United States · United States Congress · 25 March 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 · 24 March 1992
Appropriations Category Reform Act of 1992 - States that the Congress declares that it is essential that the Nation achieve savings in national defense beyond those agreed to in the budget summit agreement of 1990, reduce the deficit, and invest in areas of pressing domestic need that have been neglected since the 1980s. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the discretionary spending limit for FY 1993 by merging the defense and domestic categories into a national category. Makes conforming changes to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1992
Every Fifth Child Act - Makes appropriations for FY 1993, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in specified amounts to begin a phase-in toward full funding of: (1) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (2) Head Start programs under the Head Start Act; and (3) the Job Corps program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such programs should receive specified minimum levels of funding to allow: (1) the WIC program to be fully funded through FY 1996; (2) Head Start programs to be fully funded through FY 1998; and (3) the Job Corps to establish at least 50 additional centers and serve at least 50 percent more of low-income disadvantaged youth by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1992
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to make it unlawful for owners or operators of landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities in a State from receiving municipal solid waste generated outside the State unless they obtain authorization from the affected local government or meet other conditions under this Act. Requires local governments to notify the State Governor of such authorization. Permits a State Governor to disapprove an authorizations if the authorization will result in the disposal of municipal solid waste generated outside of the State in an amount exceeding 30 percent of the total volume of such waste disposed of in the State in the preceding year. Authorizes local governments, in issuing such authorizations, to impose fees and limitations on the amount of waste received for disposal. Terminates an authorization if a facility's operating permit is revoked or suspended or if a permit renewal application is denied. Exempts from this Act's prohibition owners or operators of landfills that: (1) meet certain State and Federal requirements concerning design standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and corrective action; (2) received waste generated outside the State in a manner consistent with a written contract during February 1992; and (3) for each year between 1992 and 1996, did not receive municipal solid waste generated outside the State in an amount exceeding the total amount received in 1991. Exempts owners or operators of incinerators or other waste disposal facilities that meet the contract requirements and amount limitations applicable to landfills, as well as new source performance standards and other requirements of the Clean Air Act. Considers expansions of landfills, incinerators, or waste disposal facilities to be separate facilities requiring authorization. Exempts owners or operators of such facilities from the requirement to obtain additional authorizations if: (1) at the time they obtained authorization, they owned or possessed an option to purchase the land on which the expansion is proposed to occur; and (2) the area of expansion was indicated in documents filed with the affected local government before obtaining authorization. Directs State Governors to submit State municipal solid waste management plans to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires such plans to cover a period of at least ten years and to be reviewed by the Governor at least every five years. Makes it unlawful for owners or operators of landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities to receive municipal solid waste generated in another State if the exporting State does not have an approved plan. Permits such owners or operators located in a State without an approved plan to receive municipal solid waste generated outside the State if the exporting State has a plan in effect. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States to impose fees for the disposal of solid waste generated outside the State if the fee does not exceed $10 per ton of waste disposal and the State uses such amounts to fund solid waste management activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992
Community Works Progress Act of 1992 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish a new title VI, Community Works Progress and Youth Community Corps Programs. Establishes in the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor a Community Works Progress Office (the Office), to be headed by an Administrator. Directs the Administrator to prepare a plan for implementation of programs of the Office and submit a report summarizing it to the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), who shall send a copy of the report to the appropriate congressional committees, and promulgate regulations to carry out the plan. Sets forth requirements relating to contracts made by administrative entities carrying out projects under this Act. Requires that such projects comply with nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements under the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Provides that compensation or benefits received by project participants under this Act shall be excluded from consideration under the Higher Education Act of 1965, specified provisions of the Social Security Act, and other determinations of Federal benefits. Requires administrative entities carrying out such projects to submit quarterly progress reports to the State Governor. