United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1993
Negotiated Rates Act of 1993 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize persons against whom a claim is made by a motor carrier of property (other than a household goods carrier), or by a nonhousehold goods freight forwarder for the collection of rates or charges in addition to the rates originally collected by such carrier or freight forwarder, to elect to satisfy such claim pursuant to a specified formula upon showing that the carrier or forwarder is no longer transporting property or is transporting property for the purpose of avoiding application of this Act. Requires that the claimant have been offered a rate other than the one legally on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), have tendered freight in reasonable reliance upon the offered rate, the carrier or forwarder did not properly or timely file a tariff for the rate or failed to execute a valid contract for transportation services, such rate was collected by the carrier or forwarder, and the carrier or forwarder demands additional payment of a higher rate filed in a tariff. Shortens the statute of limitations for the filing of claims: (1) by a motor common carrier or freight forwarder for recovery of transportation or service charges; and (2) by any person to recover overcharges by a motor carrier. Permits motor carriers and shippers to resolve by mutual consent, subject to ICC review and approval, any overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to properly and timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications. Prohibits a tariff filed with the ICC from being held invalid solely on the basis that it uses a numerical or alpha account code to designate customers or describe the applicability of rates. Requires a motor contract carrier to enter into a written agreement (separate from a bill of lading or receipt) for the provision of transportation services. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of this requirement. Requires the ICC to issue regulations prohibiting any motor carrier from reducing a rate set forth in its tariff or contract for any person but the one paying for the transportation service. Sets forth civil penalties. Grants the ICC jurisdiction to resolve disputes arising with respect to certain motor carriers as to whether transportation is provided as a motor common carrier or as a motor contract carrier. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to arrange with the Transportation Research Board to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the public benefits of tariff rate filings by motor carriers of property with the ICC; (2) the extent to which such filing system is used by shippers; (3) the difficulty and cost of determining rates for transportation services under such system; and (4) the number of actions brought before the ICC with respect to such rates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the amount appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Prosthetic Research account for FY 1994 should be no less than the amount appropriated for such account for FY 1993 plus inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Programs and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Programs Subtitle B: Related Provisions Title II: Organization Title III: Reauthorization Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments National Service Trust Act of 1993 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to reauthorize, revise, and reorganize national and community service and domestic volunteer programs, establish a Corporation for National Service and a National Service Trust program of Federal investment in support of national service, and provide expanded opportunities for national service and educational awards for participants. Title I: Programs and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (the Act) to establish the National Service Trust program, replacing the current American Conservation and Youth Service Corps. Authorizes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) to make matching grants to State and local governments, Indian tribes, public and private nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions for: (1) full- or part-time national service programs, including summer programs; and (2) subgrants for national service programs of other entities. Authorizes CNS to enter into agreements with other Federal agencies to support their national service programs. Directs CNS to approve national service educational awards for participants serving in CNS-assisted national service programs. Describes types of eligible national service programs addressing unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs, including community corps, youth corps, service-learning, special skills or specialized training, individualized placement, campus-based, preprofessional training, professional corps, disadvantaged youth community service, national service entrepreneur, intergenerational, or other programs. Directs CNS to establish qualification criteria. Authorizes CNS to provide the following types of program assistance: planning, operational, replication, subgrantee, training, technical, and other special assistance (including support for State commissions and challenge grants for national service programs). Requires CNS to ensure that participants in VISTA or the Civilian Community Corps receive national service educational awards, except in specified circumstances. Sets forth application and program requirements. Requires an assurance that the program assisted will not perform service that provides a direct benefit to any: (1) for-profit business; (2) labor union; (3) partisan political organization; or (4) organization engaged in religious activities (unless such service does not involve use of assistance or participants to give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any form of proselytization). Sets a minimum age for national service participants of 17, except for certain youth programs where the beginning of service may be between age 16 and 25. Sets rules for selection of participants, including