United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1992
Balanced Budget Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Balancing the Budget - Part A: Purposes - Repeals provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to: (1) emergency powers to eliminate deficits in excess of the maximum deficit amount; (2) budgetary treatment of social security trust funds; and (3) miscellaneous and related provisions. Declares the purpose of this Act to balance the budget by FY 1998 and each year thereafter. Part B: The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - The Deficit Elimination Act of 1992 - Establishes deficit reduction targets for direct spending and receipts legislation for FY 1993 through 1998. Establishes discretionary funding limits in terms of new budget authority for FY 1994 through 1998. Requires, whenever appropriate, that adjustments to such limits be made to reflect: (1) changes in budget accounting concepts; (2) changes in inflation for each year and outyear (any of the four fiscal years that follow the budget year); (3) renewal/replacement multiyear subsidized housing contracts; (4) emergency requirements; (5) new limits for 1998 and thereafter; and (6) any law that raises excise taxes dedicated to a transportation trust fund. Provides that if at the start of the 1998 budget-year session the baseline assuming deficit reduction projects a deficit (or surplus) for that year, then the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement for that year and the discretionary funding limit for that year shall each be changed by amounts that, when debt service effects are added, will produce a balanced budget. Requires these changes to be made through enactment of a spin-off law or, if a spin-off law is not enacted, an adjustment to the direct spending and receipts deficit reduction requirement by two-thirds of the required change (excluding debt service effects) and a one-third adjustment of the required change (excluding debt service effects) to the discretionary funding limit. Provides for preventing deficits starting with FY 1999. Provides for the enactment of a spin-off law through congressional budget procedures or other means to balance the budget in 1998 or prevent deficits after 1998. Establishes a scorecard for the recording of the estimated increase or decrease in deficit reduction for the current year, the budget year, and each fiscal year through 1998 due to enactment (after August 15, 1992) of any law, or the imposition of any sequestration, or the change in the baseline which relates to certain expiring provisions of law and to veterans' compensation, affecting the level of direct spending or the level of receipts. Requires the creation of a new scorecard for FY 1999 and thereafter for the estimated increase or decrease in the deficit or surplus for the budget year. Sets forth deficit reduction requirements for the scorecard. Provides for scoring any law that affects current-year direct spending or receipts. Divides the scorecard between changes in outlays for direct spending and changes in receipts. Excludes certain emergency legislation from the scorecard. Includes certain receipts resulting from an increase in an excise tax dedicated to a transportation fund. Establishes a scorecard for each fiscal year starting with 1994 for discretionary appropriations amounts due to: (1) the enactment of any law in the budget-year session; (2) the enactent of any law in any previous session of Congress; or (3) the imposition of any across-the-board reduction of discretionary programs. Sets forth the method of enforcing deficit reduction targets in direct spending programs through a targeted sequestration procedure. Requires enactment of a spin-off law to initiate such procedure. Establishes a comprehensive sequestration procedure if such spin-off bill is not enacted. Requires under such procedure a freeze of entitlement spending and some revenue provisions in the amount needed to meet deficit targets. Sets forth the method of sequestering discretionary programs through uniform across-the-board reductions, unless the excess of new budget authority is less than $250 million. Lists the budget accounts or activities exempted from sequestration. Authorizes the President to exempt some or all of the budgetary resources of any military personnel account from sequestration, pending notification of the Congress. Subjects Federal administrative expenses to sequestration orders, with specified exceptions. Provides for the permanent sequestration of direct spending and receipts and for determining applicable uniform percentages for reductions. Sets forth the method of making reductions for: (1) the non-JOBS and JOBS portion of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act; (2) the child support enforcement program; (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation; (4) the conservation reserve program; (5) extended unemployment compensation; (6) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund; (7) the Federal Housing Finance Board; (8) Federal pay; (9) the guaranteed student loan program; (10) Federal insurance program; (11) the Medicaid program; (12) the Medicare program; (13) the Postal Service Fund; (14) the Department of Energy power marketing administration funds or the Tennessee Valley Authority fund; (15) the uranium enrichment program; and (16) veterans' housing loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the method of sequestration through tax changes. Requires an increase in the top marginal rates and modifies the indexing provision under a sequestration order. Imposes a tax surcharge on individuals and corporations. Sets forth the timetable for estimating