United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1993
Commends radio amateurs for their contributions to technical progress in electronics and for their emergency radio communications in times of disaster. Urges the Federal Communications Commission to continue and enhance the development of the amateur radio service as a public benefit by adopting rules and regulations which encourage the use of new technologies within the amateur radio service. Declares that reasonable accommodation should be made for effective operation of amateur radio from residences, private vehicles and public areas and that regulation at all levels of government should facilitate and encourage amateur radio operation as a public benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Calls upon the Government of the Russian Federation to continue to remove its troops from the independent Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through a firm, expeditious, and conscientiously observed schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that export property eligible for certain tax incentives does not include any unprocessed softwood timber for purposes of: (1) taxation of foreign sales corporations (FSCs); and (2) taxation of domestic international sales corporations (DISCs). Requires any income from the sale of such unprocessed timber which was cut from an area in the United States to be sourced in the United States. Excludes such income from rules under which: (1) gains, profits, and income involving inventory property purchased in the United States but sold or exchanged elsewhere may be sourced foreign; and (2) income derived from the manufacture of products in the United States and their sale elsewhere may be treated as having a divided source. Repeals the deferral for income of the controlled foreign corporation from sales or milling (outside the United States) of unprocessed softwood timber to the extent that any controlled foreign corporation is owned by ten percent or more U.S. shareholders.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1993
Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of 1993 - Reauthorizes and revises Federal law relating to financial assistance for local educational agencies in areas affected by Federal activity (impact aid). Extends the authorization of appropriations and authorizes additional appropriations for deposit in a contingency fund. Requires certain reservations of funds for: (1) impact aid relating to Federal acquisition of real property; (2) the contingency fund; and (3) heavily impacted need areas. Requires forward funding. Adds a hold harmless provision under impact aid relating to Federal acquisition of real property, whereby no eligible local educational agency (LEA) shall receive less than 90 percent of the preceding year's amount in payment for any fiscal year. Revises impact aid relating to federally connected children with respect to computation of payments, giving various weights in the formula to different categories of such children (with more emphasis given to children living on Indian lands and children in special education programs). Revises provisions for sudden and substantial changes in attendance to include increases resulting from base closure or military realignment activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to report certain expenditures within 30 days and include certain costs in annual budget submissions. Authorizes appropriations. Revises the method of making Federal impact aid payments. Includes a learning opportunity threshold to allow eligible LEAs to provide all their children a basic opportunity to learn. Requires States to meet an adequacy threshold before they can apply for equalization of State aid payments to all LEAs. Establishes a National Advisory Panel on School Finance and Impact Aid Equalization. Directs the Secretary of Defense to reserve certain amounts to provide supplemental impact aid to LEAs in cases of high need related to military changes. Establishes the Department of Education Contingency Fund for special impact aid under certain conditions. Requires negotiated rulemaking under certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1993
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and revise the program for instruction on the history and principles of democracy in the United States. Requires the program to foster civic responsibility and continue and expand the educational activities of the We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution program. Allows the use of funds for advanced training of teachers in civics and government, after the education program has been implemented. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1993 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to revise generally provisions relating to the employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services. States that a person's entitlement to rights and benefits under this Act is dependent upon an honorable discharge from the armed forces and, therefore, will be terminated in cases of a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge or a separation, release, or dismissal under conditions other than honorable. Prohibits the denial of initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment by an employer against a person who is a member of, applies for membership in, or performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform service in a uniformed service on the basis of such service or obligation. Prohibits an employer from discriminating in employment or taking any adverse employment action against any person who has acted to enforce a protection afforded by this Act. Excuses an employer from such reemployment requirements if changed circumstances make reemployment impossible or unreasonable or if reemployment would impose an undue hardship on such employer (with the burden of proof of such circumstances on the employer in such cases). Entitles any person absent from employment by reason of the performance of military service to the rights and benefits of this Act if: (1) the person has given advance notice of such service to the employer; (2) the cumulative length of such absence and any previous absences from employment by reason of military service does not exceed five years; and (3) the person reports or applies to such employer upon completion of such service in accordance with requirements enumerated under this Act. Excuses employer notice when precluded by military necessity or when otherwise impossible or unreasonable. Outlines certain conditions under which a person shall remain entitled to such employment and reemployment rights even though the cumulative length of military service exceeds five years. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) employee reporting requirements upon completion of military service, including the presentation of documentation of such military service to the employer; (2) the positions (same or substantially similar) to which the returning employee shall be entitled; and (3) reemployment rights of a person employed by the Federal Government before such military service. Entitles a person reemployed after military service to all seniority and other rights and benefits (including pension benefits and coverage under the appropriate health plan) that such person would have attained if the employment had not been interrupted by miliary service. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist all eligible persons with respect to employment and reemployment rights and benefits. Outlines procedures for assistance, investigation of complaints, and enforcement of such rights and benefits against Federal, State, or private employers. Directs the Secretary to provide those persons performing qualifying military service, as well as their employers, with information relating to their reemployment and other rights, benefits, and obligations. Provides for the continuation of contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan for enrolled persons performing such military service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Physician Assistant Incentive Act of 1993 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for physician assistants at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed, regardless of the location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by physician assistants in health professional shortage areas. Removes restrictions on the employment relationship required for reimbursement of physician assistants and nurse practitioners to allow for independent contractor relationships.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1993
Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1991 (sic) - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives (practitioners) for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by such practitioners in health professional shortage areas. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who is a registered nurse, is licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the clinical nurse specialist services are performed, and holds a master's degree in a defined clinical area of nursing from an accredited educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1993
National Wildlife Refuge System Management and Policy Act of 1993 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from initiating or permitting a new use of a refuge or expanding or extending an existing use unless it is compatible with the purposes of the System and the refuge. Allows existing uses of such refuge system lands that have been determined to be compatible under this Act or the Refuge Recreation Act to continue under specified conditions. Ceases such use and requires revocation of any permits for it within five years after the enactment of this Act unless the Secretary determines that such use is compatible. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish and maintain a formal process for determinations of compatibility. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically revise: (1) a comprehensive plan for the System; and (2) a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge or ecologically related complex of refuges in the System, except those in Alaska. Grants the Secretary emergency power to suspend any activity in any refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System if such activity constitutes an imminent danger to the health and safety of any wildlife population, refuge, or to public health and safety. Authorizes appropriations
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1993
Wetlands Simplification Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA) to provide that: (1) a technical determination with respect to wetland or converted wetland on agricultural lands (including the identification of wetland and the development of a wetland restoration or mitigation plan) shall be used in the administration of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) (thus giving the Soil Conservation Service sole Federal responsibility for making such determination); and (2) any area of agricultural land or any activities related to the land determined to be exempt from the requirements of FSA shall also be exempt from FWPCA requirements as long as such lands are used for agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1993
Expresses the sorrow of the Senate regarding the deaths of Governor George Mickelson of South Dakota, Roland Dolly, Ron Reed, Angus Anson, Dave Birkeland, Roger Hainje, Ron Becker, and David Hansen.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define a "dietary supplement" as a food for special dietary use that includes a vitamin, a mineral, an herb, an amino acid, or another ingredient used to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake. Excludes a dietary supplement from the definition of the term "drug" and the term "food additive". Deems a dietary supplement adulterated if it presents a substantial and unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Deems a food misbranded unless the label lists the daily value of specified nutrients which shall reflect the daily intake of each nutrient that will promote optiomal health. Prohibits such value from being less than the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance. Deems a dietary supplement misbranded unless it meets specified guidelines. Establishes an Office of Dietary Supplements within the National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1993
Condemns the human rights abuses of the Government of Sudan and calls upon such Government to cease such abuses. Deplores the internecine fighting among factions of the Sudan People's Liberation Army. Urges such Government and factions to grant immediate and full access to areas of needy people in Sudan to humanitarian relief organizations. Calls upon the President to: (1) expand relief operations to Sudan; (2) increase the amount and expedite delivery of financial assistance to non-governmental organizations that supply emergency aid to southern Sudan; (3) urge the United Nations (UN) to take specified steps; (4) appoint a U.S. Special Negotiator; and (5) take action in the international community to put pressure on any party in Sudan that obstructs the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to raise the social security payroll tax exemption for State and local election officials and workers and index the exempt amount beginning in 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
