The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Patterson, Elizabeth [D-SC-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000112_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
1,069 records where Rep. Patterson, Elizabeth [D-SC-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992
Designates the week beginning October 18, 1992, as National Radon Action Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Persian Gulf War Veterans Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a Persian Gulf War Veterans Registry for maintaining information concerning the health status of veterans who served in the Persian Gulf area during the Persian Gulf War (War). Describes information to be included in the Registry, including the circumstances of each veteran's service during the War. Directs the Secretary, in establishing such Registry, to: (1) provide each War veteran with a complete mental and physical examination, as well as a follow-up consultation to explain examination results; and (2) obtain from the Secretary of Defense any information relevant to such service. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake outreach efforts to further Registry purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie in recognition of his accomplishments as a musician. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Designates February 4, 1993, and February 3, 1994, as National Women and Girls in Sports Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Designates May 2 through 8, 1993, as National Walking Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Designates November 30 through December 6, 1992, as National Education First Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Designates the week beginning November 8, 1992, as Hire a Veteran Week.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1992
Designates October 1992 as Polish-American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1992
Designates October 30, 1992, as Refugee Day.
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 · 30 June 1992
Designates October 1992 as Country Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1992
Directs that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1992
International Dolphin Conservation Act of 1992 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize entering into international agreements establishing a global moratorium, for at least five years, prohibiting harvesting tuna using purse seine nets deployed on or to encircle dolphins or other marine mammals. Allows moratorium termination with respect to the United States before the year 2000 only if the Secretary of Commerce so recommends and the Congress approves. Specifies elements to be contained in such agreements, including requirements for: (1) research regarding tuna fishing methods; (2) review of research proposals by a competent regional organization; (3) the conduct of research by dedicated vessels, approved and observed by a component regional organization; (4) specified limits on the number of research sets and the total annual dolphin mortality; (5) establishment by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission of a panel to report on limit compliance and an Advisory Board to guide research; (6) fair funding mechanisms for the research; (7) use of the proceeds from harvested tuna for the research; and (8) limiting use of U.S. funds to research on fishing methods not involving setting nets on dolphins. Requires review of all research proposals by the Marine Mammal Commission. Requires the Secretary, in certain circumstances, to recommend to the Congress whether the moratorium should be terminated. Prohibits a ban on the importation of yellowfin tuna or yellowfin tuna products from a country which implements the moratorium and meets other requirements. Mandates such a ban regarding countries which do not implement the moratorium and the other requirements. Mandates, a specified period after the tuna ban, a ban on the importation of all fish and fish products, except shrimp and shrimp products, from a country that still fails to implement all the requirements. Imposes additional restrictions on the general permit issued to the American Tunaboat Association, including: (1) limiting total dolphin mortalities; (2) prohibiting deploying purse seine nets on or encircling dolphin schools including certain types of dolphin; and (3) terminating the permit on a specified date. Declares that an international agreement under this Act shall not supersede any provisions of the Act requiring a permit. Makes unlawful certain acts, including: (1) selling, purchasing, or transporting in the United States any tuna or tuna product that is not dolphin safe; (2) purposefully setting a purse seine net on or to encircle any marine mammal; or (3) prohibiting, resisting, or interfering with inspections. Imposes civil and criminal penalties and subjects vessels, cargo, and fish to forfeiture for violations. Defines dolphin safe to mean: (1) not harvested using driftnets; and (2) depending on where harvested, either dolphin safe under specified provisions of the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act or certified as not harvested using purse seine nets set on or encircling dolphins. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions mandating inclusion in the agreements of research programs. Amends the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to require that, of the U.S. representatives on the International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, at least one be chosen from a national conservation, environmental, or animal welfare nongovernmental organization. Requires that the members of a related advisory committee be selected, in addition to other sources, from such an organization. Amends the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations to carry out a specified Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America and to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1992
Women's Midlife Health Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to develop or expand at least five centers for research on menopause and menopausal health conditions. Mandates center activities, including conducting basic and clinical research and educational programs for health and allied health professionals. Allows a center to use funds provided to provide stipends for professionals in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1992
Community Bank Burden Reduction Act of 1992 - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to set forth conditions under which a regulated financial institution shall not be subject to its examination requirements.
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
State Initiatives in Child Welfare Act of 1992 - Title I: Child Welfare Entitlement Program - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to create a capped entitlement program under a new part C, Child Welfare Entitlement. States that the purpose of this new part is to grant States the flexibility and resources necessary to provide appropriate services and activities to: (1) preserve and strengthen families with children at risk of needing placement outside their home; (2) reunite children with their families if an out-of-home placement is found to be necessary; (3) place children in adoptive homes or other permanent arrangements in a timely fashion if reunification with their families is not in the best interest of the child; and (4) ensure the well-being of children referred to public officials because of suspected or actual abuse or neglect. Sets forth criteria which States must meet in order to qualify for payments under such entitlement program. Provides for allotments and payments to qualified States, and supplemental payments under certain conditions. Provides that, except with respect to certain restrictions, States may use payments under this part in any manner that the State child welfare agency deems appropriate to accomplish the purpose of the part. Establishes a penalty for misuse of funds. Sets forth administrative provisions. Terminates such new entitlement program after FY 1997. Title II: Federal Oversight And Technical Assistance - Amends part B (Child-Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans under such part to: (1) afford certain protections to foster children; (2) contain certifications respecting proper use of part B program payments and State audits of program expenditures; and (3) contain assurances respecting State compliance with Federal guidelines for protecting foster children. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans under such part to contain similar certifications. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for broker technical assistance to States with respect to child welfare. Provides funding for such assistance. Places a two-year moratorium on child protection compliance reviews and on disallowances and deferrals of expenditures under the Child-Welfare Services program. Establishes the Commission on Child Welfare Accountability (the Commission) to recommend to the Congress and the Secretary methods by which the Federal Government can better ensure the protection of children referred to State child protective services programs and the accountability of such programs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each State to transmit to the Secretary and the Commission on Improvement of Child Protective Services Programs a report outlining the efforts that the State has made to ensure the uninterrupted provision of child protections under the Child-Welfare Services program. Requires HHS recommendations on a new accountability system for the protection of children to be transmitted to the Commission. Title III: Creating Reliable Information On Child Welfare - Amends part E to set June 1, 1992, as the deadline for final regulations providing for the implementation of a system currently authorized for the collection of data on adoption and foster care. Requires such regulations to provide for full implementation of such system by FY 1993. Provides for demonstration projects on foster care prevention, family reunification, and adoption assistance services. Requires HHS studies on State administration of Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations. Amends part E to provide for a 90 percent match for data collection and information retrieval systems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1992
Designates March 1993 as Irish-American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exclude construction and fire equipment from the definition of "excess defense articles" for purposes of restricting the transfer of such equipment to foreign countries.