assumptions and filing reports and orders by the President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Board of Estimates (established by this Act). Requires the making of sequestration reports, sequestration preview reports, and low-growth reports by CBO and OMB. Establishes the administrative procedures relative to such reports. Sets forth assumptions to be used in calculating the baseline for the budget year and each outyear with respect to direct spending and receipts and discretionary programs. Declares that a baseline assuming deficit reduction refers to a projection of current policy baseline surpluses or deficits into the budget year and the outlays that is adjusted in aggregate by: (1) assuming compliance with basic deficit reduction targets; (2) assuming compliance with the discretionary funding limits; and (3) excluding amounts resulting from legislation designated as an emergency requirement. Establishes as a deposit fund in the Treasury a Stabilization Reserve Fund to accumulate balances during years of comparative prosperity, which may later be used to cover the loss of receipts and the increase in outlays that occur during comparative economic distress. Requires annual surpluses to be paid into the Fund. Requires starting with FY 1999 that an additional $10 billion be paid to the Fund. Requires in each year starting with 2000 that an additional $20 billion be paid to such Fund. Prohibits Fund balances from receiving interest. Requires the enactment of a law to transfer balances to the General Fund of the Treasury. Establishes congressional procedures in the event of a low-growth report or a declaration of war. Establishes a Board of Estimates to choose the applicable sequestration report from OMB or CBO to submit to the President. Provides judicial review procedures for provisions of this title. Title II: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Standing Rules of Senate, and specified other laws. Establishes the public debt limit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1992
Administration of Veterans Education Benefits Technical Reorganization Act - Reorganizes and recodifies Federal provisions relating to veterans' educational benefits as currently provided under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program. Repeals Federal provisions made unnecessary by such recodification. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1992
Infrastructure Reinvestment and Economic Revitalization Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose gasoline and diesel taxes at a rate that is equal to certain fund financing rates, including the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund financing rate. Decreases, for purposes of imposition of such taxes, the Highway Trust Fund and Airport and Airway Trust Fund financing rates. Sets the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund financing rate at five cents. Establishes the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund, composed of revenues derived from infrastructure reinvestment taxes. Makes the Fund off-budget. Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for surface transportation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Fiscal Accountability and Impact Reform Act (FAIR Act) - States that one purpose of this Act is to assist the Congress in consideration of proposed legislation establishing or revising Federal programs to assure that, to the maximum extent practicable, legislation enacted will: (1) minimize the burden of such legislation on expenditure of scarce local public resources by State and local governments; (2) minimize inefficient allocation of economic resources; and (3) reduce the adverse effect of such legislation on the ability of State and local governments to use local public resources to meet local needs, and on allocation of economic resources, full employment, and international competitiveness. States that a second purpose of this Act is to require Federal agencies to exercise discretionary authority and implement statutory requirements in a manner which, consistent with agency mission and Federal law, minimizes the impact of regulations and other major Federal actions affecting the economy on: (1) the ability of State and local governments to use local public resources to meet local needs; and (2) the allocation of economic resources, full employment, and international competitiveness of American goods and services. Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that whenever a committee of either House reports a bill to its House which mandates unfunded requirements upon State and local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness. Title II: Agency Impact Analysis - Requires, to the fullest extent practicable, that: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with the purposes of this Act; (2) all Federal agencies, consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law, minimize the adverse effects of rules affecting the economy; and (3) Federal agencies take certain actions in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules, developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major Federal action affecting the economy whenever an agency identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the agency's statutory obligations. Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking, promulgates a final rule, or before initiating or implementing any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment. Provides for judicial review of final agency actions for compliance with this title.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1992