National Health Safety Net Infrastructure Act - Title I: Capital Financing Assistance for Safety Net Health Care Facilities Providing Indigent Care - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments for capital financing assistance to eligible health care facilities. Sets forth general eligibility requirements. Imposes certain public service responsibilities on health care facilities accepting capital financing assistance. Creates in the Treasury the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund (Fund). Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a loan guarantee program under which the Trust Fund will provide a Federal guarantee of loan repayment to non-Federal lenders making loans to qualified health care facilities for health care facility replacement, modernization and renovation projects, and capital equipment acquisition. Establishes an interest rate subsidy program that provides a partial Federal subsidy of debt service payment where State or local entities demonstrate a significant commitment to financing health care facility replacement, modernization, and renovation projects by undertaking the issuance of bonds. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide direct matching loans to eligible health care facilities unable otherwise to obtain essential financing; and (2) make direct grants to eligible health care facilities with urgent capital needs. Makes direct grants available for three types of projects: (1) emergency certification and licensure grants to facilities threatened with closure or loss of accreditation or certification of a facility or of essential services as a result of life or safety code violations or similar facility or equipment failures; (2) emergency grants for capital renovation, expansion, or replacement necessary to the maintenance or expansion of essential safety and health services; and (3) planning grants to facilities which require pre-approval assistance to meet regulatory requirements related to management and finance in order to apply for loans, loan guarantees, and interest subsidies under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to give tax-exempt status to bonds guaranteed by the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Agricultural Export Credit Act of 1993 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 with regard to the export credit guarantee program to: (1) revise credit worthiness standards; and (2) exempt program shipments from cargo preference requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Indian Lands Open Dump Clean-Up Act of 1993 - Requires the Director of the Indian Health Service to inventory, prioritize, and close open dumps on Indian lands.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Vegetable Ink Printing Act of 1993 - Requires that all Federal lithographic printing using oil in its ink be performed using the maximum amount of vegetable oil-based ink that is technologically feasible and commercially cost-competitive with printing using petroleum-based inks.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as of December 1, 1993, to increase the rates of and limitations on: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Requires such increases to be the same percentage as the increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to certain persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Requires the Secretary to publish such rate increases and limitations in the Federal Register at the same time that OASDI benefit increases are required to be published.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1993
Child Labor Deterrence Act of 1993 - Urges the President to seek an agreement with governments that trade with the United States to secure an international ban on trade in products of child labor. Requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to identify foreign countries that: (1) utilize child labor in the export of products; and (2) have on a continuing basis exported such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary requesting that a particular foreign industry and its host country be identified. Requires the Secretary, before making such identification, to: (1) consult with the U.S. Trade Representative, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) publish notice in the Federal Register that such identification is being considered and invite public comment. Prohibits the importation of products which have been produced by child labor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the targeted jobs credit permanent. Increases the maximum age requirement for an economically disadvantaged youth from 23 years to 25 years. Establishes economically disadvantaged veterans as members of targeted groups for purposes of the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Family Preservation and Child Protection Reform Act - (Sec. 3) Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to convert the Child Welfare program from an authorization to a capped innovative family services entitlement program. Requires maintenance of State effort under such program. Sets forth a new formula for allotments to States under such program. Requires States to use funds to provide respite care to any family operating a foster family home for one or more foster children with special needs. Requires the use of entitlement grants to develop or expand specialized child welfare services programs for families in crisis due to substance abuse. (Sec. 4) Reserves funds for grants to State court systems to assess and improve procedures in child welfare cases. (Sec. 5) Requires each State to periodically compile a detailed directory of programs designed to keep families together or reunify them or place children permanently, identifying which of such programs provides specialized child welfare services to families in crisis due to substance abuse. (Sec. 6) Requires States to inventory all children placed in foster care and determine the appropriate action in each case. Requires States to set up information and case review systems for each child receiving foster care, as well as specified service programs for all such children. (Sec. 7) Requires States to report on measures taken to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. (Sec. 9) Allows the involvement of private parties in the development of State plans. (Sec. 10) Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to add a new part C, Comprehensive Service Projects to grant States flexibility and resources to develop comprehensive and coordinated services. Authorizes demonstration projects for the coordination of child and family services. (Sec. 11) Makes children whose adoption has been set aside by a court eligible for discretionary foster care maintenance payments. Makes eligible for adoption assistance payments the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made. (Sec. 12) Expands the definition of children with special needs, for purposes of the adoption assistance program. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Advisory Committee on Foster Care Placement to study and report to the Secretary and the Congress on reasonable State efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of children from their homes and to make it possible for foster children to return home. (Sec. 14) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction for adoption expenses paid for a child with special needs. (Sec. 15) Requires the State plan to provide for a periodic reevaluation of foster care maintenance payments. (Sec. 16) Revises requirements for dispositional hearings to determine the final status of a foster child, in part to accelerate such hearings. (Sec. 18) Revises certain case plan requirements for placement of children in out-of-State foster care, including special State reports on such placements. (Sec. 19) Revises certain requirements for the treatment of assets of youth participating in the independent living program. (Sec. 20) Eliminates the ceilings on Federal foster care payments to States and the States' authority to transfer unused foster care funds to the Child Welfare Services program. (Sec. 21) Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) issue final regulations for training of staff of agencies responsible for administering foster care and adoption assistance programs and for training of foster and adoptive parents. Requires the Secretary to publish a model staff recruitment, training, and staff retention program for State and local child welfare agencies. (Sec. 23) Provides for grants for child welfare traineeships. (Sec. 25) Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to add a new part G, Child Welfare Review System. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish such system to: (1) review each State child welfare program to assess whether the requirements of such Act are being carried out; (2) impose financial penalties in cases of substantial failure to comply; and (3) provide technical assistance to any such program. (Sec. 26) Requires the Secretary to establish a work group to advise on the planning and implementation of the system to be used for the collection of data relating to adoption and foster care. (Sec. 27) Requires the Secretary to conduct, through contracts with independent research organizations, the following research and evaluation projects; (1) foster care evaluations; (2) longitudinal child welfare data bases; and (3) studies of child welfare population dynamics. Requires the Secretary to study child separation practices in at least three States and develop appropriate separation guidelines. (Secs. 28-30) Directs the Secretary of HHS to conduct certain demonstration projects with respect to child welfare, independent living services for young adults, and home rebuilding for children released from foster care. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Commission on the Evaluation of Disability in Children. (Sec. 32) Amends part A of title XI of the Social Security Act to overturn certain limitations in Suter v. Artist M. on private enforceability of State plan requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Microenterprise and Asset Development Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients. Provides for State agency exclusion from AFDC eligibility determinations of certain resources related to microenterprise initiatives by AFDC recipients towards self-sufficiency. Requires State agencies to ensure that caseworkers advise AFDC recipients of the option for microenterprises. Provides for the inclusion of microenterprise training and activities in the JOBS program under SSA title IV part F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program).
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) furthers a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Farmer Owned Reserve Improvements Act of 1993 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 with regard to the farmer owned reserve program to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide original price support loans for wheat and feed grains; (2) announce program conditions at any time; and (3) permit program entry as unforeseen market conditions warrant. Authorizes discretionary program exit for producers with original loans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Local Exchange Infrastructure Modernization Act of 1993 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to exercise its authority to: (1) preserve and enhance universal telephone service at reasonable rates; (2) achieve universal availability of advanced network capabilities and information services; (3) assure a seamless nationwide distribution network through joint network planning, coordination, and service arrangements between and among local exchange carriers (LECs); (4) maintain high standards of quality for advanced network services; and (5) assure adequate communication for the public health, safety, defense, education, national security, and emergency preparedness. Defines "local exchange carrier" for purposes of such Act. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations that require: (1) joint coordinated network planning, design, and cooperative implementation among all LECs in the provision of public switched network infrastructure and services; (2) development of standards for interconnection between the LEC public switched network and others by appropriate standard-setting bodies; and (3) a LEC to share public switched network infrastructure and functionality with requesting LECs which serve a geographic area for which they lack economies of scale or scope for the particular required network functionality.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Amends Federal law to exclude a specified amount of income from trust or restricted land held by an individual Indian from consideration as income for purposes of Federal assistance eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to include gains or losses from the sale or other disposition of assets in net earnings from business done with or for patrons if the assets were used to facilitate the conduct of business.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