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
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the listing or identification of used oil destined for recycling, used oil to be burned for energy recovery, recycled oil, or affiliated material as hazardous wastes. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) promulgate regulations for the management of used oil and to encourage recycling of such oil; and (2) take into account the effect of such regulatons on small businesses. Exempts from such regulations used oil generated, collected, or stored by an individual who removes oil from the engine of a motor vehicle, aircraft, household appliance, or item of domestic equipment if owned by such individual and used only for personal purposes. Sets forth regulation requirements for used oil generators, including to: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground tank unless it meets specified requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) make used oil in above ground tanks subject to the Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Control Plan requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (4) require owners or operators of such tanks or other used oil containers to notify the Administrator of releases of used oil in excess of 25 gallons and to clean up such releases and comply with closure or disposal requirements. Authorizes the transfer of used oil by generators only to: (1) a permitted used oil recycling facility or a burner of used oil for energy recovery that complies with specifed regulations; (2) a permitted hazardous waste management facility; or (3) a used oil transporter obligated by contract to deliver used oil to another such transporter or to one of the aforementioned facilities. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for generators, transporters, and recyclers and requires records to be maintained for at least three years. Applies used oil storage and transfer requirements for generators to transporters, except permits transporters to store such oil for only 60 days before transferring it to another transporter or authorized facility. Requires transporters to: (1) comply with all requirements of the Secretary of Transportation for the shipping of used oil; (2) comply with financial responsibility requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; and (3) have identification numbers provided by the Administrator. Sets forth regulation requirements for recyclers of used oil. Exempts from regulations used oil generated by: (1) petroleum refining or exploration, production or transportation facilities, or bulk terminals which is to be refined or processed along with normal process streams at a refining facility; and (2) a manufacturer or processor or by an electric or gas utility that is processed, reclaimed, or refined by such generator or its parent, subsidiary, or corporate affiliate, provided that the oil is reused by such entities and such activities meet certain storage, shipping, financial responsibility, contingency, and release detection requirements under this Act. Applies storage requirements similar to those for generators and transporters to recyclers, as well as requiring: (1) aboveground storage tanks and containers of used oil recyclers to comply with hazardous waste storage standards; (2) recyclers to maintain contingency plans to minimize unanticipated damage from used oil; (3) recyclers to comply with requirements for maintenance and operation of used oil recycling facilities and training of personnel; (4) detection of releases of used oil at recycling facilities and cleanup; (5) testing by recyclers, prior to processing, of all used oil received for levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, halogens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other materials, as appropriate, and for the testing of fuel for such materials before it leaves the facility; (6) the separate storage of used oil contaminated with any hazardous waste for a specified time period; (7) financial responsibility equivalent to that required for hazardous waste facilities; and (8) class permits for recycling facilities. Requires the Administrator to conduct annual inspections of used oil recycling facilities to determine compliance with permit requirements. Makes a facility ineligible to apply for a permit if: (1) the facility has utilized any pit, pond, lagoon, or other surface impoundment for containing used oil; and (2) there has been a release from such impoundments which requires corrective action or is otherwise subject to post closure care requirements. Permits States to be authorized by the Administrator to carry out permit programs. Prohibits: (1) the placement of used oil in such impoundments or in any uncovered tank; (2) the mixing of used oil with a hazardous waste unless the mixture is managed as a hazardous waste; and (3) the use of used oil as a dust suppressant. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the closure of such impoundments and tanks containing used oil, to include requirements for: (1) corrective action or postclosure care; (2) allowable fuel specification levels for lead and halogens for the burning of used oil for energy recovery; and (3) lead levels for the burning of industrial specification used oil. Requires oil fuels failing to meet lead limitations to be burned in specified facilities. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the hazards associated with the improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from legitimate used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines to assist State and local governments and other public service organizations in the development of used oil collection programs. Makes used oil generators who comply with this Act eligible for an exclusion from cost recovery authorities of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Directs the Administrator to propose regulations establishing guidelines for the procurement of used oil by Federal agencies and other governmental entities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Designates July 2, 1992, as National Literacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Designates the week beginning November 8, 1992, as National Women Veterans Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Adds a new chapter to Federal veterans' benefits provisions entitled "Veterans' Job Training." Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and, to the extent specifically provided, the Secretary of Labor to carry out a program to assist eligible veterans in obtaining employment through participation in programs of significant training for employment in stable and permanent positions. Requires the program to be carried out through payments to employers who employ and train eligible veterans in such positions. Uses such payments to assist such employers in defraying the costs of necessary training. Authorizes the Secretary to contract or make agreements with State approving agencies (SAAs) to carry out the duties of the Secretary under this chapter, and to pay appropriate expenses. Directs each SAA to report to the Secretary a certification as to the expenses incurred. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to assist the Secretary of Labor in carrying out this chapter. Makes eligible for such job training programs veterans who: (1) are unemployed at the time of application; (2) have been so unemployed for at least ten of the 15 weeks prior to such application; (3) submit an application for such program within four years after discharge or release or four years after enactment of this Act, whichever is later; (4) were discharged on or after August 2, 1990; (5) served on active duty for more than 90 days; (6) are entitled to disability compensation (or who, but for the receipt of military retired pay, would be so entitled) for a disability rated at 30 percent or more; and (7) were discharged or released from active duty due to a service-connected disability. Outlines application requirements for a veteran who wishes to participate in such a program. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold approval of such applications when determined necessary due to limited funds available for the program. Directs the Secretary to furnish to veterans approved for the program a certificate of eligibility for presentation to an employer within 180 days. Limits to 15 months the maximum period of training for which assistance may be provided on behalf of a veteran under this chapter. Requires an employer, in order to be approved under the job training program, to provide training for no less than 12 months in an occupation in a growth industry or in an occupation requiring the use of new technological skills. Allows for a training program of at least six months when the purpose of this chapter would be met by such program. Provides for the approval of appropriate employer job training programs. Prohibits the approval by the Secretary of job training programs for employment: (1) consisting of seasonal, intermittent, or temporary jobs; (2) under which commissions are the primary income source; (3) which involves political or religious activities; (4) with any Federal department or agency; or (5) outside of the State. Outlines application requirements for the approval of job training programs of an employer under this chapter. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold the approval of an employer's proposed program pending the outcome of an investigation as to whether all application requirements have been met. Provides for payments to employers for approved job training programs provided to qualifying veterans under this chapter. Places certain per-veteran limits on the amount of such payments. Requires pro rata repayment by an employer for unfulfilled periods of job training or employment under the program. Requires an employer to certify to the Secretary the appropriate training and employment of a veteran before receiving such payments. Requires all requests for such payments to be made within two years from the date on which the job training ends. Outlines conditions of employer noncompliance under a job training program under which payments made shall be considered an overpayment due to the United States. Requires an employer to notify the Secretary of its intention to employ such veteran, and allows the veteran to begin such program within two weeks after such notification unless approval is withheld or denied by the Secretary. Authorizes an employer to enter into an agreement with an educational institution that has been approved for the enrollment of veterans under which the institution provides the program of job training to eligible veterans. Requires an employer's application to state such intention. Authorizes the Secretary to immediately disapprove further participation by veterans in a program when the Secretary finds that such previously-approved program fails to meet any of the requirements under this chapter. Requires the Secretary to notify the employer and veteran so affected, and to provide the opportunity for a hearing on such disapproval. Directs the Secretary to disapprove future participation by veterans in a program under which the Secretary determines that the rate of veterans' successful completion of an employer's programs is disproportionately low due to deficiencies in the quality of the programs. Requires the Secretary to take into account certain data in making such determination. Requires employer notification and opportunity for a hearing in such cases. Requires to be available the records and accounts of employers pertaining to veterans' job training programs approved under this chapter. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) monitor employers and veterans participating in such programs to determine compliance; (2) investigate any matter necessary to determine compliance with program requirements; and (3) administer such monitoring and investigative functions via an agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor for the performance of such functions by the Department of Labor. Prohibits an employer from being paid training assistance on behalf of a veteran under this chapter during any period of time in which the employer receives any other form of assistance on account of the training or employment of the veteran, including assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act, or when the employer receives a tax credit for the employment of certain new employees. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor, upon request, to provide employment counseling services to eligible veterans in order to assist such veterans in selecting a suitable job training program under the chapter. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a program under which: (1) a disabled veteran's outreach program specialist is assigned as a case manager for each veteran participating in a job training program; (2) the veteran has an interview with the case manager within 60 days after entering into a program; and (3) periodic (at least monthly) contact is maintained with each veteran in order to aid such veteran in successfully completing his or her program. Outlines situations in which the assignment of a case manager may be waived. Directs the Secretaries to jointly provide a program of counseling designed to resolve difficulties encountered by veterans during their training. Directs the Secretaries to jointly provide for an outreach and public information program to inform: (1) veterans of available employment and job training opportunities; and (2) private industry and business concerns, public agencies and organizations, educational institutions, trade associations, and labor unions about available job training opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promote the development of employment and job training opportunities for veterans by: (1) encouraging potential employers to make job training programs available to veterans; (2) advising other appropriate Federal departments and agencies of the program established under this chapter; and (3) advising employers of applicable responsibilities with respect to veterans. Requires coordination of the outreach and public information program with similar Federal programs and programs of public agencies and organizations. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out his responsibilities under this chapter, to utilize the services of various directors, assistant directors, specialists, and local employees employed in areas related to veterans' employment and training. Directs the Secretary of Labor to request and obtain from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration a list of small business concerns, and to update such list. Directs each Secretary to assist veterans and employers in making and completing applications and certifications required under this chapter. Directs the Secretary of Labor, at least quarterly, to collect and compile from employment services and directors of veterans' employment and training information concerning the number of veterans who receive employment and training counseling, who are referred to employers, who participate in job training, and who complete programs, or the reasons for noncompletion. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for making payments to employers under this chapter. Limits to 2.5 percent of such authorized appropriations the amount to be used for administration. Prohibits assistance from being paid to an employer under this chapter: (1) on behalf of a veteran who initially applies for a job training program after September 30, 1995; or (2) for any program which begins after March 31, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Designates September 1992 as Childhood Cancer Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