selection and training of a national leadership pool. Sets a term of service at a minimum of 1,700 hours during: (1) a full-time period of nine months to one year; or (2) a part-time period of one to two years. Establishes requirements for participant living allowances. Limits the Federal share to not more than 85 percent of the VISTA volunteer allowance. Makes those who serve in approved national service positions eligible for national service educational awards. (Sec. 102) Establishes the National Service Trust in the Treasury to provide for the payment of national service educational awards. Sets forth eligibility standards for national service educational awards. Bases such awards on only the first and second terms of service. Requires that the award be used within five years after completion of the term of service. Sets the award's value at $5,000 for each term of service (up to two terms). Allows the use of such awards to: (1) repay outstanding student loans; (2) pay current educational expenses; (3) enable participation in approved school-to-work programs; and (4) pay interest during forbearance on loan repayment. Provides that awards shall not be considered: (1) in a means-test for Federal or federally-assisted benefits; or (2) as taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes conforming amendments to student loan provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Makes Stafford loan forgiveness available. (Sec. 103) Establishes School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs to replace current Programs for Students and Out-of-School Youth. Revises the Serve-America program (currently named Service-America) to include: (1) school-based programs for students; (2) community-based service programs for school-age youth; and (3) a service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes CNS to make planning grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with respect to service-learning coordinators participating in an assisted national service program or receive a national service educational award. Authorizes grants for school-based service-learning programs and community-based service programs. Directs CNS to provide financial assistance to eligible public and private nonprofit organizations to establish a service-learning clearinghouse. Adds priority criteria for the making of grants for Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service. (Sec. 104) Establishes an Investment for Quality and Innovation program to carry out specified innovation and quality improvement activities. Directs CNS to provide assistance to appropriate entities to establish one or more clearinghouses, including the service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes the President, acting through CNS, to make Presidential awards for service to individuals providing significant service, and to outstanding service programs. Provides that Civilian Community Corps members may receive educational awards (or suitable alternative benefits if ineligible for such awards). Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend the authority to conduct the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program. Subtitle B: Related Provisions - (Sec. 111-121) Makes conforming amendments and repealers to specified Federal law. Title II: Organization - (Sec. 201) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to require the establishment of State commissions on national service as a condition for receiving certain grants or allotments or a distribution of approved national service positions. Sets commission membership standards, and duties, including planning. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) as a Government corporation to administer programs under the Act. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the ACTION Agency to report directly to the CNS Chairperson (under interim authorities). Directs the Chairperson to establish (or request the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to provide) job search and related assistance to employees of the ACTION Agency who are not transferred to CNS. (Sec. 202 & 203) Transfers to CNS functions of: (1) the Commission on National and Community Service (under interim authorities); and (2) the ACTION Agency (under final authorities). Title III: Reauthorization - Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1978 (DVSA) to reauthorize, reorganize, and revise its programs. Chapter I: VISTA and Other Anti-Poverty Programs - (Sec. 321) Adds to VISTA program objectives generating private sector resource commitment, encouraging local level volunteer service, and strengthening local agencies and organizations to carry out the program. (Sec. 322) Revises procedures and other requirements for selection and assignment of VISTA volunteers. Allows a sponsoring organization to recruit VISTA volunteers, subject to final approval of the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director). (Sec. 323) Revises provisions for terms and periods of service. Authorizes a VISTA summer associates program. (Sec. 324) Revises postservice stipends. (Sec. 325) Requires encouragement of participation of both younger (18 through 27) and older (55 and older) VISTA volunteers. (Sec. 328) Repeals authority for student community service programs grants and contracts. (Sec. 329) Renames the University Year for ACTION the University Year for VISTA program. Shortens the minimum period of participation to an academic semester or equivalent. Allows volunteers to receive a living allowance or such other support the Director deems appropriate. (Sec. 330) Revises authority to establish and operate special volunteer and demonstration programs. Requires a competitive process for any grant or contract exceeding $100,000. (Sec. 331) Permits the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to employers and other private organizations that use or desire to use volunteers. (Sec. 332) Repeals a separate authority for drug abuse education and prevention programs under special volunteer programs. Chapter 2: National Senior Volunteer Corps - (Sec. 342) Renames the retired senior volunteer program the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). (Sec. 