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Marlin, Texas, as the Thomas T. Connally Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1992
Open Space Preservation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate tax the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement (less the amount of any indebtedness secured by such land). Includes in the gross estate tax the value of each development right retained by the donor in the conveyance of the easement. Makes such tax due upon the disposition of the property. Provides that such land subject to the exclusion will have a carryover basis for purposes of determining gain or loss. Excludes from the gift tax transfers by gift of land subject to a conservation easement (other than development rights retained by the donor of such easement). Defers the reduction in certain estate tax rates after 1993 and before 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1992
Designates the Federal building and U.S. courthouse located at the corner of College Avenue and Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas, as the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1992
Comprehensive Service Programs for Homeless Veterans Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and operate, through September 30, 1995, a pilot program to expand and improve the benefits and services to homeless veterans. Includes within such program: (1) the establishment of up to four additional demonstration programs to be centers for such veterans; and (2) the placement of veterans benefits counselors at a specified number of sites at which the Secretary furnishes services to homeless mentally ill veterans and domiciliary care to homeless veterans and at centers which provide readjustment counseling. Requires the Secretary to make grants to assist eligible entities in establishing new programs to furnish outreach, rehabilitative services, vocational counseling and training, and transitional housing assistance to homeless veterans. Sets forth grant award and application criteria. Prohibits grants from being used to support operational costs of a grantee, except as provided by this Act. Prohibits the making of a grant unless the applicant agrees to: (1) provide services for which the grant is furnished at locations accessible to homeless veterans; (2) maintain referral networks for, and aid such veterans in, establishing eligibility for assistance and obtaining services under available entitlement and assistance programs; (3) ensure the confidentiality of records maintained on homeless veterans receiving services under the grant; (4) establish procedures for accounting with respect to the grant; and (5) with respect to service centers, meet specified requirements concerning service hours, space for Federal agencies and other organizations, and necessary services. Requires the Secretary to provide per diem payments to a grant recipient for services furnished to any homeless veteran: (1) whom the Secretary has referred to the recipient; or (2) for whom the Secretary, within three working days, has authorized the provision of services. Authorizes the Secretary, in lieu of per diem payments, to provide a recipient with in-kind assistance. Permits the Secretary to inspect the facilities of any entity eligible for payments. Directs the Secretary to require the director of each medical center and regional benefits office of the Department of Veterans Affairs to: (1) assess the needs of homeless veterans living within the area served by the center or regional office; and (2) catalogue programs of the Department, agencies of the Federal, State, and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations which provide services to homeless persons in such area. Requires the Secretary to compile assessment information for use in program planning and to carry out laws relating to assistance to homeless veterans. Directs the Secretary to assign employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration to conduct outreach programs and services for homeless veterans. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans through September 30, 1995. Extends through December 31, 1995, the authority of the Secretary to enter into agreements to make real properties acquired as a result of loan defaults available for housing assistance for homeless veterans. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1992
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, before assessing a civil penalty against any certificate-holding airmen and air carriers, to: (1) advise them of the charges or reasons relied upon for the Administrator's proposed action; and (2) provide them with an opportunity to answer such charges and be heard as to why the civil penalty should not be assessed. Authorizes such individuals to appeal such a penalty to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Provides for the judicial review of a NTSB order. Authorizes the NTSB to change an Administrator's order amending, modifying, or reversing a certificate to an order assessing a civil penalty.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1992
Health Professional Shortage Area Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a certain percentage of the population being 65 years old or older to the indicators of need which must be taken into consideration in designating health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Prohibits, for frontier areas, considering the travel time between population centers or to contiguous area resources. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to continue, for three months after withdrawal of the designation of an area as an HPSA, the additional payments mandated for services furnished in HPSAs.