Title I: Improved Bankruptcy Administration Title II: Commercial Issues in Bankruptcy Title III: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues Title IV: Bankruptcy Review Commission Title V: Technical Corrections Title VI: Severability; Effective Date; Application of Amendments Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1993 - Title I: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Amends Federal bankruptcy law with respect to expedited hearings on a motion to lift an automatic stay; (2) the expedited filing of plans under chapters 11 and 12; and (3) expedited procedure for reaffirmation of debts. (Sec. 105) Permits bankruptcy court judges to hold status conferences, and to issue case limitations and conditions at such conferences. Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate that the judicial council of a circuit establish a bankruptcy appellate panel service composed of district bankruptcy judges in the circuit, subject to the consent of all parties. Sets forth appeals guidelines. (Sec. 106) Permits bankruptcy administrators (in a State in which the bankruptcy system is administered by a Bankruptcy Administrator instead of a U.S. Trustee) to preside at meetings of creditors and equity security holders, and to examine the debtor at creditors' meetings. (Sec. 107) Amends the Bankruptcy Code to include within the definition of "person" pension benefit guarantors and legal or beneficial owners of an asset of an eligible deferred compensation plan or of a governmental employee pension benefit plan (thus enabling such persons, State pension funds, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to serve on creditors' committees). (Sec. 108) Revises current guidelines to permit increases in the incentive compensation for bankruptcy trustees. (Sec. 109) Increases the dollar limitations and debt limits applicable to specified bankruptcy procedures (thus enlarging the range of debtors eligible to repay debts over a period from regular income Chapter 13 debtors, and accounting for inflation since 1978). (Sec. 110) Conforms the premerger notification provisions of the Bankruptcy Code to the requirements for antitrust review of transactions under the Clayton Act. (Sec. 111) Entitles members of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization committees to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses. (Sec. 112) Continues through FY 1998 Chapter 12 bankruptcy provisions concerning family farmers. (Sec. 113) Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress on efforts to automate and computerize the bankruptcy courts and provide necessary information about the commencement of the case in bankruptcy. (Sec. 115) Treats as an administrative expense of an estate in bankruptcy minimum funding contributions to an employee pension benefit plan for which the debtor is liable which accrue on or after the date of the commencement of the case in bankruptcy. (Sec. 116) Requires the U.S. trustee, at the conclusion of any meeting of creditors or equity security holders, to examine the debtor orally and record his or her knowledge of the consequences of filing for bankruptcy. Title II: Commercial Issues in Bankruptcy - Establishes the legal parameters under which a business debtor (or a party in interest) may elect to convert the case to expedited bankruptcy proceedings customized to small businesses. (Sec. 202) Sets forth automatic stay guidelines regarding proceedings against a debtor's single asset real estate. (Sec. 203) States that the right of a party with a security interest in certain aircraft equipment, maritime vessels, or railroad rolling stock equipment to take possession of such equipment or vessels in compliance with an equipment security agreement is not affected by the automatic stay or property use or sale provisions of the bankruptcy code or by any injunctive power of the bankruptcy court, except in specific circumstances. (Sec. 204) Requires a trustee, under Chapter 11, to perform the debtor's obligations which arise pursuant to an order for relief under an unexpired lease of personal property until the lease is assumed or rejected. (Sec. 205) Sets forth guidelines for: (1) the protection of assignees of executory contracts and unexpired leases approved by court order in cases reversed on appeal; (2) the protection of security interests in post-petition rents; (3) the withholding of post-petition debtor's income for certain retirement plan loan repayments; (4) indenture trustee compensation; (5) return of goods; (6) a debtor's interests in the proceeds of money order agreements; (7) liability limitations with respect to noninsider transferees for avoided transfers; (8) executory contracts for airport gate leases and (9) injunctions requiring Chapter 11 debtors to pay insurance benefits to retired employees and (10) the nondischargeability of credit loans to pay nondischargeable taxes. Title III: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Permits a Chapter 13 debtor to cure a home mortgage default on its principal residence before its foreclosure sale. (Sec. 302) Declares certain criminal fines nondischargeable under a Chapter 13 proceeding. (Sec. 303) Provides that a petition in bankruptcy does not operate as an automatic stay with respect to an action or proceeding for: (1) the establishment of paternity; or (2) the establishment or modification of an order for child or spousal maintenance or support. Includes within the priority list of expenses and claims that are to be paid by the bankrupt estate any claims for child or spousal support pursuant to a court order. Declares that a debtor in bankruptcy may not avoid a judicial lien that secures a debt for child and spousal support or maintenance. Prohibits a bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer that was a bona fide payment of a debt for child or spousal support or maintenance pursuant to a court order. Permits child support creditors to appear and intervene without charge, and without meeting any special local court requirement for attorney appearances, in any bankruptcy proceeding in any bankruptcy or district court upon filing a court form detailing the status of the child support debt. (Sec. 304) Sets forth civil penalties for the negligent or fraudulent preparation of bankruptcy petitions by bankruptcy petition preparers for compensation. (Sec. 306) Declares that a trustee's plan may not modify the claim of a person holding a primary or a junior security interest in real property or a manufactured home that is the debtor's principal residence, except a junior security interest claim where the interest was undersecured at the time it attached (to the extent that it remains undersecured). (Sec. 307) Sets forth additional conditions on the ability of a creditor to seek satisfaction of a debt from a codebtor or a debt stayed under Chapter 13. (Sec. 309) Authorizes