United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require taking into account, for purposes of determining gain, the entire adjusted basis of property sold to a tax-exempt charitable organization as conservation property. Provides for determining the fair market value of restrictions on such property for purposes of determining the allowable deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Rescinds certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded (R92-48) (eastern filbert blight research) in a special message transmitted to the Congress by the President on March 20, 1992, in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Rescinds certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded (R92-44) (Appalachian hardwoods) in a special message transmitted to the Congress by the President on March 20, 1992, in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Rescinds certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded (R92-40) (oilseed promotion facility) in a special message transmitted to the Congress by the President on March 20, 1992, in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Rescinds certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded (R92-36) (university research animal facilities) in a special message transmitted to the Congress by the President on March 20, 1992, in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1992
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule LII to prohibit the use of appropriated funds by Members of the House for such items as meals, banking services, medicine, ambulance service, haircuts, stationery supplies, athletic facilities, recording services, photographic services, and printing services at costs lower than those charged to the public. Requires such items to be provided through private sector contracts that take into account such expenses as rent, utilities, insurance, and supplies. Amends rule XI to prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to defray expenses of committee members or employees incurred while traveling outside of the United States or its territories or possessions, unless a committee resolution has been approved that authorizes such travel and sets forth certain requirements. Adds rule LIII to limit to $200 the Official Expenses Allowance for the purchase of postage stamps by a Member of the House in each congressional session.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Federal Travel Discosure Act of 1992 - Prohibits: (1) the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds for Government travel other than from amounts specifically appropriated by law for such purpose; and (2) any Federal entity from expending funds for the travel expenses of any individual employed by another Federal entity without being reimbursed by the individual or the travel account of the individual's employer. Directs the head of each executive department to designate a travel supervisor. Specifies the travel supervisors for the legislative and judicial branches. Requires all Government travel to be: (1) approved in advance by the appropriate travel supervisor; (2) accomplished by the most economical means conveniently possible; and (3) accomplished by U.S. commercial carrier wherever possible, unless the travel supervisor determines that an alternative means is more economical or necessary to achieve the goal of the mission. Requires all legislative branch foreign travel to be approved in advance by recorded vote of the committee (in the case of travel by a committee member or committee staff) or by the appropriate travel supervisor. Provides that advance approval shall not be required for travel which either does not require an individual to spend the night away from his or her principal residence or place of employment or which is undertaken under emergency circumstances as defined in written guidelines established by the appropriate travel supervisor. Requires each travel supervisor to establish written guidelines for Government travel and to submit quarterly reports with respect to such travel to the Administrator of General Services (for executive branch or independent agency travel), the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate (for legislative branch travel), and the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (for judicial branch travel). Requires that such reports be made available for public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Federal Open Space Acquisition and Preservation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against estate taxes for certain transfers of real property to Federal agencies for conservation purposes. Disallows a deduction under estate tax provisions for a transfer for which a credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include naturally occurring sand dunes (and dunes enhanced through ongoing non-Federal activities) in the definition of "public facility," for purposes of eligibility for disaster assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1992
Authorizes the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to publicly disclose the name and pertinent account information of any Member or former Member who it finds, pursuant to H. Res. 236, has abused banking privileges between July 1, 1988, to October 3, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
Freedom from Government Competition Act of 1992 - Requires Federal agencies to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of their authorized functions by procurement from private sources unless: (1) the goods or services are required by law to be produced or performed, respectively, by the agency; (2) or the head of the agency determines and certifies to the Congress that Government production, manufacture, or provision of a good or service is necessary for national defense, that a good or service is so inherently governmental in nature that it is in the public interest to require production or performance by a Government employee, or that there is no private source capable of providing the good or service. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to study and report to the Congress on: (1) agency activities which are inconsistent with such requirements; and (2) a schedule for transferring such activities to the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