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
Rural Community Environmental Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds through FY 2000. Requires each State to establish a rural community environmental assistance account in such fund and to deposit at least 25 percent of the amount of the grant received for the establishment of the fund into such account. Permits monies in such accounts to be used only for the construction of wastewater treatment works and public water systems in economically distressed rural communities, subject to certain loan and grant conditions. Requires States to determine the amount of interest to be charged on loans and to establish grant eligibility criteria. Permits assistance to be provided only if: (1) the wastewater treatment works is consistent with planning requirements under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) the public water system is approved by the State agency with primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Requires States, in providing such assistance, to give priority to an economically distressed rural community in which: (1) there is a need for collector sewers and interceptors to improve access to wastewater treatment facilities; (2) residents rely on inadequate wastewater treatment facilities or drinking water systems that are determined by public health officials to be a hazard; or (3) residents rely on public water systems which do not meet requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorizes States to provide such assistance for eligible innovative projects only after conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Requires States to submit plans for the intended uses of amounts in rural community environmental assistance accounts to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Administrator to approve or disapprove such plans. Reserves one percent of funds in such accounts per fiscal year for planning activities. Permits the submission of a plan only if it has been approved by a State Rural Environmental Infrastructure Advisory Panel. Requires such panels to assist in plan preparation, review, and approval. Sets forth accounting and auditing requirements. Withholds payments from States that fail to comply with requirements for rural community environmental assistance accounts. Directs the Administrator to: (1) make grants to regional, State, and local agencies and not-for-profit organizations to assist economically distressed rural communities by providing technical assistance for the financing, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment works and public water systems; and (2) set aside a specified percentage of appropriations for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1992
Provides for the printing of the book entitled "Year of the American Indian, 1992: Congressional Recognition and Appreciation" (prepared under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing) as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Office to: (1) manage projects pursuant to this Act; and (2) provide information and guidance to communities in economically distressed areas with respect to eligible projects, economic and organizational issues, and construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an environmental infrastructure assistance program to be administered through the Office; and (2) use funds under this Act for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities. Provides that funds shall be available only for publicly-owned environmental infrastructure projects serving fewer than 25,000 persons that are located in economically distressed areas. Authorizes State Governors to submit State priority project plans to the Secretary. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit priority project plans for eligible projects on Indian reservations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit annual economically distressed areas environmental infrastructure assistance plans to the Congress; (2) enter into local cooperation agreements to provide for the planning, design, and construction of environmental infrastructure projects; and (3) assure that such agreements are executed for a project from each State submitting a priority project plan. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment, public water supply, and solid waste disposal facilities pursuant to this Act. Provides for the review and revision of such guidelines at least every five years. Authorizes appropriations. Reserves at least 15 and five percent of such funds, respectively, for colonias and Indian reservations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1992
Every Fifth Child Appropriations Act - Appropriates funds to carry out the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC program) authorized in specified provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Head Start programs authorized in specified provisions of the Head Start Act. Declares that, in order to achieve full funding for the programs, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years. Appropriates funds to carry out the Job Corps program authorized in specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act. Declares that, in order to establish a minimum number of additional centers, serve a minimum additional number of youths, and achieve full funding for the program, there should be specified amounts appropriated in certain fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to provide assistance under the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act to nonprofit organizations to be used to: (1) restore, preserve, and maintain the historic buildings designed, built, and lived in by Thomas Jefferson known as Poplar Forest in Bedford County, Virginia; (2) preserve and maintain related sites; (3) provide and maintain public access to such buildings and related sites; (4) design and plan activities necessary to carry out this Act; and (5) acquire lands and interests in lands to provide for the preservation and interpretation of such buildings and related sites. Prohibits funds made available pursuant to this Act from exceeding 50 percent of the total cost of the project to be funded. Subjects such assistance to an agreement that conversion, use, or disposal of the project assisted for purposes contrary to this Act shall result in a right of the United States to compensation for all funds made available for such project, or to the proportion of the increased value of the project attributable to such funds, whichever is greater.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1992
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through September 30, 1995, to carry out at three to seven health-care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs a demonstration project to test the capability of the Department to provide cost-effective health care to persons who: (1) are eligible for health care under both title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and a health-care program of either the Department or the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) are generally not able to gain access for needed Department or DOD health care due to the relatively low priority of treatment of non-service connected diseases or disabilities. Requires as part of the criteria in the selection of participating facilities that each facility be in the same geographic region as a DOD medical facility scheduled for closure pursuant to the base closure laws. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out the project, to consult with veterans' organizations and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (veterans' committees). Deems any medical facility chosen for participation under this Act to be a Medicare participating provider entitled to reimbursement under Medicare for covered hospital care or medical services provided. States that: (1) a person receiving care under the project shall not be liable for the payment of any coinsurance or deductible under Medicare with respect to the care and services provided; and (2) the Secretary may waive in whole or in part any financial liability a veteran would otherwise incur for participation in the project. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish mechanisms to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of the project and the satisfaction of the patients served. Directs: (1) the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees; and (2) both Secretaries to report jointly to the Congress the findings of the evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Rural Electrification Administration Improvement Act of 1992 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to provide that if a borrower of a loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) applies for an electric or telephone service loan from a private lender, REA shall grant the private lender a lien accommodation on the total assets securing the unpaid balance on an equal and pro rata basis with the Government lien, except if such private loan will adversely affect the borrower's ability to repay the Government. Subordinates the REA lien to a lien made by a private lender on a non-electric or non-telephone rural development loan if the borrower's revenues will be sufficient to meet all loan obligations. Revises discounted loan prepayment provisions to permit prepayment or sale of a loan that was advanced before a certain date or has been fully advanced for not less than two years. Limits future loan eligibility for prepaying borrowers. Repeals provisions regarding: (1) borrower net worth; and (2) the prepayment privatization demonstration program.