343) Expands RSVP eligibility to include older working persons and those over 55 (currently 60). (Sec. 345) Requires certain adjustments and minimums for stipends for low-income volunteers. (Sec. 346) Allows non-low-income persons to participate in the Foster Grandparent and the Senior Companion programs, without any financial support except reimbursement for related expenses. (Sec. 347) Repeals certain conditions for grants and contracts under those two programs, including a requirement that volunteers no longer be in the regular work force. (Sec. 348) Eliminates one type of evaluation of the Senior Companion Program. (Sec. 349) Encourages agreements with other Federal agencies involving retired, senior, intergenerational, and conservation volunteer programs. (Sec. 352) Authorizes grants and contracts for demonstration programs of innovative activities involving older volunteers. Prohibits reducing other older volunteer programs to support such demonstrations. Chapter 3: Administration - (Sec. 365) Bases disability or death benefits for VISTA volunteers on a grade GS-5 (rather than GS-7) Federal employee entrance salary. (Sec. 370) Grants copyright protection for the programs of the ACTION Agency. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Director to establish a Center for Research and Training on Volunteerism. (Sec. 372) Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to make retirement credit for time served as a VISTA volunteer available to all who become Federal employees subsequent to such volunteer service, upon their paying a deposit based on their post-service stipend. Chapter 4: Authorization of Appropriations and Other Amendments - (Sec. 381-383) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 385) Repeals Youthbuild Projects authority. Chapter 5: General Provisions - (Sec. 391) Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments - (Sec. 401-405) Sets forth various changes of definitions and references in specified Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Planning and Programs Title II: Medical Facilities Acquisition Title III: Administration Title IV: State Home Program Title V: Miscellaneous Veterans' Health Programs Amendments of 1993 - Title I: Health Care Planning and Programs - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe a specific, detailed statement of the mission of, and the clinical programs to be operated at, each health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Extends through September 30, 1997, the period during which the Secretary may conduct a pilot program for the furnishing of health-related services to certain eligible veterans as a noninstitutional alternative to nursing home care. Provides program funding. Extends certain reporting deadlines required under the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Title II: Medical Facilities Acquisition - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the major medical facility leases and construction projects for which funds are requested in the FY 1994 budget. Prohibits the authorization of the construction of a nursing home facility in Baltimore, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the design of specified future major medical facility construction projects, with an accompanying authorization of appropriations for such construction. Directs the Secretary to conduct and report on: (1) a review of the methodology used by the Department for establishing the relative priority for major construction projects under consideration; and (2) an assessment of the need for nursing home beds in the Chesapeake network area. Title III: Administration - Authorizes the Secretary to undertake an administrative reorganization at a Department medical facility if necessary to respond to an emergency situation. Title IV: State Home Program - Directs the Secretary to pay each State a per diem amount for each veteran receiving adult day health care in a State nursing home. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with State veterans facilities for the sharing of health-care resources. Title V: Miscellaneous - Declares that specified veterans research advisory committees have functions integrally related to the successful completion by the Department of its statutory duties. Prohibits the Secretary from terminating any such committee unless the Secretary finds that it is no longer needed. Provides limitations on veteran payments or copayments for: (1) hospital and nursing home care; (2) outpatient medical services; and (3) medications. Authorizes and provides the conditions under which the Secretary may provide for the operation of child care centers at Department facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Authorizes the President to present to Red Skelton, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal in recognition of his performance as an entertainer and humanitarian. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems and to strike and sell bronze duplicates of it. Declares such medals national medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1993
Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1993 to make State workers' compensation laws the exclusive remedy for agricultural worker injuries under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act for all cases in which a final judgment has not been entered before October 6, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1993
Calls for the U.S. Trade Representative to insist that any trade agreement negotiated pursuant to the Uruguay Round must provide U.S. copyright-based industries with: (1) fair and equal access to the markets of the nations that are party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; (2) equal opportunities to obtain government funding; (3) adequate and effective copyright protection, including full national treatment and recognition of contractual rights; and (4) a mechanism to resolve expeditiously disputes concerning market access, national treatment, and copyright protection.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