National Triad Program Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to conduct a national assessment of: (1) the nature and extent of crimes against the elderly; (2) the needs of law enforcement, health, and social service organziations, in working to prevent, identify, investigate, and provide assistance to victims of such crimes; and (3) promising strategies to respond effectively to those challenges. Specifies that such assessment shall address: (1) the analysis and synthesis of data from a range of sources; (2) the problems of elderly who are living alone or in high crime areas and who are abused and neglected, and the fear of victimization; (3) the identification of strategies and techniques tht have been shown to be effective or which show promise; (4) the analysis of the factors that enhance or inhibit development of a coordinated response by law enforcement, health care, and social service providers; and (5) the research agenda needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the problems of crimes against the elderly. Requires the Director to disseminate the results of such assessment. Authorizes the Director to make awards to coalitions of local law enforcement agencies, victim service providers, and organizations representing the elderly for pilot programs and field tests of promising strategies and models for forging partnerships for crime prevention and service provision. Specifies that pilot programs funded under this Act may include existing general service coalitions of law enforcement, victim service, and elder advocate organizations that wish to use additional funds to work at a particular problem in their community or to target a particular geographic area in need of intensive services. Authorizes the Director to make awards to: (1) coalitions of national law enforcement, victim service, and elder advocate organizations for training and technical assistance in implementing pilot programs; (2) research organizations to investigate the types of elder victimization shown by the assessment to present particularly critical problems or to be emerging crimes about which little is known, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected pilot programs, and to conduct research and development identified as being critical; and (3) public service advertising coalitions to increase public awareness of, and promote ideas or programs to prevent, crimes against the elderly. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Designates September 10, 1992, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Designates the week beginning February 14, 1993, as National Visiting Nurse Associations Week.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Amends rule XIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the Speaker of the House from recognizing Members to make special-order speeches. Amends rule XXXIV to prohibit extensions of remarks by Members from being inserted in the Congressional Record, except as they pertain to legislative matters before the House, its committees or subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Civil War Battlefield Foundation for the preservation of historically significant Civil War battlefields.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Trade Expansion Act of 1992 - Title I: Market Access Provisions - Subtitle A: Enforcement of United States Rights Under Trade Agreements and Response to Certain Foreign Trade Practices - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through calendar year 1997 the requirement that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that foreign countries that have substantial trade surpluses with the United States, and maintain acts, policies, or practices that are major barriers to, or distortions of, potential U.S. export trade, should be identified (for purposes of "Super 301" under the Trade Act of 1974) as priority foreign countries, and such acts, policies, or practices identified as priority practices. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize any interested person to request the USTR to review to determine whether a foreign country is in material compliance with the terms of a trade agreement. Defines an "interested person" as any person with a significant economic interest that is being or has been adversely affected by a foreign country's failure to comply materially with terms of a trade agreement. Requires the USTR to determine what action to take if a foreign country is found not in material compliance with such agreement. Directs the USTR to initiate an investigation of all acts, policies, and practices of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan that affect the access of U.S. rice to their markets. Requires the USTR to negotiate the elimination of such acts, policies, and practices, and report to the Congress on the progress of such negotiations. Subtitle B: International Trade in Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Directs the USTR to initiate an investigation of all acts, policies, and practices of Japan that affect the access of U.S. motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts to its market, including but not limited to: (1) acts, policies, and practices utilized in the Japanese automotive distribution system; (2) toleration of anticompetitive activities by private Japanese firms (including "Keiretsu"); (3) exclusionary business practices; and (4) testing requirements and other government regulations. Requires the USTR to negotiate with Japan for a trade agreement that: (1) eliminates such acts, policies, and practices; (2) provides enforcement of Japan's commitments under the Structural Impediments Initiative, the Market -Oriented Sector Specific agreements, and the Action Plan announced at the Tokyo Summit in January 1992 with respect to trade in, and purchase of, motor vehicles and motor vehicles parts; (3) establishes long term goals for the purchase by Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers of high value-added motor vehicle parts and accessories; and (4) establishes procedures for the exchange of information between the United States and Japan that will permit the accurate assessment of the bilateral trade in motor vehicle parts. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress if such negotiations prove unsuccessful. Directs the President to negotiate with Japan for a voluntary restraint agreement that will provide for the imposition of limitations on the aggregate number of Japanese passenger automobiles and light trucks that may be exported to the United States between 1992 and 2000. Authorizes the President to enforce such agreements. Requires specified reports with respect to such negotiations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the USTR should refer to the U.S. Government all information pertaining to Japanese acts, policies, and practices that adversely affect access to the purchasing by Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers in the United States of U.S. motor vehicle parts by Japanese-owned or-controlled producers. Requires the Board established by the Foreign-Trade Zones Act to: (1) review the operations of U.S. and foreign motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts producers to determine any positive economic effect on the United States of such Act; and (2) take appropriate action, including revocation or modification of a foreign-trade zone or subzone grant, with respect to any producer whose operations in such zone are determined not to have a net positive effect on the U.S. economy. Title II: Customs Modernization - Customs Modernization and Informed Compliance Act - Subtitle A: Improvements in Customs Enforcement - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise customs procedures with respect to: (1) electronic transmission of forged, altered, or false data to the United States Customs Service with regard to the entry of imported merchandise; (2) penalties for failure to declare imported controlled substances; (3) examination and detention of imported merchandise; (4) certain recordkeeping