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate programs under this Act and report to the Secretary and appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a Community Works Progress (CWP) program. Provides for CWP program allotments to States, including bonuses to States demonstrating progress in the preceding fiscal year in securing employment for individuals who were receiving AFDC and who no longer require such aid as a result of such employment. Allows States to use such allotments to award grants for CWP projects. Sets forth requirements for State Governors' award of CWP grants to eligible entities (including public agencies, private contractors, and private nonprofit organizations) for CWP projects that will serve a significant public purpose in a community service field (as described under the National and Community Service Act of 1990). Requires compliance with criteria established by the Secretary for job training, job search, and volunteer services. Sets forth requirements for job training plans for such CWP grant projects. Requires the Governor to enter into a written grant agreement with the administrative entity, including requirements for: (1) limits on administrative expenses and construction contracts; (2) use of at least 70 percent of the grant for compensation and supportive services for participants; (3) a three-year completion deadline; and (4) jobs opportunities and basic skills training program requirements for AFDC recipients. Sets forth requirements for nonpartisan selection and eligibility of unemployed individuals as project participants. Allows project participation, under specified conditions, of individuals who are also participants in the job opportunities and basic skills training program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act. Allows participation of individuals receiving unemployment compensation if certain age, education, residence, and unemployment period criteria are met. Allows participation of individuals who are not receiving unemployment compensation and who are discouraged workers if the other criteria are met. Requires, if possible, that at least 25 percent of project participants not be AFDC training program participants. Makes ineligible for project participation any individual eligible for specified retirement benefits. Sets forth restrictions on project participation, including: (1) 32-hour maximum project work per week; (2) 20-hour maximum on any additional part-time employment; (3) job search requirements; and (4) testing and education requirements. Sets forth requirements for compensation and supportive services for project participants, including unemployment compensation recipients, AFDC recipients, and individuals not receiving unemployment compensation. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to the CWP program in each State. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a youth community corps (YCC) program. Provides for YCC program allotments to States to award grants for YCC projects. Sets forth requirements for State Governor's award of YCC grants to eligible entities (community-based organizations, local educational agencies, or partnerships of local education agencies with local public community service agencies) for YCC projects to employ participants in projects in community service fields. Sets forth requirements for job training plans. Requires YCC grant agreements to limit administrative expenses and construction contracts, require 70 percent of grant funds for compensation and benefits for participants, and limit length of individual participation to not more than 250 hours per year. Sets forth requirements for selection and eligibility of YCC participants. Makes eligible elementary and secondary school students aged 14 to 21 who are children of participants in the AFDC job opportunities and basic skills training program or who are members of families receiving AFDC benefits, or of eligible households under the food stamp program, or of families with incomes at or below the official poverty line. Allows employment of other eligible students who do not meet such poverty criteria if the project requires a greater number of participants and preference in such selection is given to students with work experience related to the project. Prohibits employment as a participant in a YCC project of any individual who is not making progress toward attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires payment to YCC participants of either: (1) a monetary credit for use at institutions of higher education, based on hours of participation; or (2) a cash benefit equal to one-half the amount of the educational credit. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to the YCC program in the State. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish in the Office a national youth community corps (NYCC) program. Directs the Secretary to make equal allotments to ETA regional offices to make NYCC grants and to make administrative cost grants to States in which NYCC projects are carried out. Authorizes a regional office to make one grant for each fiscal year to establish and carry out an NYCC project to employ participants aged 17 to 22 in a project related to community service fields within the region served by that office. Makes eligible to receive such a grant a State or local public agency or a private nonprofit organization that provides such community services within that region. Sets forth requirements for job training plans. Requires NYCC grant agreements to: (1) limit administrative expenses and construction contracts; (2) use at least 70 percent of the grant for compensation and benefits for participants; (3) limit individual participant employment to not more than two years; (4) provide for training participants in accordance with specified provisions of the National and Community Service Act of 1990; and (5) provide for periodic and confidential evaluations of each participant. Sets forth requirements for selection and eligibility of NYCC project participants. Requires individual applications to the Governor to indicate the NYCC projects in which the individual seeks to participate. Requires the Governor to refer such application to each administrative entity administering such projects. Requires an individual to be age 17 to 22 to be eligible to participate in a NYCC project. Requires the administrative entity to make offers to eligible individuals to become participants in the project. Provides for living allowances and payments to NYCC participants. Provides for a choice of higher educational credits equal to $10,000 per year or cash benefits equal to $5,000 per year. Sets forth duties of State units with respect to an NYCC program conducted in the State. Authorizes appropriations under JTPA to carry out this Act. Amends the Social Security Act with respect to programs under this Act in ways relating to: (1) disregard of income earned as compensation by a program participant under this Act; (2) employability plans; (3) referral to projects under the CWP, YCC, and NYCC programs; (4) work supplementation program; and (5) community work experience program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude: (1) compensation for service under this Act as wages for unemployment compensation purposes; and (2) compensation and benefits for service under this Act from gross income for income tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1992