a bankruptcy court to award professional fees according to prescribed guidelines for specified bankruptcy-related services. Title IV: Bankruptcy Review Commission - National Bankruptcy Review Commission Act - Establishes the National Bankruptcy Review Commission to investigate and report to the Congress, the Chief Justice, and the President on issues relating to business bankruptcies. (Sec. 410) Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Technical Corrections - Makes technical and conforming corrections to the Bankruptcy Code. Title VI: Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Makes it inapplicable to bankruptcy cases commenced before its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Taxpayer Advocate Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions Title III: Interest Title IV: Joint Returns Title V: Collection Activities Title VI: Information Returns Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees Title IX: Other Provisions Title X: Form Modifications; Studies Subtitle A: Form Modifications Subtitle B: Studies Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Title I: Taxpayer Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayer Advocate, headed by the Taxpayer Advocate, to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayer Advocate. Replaces the Office of the Ombudsman with the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Revises the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to: (1) allow the Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to act within a specified time period; and (2) require the Secretary to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking certain actions). Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Grants certain taxpayers the right to an installment agreement for the payment of tax liability less than $10,000. Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for, or termination of, installment agreements. Title III: Interest - Authorizes the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the unreasonable error or delay of an IRS act. Extends from ten to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Title IV: Joint Returns - Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. Removes limitations on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Title V: Collection Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary to provide a copy of such notice of withdrawal to the taxpayer and, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. Requires prior notification to the taxpayer that the taxpayer is under examination and an explanation of the process, with exceptions. Increases the dollar limit on the recovery of civil damages for unauthorized collection actions. Revises provisions with respect to a designated summons concerning the standard of review and notice requirements for issuance. Title VI: Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. Requires the Secretary, in any court proceeding where a taxpayer asserts a reasonable dispute with respect to income reported on an information return filed by a third party and the taxpayer has fully cooperated with the Secretary, to present reasonable and probative information concerning such deficiency in addition to such return. Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Establishes preliminary notice requirements for failure to pay tax. Declares that a person shall not be liable for any penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax if such person: (1) is not a significant owner or highly compensated employee of the trade or business; (2) notifies the Secretary within ten days after such failure; (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure; and (4) such failure is not a part of a plan to defraud the Government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty; and (2) ensure that IRS employees are aware of their responsibilities under the tax depository system, the circumstances under which they may be liable for penalties, and reporting responsibilities. Exempts unpaid, volunteer board members of tax-exempt organizations who do not have actual knowledge of the failure on which such penalties are imposed from collection penalties. Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Authorizes a taxpayer who substantially prevails on a claim to file a motion for an order requiring the disclosure of all information and copies of relevant records in the possession of the IRS regarding such taxpayer's case and the substantial justification for the position taken by the IRS. Increases the limit on attorney fees. Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Title IX: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) treatment of substitute returns under section 6651 (relating to failure to file a tax return or to pay tax); (2) prospective application of Treasury Department regulations; and (3) required notice to the taxpayer of payments that the Secretary cannot associate with any outstanding tax liability of such taxpayer. Authorizes a taxpayer to bring a civil damage suit against the United States if any U.S. officer or employee intentionally compromises the determination or collection of any tax due from an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), or enrolled agent representing a taxpayer in exchange for information conveyed by the taxpayer for purposes of obtaining advice concerning tax liability, except where conveyed for the purpose of perpetrating a fraud or crime. Title X: Form Modifications; Studies - Subtitle A: Form Modifications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) take steps to ensure that taxpayers are aware of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code permitting payment of tax in installments, extensions, and compromises of tax liability; (2) provide improved procedures for taxpayers to notify the Secretary of changes in names and addresses; and (3) include in the IRS publication entitled "Your Rights As a Taxpayer" a section on the rights and responsibilities of divorced individuals. Subtitle B: Studies - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a one-year pilot program for appeals of enforcement actions to the Appeals Division of the IRS; (2) study ways to assist the elderly, physically impaired, foreign-language speaking, and other taxpayers with special needs to comply with the internal revenue laws; and (3) report to the tax-writing committees on the IRS's taxpayer-rights education program and on all cases involving complaints about misconduct of IRS employees. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct: (1) a study on IRS efforts to notify taxpayers of tax deficiencies; and (2) annual studies of the accuracy of 25 of the most commonly used IRS forms, notices, and publications.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