requirements; (5) examination of books and witnesses; (6) review of protests by the Customs Service; (7) a repeal of a provision relating to the reliquidation on account of fraud; (8) penalties relating to manifests, false drawback or refund claims, and for fraud, gross negligence, and negligence; (9) unlawful unlading or transshipment; (10) public access to Customs Service interpretative rulings and decisions; and (11) seizure of imported merchandise. Subtitle B: National Customs Automation Program - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to establish the National Customs Automation Program which shall be an automated and electronic system for the processing of commercial imports. Provides for electronic data transmission relating to: (1) remote location filing; (2) effective date of rates of duty on imported merchandise; (3) merchandise manifests; (4) imported merchandise invoices; (5) entry and release of imported merchandise; (6) admissibility in administrative and judicial proceedings of electronically transmitted information; (7) appraisement and liquidations of imported merchandise; (8) the payment of duties; (9) abandonment and damage to imported merchandise; (10) protests of Customs Service decisions; (11) refunds and errors; (12) bonds and other security; and (13) customs house brokers. Requires a refund (drawback) of duties (less one per cent of such duties) on articles produced in the United States with imported merchandise that have been destroyed under Customs Service supervision, provided such articles have not been used prior to such destruction. Sets forth provisions with respect to customs officer's immunity in regard to the appraisement of or collection of duties on imported merchandise. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the Secretary to disregard the difference, but not less than $20 (currently ten dollars), between the total estimated duties deposited with respect to imported merchandise and the total amount actually due on such merchandise. Authorizes the Secretary to admit duty-free: (1) gifts from persons in foreign countries to persons in the United States whose value does not exceed $100 (currently, $50), or $200 (currently, $100) in the case of gifts from persons in the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa; (2) articles accompanying persons for personal or household use whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, $25); or (3) articles whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, five dollars) in other cases. Authorizes the Secretary to waive collection of duties due on merchandise that are worth less than $20, or such greater amount as prescribed by him or her. Requires masters of vessels that have visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise while outside the U.S. territorial sea to report their arrival to the nearest customs facility. Provides for the electronic transmission of vessel documentation to the Customs Service. Requires the following vessels to report to the nearest Customs Service facility within 24 hours (or other period of time) as provided after arrival to a U.S. port: (1) vessels from a foreign port; (2) foreign vessels from a domestic port; (3) U.S. vessels having bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (4) vessels which visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the U.S. territorial sea. Authorizes the Secretary to permit masters of vessels to make preliminary entry of their vessel with the Customs Service in lieu of or before formal entry is made. Requires U.S. and foreign vessels to obtain clearance from the Customs Service before proceeding from a U.S. port for: (1) a foreign port; (2) another U.S. port (for foreign vessels only), or (for U.S. vessels only) another U.S. port if the vessel has bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (3) outside the U.S. territorial sea to visit a hovering vessel or to receive merchandise. Exempts from entry and clearance requirements certain passenger vessels on excursion from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands and returning, U.S. documented vessels with recreational endorsement, or (as under current law) undocumented U.S. pleasure vessels not engaged in trade, except such vessels must comply upon arrival with specified customs reporting requirements and navigation laws and must not have visited any hovering vessel. Prohibits merchandise, passengers, or baggage from being unladen from any vessel required to make entry or vehicle required to report its arrival until such entry or report of arrival is made and a permit for unlading has been issued by the Customs Service. Authorizes the issuance of such permits through electronic data transmission. Requires every importer of record of merchandise to make and file electronically or otherwise a declaration stating whether such merchandise is imported pursuant to a purchase or purchase agreement and that all other required documents are true and correct. Requires persons who gained any benefit from, or met any obligation to the United States as the result of the prior exportation of merchandise that has returned as undeliverable to inform the Customs Service of the return of such merchandise within a reasonable time. Provides for electronic data transmission of entry information to complete any incomplete entry of imported merchandise. Declares entered or unentered merchandise that remains in customs custody for six months, with an extension at the importer's request of up to a year (currently, for merchandise that remains in custody for one year), and in which duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges have not been paid, to be unclaimed merchandise which shall be appraised and sold by the Customs Service at public auction. Authorizes the sale of imported gunpowder and other explosive merchandise that if permitted to remain in a bonded warehouse for six months (currently, one year) would depreciate in value to the extent that its sale would be insufficient to pay such duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges. Authorizes the Customs Service, in lieu of sale, to provide notice to interested parties that, unless, within 30 days of such notice, the subject merchandise is entered or withdrawn for consumption and payment made of all duties, taxes, and fees, transfer and storage charges and other expenses that title to such merchandise shall be deemed to vest in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to a party that has lost a substantial interest in merchandise by virtue of title vesting in the United States, and can establish that it did not receive a vesting notice, an amount from the Customs Forfeiture Fund equal to what such party would have received if such merchandise had been sold and a proper claim filed. Requires any surplus of the proceeds from the sale of such merchandise to be deposited into the Fund if a claim for such surplus is not filed with the Customs Service. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the declaration and entry of merchandise whose value does not exceed a certain amount, not more than $2,500 (currently not greater than $1,250), and/or when different commercial facilitation and risk considerations that may vary for different classes or kinds of merchandise or different classes of transactions may dictate. Requires the Secretary upon seizure and forfeiture of imported merchandise bearing a counterfeit mark to dispose of such merchandise more than 90 days (currently, one year) after such forfeiture. Authorizes withdrawal of imported merchandise from a warehouse for transfer to a foreign trade zone. Authorizes the Customs Service to order the destruction or other appropriate disposition of vessels, vehicles, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage that has been seized under the customs laws if it determines that the expense of keeping such items is disportionate to their value (currently applies only to items of less than $1,000 in value). Authorizes the use of funds from the Customs Forfeiture Fund for the payment of: (1) certain transfer and storage charges and expenses; and (2) claims against Customs Service employees. Requires actions for fraud, gross negligence, and negligence, false drawback or refund claims, and restoration of lawful duties with respect to imported merchandise to be instituted within five years after the alleged violation or discovery of such fraud. Requires the Customs Service to be reimbursed the administrative cost and expense incurred in collecting fees on behalf of other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to settle, for no more than $50,000 in each case, claims for personal injury, death, or damage to, or loss of, privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer of the Customs Service. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with persons for collection services to recover indebtedness arising under the customs laws, provided the Customs Service has exhausted all administrative efforts to collect such indebtedness. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions and Consequential and Conforming Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to exempt from such Schedule articles which are returned within 45 days after being exported from the United States as undeliverable and which have not left the custody of the carrier or foreign customs service. Prohibits such exportations from satisfying any requirement for exportation in order to receive a benefit from, or meet an obligation, to the United States as a result of such exportation. Declares that certain railway locomotives and railway freight cars on which no duty is owed are not subject to the entry or release requirements for imported merchandise under the Tariff Act of 1930. Exempts instruments of international trade, such as containers, lift vans, rail cars and locomotives, truck cabs and trailers, etc., from formal entry procedures. Requires them to be accounted for however, when imported to and exported from the United States through the manifesting procedures required for international carriers by the U.S. Customs Service. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and other specified Federal law with respect to: (1) certain expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund; and (2) coastwise trade vessels and U.S. vessels visiting foreign ports. Amends Federal law to grant the Court of International Trade exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action for review decisions of the Customs Service that deny, suspend, or revoke accreditation of private customs laboratories. Bars the commencement of such actions unless brought before such Court within 60 days of such decisions. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to report to the Congress each fiscal year after FY 1992 on the collection of duties imposed under the antidumping and countervailing duty laws. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to authorize the Commissioner of Customs to obtain from the operators of centralized cargo examination stations information on fees paid for the provision of services at such stations. Requires the Commissioner to report to specified congressional committees on the payment of such fees. Amends the Customs and Trade Act of 1990 to require the Commissioner of Customs to: (1) devise a methodology for estimating the level of compliance with the U.S. customs laws; and (2) evaluate the extent to which such compliance was obtained during the 12-month period preceeding the 60th day before each fiscal year 1993 through 1995. Directs the Commissioner to initiate, and submit to the Congress, a compliance review of certain carrier services. Title III: Customs and Trade Agency Authorizations for Fiscal Years 1993 and 1994 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize appropriations to the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) for FY 1993 and 1994. Earmarks a specified amount for reception and entertainment expenses. Prohibits use of such funds for any special study, investigation, or report requested by an agency of the executive branch unless such agency reimburses the ITC for its costs. Amends the Customs Procedural Reform and Simplification Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the United States Customs Service for FY 1993 and 1994 for: (1) noncommercial operations; (2) commercial operations; and (3) the air interdiction program. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize appropriaitons to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for FY 1993 and 1994. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize apropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 for certain expenditures from the Customs Forfeiture Fund relating to purchases by the Customs Service of evidence of smuggling of controlled substances. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to eliminate the East-West Trade Statistics Monitoring System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Trade Provisions - Subtitle A: Nontariff Provisions - Directs the President to negotiate trade agreements that eliminate the adverse effects of anticompetitive practices on international trade. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the status of such negotiations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, with respect to ensuring the effectiveness of the U.S. embargo of Cuba, should seek negotiations with countries that trade with Cuba to seek their agreement to restrict trade relations with it. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the Secretary of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of Commerce (currently, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury): (1) to take necessary action to ensure the attainment of the objectives of the machine tool decision of the President on May 20, 1986, and on December 27, 1991; and (2) to enforce any imported machine tool quantitative limitations, restrictions, or other terms contained in related bilateral arrangements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce the quantitative limitations and other provisions of bilateral arrangements negotiated with Taiwan on December 31, 1991, pursuant to the President's machine tool decision of May 20, 1986, until bilateral agreements are negotiated with such country pursuant to the President's December 27, 1991, decision. Directs the ITC to report to the Congress propsals for consolidating and simplifying U.S. international trade laws. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service to make recommendations to the Congress about establishment of a special unit that would: (1) integrate the resources of the Service, the ITC, and other appropriate agencies; and (2) serve as a central and objective source of information for the Congress on data and trends in trade between the United States and foreign countries. Subtitle B: Foreign Subsidies and Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Amendments - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require completion of reviews by the administering authority of the amount of duty with respect to countervailing and antidumping duty orders by the 270th day after the day on which a request for review was received. (Currently, there is no such deadline for completion of such a review.) Requires the ITC to consider contracts with long lead time as a factor when making material injury determinations with respect to an affected domestic industry in countervailing and antidumping duty investigations. Declares that the presence or absence of any factor the ITC is required to consider shall not give decisive guidance with respect to any threat of material injury determinations. Provides that, with respect to the determination of foreign market value of imported merchandise under investigation, no allowance shall be made to account for differences in input costs that are based on whether the end product made from the