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
Medical Cost Containment Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medical care savings benefits. Describes such benefits as a health plan which provides that all or part of the premium differential realized by instituting a qualified higher deductible health plan is credited to participating employees to pay for medical care for a plan year. Requires amounts remaining at the end of such plan year to be deposited into a tax-exempt medical care savings account (subject to rules similar to those for retirement plans) for use by the participant for medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Designates February 21 through 27, 1993, as American Wine Appreciation Week. Commends the winegrape and fruit growers and vintners of the United States for the production of high quality agricultural products.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, to: (1) extend for five years the rural health care transition grant program; and (2) give preference in awarding grants under such program to projects which include programs of cooperation with other health care providers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is the cornerstone of U.S. efforts to: (1) improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives; (2) maintain a high quality and cost effective health care system; and (3) provide a framework within which American Indians and Alaska Natives can participate in health care decisions affecting their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense to expand the availability of health-care sharing arrangements with the Department of Defense (DOD) during the period before October 1, 1996. Specifies that under such agreement: (1) the head of a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility (the facility) may enter into agreements with the head of a DOD medical facility, with any other DOD official responsible for the provision of care to persons who are covered beneficiaries in the region of the facility, or with a DOD contractor responsible for the provision of care to persons who are covered beneficiaries in the region of the facility; and (2) the term "primary beneficiary" shall be treated as including persons described under statutory provisions concerning medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans and medical and dental care of members of the armed forces. Bars a proposed agreement authorized under this Act that is entered into by the head of a facility from taking effect unless the Chief Medical Director certifies to the Secretary that implementation of the agreement will: (1) result in the improvement of services to eligible veterans at that facility; and (2) not result in the denial of, or a delay in providing, access to care for any veteran at that facility. Specifies that, under such an agreement, statutory guidelines for the sharing of health-care resources may be modified to provide that any person who is a covered beneficiary and who is furnished care or services by a facility, or who meets other specified criteria, and who is furnished care or services by a DOD medical facility, may be authorized to receive such care or services: (1) without regard to any otherwise applicable requirement for the payment of a copayment or deductible; or (2) subject to a requirement to pay only part of any such otherwise applicable copayment or deductible, as specified in the guidelines. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1992
Veterans Health-Care Amendments of 1992 - Extends permanently (currently expires September 30, 1992) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish respite care to veterans eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care. Extends through: (1) FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the construction of State home facilities; and (2) FY 1994 the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program. Expands the list of matters which may not be considered by the Secretary as a basis for the denial or discontinuance of a rating of total disability for purposes of compensation or pension received by a veteran and based on such veteran's inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment to include a veteran's participation in activities, or receipt of a distribution of funds, related to therapeutic and rehabilitative services and programs. Includes a veteran's eligible survivor or dependent as a person for whom the United States has the right to recover from a third party (the person's insurer) the cost of care provided to such person by the Department that otherwise would have been provided or paid by the third party. Provides that, in the case of a health-plan contract that is a Medicare supplemental insurance policy: (1) Department facilities and personnel shall be deemed to be Medicare-participating providers; (2) medical services covered by such policy and furnished by the Department shall be deemed to be Medicare-covered services; and (3) the person to whom the services were provided shall be deemed to have a legal obligation to the United States to pay for the services. Allows funds recovered for the furnishing of such sevices to be used for the procurement of needed medical equipment for Department medical facilities, earmarking 20 percent of such procurement directly to the medical facilities that provided such care. Provides a September 30, 1996, delimiting date for the recovery of the cost of furnishing general care and services from veterans and eligible beneficiaries and a September 30, 1993, delimiting date for the recovery of cost of services provided under the medical suplemental insurance policy. Directs the Assistant Chief Medical Director of the Department in charge of geriatrics to estabish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted to the Secretary for the establishment of new geriatric research, education, and clinical centers in the United States. Provides a new Assistant Director grade in the nurse pay grade schedule in the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to increase up to a specified limit the rate of basic pay for a nurse serving in a chief nurse position at a Department facility. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a nurse transferred to another facility at the request of the Secretary up to the applicable rate paid to such employee before such transfer for one year if necessary to fill the position. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the qualification standards applicable to nursing personnel at Department health-care facilities and the relationship between such standards and the pay compression of nursing personnel in the intermediate and senior pay grades. Requires a revision of such qualification standards after such review by either April 1, 1993, or six months after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on the review's findings to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (veterans' committees). Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the process used for determining the rate of basic pay applicable to the Chief Nurse position at Department facilities and to report to the veterans' committees the results of such review. Requires the Secretary to include in a certain report to the veterans' committees: (1) the number of nurses per facility who are on pay retention or in the top step of any grade; and (2) whether extensions of such pay grades were sought and granted.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1992
Declares the 27th article of amendment to the Constitution, providing that no law varying the compensation for the services of Members of Congress shall take effect until an election of Representatives has intervened, to be part of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Amends the veterans' educational assistance program to allow an individual who was on active duty on August 2, 1990, and who completes the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate) before 12 months after the enactment of this Act to be considered to have completed such requirements within his or her initial obligated period of active duty, thus qualifying for such educational assistance after release or discharge from active duty. (Current law requires completion of school diploma requirements during the initial active duty period.) Provides a similar extension of such diploma completion requirements in the case of members of the Selected Reserve, except for requiring completion of such requirements within 11 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of each military department to notify individuals who have not met the diploma requirements of the extension of such periods under this Act. Credits an individual who becomes eligible for educational assistance subsequent to his or her initial period of service with the amount of basic pay reduced for participation in such educational assistance program. Applies such credit to an individual whose initial period of active duty began after June 30, 1985, and ended less than one year later with release without a bar to reenlistment. Makes such provision applicable to former members of the Selected Reserve, reducing such educational entitlement by any amount used in the earlier period of service. Bars the provision of armed forces educational assistance to individuals enrolled in education or training under the Government Employees Training Act. (Currently, such assistance is barred only if such individual is receiving such education or training and being paid full salary.) Requires apprenticeship or on-job training establishments to certify the hours completed by an individual under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for members of the Selected Reserve. Prohibits approval of a nonaccredited course of education pursued in whole or in part by independent study for participation in the veterans' educational assistance program. Disapproves for participation: (1) any bartending or personality development course; (2) sales or sales management courses which do not provide specialized training within a specific field; (3) any type of course found to be avocational or recreational in character unless justification is shown by the veteran; or (4) any independent study program other than an accredited program leading to a standard college degree. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from approving the enrollment of any eligible veteran in any course: (1) of flight training other than one given by a higher education institution and leading toward a standard college degree; (2) to be pursued by radio or open circuit television, with an exception; and (3) for any period in which the Secretary finds that more than 85 percent of the students so enrolled are having all or part of their tuition and fees paid by the educational institution or the Department under the veterans' or armed forces' educational assistance programs, unless the Secretary determines such a course to be in the best interest of the eligible veteran and the Government. Provides other exceptions to such prohibitions. Applies a savings provision to persons currently enrolled in a nonaccredited course of independent study. Reduces, for purposes of eligibility in the veterans' or survivors' and dependents' educational assistance programs, the number of clock hours of attendance required for institutional trade or technical courses not leading to a standard college degree to be considered a full-time course, and therefore eligible for participation in the programs. Provides that a course not leading to a standard college degree from an educational institution on a quarter- or semester-hour basis and offered by an entity that is not an institution of higher learning shall not be considered to be full-time if it requires less