Prohibits a veteran's participation in an approved program of rehabilitative services provided as part of such veteran's care furnished in a State home, or the receipt of compensation by the veteran for such participation, from being considered as a basis for the denial or discontinuance of a total disability rating for purposes of compensation or pension based on a veteran's inability to secure gainful employment as a result of a disability. Considers such payment as a donation from a public or private relief or welfare organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1992
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to: (1) repeal the oilseed loan origination fee provision; and (2) require oilseed loans to be repaid in the same fiscal year they are secured.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1992
Expansion of Processed and High-Value Agricultural Exports and Employment Opportunities Act of 1992 - Establishes: (1) export credit guarantee and enhancement program set-asides for processed and high-value agricultural products; and (2) related reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
Amends specified Federal law to waive the statute of limitations, lapse of time, or bar of laches with respect to any action of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, the Devils Lakes Sioux Tribe of North Dakota, or the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Council of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Montana, to contest the constitutionality or validity of such law, if the complaint is filed in the U.S. District Court for Montana by April 1, 1993. Authorizes the Attorney General to settle any action brought under such Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1992
Veterans Health Care Amendments Act of 1992 - Title I: Mental Health - Part A: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Veterans Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Act of 1992 - Directs that a veteran diagnosed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be furnished care and services for such disorder by the Department, even if such disorder has not been determined to be service-connected. Makes eligible for such care and services a veteran who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War, or in any other area during a period in which hostilities occurred in such area. Requires a veteran who is referred by a Vet Center to a Department general health-care facility for a determination regarding such veteran's eligibility for PTSD care and services to be evaluated for diagnostic purposes within seven days of such referral. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon request of any eligible veteran, to furnish counseling to assist the veteran in overcoming any psychological problems associated with such service. Directs the Secretary, no later than June 1, 1992, to devise and initiate a plan to: (1) increase the availability of treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD to levels commensurate with their needs; and (2) enhance outreach activities to inform combat veterans (and their families) of the availability of such treatment and to encourage such veterans to participate in such treatment. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the description and implementation of such plan. Directs the Secretary, in preparing such report, to consult with the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Advisory Committee on Readjustment of Vietnam and other War Veterans. Directs the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Special Committee) to report concurrently to the Secretary and the veterans' committees setting forth its evaluation of a study required under prior law of postwar psychological problems of Vietnam veterans. Requires the Special Committee in 1993 and 1994 to update certain reports required under prior law relating to PTSD and its treatment. Directs the Secretary, in the budgetary documents submitted to the Congress in conjunction with the President's budget submission for FY 1994 and 1995, to identify amounts in the appropriations requests for Department accounts that are estimated to be obligated for various purposes relating to the provision of treatment for PTSD. Directs the Secretary to ensure that there are PTSD units in locations that are readily accessible to veterans residing in rural areas. Part B: Mental Illness Research and Education - Directs the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Department, to designate not more than five health-care facilities of the Department as locations for centers of mental illness research, education and clinical activities (especially for service-related conditions) and to establish and operate such centers at such locations. Requires the first such facility to be designated no later than January 1, 1993. Requires the Secretary to ensure the appropriate geographical distribution of such facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from designating any such facility as a mental illness research, education, and clinical center (MIC) unless such facility has an arrangement with an accredited medical school, graduate school of psychology, or nursing school which: (1) provides appropriate education and training in such matters; (2) has the ability to attract appropriate personnel for such research; (3) has a policy-making advisory committee; and (4) has the capability to conduct effective evaluations of the activities at such center. Authorizes appropriations for