input is sold in the home market or exported. Requires the United States Customs Service to report annually to the administering authority on the amount of duties collected during each year under each countervailing and antidumping duty order. Requires the administering authority to make such data available to interested parties. Requires the administering authority, when determining whether imported parts or components are circumventing an antidumping or countervailing duty order or finding, and whether to include such parts or components in such order or finding, to consider: (1) the pattern of trade; (2) the value and sources of supply of parts or components historically used in completion or assembly of the merchandise subject to such order; (3) whether the manufacturer or exporter of such parts or components is related to the person who assembles or completes the merchandise sold in the United States from the parts or components produced in the foreign country with respect to which the order or finding applies; and (4) whether imports into the United States of the parts or components produced in such foreign country have increased after the issuance of such order or finding. Authorizes the administering authority to include within the scope of such order or finding imported parts or components that are used in the completion or assembly of certain merchandise sold in the United States and subject to such order or finding, provided: (1) such merchandise is completed or assembled in the United States from parts or components supplied by the exporter or producer with respect to which such order or finding applies, from suppliers that have historically supplied the parts or components to that exporter or producer, or from any party in the exporting country supplying parts or components on behalf of such exporter or producer; (2) the value of such imported parts and components is significant in relation to the total value of all parts and components used in the assembly or completion operation, excluding packing, of the imported merchandise covered by such order or finding; or (3) consideration of specified factors establishes a pattern of circumvention of a countervailing and antidumping duty order or finding. Enables the administering authority to base such a decision on any of such factors by itself, rather than on all of them together. Sets forth similar provisions for merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign countries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the ITC to study and report to the Congress on modification of standards applicable to the initiation of countervailing and antidumping duty actions in order to make petitioning for such initiations less costly and more accessible for domestic petitioners. Requires the USTR to report to the Congress on the operation of the Agreement Concerning the Application of the GATT Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft between the United States and the European Community. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should not enter into any international trade agreement on antidumping requiring changes in U.S. antidumping laws that would reduce the effectiveness of such laws as a remedy against injurious dumped imports. Urges the President to review antidumping provisions contained in the Draft Final Act Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations dated December 21, 1991 and seek changes to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. antidumping laws, including, but not limited to, changes in provisions dealing with cumulation of injury and dispute settlement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. Government should not condone the use by foreign governments of trade distorting subsidies, including development subsidies, that cause material injury to U.S. industries. Subtitle C: Other Tariff Provisions - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to remove the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from the list of countries ineligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to create a new tariff classification to cover imports of motor fuel blending stocks. Imposes a duty on such stocks. Revises the classification of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates and linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids. Revises a specified subheading relating to nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes to include non-galvanized forms of such products. Increases the duty on certain other iron and steel pipes and tubes. Imposes a duty on galvanized nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes having a specified thickness. Increases the duty on certain stainless steel pipes and tubes. Authorizes the USTR to negotiate compensation for claims made pursuant to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or any other trade agreement to which the United States is a party, as a result of the amendments made by this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to producers of watches in the insular possessions of the United States who are wage certificate holders, to pay to such a holder, at the holder's election, the face value of such certificates less the value of: (1) any duty refunds claimed by the holder under the certificate; and (2) any duty refunds under such certificate that are sold by such holder. Grants duty-free treatment of articles (not over $600 in value) acquired in Bermuda. Grants duty-free treatment to sweaters in which the number of U.S. citizens, nationals, or resident aliens who perform the assembly operations (in Guam) comprise at least 50 percent of the total number of assembly production workers. Sets forth specified exceptions. Provides that stuffed dolls and doll skins that are imported into the United States on or after December 31, 1985, and before October 1, 1988, shall be liquidated as duty free as of October 1, 1988. Declares that a specified production incentive certificate shall be deemed to have been reissued on the 15th day after the enactment of this Act, and shall expire one year after such day. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt semiconductors from the country of origin marking requirements under such Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to extend until December 31, 1994, the exclusion of bicycle component parts from the exemption from customs laws provided by such Act. Treats certain entries of fabric wholly of polyamide as having been exported from the United States in accordance with and in satisfaction of the temporary importation bond and obligations of The Umbrellas: Joint Project for Japan and U.S.A. Corporation if specified conditions are met. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to authorize the extension of time (not to exceed five years) for the exportation of articles to be repaired, altered, or processed, including processes which result in articles manufactured or produced in the United States, that are imported duty-free under bond, provided that any extension beyond the third year must be accompanied by the importer's certification that such articles are to be incorporated into a communications satellite. Subjects to liquidated damages any such articles imported after January 1, 1983, and before the effective date of this Act, that are certified by the importer as having been dedicated for incorporation into a communications satellite, and as not having been exported within the time required because of launch schedule delays. Limits such liquidated damages to a maximum one percent of the liquidated damages established under the bond.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Designates November 13, 1992, as Vietnam Veterans Memorial 10th Anniversary Day.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Designates October 4 through 10, 1992, as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Designates the second Sunday in October 1992 as National Children's Day.