High-Speed Rail Development Act of 1993 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to designate as a high-speed rail corridor (HSR Corridor): (1) any corridor that serves two or more major metropolitan areas where high-speed rail offers the potential for cost-effective intercity public transportation; (2) upon application of a State Governor, any intercity rail corridor designated as a high-speed rail corridor under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991; and (3) any intercity rail corridor (other than the mainline of the corridor improved under title VII of such Act) that includes a significant segment where rail passenger service operates at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Requires designated public agencies seeking financial assistance for development of an HSR Corridor to submit to the Secretary a corridor master plan identifying a coordinated program of improvements to permit the establishment of high-speed rail service in the corridor. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into financial assistance agreements with public agencies to fund eligible improvements to the infrastructure of an HSR Corridor for the purpose of developing high-speed rail service. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research and development of steel-wheel-on-rail technologies for commercial application in high-speed rail service. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1993 - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought in any State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product, but supersedes State law only to the extent that State law applies to an issue covered by this Act. Lists specific laws not superseded, including provisions regarding vaccine injury. Makes a product seller liable to a claimant for harm only if the claimant establishes that: (1) the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of was sold by the product seller who failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product and such failure was a proximate cause of the claimant's harm; (2) the product seller made an express warranty applicable to the product which allegedly caused the harm complained of, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the claimant's harm; or (3) the seller engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm complained of by the claimant. Makes it a complete defense to a product liability action that the claimant was intoxicated or was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug and, as a result of such intoxication or influence, was more than 50 percent responsible for causing the accident or event which resulted in such claimant's harm. Directs that the damages for which a manufacturer or product seller is otherwise liable under State law be reduced by the percentage of responsibility for the claimant's harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product if such percentage was proximately caused by a use or alteration of a product: (1) in violation of, or contrary to, the manufacturer's or product seller's express warnings or instructions if the warnings or instructions are adequate under State law; or (2) involving a risk of harm which was, or should have been, known by the ordinary person who uses the product, with an exception for workplace injuries. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limitations on punitive damages; (2) several liability for noneconomic damages; (3) statutes of limitation; (4) workers' compensation offsets; and (5) lack of Federal jurisdiction over civil actions arising under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Access to Obstetric Care Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for demonstration projects to improve access to obstetric services in underserved urban and rural areas for eligible pregnant women under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) develop and make public each year a compendium of State initiatives to address the obstetric access crisis; and (3) provide a grant for the study of obstetrical malpractice claims.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1993
Rural Physicians' Incentives Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction on medical education loan interest of a physician which accrues while the physician is living in and providing primary care to residents of a medically underserved rural area. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt services furnished in a rural area from a special fee schedule applicable to new physicians. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend beyond the normal two-year limit, for borrowers serving an internship or residency program in preparation for practice in an area of primary care, the deferral of payments on: (1) insured student loans (Stafford Loans), including those eligible for interest subsidies; and (2) low-interest student loans (Perkins Loans). Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions setting forth requirements concerning billing by one physician for services rendered by another physician in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1993
Rural Access to Obstetrical Care Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for demonstration projects to improve access to obstetric services in underserved rural areas for eligible pregnant women under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) develop and make public each year a compendium of State initiatives to address the obstetric access crisis in rural areas; and (3) provide a grant for the study of obstetrical malpractice claims.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1993