United States One-Dollar Coin Act of 1993 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and features (including features to aid the visually handicapped) of one-dollar coins. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to select the obverse side of the coin after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 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 · 9 March 1993
Federal Crop Insurance Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act with respect to: (1) yield averages; (2) late planting coverage; (3) prevented planting coverage; and (4) de minimis yield penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1993
Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer Protection Act of 1993 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to afford Federal consumer protection to purchasers of long-term care insurance policies by requiring that before such policies may be issued or sold they must have been either certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as meeting the minimum Federal standards and requirements established by this Act or approved under a State regulatory program. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such standards incorporating the requirements of this Act, unless the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) does so first. Outlines requirements for State regulatory programs. Provides for regulation of the marketing of long-term care insurance policies by establishing prohibitions on certain sales practices, such as high pressure tactics, and on sales to Medicaid beneficiaries and sales of duplicate service benefit policies. Outlines general requirements for long-term care insurance policies. Imposes requirements on issuers of long-term care insurance policies with respect to: (1) policy mailing after approval; (2) information for policyholders and the Secretary and appropriate State officials on denied claims; and (3) medical assessments for elderly applicants with policies whose issue is not guaranteed. Sets forth civil penalties for violations involving unapproved or uncertified policies and prohibited sales practices. Requires reports by the Secretary to the Congress on functional ability assessment tools and solvency protections for issuers. Requires a study by the Secretary to develop a standard measure of value for long-term care insurance policies. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to increase funding for long-term care insurance information, counseling, and assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1993
Deficit Reduction Through Intelligence Programs Reduction Act of 1993 - Prohibits funds appropriated to carry out activities of the intelligence community for FY 1994 from exceeding the equal amount of such appropriations for FY 1993, minus $1,260,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1993
Deficit Reduction Through Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Termination Act of 1993 - Prohibits appropriated funds from being available for use on the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor program, except a specified amount that may be used in terminating the program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1993
Prohibits funds appropriated after enactment of this Act for the Department of Defense from being obligated or expended for the Trident II ballistic missile program, with the exception of a maximum specified sum solely for termination of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the occupational excise tax on wagering any tax-exempt charitable organization and any person engaged in receiving wagers only on behalf of such organization, if the only wagers accepted by the organization (and the person) are authorized under the law of the State in which accepted. Provides for taxing a percentage of wagering winnings in excess of charitable expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Medicaid Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 1993 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide federally reimbursed Medicaid coverage of alcoholism and drug dependency residential treatment services for pregnant women whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level and for their Medicaid-eligible children and spouses. Lists the required services included in such coverage. Requires that such coverage continue for at least 12 months, except in certain circumstances, such as where the coverage of pregnant women must continue for one year following the end of pregnancy. Limits the size of a residential treatment facility. Allows a State agency to grant exceptions to such limit. Prohibits the facility from being licensed as a hospital. Caps the number of nationwide beds for which Federal assistance may be provided under such residential treatment programs. Increases such annual bed cap for calendar years 1994 through 1998. Addresses treatment needs of pregnant addicted Indian and Alaska Native women in Indian Health Service areas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the low-income housing credit permanent. Modifies provisions concerning unused housing credit carryovers by States to allow States to carry over more unused credits from year to year. Provides that a unit shall not fail to be treated as low-income because it is occupied by students or persons enrolled in job training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to waive: (1) any recapture of credit (required to be included in tax) in the case of any de minimis error in complying with tests for qualified low-income housing projects; or (2) any annual recertification of tenant income if the entire building is occupied by low-income tenants. Determines the adjusted basis of any building (for purposes of the low-income housing credit) by taking into account the adjusted basis of the property used in community activity facilities if: (1) such facilities are designed to serve individuals meeting income requirements for the housing project; and (2) not more than 20 percent of the aggregate eligible basis of all buildings in the project is attributable to the aggregate basis of such facilities. Applies at-risk rules to low-income housing credit property that also qualifies for the historic site rehabilitation credit and to qualified lenders. Adds conditions prohibiting discrimination against Section 8 tenants for purposes of meeting extended low-income housing commitments required to receive credits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
![Official portrait of Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000064_200.jpg)