Requires that representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) negotiate with the Governments of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, or the Commonwealth of Independent States regarding acquisition by the United States of civil space hardware and related technology for integration into U.S. civil space projects authorized by the Congress, with emphasis on the acquisition of prototypes and technology so that the actual hardware can be manufactured in the United States. Allows limited exemption, during the negotiations, from laws regarding the exporting of technical data. Provides for NASA approval of NASA contractors as NASA representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
American Pulp and Paper Research Act of 1992 - Mandates: (1) a program of research, development, and demonstration on advanced pulp and paper technologies; (2) development of a five-year program plan; and (3) solicitation of proposals in which the non-Federal cost share is between 20 and 50 percent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992
District of Columbia Omnibus Anti-Crime Act of 1992 - Title I: Expanded Penalties for Crimes of Violence - Amends the District of Columbia Code (DC Code) to provide for mandatory life imprisonment (as under current law) without parole for first degree murder. Subjects persons convicted of assault with intent to commit bodily injury to up to ten years' imprisonment. Provides that whoever in the commission of specified acts of assault on a member of a police force or fire department does not employ force likely to cause serious bodily harm or death or does not use a deadly or dangerous weapon shall be fined up to $500, imprisoned for up to 90 days, or both. Title II: Penalties for Activities Relating to Criminal Drug Enterprises and Distributing Drugs in Vicinity of Schools - Amends the District of Columbia Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1981 (Uniform Act), to provide for an enhanced penalty (imprisonment, fine, or both, up to twice that authorized) for distribution or manufacturing controlled substances in or near schools, colleges, youth centers, public swimming pools, or video arcades. Sets a mandatory minimum sentence, except with respect to offenses involving five grams or less of marijuana. Provides for an enhanced penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence for distribution of a controlled substance to a pregnant woman. Amends: (1) the Dangerous Weapons Act to provide for an enhanced penalty for crimes involving dangerous weapons committed in or near schools and colleges; (2) the Firearms Control Regulation Act to provide for a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to ten years, or both, for persons over age 21 who illegally sell, transfer, or distribute a firearm, destructive device, or ammunition to anyone under age 18; and (3) the Uniform Act to subject those who attempt or conspire to commit serious drug-related crimes to the same penalties as those who commit the crimes which were the objects of such attempt or conspiracy (currently, punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both, which may not exceed the maximum authorized for the underlying offense). Revises DC Code provisions concerning victim impact statements and the rights of crime victims. Specifies that each victim of a crime of violence shall have the right to: (1) be present at the defendant's trial, sentencing, and parole hearings; (2) submit, prior to the imposition of sentence, a written victim impact statement (as under current law); (3) offer at the time of sentencing an oral or written statement of the victim's opinion of the sentence that should be imposed on the defendant and have such statement entered into the record; and (4) offer, at the defendant's parole hearings, an oral or written statement of the victim's opinion of whether or not the defendant should be granted parole. Sets forth additional provisions, including notification to the victim of the right to submit and offer statements and any changes in the defendant's status. Permits individuals 14 years of age or older (currently, 16) to be tried as adults for certain serious crimes. Title III: Revision of Standards for Bail and Pretrial Detention - Revises DC Code provisions with respect to release prior to trial and pretrial detention. Provides that, upon the appearance before a judicial officer (officer) of a person charged with an offense (other than first-degree murder), the officer shall issue an order that, pending trial, the person be: (1) released on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured bond; (2) released on a condition or combination of specified conditions (condition); (3) temporarily detained to permit revocation of conditional release, deportation, or exclusion; or (4) detained. Requires the officer to order the pretrial release of the person on personal recognizance, or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond in an amount specified by the court, subject to the condition that the person not commit a crime during the period of release, unless the officer determines that such release will not reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required or will endanger the safety of another person or the community (in which case such officer shall order the person's pretrial release, subject to such condition, and subject to the least restrictive further condition that the officer determines will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community). Authorizes the officer to conduct an inquiry into the source of the property to be designated for potential forfeiture or offered as collateral to secure a bond and requires such officer to decline to accept the designation or the use as collateral of property that, because of its source, will not reasonably assure the person's appearance. Bars the officer from imposing a financial condition that results in the pretrial detention of the person. Entitles a person for whom conditions of release are imposed and who, after 24 hours from the time of the release hearing, continues to be detained as a result of inability to meet the conditions of release, upon application, to have the conditions reviewed by the officer who imposed them. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to such review. Authorizes the officer to impose additional or different conditions of release. Requires the officer, in determining whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community, to take into account available information concerning the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, the weight of the evidence against the person, the history and characteristics of such person, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the community that would be posed by such person's release. Directs the officer, when ordering the pretrial release of the person on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond, to: (1) include a written statement that sets forth all the conditions to which the release is subject in a manner sufficiently clear and specific to serve as a guide for the person's conduct; and (2) advise the person of the penalties for, and consequences of, violating a condition of release, and of provisions of the District of Columbia Theft and White Collar Crimes Act of 1982 (relating to intimidation of witnesses, jurors, and officers of the court, obstruction of criminal investigations, and retaliation against a witness, victim, or informant). Requires the officer, upon a determination that a person charged with an offense (other than first-degree murder) is, and was at the time the offense was committed, on release pending trial for a felony or pending imposition or execution of sentence, appeal of sentence or conviction, or completion of sentence, or on probation or parole, or not a U.S. citizen or resident alien, and may flee or pose a danger to any person or the community, to: (1) order the detention of the person for a period of not more than ten days (excluding weekends and holidays); and (2) direct the attorney for the Government to notify the appropriate court, probation, or parole official, local or State law enforcement official, or official of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Specifies that, if the official fails or declines to take the person into custody during that period, the person shall be treated in accordance with this title, notwithstanding the applicability of other provisions of law governing release pending trial or deportation or exclusion proceedings. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to: (1) burdens of proof and presumptions; (2) the holding of a hearing to determine whether any conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community; (3) the initiation by the attorney for the Government of a pretrial detention hearing by ex parte motion and the holding of such hearing; (4) detention of the person pending completion of the hearing; and (5) review and appeal of a release or detention order. Title IV: Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Increases the number of associate judges of the D.C. Superior Court from 58 to 60, effective October 1, 1992, and to 62, effective October 1, 1993. Authorizes appropriations for the operation of such Court during FY 1993. Revises DC Code provisions to expand the authority of hearing commissioners to make findings and enter final orders or judgments with respect to specified proceedings, including certain landlord-tenant disputes, small claims proceedings, criminal misdemeanors, and uncontested probate and fiduciary proceedings. Increases the maximum amount in controversy permitted for cases under the jurisdiction of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the D.C. Superior Court. Title V: Dealth Penalty for Murders - Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for murders (where a person intentionally, knowingly, or through recklessness manifesting extreme indifference to human life, or through the intentional infliction of serious bodily injury, caused the death of a person) in the District of Columbia, with respect to offenses committed after the expiration of the six-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, unless during such period the registered electors of the District of Columbia vote to reject such amendment by referendum. Title VI: Repeal of Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 1985 - Repeals the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1992
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to: (1) repeal the current licensing requirements for exports of dual use items to countries whose governments support international terrorism; and (2) prohibit such exports outright. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if: (1) the export transaction is determined essential to U.S. national security interests; and (2) the President consults with specified congressional committees about the proposed transaction and submits the reason for such waiver to the Congress in writing. Requires denial of a license to export any chemical or biological weapons if the ultimate consignee is a country whose government has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on all visits to the United States by any official of any such government.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to donate excess military clothing, medical supplies, and sundry articles to State and local governments for distribution to homeless individuals. Directs each Secretary to conduct an annual survey of each logistical depot used under his jurisdiction to determine the types and amounts of such excess material and food likely to be available for disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Spending Priority Reform Act of 1992 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the General Fund to be applied against the Federal budget deficit. Title I: Agriculture Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for certain special research grants which were not authorized, not awarded on a competitive basis, or not subjected to congressional hearings ("unauthorized"). Title II: Commerce, Justice, State and Related Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Justice - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Justice for: (1) an unauthorized grant to the National College of District Attorneys for a move into a permanent facility with the latest technology; and (2) an unauthorized grant to SEARCH Group, Inc. for continued support to State and local criminal justice agencies to improve their use of computers and information technology. Subtitle B: Department of Commerce - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for unauthorized funding of: (1) construction, the National Ocean Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, oceanic and atmospheric research, program support, and miscellaneous projects; (2) a specified fresh-water fish hatchery; (3) a project for fish oil research; and (4) special research grants for the International Trade Administration. Subtitle C: Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Small Business Administration for unauthorized grants for specified miscellaneous projects. Amends the Small Business Act to rescind appropriations and repeal the authorization for a tree planting program. Subtitle D: Department of State - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of State for an unauthorized grant for the North/South Center at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Title III: Department of Defense Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations made under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1992, for certain unauthorized: (1) university grants; (2) miscellaneous projects; (3) certain Army operations and maintenance projects; (4) Navy operations and maintenance projects; and (5) Defense Agencies grants for World University and 1996 Summer Olympics games. Title IV: Energy and Water Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1992 appropriations made under the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 1992, for unauthorized funding of: (1) a Corps of Engineers project in West Virginia; (2) a Shoshone Irrigation project in Wyoming; (3) certain energy supply, research, and development activities; (4) a specified solar and renewable energy project in Hawaii; (5) certain biological and environmental research projects; (6) a certain research and technical analysis project for the University of Connecticut; and (7) a grant to complete the Center of Advanced Electronics Technology at Spartes State Technical College in Eufala, Alabama. Title V: Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations made under the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992, for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain National Park System projects; (2) certain construction projects involving anadromous fish; and (3) certain National Forest System projects. Title VI: Transportation Appropriations - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Transportation for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain motor carrier safety grants; (2) certain Federal Highway Administration demonstration projects; (3) certain highway feasibility studies; and (4) certain feasibility, design, environmental, and engineering projects. Title VII: Treasury, Postal Service and General Government - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the General Services Administration for certain unauthorized grants for projects funded through the Federal Buildings Fund for the construction of a Federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York. Title VIII: Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations - Subtitle A: Department of Veterans Affairs - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain unauthorized construction projects. Subtitle B: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Rescinds FY 1992 appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for unauthorized funding of: (1) certain housing projects and assistance programs; and (2) certain policy development and research grants. Subtitle C: Independent Agencies - Rescinds 1992 appropriations to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for certain unauthorized construction grants and specified other projects; (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency for certain unauthorized emergency management planning and assistance projects; and (3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for certain unauthorized research and development projects and construction projects. Title IX: Blue Smoke and Mirrors - Expresses the sense of the Congress that, with regard to the appropriations process, "forward funding" tactics should no longer be utilized and Congress should operate within the funding limits prescribed for each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of any measure appropriating amounts for salaries and expenses of the House unless such measure: (1) prohibits availability of any such amount for obligation for that purpose after the end of the fiscal year for which the amount is appropriated; and (2) requires that any such amount not so obligated be used for open-market purchase of outstanding interest-bearing obligations of the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Creates the Congressional Office of Inspector General (Office), independent of the executive departments and under the control and direction of the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Makes an Inspector General (Inspector), to be appointed by the Speaker and minority leader, head of the Office for a seven-year term, unless removed by the Speaker and minority leader for cause. Makes the Inspector ineligible for reappointment. Requires the Inspector to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing to supervise the auditing of the office procedures and operations of each Member or committee of the House and any other House office whose employees are paid by the Clerk; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations to supervise investigations of such office procedures and operations. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector. Requires each Inspector General to report annually to the Speaker and minority leader of the House. Authorizes the Inspector to receive and investigate complaints or information from a House employee concerning the possible existence of a violation of law or the Rules of the House, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse or authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector, upon receiving the complaint or information, from disclosing the complainant's identity without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits any employee who has authority to take, directs others to take, or recommends or approves any personnel action, from taking action against an employee as reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to an Inspector, unless the complaint was false and the complainant knew this or willfully disregarded truth or falsity.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Motorcycle Rider Responsibility Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to revise eligibility requirements with respect to grants to States for traffic safety programs to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants if the State has in effect a law which makes unlawful the operation of a motorcycle by a covered individual (any individual under age 21 and any individual who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for less than two calendar years) who is not wearing a motorcycle helmet, or an individual whenever there is a passenger under age 21 on the motorcycle who is not wearing a helmet. (Current law calls upon States to require any individual regardless of age to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.) Adds as a further requirement for such grants (including second-year and third-year grants) that States have a law requiring any individual under age 21 to complete a motorcycle safety rider course before being issued a motorcycle operator's license.