than the weekly minimum hours of full-time attendance required for institutional trade or technical courses measured on a clock hour basis. Repeals provisions providing for the computation of the monthly educational assistance allowance to be paid on behalf of an eligible individual pursuing: (1) an independent study program which leads to a standard college degree; and (2) a course in part by open circuit television. Provides a death benefit to the survivor of an individual entitled to basic education assistance who dies within one year after discharge or release from active duty (currently, who dies while on active duty) in the amount of unused educational assistance. Provides basic veterans' educational assistance entitlement for regular and Selected Reserve members who were on active duty at any time during the period between October 19, 1984, and July 1, 1985 (currently, continuous service within such period is required) and who meet certain other requirements after June 30, 1985. Makes such entitlement revision applicable as of October 28, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission Act - Establishes the Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, coordinate, and encourage activities in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson. Requires the Commission to make interim and final reports to the President and the Congress on its activities. Terminates the Commission within 60 days after its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Designates September 18, 1992, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on a flagstaff of the White House, the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service Commission, each national cemetery, and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on such day. Requires the flag to be flown on a flagstaff of each national cemetery and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1992 (Memorial Day), and on November 11, 1992 (Veterans Day). States that the flag shall be displayed as a symbol of national concern and commitment to resolving the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Reform - Revises the formula for the computation of the payment to surviving spouses of veterans of dependency and indemnity compensation to make such payment a flat monthly amount of $700, increased by $50 monthly in the case of: (1) the death of a veteran while performing active duty; or (2) the death of a veteran due to a service-connected disability if such disability was rated total either for the five years immediately preceding death or from the date of the veteran's discharge. Provides that, for the payment of such compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who died before October 1, 1992, the monthly rate shall be the higher amount between the current and revised formula. Increases the additional rate paid to a surviving spouse for each child of the deceased veteran under the age of 18. Title II: Life Insurance Programs - Increases the maximum amount of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance authorized to be carried by a veteran from $100,000 to $200,000 in additional increments of $10,000. Increases to $200,000 the authorized amount of Veterans' Group Life Insurance and makes it renewable on a five-year basis (currently, nonrenewable). Provides additional optional coverage of $10,000 in supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance (SSDI) for veterans currently carrying National Service Life Insurance who qualify for a waiver of premiums due to total disability. Outlines SSDI application requirements. Requires premiums to be paid for SSDI coverage. Increases the authorized amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance to the lesser of either $90,000 (currently, $40,000) or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit collecting charges for telephone calls made in response to an invitation to participate in any sweepstakes, contest, or other game of chance, other than the charges normally imposed with respect to the transmission of the call by a common carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Physician Assistant Incentive Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for physician assistants at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by physician assistants in health professional shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives (practitioners) at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by such practitioners in health professional shortage areas. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who is a registered nurse and is licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the clinical nurse specialist services are performed and holds a master's degree in a defined clinical area of nursing from an accredited educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992
Every Fifth Child Act - Makes appropriations for FY 1993, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in specified amounts to begin a phase-in toward full funding of: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (2) Head Start programs under the Head Start Act; and (3) the Job Corps program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such programs should receive specified minimum levels of funding to allow: (1) the WIC program to be fully funded through FY 1996; (2) Head Start programs to be fully funded through FY 1998; and (3) the Job Corps to establish at least 50 additional centers and serve at least 50 percent more of low-income disadvantaged youth by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992
Designates October 24 through November 1, 1992, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America. Recognize the hard work and dedication of those involved in combatting substance abuse.
![Official portrait of Rep. Payne, Lewis F., Jr. [D-VA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000152_200.jpg)