Women in Military Service for America Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins symbolic of women's service in the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Data Collection Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1993 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Data Collection - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance. Mandates research, development, and dissemination of integrated pest management techniques and other pest control methods that enable producers to reduce or eliminate application of pesticides which pose a greater than negligible dietary risk to humans. Title III: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to define, subject to exception, "pesticide chemical" as it is defined in FIFRA. Deems a food adulterated if it bears or contains: (1) a pesticide chemical residue that is unsafe; or (2) a new animal drug or conversion product that is unsafe. Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance higher than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health. Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food, and the adverse effects from the reduction would outweigh the risk posed by the residue. Allows the Administrator to issue an exemption from the requirement for a tolerance only if a tolerance is not needed to protect the public health, in view of the levels of dietary exposure that could reasonably be expected to occur. Prohibits a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, if the Administrator takes certain actions with respect to the registration of a pesticide, to revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of the chemical or chemical residue. Requires the suspension of any tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of an associated registered pesticide. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State from enforcing a residue limit which was lawful at the time of application. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Comprehensive Child Immunization Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate: (1) a list of vaccines that provide immunization against naturally occurring infectious diseases which are recommended for universal use in children; and (2) recommendations regarding the appropriate dosage and the ages of children at which each vaccine should be administered. Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically purchase recommended childhood vaccines in amounts necessary for distribution to meet anticipated needs and for maintenance of a six-month reserve supply; and (2) negotiate a reasonable price for such vaccine. Requires a manufacturer of recommended childhood vaccine to provide costs or pricing data. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the confidentiality of such data; (2) the prohibition of additional shipping or handling charges; (3) multiple suppliers; and (4) reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to provide for the distribution without charge of such vaccines to health care providers who serve children and meet other specified requirements. Permits a health care provider receiving a vaccine under such provisions to: (1) use such vaccine only for administration to children; and (2) impose a fee for the administration of the vaccine, but not for the vaccine itself, subject to specified limitations. Directs the Secretary to establish a national system to track the immunization status of children. Establishes in the Treasury a Comprehensive Child Immunization Account. Makes funds from such account available for vaccine purchases by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide coverage of immunizations under early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and testing provisions of State Medicaid programs; and (2) require that payments to providers include reimbursement for administration of such vaccines. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination of the vaccine purchase program; (2) use of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund; (3) the permanent extension of authority to impose taxes for the Trust Fund; (4) the addition of vaccines to the vaccine injury table; (5) the extension of time for decision in proceedings on petitions for vaccine-related injuries or deaths; and (6) vaccine information materials (requiring a concise description of vaccine risks and benefits and a statement of program availability).
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to allow as grounds for nonrenewal of a franchise relationship the failure of the parties to agree to changes to the franchise provisions as long as such failure is not the result of the franchisor's insistence for the purpose of converting a franchisee operation into one operated by the franchisor's employees or agents (that is, turning the franchise into a company-owned station). Prohibits a State or any political subdivision from implementing any law or regulation which requires payment for a franchisee's goodwill upon either termination or nonrenewal of a franchise. Permits State law to specify the terms and conditions under which a franchise or franchise relationship may be transferred to a franchisee's designated successor upon the franchisee's death. Requires a franchisor that does not wish to exercise its underlying lease options to lease or purchase the marketing premises, to offer to assign them to the franchisee as a prerequisite to termination or nonrenewal of the franchise relationship. Bars a franchisor from requiring, as a condition of the franchise relationship, that the franchisee waive or release its rights under Federal or State law. Declares invalid and unenforceable any franchise provision which specifies that franchise interpretation or enforcement shall be governed by the law of any State other than the one in which the franchisee has its principal place of business.