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Comprehensive Congressional Reform Act of 1992 - Prohibits: (1) the official mail allowance of the House of Representatives for FY 1993 from exceeding 50 percent of such amount for FY 1992, plus any amount necessary as a result of increased postage rates; and (2) the operational expenses of the House of FY 1993 from exceeding 90 percent of that for FY 1992. Delays the effective date of any pay increase for a Member of the House until the beginning of the Congress after the one in which the law authorizing the increase is enacted. Requires the committees of the House having jurisdiction over specified labor, health, and safety laws to report measures to the House that subject it to the coverage of such laws. Provides that, to the extent that the House is already subject to such laws, the committees shall review their scope, enforcement procedures, and remedies, to ensure that these are as similar as constitutionally permissible to those applied to the private and noncongressional public sector. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit the length of time a Member may serve on a standing committee to six years. Amends rule XI to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting any rule or order which would waive specified requirements with respect to a conference report or a Senate amendment in disagreement unless determined by a minimum two-thirds vote of the Members voting. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the general fund to be applied against expenses associated with servicing the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1992
Designates April 14, 1992, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., the birthday and the start of the 91st year of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Nationwide Banking and Branching Act of 1992 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Federal Reserve Board to approve an application by a bank holding company or foreign bank to acquire voting shares or interests in additional insured depository institutions or bank holding companies located in any State (notwithstanding State law to the contrary). Repeals the requirement that such acquisitions be specifically and expressly authorized by State statute. Amends Federal banking law to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to approve interstate branching applications by national banks, subject to specified conditions, including the bank's rating under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. Declares that States may elect to either permit or deny interstate branching if the law: (1) applies equally to national and State banks; (2) expressly prohibits all out-of-State banks from establishing or acquiring branches located in the host State; and (3) was enacted within a specified time frame. Permits the States to authorize interstate branching at a later time subsequent to an initial denial and to coordinate their examination and regulatory activities. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize interstate branching by insured State banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to prescribe guidelines under which foreign banks may establish interstate banking operations. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and specified Federal banking law to authorize the interstate consolidation or merger of bank holding company subsidiary banks, subject to prescribed guidelines. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to: (1) prepare written evaluations of the record of performance of financial institutions with interstate branches; and (2) promulgate regulations establishing guidelines to ensure that each interstate branch meets the credit needs of the community and market area in which it operates.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should accelerate the interim phaseout schedules and the final phaseout date of chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and halons (and shall provide for complete phaseout as early as possible), accelerate the interim phaseout schedule and the final phaseout date of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons that have relatively long atmospheric lifetimes or high ozone depletion potentials, and prioritize efforts to issue regulations providing for the recapture and recycling of ozone-destroying substances used in appliances and motor vehicle air-conditioners and for the elimination of such substances used in nonessential consumer products; and (2) the President should urge the Contracting Parties to the Montreal Protocol to accelerate the interim phaseout schedules and the final phaseout date of the ozone-destroying chemicals currently covered by the Protocol, to include hydrochlorofluorocarbons within the terms of the Protocol and provide for the most rapid phaseout of those hydrochlorofluorocarbons with relatively long atmospheric lifetimes or high ozone depletion potentials, to amend the Protocol to include recapture and recycling provisions and prohibit the venting or release of ozone-destroying chemicals from refrigeration and air-conditioning units into the atmosphere by a set date, and to accelerate the compliance of developing countries with the terms of the Protocol.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any economic recovery or tax relief package enacted by the Congress should include a correction of the notch problem in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorney fees or costs shall not be included. Provides that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) shall be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorney fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the action. Specifies that such fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party up to the amount of such fees of the nonprevailing party or, if the nonprevailing party receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the reasonable value of such services. Requires the counsel of record in any such action, in order to receive attorney fees, to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered to the extent that it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorney fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or in which the United States, any State, or any agency, officer, or employee thereof is a party. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorney fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions for the calculation of such cost of living adjustment. Amends the Federal judicial code to require the potential plaintiff, at least 30 days before filing suit in a civil action brought in a U.S. district court, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses. Directs such plaintiff, at the commencement of the action, to file in such court a a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations that would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where a defendant or assets are subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such notice requirements have not been met by the plaintiff and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days after service of the summons or complaint, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorney fees, shall be be imposed upon the plaintiff. Permits the plaintiff, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is transmitted as provided by this Act and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorney fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the action or proceeding: (1) in any civil action commenced by the United States; (2) in civil proceedings involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) in a case in which the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorney fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district court to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC); and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Terminates such designation and the program after three years. Requires every court which has been designated as an MDC to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan providing for: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, or arbitrators; and (4) standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues and whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each assigned judge or magistrate judge conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after the complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to use nonbinding ADR procedures (such as early evaluation by a neutral party, mediation, minitrials, summary jury trial, and arbitration) in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy. Authorizes the district courts to: (1) use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR proceedings as neutrals, mediators, and arbitrators; and (2) establish their compensation, subject to limits established by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Makes it the duty of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information and report annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General on the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits). Provides that: (1) a State judicial officer shall not be held liable for any costs, including attorney fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission of such officer while acting in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree in the action was violated by such officer or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime and confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. (Current law calls for a 90-day extension if the court believes it would be appropriate and in the interests of justice.) Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center determinations regarding ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay. Provides that a court in banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service, with exceptions. Repeals a provision authorizing any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to proscribe fraudulent misrepresentations of campaign authority with respect to soliciting or accepting contributions. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Health Care Savings Plan Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Defines an eligible individual as: (1) one who is not covered by an employer-provided group health plan; or (2) one who is covered by such a plan which is a qualified catastrophic coverage health plan and is not covered by any other health plan. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from such accounts to the extent that amounts in such accounts exceed $15,000. Allows such deduction in arriving at adjusted gross income. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts and makes such accounts subject to the tax on prohibited transactions. Allows the transfer of unused amounts in flexible spending accounts of cafeteria plans to medical savings accounts. Allows the full deduction for medical and dental expenses for amounts paid for qualified catastrophic coverage health plans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a recorded vote upon final passage or adoption, as the case may be, of any bill or resolution making an appropriation or providing direct spending authority or new credit authority.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Amends Federal law to prohibit a Member of the House of Representatives from sending any franked mass mailing outside the Member's congressional district. Authorizes a Member of Congress to mail franked mail with a simplified form of address for delivery within his or her congressional district only. (Current law permits such mailings throughout the Member's State.) Prohibits the Committee on House Administration from approving any payment for, and a Member from making any expenditure from, any allowance of the House or any other official funds if any portion is for any cost related to a mass mailing by a Member of the House outside his or her congressional district.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Federal Energy Management Reform Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) determine appropriate methods to assess and implement shared energy savings at Federal facilities; (2) publish a standard method for determining life cycle cost effectiveness and a list of shared energy savings technologies; and (3) make a related assessment of all federally owned buildings. Authorizes Federal agencies to sell electricity from alternate energy and cogeneration production facilities. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to set forth provisions for energy savings contracts. Requires the Secretary to develop a simplified method of energy saving services procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to review and modify regulations on measuring noise in areas surrounding airports.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Farm Program Payment Limitations Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise specified farm program payment limitation provisions, including repeal of the 3-entity rule. Expresses the sense of the Congress with regard to budget savings resulting from the implementation of this Act on wheat and feed grain producers, farm conservation, and environmental protection programs (if the deficit reduction provisions of the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990 are changed).