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 · 8 April 1992
Designates April 26 through May 2, 1992, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992
Condemns the conduct since November 1991 of General Mohamed Farah Aideed, Interim President Ali Mahdi Mohamed, and other warring parties in Somalia (the parties) which has resulted in the destruction of Mogadishu and has placed the entire civilian population of the city at risk. Calls upon the parties to: (1) curb the violence and destruction by immediately suspending artillery shelling; (2) guarantee protection of relief commodities; and (3) participate in good faith in United Nations (UN) sponsored efforts to achieve a ceasefire and political reconciliation in Somalia. Commends: (1) the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for its efforts to provide food and humanitarian relief to Somalia; and (2) UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali for his attention to Somalia and for promoting the adoption of resolutions on Somalia in the UN Security Council. Calls upon the U.S. representative to the UN to urge the UN to: (1) appoint a special UN envoy to Somalia; (2) take steps to assure the safety of UN and other relief personnel and to coordinate relief efforts and facilitate negotiations; and (3) allow the provisions of extensive food and humanitarian relief even in the absence of a ceasefire. Requests that the Secretary of State convey to the parties the U.S. condemnation of the practices employed by all parties which have contributed to the tragedy in Somalia.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992
Designates the week beginning July 26, 1992, as Lyme Disease Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992
Prohibits a Government motor vehicle or driver from being assigned to a Member of the House because he or she is a political party whip.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992
Designates the week beginning October 25, 1992, as World Population Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992
Designates January 16, 1993, as Religious Freedom Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Designates August 15, 1992, as 82d Airborne Division 50th Anniversary Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Designates September 14 through 20, 1992, as National Small Independent Telephone Company Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1992
Community and Residents Education at Hazardous Waste Sites Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct health studies at any hazardous waste facility and take other actions with respect to risks to human health posed by such facility. Requires the ATSDR Administrator, if a health study finds that the exposure concerned may present a health risk, to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State (if the State has an authorized hazardous waste program) and recommend actions necessary to reduce the exposure and eliminate or mitigate risks. Directs the EPA Administrator or the State to order the owner or operator of the facility to take steps to reduce the exposure and eliminate or mitigate the risks. Provides for public participation in health studies, including public meetings and comments on proposed studies and public availability of completed studies. Permits petitions to request the performance of a health study. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the ATSDR Administrator to: (1) develop a plan to perform health assessments at hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) give priority in selecting such facilities to the 25 facilities believed to present the highest risk to human health; and (3) report to the Congress on such assessments, including findings on exposure and risk reduction and efforts to improve responsiveness to communities. Establishes: (1) an ATSDR Peer Review Board to carry out technical and scientific peer review of ATSDR health studies; and (2) an ATSDR Citizen Review Board to monitor ATSDR and EPA responsiveness to citizen concerns and to make recommendations on ways to improve citizen involvement and the readability of documents intended for public consumption. Requires: (1) the Peer Review Board to review and report to the Congress on the quality of the ATSDR health assessments; and (2) the Citizen Review Board to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the ATSDR in responding to the needs of communities for information on health effects of hazardous wastes. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the ATSDR Administrator to make health education grants to any group that may be affected by exposure to hazardous wastes from a facility with respect to which a health study is being conducted. Permits such grants to be used for obtaining the following from health professionals: (1) information about threats of exposure and actions that can be taken to reduce exposure; (2) assistance in interpreting and reviewing health assessments and studies and other information developed by the ATSDR and other agencies; and (3) assistance in preparing public comments and in designing community health surveillance techniques. Limits the amount of such grants. Authorizes grant cost recovery from hazardous waste facility owners or operators as a condition of receiving a facility permit. Applies small purchase or other simplified procurement procedures to grant recipients. Permits grant cost recovery as a response cost under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 from persons contributing to hazardous substance releases in cases where a health assessment or study discloses exposure of a population to such releases. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to make specified amounts available to the Director of the Office of Research and Development for grants to demonstrate nonincineration technologies for the treatment of dioxin and hazardous wastes and substances. Requires the EPA Administrator to consider the use of nonincineration treatment technologies in corrective and response actions and to promote public participation in such demonstrations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Designates November 1992 as Dyslexia Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation passed by the Congress to address American health care needs must include coverage for mental disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1992 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prescribe guidelines for: (1) issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of nuclear reactor combined construction and operating licenses; and (2) post-construction hearings on such licenses. Provides for judicial review of final Commission orders affecting such licenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Prescription Drug Cost Containment Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require, in the case of any manufacturer of single source drugs or innovator multiple source drugs, a reduction in the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit according to a specified formula involving the amount of the manufacturer's wages paid to eligible employees in Puerto Rico, the sales of the drug, and price increases. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish at least 15 five-year demonstration projects to determine the impact on: (1) cost, quality of care, and access to prescription drugs of developing, in the area of each project, a Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) outpatient prescription drug benefit using various forms of benefit design and reimbursement policies; and (2) cost and quality of care of extending coverage of outpatient prescription drugs to Medicare beneficiaries served by community health centers. Sets forth additional purposes for at least some of the projects. Requires a project to provide for coverage of all drugs and biologicals approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration and all medically accepted indications of the drugs. Requires establishment of a Drug Use Review Board (DUR Board) in each project area, or use of the State Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) DUR Board, to recommend the design and development of the benefit within the area and establish a program of prospective and retrospective drug use review. Amends the Social Security Act to establish in the Treasury the Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund amounts raised by the credit reduction under this Act. Makes amounts in the Fund available for: (1) carrying out the projects; (2) the expenses of the Prescription Drug Policy Review Commission established by this Act; and (3) improving the accessibility of prescription drugs to the elderly. Establishes the Prescription Drug Policy Review Commission. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees on Federal subsidies and incentives to the pharmaceutical industry. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify reporting requirements regarding average prices for covered outpatient drugs in specified countries.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Makes eligible for the award of the Purple Heart those persons wounded in action on or after December 7, 1941, by weapon fire while engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the origin of the weapon fire.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Designates June 1992 as National Scleroderma Awareness Month.