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ensuring the Integrity of the Listing, Critical Habitat Designation, and Consultation Processes Title II: Providing Significance to the Recovery Planning Process Title III: Ensuring that the Compliance Procedures and Standards for Non-Federal Persons are not more Burdensome than those Applicable to Federal Agencies Title IV: Providing for Habitat Conservation Incentive Programs Title V: Reauthorization and Other Amendments Endangered Species Act Procedural Reform Amendments of 1993 - Title I: Ensuring the Integrity of the Listing, Critical Habitat Designation, and Consultation Processes - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish a peer review (upon request) requirement with respect to a determination of endangered or threatened species status. Establishes discretionary priorities for determining and conserving endangered or threatened species. Requires that the economic impact be considered in making a critical habitat determination. Revises consultation and related provisions, including establishing procedures with respect to private actions. Title II: Providing Significance to the Recovery Planning Process - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement a recovery plan for each endangered or threatened species, unless the Secretary determines such plan to be unnecessary. Gives priority to multispecies plans. Title III: Ensuring that the Compliance Procedures and Standards for Non-Federal Persons Are Not More Burdensome than Those Applicable to Federal Agencies - Exempts non-Federal persons under specified circumstances from prohibitions against the taking of an endangered species. Provides for compensation of property owners adversely affected by specified determinations pursuant to such Act. Title IV: Providing for Habitat Conservation Incentive Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into an agreement (Cooperative Management Agreement) with any affected non-Federal person (currently, only with a State) for the management of a species' habitat; and (2) provide grants to any non-Federal person for preservation of habitat for endangered or threatened species. Title V: Reauthorization and Other Amendments - Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) experimental population release; (2) captive propagation, including grants; and (3) citizen suits. Authorizes appropriations for activities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Calls upon the President to conclude negotiations leading to an "open skies" bilateral aviation agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom before March 17, 1994. Encourages the President, if the United Kingdom has prevented productive negotiation of an agreement, to eliminate rights previously authorized for British carriers that are not available to U.S. carriers. Declares that the Congress will not approve legislation to increase the amount of allowable investment in U.S. airlines by foreign nationals until the United States and United Kingdom have agreed to a new bilateral aviation agreement, consistent with the U.S. goals for liberalization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the extra-label use of drugs in animals if such use is upon the order of licensed veterinarian, is in compliance with appropriate regulations, and is in the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Prohibits such use if it results in unacceptable residues of a drug in food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1993 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the reverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing America's veterans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes by a specified date (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to raise the threshold amount at which remuneration for election personnel becomes subject to social security employment taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Reform Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) - Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution 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: Federal Intergovernmental Relations - 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 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 Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish birth defects prevention and research programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to provide for collection, analysis, and reporting of birth defects statistics from birth certificates, infant death certificates, hospital records, or other sources and to collect and disaggregate such statistics by gender and racial and ethnic group. Directs the Secretary to establish at least five regional birth defects monitoring and research programs to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlation, and causes of birth defects. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with specified entities to serve as Centers of Excellence for Birth Defects Prevention Research. Requires one of the Centers to focus on birth defects among ethnic minorities. Requires the CDC to establish a clearinghouse for the collection and storage of data generated from birth defects monitoring programs developed under this Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to provide for the evaluation, and implementation of prevention strategies designed to reduce the incidence and effects of birth defects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee for Birth Defects Prevention. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding birth defects. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should refrain from further processing restructuring proceedings pursuant to a specified Order until 60 days after submission to the Congress of a General Accounting Office study of the economic impacts of such Order upon end-users of natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit the extra-label use of drugs in animals if such use is upon the order of a licensed veterinarian, is in compliance with appropriate regulations, and is in the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Prohibits such use if it results in unacceptable residues of a drug in food.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Floridian Passenger Rail Service Reestablishment Act of 1993 - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to begin, before January 1, 1996, rail passenger service from Chicago, Illinois, via Evansville, Indiana, Nashville, Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia, to Jacksonville, Florida. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care system must: (1) ensure that every person has access to coverage for medically and psychologically necessary treatments for mental disorders that is equitable to the coverage provided for treatments of physical illnesses; and (2) meet specified requirements concerning coverage, consumer choice, financial protection, financing policies, and coordination across Federal, State, and local programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Discrimination Act - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of Employment Discrimination Complaints Resolution headed by a Director who shall administer Department procedures for resolving complaints of unlawful employment discrimination. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include certain information with respect to Office budgets and activities in annual budget documents submitted to the Congress. Directs Office employees to counsel and resolve the complaints of Department employees in an expeditious and impartial manner through informal investigation and conciliation. Outlines procedures for: (1) the investigation of complaints through either an informal resolution process or assignment to an administrative law judge; (2) a hearing and final agency decision by such a judge for cases unresolved through the informal process; and (3) review of final agency decisions by either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the appropriate U.S. district court.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993
Amends Federal law to exclude the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund from the Federal budget, the congressional budget, and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Minor Crop Pesticides Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or a commercial agricultural crop or site or for the protection of public health where: (1) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support registration; and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to two years subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if such use does not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks. Authorizes the Administrator to conditionally register or amend the registration of a pesticide for a minor use if: (1) the active ingredient is being supported for reregistration; (2) the minor use was a registered use of a product that has been canceled, proposed for cancellation, or deleted as a use after December 24, 1988; and (3) the use requires only residue chemistry data for reregistration. Outlines additional requirements for conditional registrations. Directs EPA to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture minor use matching fund program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a bronze medal in commemoration of organ donors and their families. Declares that any organ donor, or donor's family, is eligible for the medal. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for medal presentation to eligible individuals through a qualified organ procurement organization. Declares the medals to be national medals. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with the entity operating the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network with respect to the solicitation of donations to offset expenditures relating to medal issuance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk-Taking Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms Title V: Community Investment Economic Growth and Financial Institutions Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1993 - Title I: Regulatory Impact on Credit Availability - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to direct the appropriate Federal banking agencies to minimize the negative impact upon credit availability for small business, residential, and agricultural purposes and on low-and moderate-income communities when prescribing real estate lending standards. (Sec. 102) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct the Appraisal Subcommittee to encourage the States to develop reciprocity agreements among themselves so as to readily authorize licensed appraisers in good standing to perform appraisals in sister States. Subtitle B: Impact of Accounting and Capital Issues on Credit Availability - (Secs. 111-113) Amends the FDIA to amend the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) audits of insured depository institutions; (2) recourse agreements; and (3) market value accounting. (Sec. 114) Requires the Department of the Treasury to report to certain congressional committees on the effect on the national economy resulting from implementation of risk based capital standards (including the Basle international capital standards). Subtitle C: Disincentives to Risk Taking - (Sec. 121) Amends the FDIA and the Federal Credit Union Act with respect to the due process protections accorded the attachment of assets, and the statutory authority to require a depository institution to prohibit a person from alienating property under certain circumstances. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Credit Availability Provisions - (Sec. 131) Mandates the establishment of a regulatory appeals process within each appropriate Federal banking agency and the National Credit Union Administration. (Secs. 132 and 133) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to modify the aggregate limits on insider lending for specified small banks. Mandates that certain agencies study and report to the Congress on the advisability and budgetary impact of requiring insured depository institutions to maintain sterile reserves. (Sec. 134) Amends the FDIA to prescribe guidelines under which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) may, with respect to an undercapitalized insured depository institution, waive its right to repudiate an agreement to sell credit card accounts receivable. (Sec. 135) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to permit FHLBA banks to: (1) make secured advances upon obtaining a security interest in certain nonresidential real estate-related collateral; and (2) invest surplus funds to purchase participation interests in residential construction loans originated by member institutions. Title II: Regulatory Micromanagement - (Secs. 201-204) Amends the FDIA to modify the regulatory scheme with respect to: (1) safety and soundness standards; (2) paperwork reduction; (3) rules on deposit taking; and (4) a transition period for new regulations. Title III: Unnecessary Cost, Paperwork and Regulation -Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Secs. 