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative to include in the National Trade Estimate information with respect to the Arab boycott of U.S. persons who do business with or invest in Israel, or who do business with a person who does business with or invests there.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow open meetings and hearings to be closed to the public only because of national security or if the evidence or testimony at a hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government Act - Establishes the Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government to: (1) conduct a private sector survey on management and cost control in the Federal Government; (2) review executive agency operations and existing General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget Office, Inspector General Reports, and other existing governmental and nongovernmental recommendations for reducing waste; and (3) submit to the President and the Congress a list of those recommendations with estimated savings that the Commission determines are most significant and recommendations for improving the budget process, management, and reducing waste and costs in the Government. Requires the Commission to identify, address, and to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) opportunities for increased efficiency and reduced costs in the Government that can be realized by executive action or legislation; (2) areas in the Government where managerial accountability can be enhanced and administrative control can be improved; (3) specific Federal programs that have accomplished their objectives and ought to be terminated; (4) specific Federal program services that could be provided at a lower cost by the private sector; (5) specific reforms of the budget process that would yield savings, increase accountability and efficiency, and enhance public confidence in the budget process; (6) specific areas in the Government where further study can be justified by potential savings; and (7) specific recommendations for legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to be funded, staffed, and equipped, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, by the private sector without cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Act - Establishes the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation. Declares that the Foundation is: (1) a charitable and nonprofit corporation to be organized under the laws of the State of Maryland; and (2) not an agency or establishment of the United States. Provides that the Foundation is to: (1) primarily encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of property for the benefit of the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial and its annual memorial service; (2) provide financial assistance to the families of firefighers who die in the line of duty; and (3) assist in the recognition of such firefighters. Sets forth provisions for establishment and membership of a Board of Directors of the Foundation. Makes the Administator of the U.S. Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board, who shall appoint Directors of the Board. Sets forth rights and obligations of the Foundation, including having its principal offices in the State of Maryland. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide, and accept reimbursements for, personnel, facilities, and other administrative services to the Foundation; and (2) accept the services of the Foundation, the Board, and the Board's officers and employees as volunteers in performing functions authorized under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to audits and annual reports. Provides for relief for certain Foundation acts or failures to act. Provides that the United States is not liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Nuclear Weapons Material Production Termination Act - Prohibits after August 1, 1992, the expenditure of funds by any Federal department or agency for: (1) the production of tritium, plutonium, or highly-enriched uranium for weapons; or (2) the procurement or construction of equipment or facilities for such production, other than for research purposes. Directs that savings achieved as the result of such prohibition shall be used for FY 1993 and thereafter for environmental restoration activities at Department of Energy nuclear weapons facilities. Directs the President to conduct five-year studies on the quantity of tritium needed by the United States and on the costs and environmental impacts of alternative methods of obtaining it. Requires the President to report study results to the Congress. States that the prohibition will no longer be in effect if the Congress, after receiving a report from the President, adopts a joint resolution which finds an overriding need to produce tritium.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zimmer, Dick [R-NJ-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000008_200.jpg)