senate rule, that each Senate committee report on a public bill or joint resolution (except the Appropriations and Budget Committees) to note and evaluate provisions which apply to the Congress. Allows any Member of the Senate to intervene as a matter of right in any proceeding regarding judicial review under certain provisions of this title to determine the constitutionality of the provision. Allows appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court and requires that Court to accept jurisdiction and expedite the appeal. Title IV: General Provisions - Provides for severability of the provisions and the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Calls upon the President not to proceed toward the normalization of diplomatic and economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam until the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs has reported its findings on the accounting of missing American servicemen in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should award the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. Nevada's crew for their heroism and gallantry during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to participate in the study, engineering, design, and construction of a regional water reclamation and reuse system for southern California. Bars the Secretary from providing funds for the operation and maintenance of the system. Authorizes the Secretary to study, engineer, design, and construct water reclamation and reuse demonstration facilities to develop advanced technology for economically and environmentally sound alternative water supplies for the San Diego metropolitan area. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out such provisions in cooperation with the State of California and appropriate local and regional entities; and (2) report to specified congressional committees within two years of the first appropriation of funds. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, subject to specified restrictions, to participate with: (1) the city of Santa Rosa, California, and other appropriate authorities in the design, planning, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects to treat waste water and store reclaimed water for such city and surrounding areas; and (2) the county of Napa, California, and other appropriate authorities in the expansion of the Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the costs of projects authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1991
Membrane Processes Research Act of 1992 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish, through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or direct research, a basic research program on the treatment of contaminated water through membranes and membrane processes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Authorizes the Air Force Association 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 · 24 October 1991
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) complete review of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and submit reservations, understandings, or declarations to the Senate necessary for its advice and consent; and (2) include a reservation that the Convention shall not be construed to compel, encourage, or require any nation to enact laws or policies that legalize abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Intermodal Safe Container Transportation Act of 1991 - Requires any person initially tendering, to a carrier of property, any container or trailer in interstate or foreign commerce having a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds to give the carrier verification of the total cargo weight and a description of the cargo. Makes such requirement applicable only to intermodal transportation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to adopt rules to enforce this Act and provides for State enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1991
Declares that Members of Congress are no longer exempted from Federal laws, including the: (1) Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; (3) Equal Opportunity Act; (4) Occupational Safety and Health Act; (5) Fair Labor Standards Act; and (6) Freedom of Information Act. Makes it illegal to furnish any Member of the Congress, at the expenses of the Federal Government, free or at reduced costs: (1) medicine; (2) hospital care; (3) ambulance services; (4) meals; (5) flowers or plants; (6) pictures or picture frames; (7) haircuts; or (8) other items, services, or privileges, except official office expenses such as supplies and stationery.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Medical Care Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Grants to States for Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the implementation and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States seeking such grants. Directs the Secretary to award not less than ten such grants each fiscal year, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) designate each State receiving such a grant as a model ADR State (making such State eligible for a two-year extension); and (2) disseminate information on the ADR systems implemented by such States to other States, health care professionals and providers, and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and promulgate standards and regulations necessary to carry out the grant program, including qualification standards that States must meet to receive grants and regulations establishing State data gathering requirements; (2) take into account, in developing qualification standards, specified factors such as the effectiveness of such systems in supporting access to health care, encouraging improvements in the quality of care, resolving claims promptly, and providing predictable outcomes; (3) provide States with technical assistance; and (4) report to the Congress, within four years of the first grant, describing and evaluating the ADR systems implemented. Title II: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Specifies that, with respect to any health care liability action brought in a Federal or State court and any medical malpractice claim or medical product liability claim subject to an ADR system: (1) no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment in damages (whether for economic or non-economic losses) for expenses to be incurred in the future, but shall be permitted to make periodic payments (as determined by the court); (2) the total amount of damages that may be awarded to an individual and the family members of such individual for non-economic losses may not exceed $250,000; (3) the total amount of damages received by an individual shall be reduced by any other payment that has been or will be made to the individual to compensate such individual for the injury that was the subject of the action or claim; (4) a claimant's attorney's fees may not exceed 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement, or 15 percent of any additional amounts, paid to the claimant; (5) the total amount of punitive damages that may be assessed may not exceed twice the total amount of the damages awarded to compensate the claimant for losses resulting from the injury; and (6) the liability of each defendant for non-economic losses shall be several only and not joint, and each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of non-economic losses allocated to the defendant in direct proportion to the defendant's percentage of responsibility. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice and product liability claims, beginning on the earlier of the date on which the injury that is the subject of the action was discovered or the date it should reasonably have been discovered. Specifies that, in the case of a medical malpractice or product liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the claimant was not previously treated for the pregnancy by the defendant health care professional or provider a court may not find that the defendant committed malpractice and assess damages against the defendant unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Bars a defendant from being found to have committed malpractice unless the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable, except where the claimant asserts that the defendant is liable under a strict liability theory. Bars the award of punitive damages with respect to any medical product liability claim alleged against a medical product producer if the drug or device that is the subject of the claim: (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the safety or performance of the drug or device or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling; (2) was approved by FDA; or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by FDA and applicable regulations. Makes an exception in the case of withheld information, misrepresentation, or illegal payment to an FDA official for purposes of securing approval of the drug or device. Provides for a separate proceeding to determine punitive damages. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the admissibility of evidence; and (2) criteria for determining the amount of punitive damages. Provides that the U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over health care liability actions based on Federal questions or based on specified provisions concerning commerce and antitrust regulations. Specifies that this title preempts State law only to the extent that State law: (1) permits the recovery by a claimant or the assessent against a defendant of a greater amount of damages; (2) permits the awarding of a greater amount of attorneys' fees; (3) establishes a longer period during which medical malpractice or product liability claims may be initiated; or (4) establishes a less strict standard of proof for determining whether a defendant has committed malpractice. Title III: Encouraging Establishment of Community and Migrant Health Center Risk Retention Group - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group (RRG) for community and migrant health centers receiving assistance under such Act. Defines an RRG for purposes of this title as an entity defined in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 that: (1) provides professional liability insurance and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary to community and migrant health centers; (2) provides insurance that applies to all claims filed against a community or migrant health center after the entity initiates insurance coverage and to claims arising from acts that occurred prior to the initiation of coverage if the claims are not covered by other insurance; and (3) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may establish.
![Official portrait of Rep. Packard, Ron [R-CA-48]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000005_200.jpg)