301-303) Amends the FDIA with respect to: (1) bank examinations; (2) coordination of State and Federal examinations; and (3) the use of accounting principles. (Secs. 304-306) Prescribes guidelines for the reduction of call report requirements and capital compliance requirements. Excludes automated teller machines and specified bank branches from FDIA branch closure notice requirements. (Sec. 307) Amends Federal law regarding monetary instruments transactions to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to annually: (1) review all regulations pertaining to monetary instruments transaction requirements, seeking public comment; and (2) publish all written rulings interpreting such law, as well as staff commentaries. (Sec. 309) Amends the FRA and the FDIA to cite conditions under which accounts of U.S. banks are shielded from liability to repay] deposits made at foreign branches. Subtitle B: Holding Company Efficiencies - (Secs. 321-325) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to modify the procedures under which bank holding companies: (1) are formed; and (2) acquire interests in nonbanking activities. Reduces the post-approval waiting period for bank holding company acquisition and bank mergers. Title IV: Consumer Inconvenience, Paperwork, and Cost; Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - Subtitle A: Consumer Benefits and Lending Process Improvements - (Sec. 401) Mandates a Federal Reserve study and report to the Congress on ways to streamline the credit-granting process. (Secs. 402-403) Amends the Truth in Lending Act regarding: (1) certain exemptions from credit cost disclosure requirements; (2) modification of waiver of the debtor's rescission rights; and (3) alternative disclosures for adjustable rate mortgages. (Sec. 405) Amends the Truth in Savings Act to exempt business accounts from its purview. Subtitle B: Other Non-Supervisory Reforms - (Secs. 411-413) Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act regarding: (1) the availability of Treasury checks and local checks; (2) new accounts; and (3) the allocation of risks of loss and liability to the States and political subdivisions. (Secs. 414 and 421) Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer and the Truth in Lending Act to increase the consumer liability limit in specified circumstances of unauthorized electronic fund transfers and unauthorized use of credit cards where the cardholder has substantially contributed to the unauthorized transfer or use. (Sec. 432) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to reduce the homeownership debt counseling notification requirement to no more than once per year. (Sec. 433) Prohibits a Federal banking agency from imposing data collection requirements upon an institution under its jurisdiction other than the information required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. (Secs. 441 and 442) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) modify the disclosure guidelines for the servicing of mortgage loans; and (2) exempt certain credit transactions from its purview. Title V: Community Investment - (Sec. 501) Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the Act) with respect to: (1) minimizing the regulatory paperwork costs and burdens associated with compliance; (2) conditions under which an application for a deposit facility shall not be denied on the basis of compliance; (3) granting credit to a financial institution for making investments and loans to either minority and women's depository institutions, or to entities providing benefits to distressed communities; (4) assessments of special purpose banks; and (5) the acceptability of State examinations in lieu of Federal examinations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Reforestation Tax Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide taxpayers a partial inflation adjustment for the deduction from gross income for qualified timber gain. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Excludes from conditions of the material participation rules, for purposes of the passive loss limitations, closely held timber activity if the aggregate hours devoted to management of the activity for any year is generally fewer than 100 hours. Increases the amount allowable as a deduction for amortization of reforestation expenditures and provides an inflation adjustment after calendar year 1994. Applies such inflation adjustment to the reforestation credit. Shortens the amortization period from 84 to 60 months.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Expedited Consideration of Proposed Rescissions Act of 1993 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require a special message, in the case of budget authority proposed to be rescinded, to include language amending the law authorizing such programs to allow them to continue to function at the proposed new level of budget authority. Allows the President to transmit to both Houses of the Congress, for expedited consideration, one or more special messages proposing to rescind all or part of any item of budget authority provided in an appropriation bill. Requires that such special message be transmitted not later than three days after the President approves the appropriation bill and be accompanied by a draft bill or joint resolution that would, if enacted, rescind the budget authority proposed to be rescinded. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for the expedited consideration of such a proposal.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993
Medicare EKG Payment Restoration Act of 1993 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) reestablish separate payment for the interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) that are ordered or performed during an office visit to or consultation with a physician; and (2) set forth special rules governing the payment for EKG interpretation services in order to ensure budget-neutrality.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
Authorizes the Air Force Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rowland, J. Roy [D-GA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000481_200.jpg)