the operation of the MICs for FY 1993 through 1996. Requires such research to include an appropriate emphasis on the psychosocial dimension of mental illness and on proposals for furnishing care and treatment to veterans suffering from mental illness. Requires the CMD to ensure that useful information produced by MICs is disseminated through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Requires reports during 1993 through 1995 from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on experiences under the MIC program. Part C: Program of Marriage and Family Counseling for Certain Veterans - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a program for furnishing marriage and family counseling services to veterans who were awarded a campaign medal for active-duty service during the Persian Gulf War, reservists who were called or ordered to active duty during such War, and their spouses, dependents, and parents. Authorizes the Secretary to provide marriage and family counseling services that the Secretary determines, based on an assessment by a mental-health professional, is necessary for the amelioration of psychological, marital, or familial difficulties resulting from such active-duty service. Outlines provisions concerning the manner in which such services will be furnished, as well as qualifications required of the marriage and family counselors performing such services. Outlines provisions concerning counseling services provided by mental health professionals pursuant to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts, including the length of marriage and counseling services to be performed under the program. Prohibits the same person who performs the counseling needs assessment from furnishing the marriage and counseling services under the program, with a waiver of such prohibition under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the mental health professionals for the reasonable costs of such counseling services. Provides cost recovery provisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 and 1994. Requires the Secretary to report an interim and final report to the Congress on such program, with recommendations. Title II: General Health Care - Part A: General Health - Authorizes the furnishing of prosthetic devices and certain other medical items as part of outpatient care when necessary either to obviate the need for hospital admission or in preparation for such. Requires the Secretary, in order for such authority to become effective, to determine that its implementation would not result in a substantial delay in furnishing such items in connection with the treatment of service-connected disabilities or in the denial of such items in connection with such treatment. Increases the amount authorized to be expended per veteran for improvements and structural alterations necessary to assure the continuation of treatment for a disability or to provide access to the home or to lavatory and sanitary facilities. Directs the Secretary to require the directors of Department medical centers or regional benefits offices to assess the needs of homeless veterans living within their service areas, including the needs of such veterans with respect to health care, education and training, employment, shelter, counseling, and outreach services. Requires each assessment to indicate the extent to which such needs are being adequately met by programs of the Department and other Federal, State, and local governments and agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations. Requires each such director to develop a plan for each of fiscal years 1993 through 1995 for the provision of outreach and other services to meet veterans needs. Requires the coordination of such plans with other Federal, non-Federal, and private plans and programs with respect to the provision of services to homeless persons. Requires each director to carry out such plan and to disseminate to all other appropriate entities information regarding the services provided to homeless veterans by the medical facility or benefits office. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of providing, through existing community-based organizations, domiciliary care to homeless veterans eligible for such care from the Department under other provisions of law. Requires the pilot program to be conducted at not more than 15 locations throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with community-based organizations to provide services under such program, giving preference to those that offer the most comprehensive care and services to homeless individuals and those not being adequately met by existing programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1995. Authorizes the transfer of certain other funds for continuing pilot programs, with certain transfer limitations. Authorizes the Secretary to accept donations of funds and services for providing one-stop, nonresidential services and mobile support teams and for expanding the medical services available to eligible homeless veterans. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to extend the authorization of appropriations and the provision of certain programs for homeless veterans provided under such Act through FY 1993. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1994 a program under such Act with regard to certain services for mentally ill homeless veterans. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees containing an evaluation of: (1) assessments and plans by medical center and benefits office directors with respect to homeless veterans; (2) the pilot program for the provision of domiciliary care to homeless veterans; and (3) the acceptance of gifts and services to provide nonresidential services and mobile support teams for expanding the medical services available to homeless veterans. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1993 the authorization of appropriations for a pilot program which provides mobile health-care clinics for veterans residing in isolated rural areas. Directs the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs to advise the Secretary on: (1) all matters related to prosthetics and special-disabilities programs of the Department; (2) coordination of programs which develop and test prosthetic devices; and (3) the adequacy of funding for such programs within the Department. Requires the Advisory Committee to report to the Secretary and the veterans' committees annually in 1993 through 1995 on the effectiveness of the prosthetics and special-disabilities programs administered by the Secretary during the preceding fiscal year. Expands the definition of "medical services," for purposes of veterans' benefits provisions, to include services to overcome a service-connected disability impairing a veteran's ability to achieve procreation. Directs the CMD to appoint an advisory committee to advise the CMD on the exercise of authority to furnish such procreative-assistive services. Directs the Secretary, through FY 1996, to: (1) furnish annually at least two preventive health-care services that the Secretary determines are feasible and appropriate for any veteran being furnished hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care or medical treatment under current veterans' benefits provisions; and (2) implement annually at each Department health-care facility a major preventive health-care and health-promotion initiative for such veterans. Limits the yearly expenditures for such activities. Requires the CMD to designate an official in the VHA to act as the Director of Preventive Health-Care and Health-Promotion Programs. Requires the Secretary to report on February 1 of 1994 and 1996 on interim and final experiences under the programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) a service dog to a quadriplegic veteran who has a service-connected disability; and (2) a signal dog to a veteran who has a service-connected hearing impairment. Authorizes the payment of travel and incidental expenses to veterans for travel incurred in becoming adjusted to such service or signal dog. Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees concerning the backlog that occurred in the procurement of prosthetic appliances in FY 1989 and on actions to be taken to prevent a recurrence of backlogs and failures to furnish appliances on a priority basis. Repeals the authority of the Department to furnish tobacco products to veterans receiving hospital or domiciliary care through the Department. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to recommend policies and legislation for the elimination of inconsistencies among provisions of law relating to veterans' eligibility for certain health-care benefits. Requires the Secretary to review the report of the task force and either approve of its recommendations, make recommendations in lieu of such recommendations, or a combination of both and report thereon to the veterans' committees. Makes former prisoners of war eligible for outpatient medical services through the Department for any disability. Directs the Secretary, during FY 1992 through 1995, to conduct a pilot program to furnish assistive monkeys to quadriplegic veterans who have a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consider the extent to which the veteran needs and can benefit from the assistance of the monkey; and (2) provide a preference for veterans who have service-connected quadriplegia. Requires a receiving veteran to be well-suited for caring for such monkey and for effectively using the monkey for the provision of assistance in performing daily living tasks. Provides administrative matters, including the making of contracts for the furnishing of such assistive monkeys. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report to the veterans' committees on the pilot program. Requires the CMD, before furnishing such assistive monkeys under the pilot program, to provide for the conduct of an independent evaluation of the way that assistive monkeys would be treated during training and placement under the pilot program. Requires consultation with appropriate animal welfare organizations. Part B: Health-Care Personnel - Authorizes the provision of increased pay to any Department health-care personnel furnishing direct care to patients or providing incidental services on the same basis as pay is currently provided for nurses within the Department. Prohibits such added pay from exceeding by two times (currently, only exceeding) the amount by which the maximum for such pay grade exceeds the minimum for such grade. Directs the Secretary to increase the rates of pay for clinical or counseling psychologists who hold diplomas in psychology from an accredited authority recognized by the Secretary, unless the CMD determines that such psychologists are not needed to furnish the appropriate quality of psychological services for veterans. Makes such increase an amount needed to make their pay competitive with the pay of psychologists in comparable positions in a non-Department facility. Directs the Secretary to require the director of each Department medical facility and regional office to: (1) assess the needs of employees of such facility or office for child-care services; and (2) report annually to the Secretary on their findings, including a proposal to meet such needs. Includes board certification pay within certain other categories of special pay under Federal provisions guaranteeing that full and part-time physicians and dentists receiving special pay will continue to receive special pay of at least such amount after changes made to special pay provisions under the Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991. Authorizes the Department to appoint and pay nonphysician directors of clinical support services within the VHA of the Department, as opposed to payment under a Federal employees' schedule. Title III: Minority Affairs - Reestablishes the Advisory Committee on Native-American Veterans as established under the Veterans' Health-Care Amendments of 1986. Requires the Advisory Committee to report to the Secretary, who in turn shall report to the veterans' committees, on findings and recommendations with respect to the needs of Native American veterans, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. Terminates such Advisory Committee 90 days after its second report. Title IV: Miscellaneous - States that the prohibition on the payment of attorneys' fees in connection with VA benefits proceedings applies only where the individual is applying for such benefits, and not when the Government is proceeding against a person to collect an indebtedness or in cases in which other attorneys' fees statutes apply. Authorizes the director of each national cemetery to display a prisoner of war/missing in action flag on a flagstaff at that cemetery. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Government from obligating appropriated funds for the purchase of such a flag at a national cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992
Increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents of certain disabled veterans, the clothing allowance for certain service-disabled veterans, dependency and indemnity compensation, and supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Increases each such rate by the same percentage as the increase in benefit amounts under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Requires the Secretary to publish such increases in the Federal Register at the same time that percentage increases under title II of the Social Security Act are required to be published.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United Nations should designate 1993 as the Year of the Tree in order to encourage the citizens of the world to plant trees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992
Bank and Thrift Disclosure Act of 1992 - Requires each appropriate banking agency to disclose to the public the reports of all examinations of each failed depository institution performed during the five-year period preceding its transfer, failure, or receipt of certain Federal depository insurance (or other Federal "bail-out" funds). Limits such disclosure requirement to an institution that received such funds while it was critically undercapitalized within the one-year period before its failure. Cites conditions under which public disclosure may be delayed because of threats to safety, soundness, or pending administrative, civil, or criminal investigations. Subjects a holding company of such a failed institution to the same public disclosure requirements, but excludes open institutions and affiliated solvent institutions. Mandates public disclosure of settlement agreements between the Resolution Trust Corporation or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and any other party with respect to certain failed depository institutions. Applies the public disclosure requirements of this Act to specified kinds of failed institutions. Shields certain identifying and customer information from the disclosure requirements. Requires the appropriate banking agencies to: (1) make public disclosures of loans by insiders (senior personnel and principal shareholders) who have defaulted on loans made by a failed institution; and (2) provide the public with periodic updates of pending and settled lawsuits brought by such agencies involving transactions that caused a material loss to either the failed depository institution or to the deposit insurance fund. Directs the Comptroller General to selectively audit examination reports and public disclosures made by the appropriate banking agencies to assess their compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Rural Jobs and Investment Act of 1992 - Title I: Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies - Subtitle A: Farmers Home Administration - Makes supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for: (1) rural housing loans; (2) rural housing repair loans; (3) rural rental housing loans; (4) rural rental multifamily housing loans; (5) rural water and sewer facility loans; (6) community facility loans; (7) the rural development loans program account; (8) rural water and waste disposal grants; (9) very low-income housing repair grants; (10) supervisory and technical assistance grants; (11) rural housing preservation grants; (12) rural development grants; and (13) local technical assistance grants. Subtitle B: Rural Electrification Administration - Provides supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for insured rural electrification loans. Subtitle C: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education - Provides supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for alternative agricultural research and commercialization. Title II: Interior - Makes supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for Department of Energy programs of: (1) low-income weatherization assistance; and (2) institutional energy conservation and the State energy conservation programs. Title III: Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development - Provides supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for: (1) community development grants; (2) home investment partnerships; (3) water treatment works; and (4) State water pollution control revolving funds. Title IV: Commerce, Justice, and State - Provides supplemental FY 1992 appropriations for the Small Business Administration microloan demonstration program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a trade or business expense deduction for salary or other compensation in excess of $500,000. Provides an inflation adjustment for such amount after 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
States that the Congress calls for: (1) the President to terminate all cases in the Special Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Review for Eastern and Central Europe that involve petitions for products considered and rejected, or petitions filed and rejected, in any previous GSP annual review, such as Goya cheese, prepared or preserved mushrooms, grape wine, glassware, and chinaware; (2) reaffirmation of the President's determinations of May 3, 1991; and (3) the determination that GSP program reauthorization should include the review of any discretion to waive the required three-year waiting period.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Education Capital Fund Act of 1992 - Establishes the Education Capital Fund Board to enter into: (1) three-to-ten-year performance grant contracts (75 percent federally funded) with local educational agencies, consortia, or partnerships for programs of educational reform; and (2) three-to-ten-year contracts (50 percent federally funded) with up to five States for statewide reform initiatives. Directs the Board to: (1) establish an Advisory Board to assist in identifying components of successful schools, districts and reform initiatives, and to establish funding priorities; (2) cooperate with regional educational laboratories to establish a technical assistance referral network; (3) establish contract review and program evaluation procedures; and (4) report annually to the Congress. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish in the Treasury the Education Capital Fund; and (2) increase the corporate tax rate to pay for Fund expenses in years in which the Fund's unboligated balance does not exceed $1,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Appropriations Category Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the discretionary spending limit for FY 1993 by merging the defense and domestic categories into a national category. Makes conforming changes to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Designates April 9, 1992 (the 50th anniversary of the fall of Bataan), as the Day of Recognition of Filipino War Veterans. Authorizes and urges the President to present a copy of this resolution to Filipino veterans and the Filipino people in Manila on April 9, 1992, during the observance of such anniversary, as an expression of good will and reaffirmation of the continuing regard of the United States and the American people for a lasting Filipino-American friendship.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Directs the National World War II Memorial Fund, Inc., to construct a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to: (1) honor members of the armed forces who served in World War II; and (2) commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the fund to plan, design, and oversee the construction of the Memorial. Establishes the World War II Memorial Advisory Board to: (1) promote and encourage the donation of private funds for the construction of the Memorial; and (2) recommend the site for and assist in the selection of the design of the Memorial. Terminates the Board within 30 days after completion of the Memorial or on the lapse of the authority provided by this Act. Authorizes the Fund to solicit and accept private contributions for construction of the Memorial. States that the requirements and authority of this Act shall lapse if: (1) construction of the Memorial is not commenced within five years of its enactment; or (2) before such construction, the Secretary of the Interior certifies that funds are not available in an amount sufficient to ensure its completion.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Title I: Taxpayers Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayer Advocate, headed by the Taxpayer Advocate, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Office 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 Taxpayer Advocate to annually report to specified congressional committees on Office activities. 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) assist a taxpayer suffering a hardship (currently, a significant hardship); (2) allow the Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to act within a specified time period; and (3) 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 installment agreements. Suspends the failure to pay penalty during any period an installment agreement is in effect. Title III: Interest - Requires 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. Increases the interest rate for overpayment of tax from two percent to three percent (making such rate equal to the interest rate for underpayment of tax). Title IV: Joint Returns - Requires separate deficiency notices in the case of a joint income tax return if the most recent data available to the IRS shows that such spouses did not file a joint return with each other. 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 limitation on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Provides that in the case of an examination of an individual with respect to a joint income tax return, the absent divorced or separated spouse cannot be represented by the individual without such acknowledgement in writing. Title V: Collection Activities - Requires the Secretary to send notices of a proposed tax deficiency. 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, 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. Removes certain limits on the standard of conduct and 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, requirements for issuance, and quash proceedings. 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 to make reasonable investigations to corroborate the accuracy of an information return when making a determination of a deficiency by a third party, when such return is disputed by the taxpayer. Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Establishes requirements for preliminary notice and declaratory judgment proceedings for failure to pay tax. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty. 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; and (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure. Directs the Secretary to 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 from collection penalties. Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Repeals the "substantially justified" test for determining whether a taxpayer may recover costs and fees incurred as part of an administrative or court proceeding. Denies such costs where the position of the United States is substantially justified. Revises the commencement date of reasonable administrative costs. 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. Provides protection for noncorporate taxpayers who rely on certain guidance published by the IRS. Requires any final, temporary, or proposed regulation issued by the Secretary to be applied prospectively from the date of publication in the Federal Register. Requires notice to the taxpayer of the inability to associate any payment with any outstanding tax liability. Makes the costs of preparing certain tax returns fully deductible.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Voting Rights Act Language Assistance Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend the termination date on the prohibition of covered States and political subdivisions providing voting materials only in English. Modifies criteria for determining whether a State or subdivision is covered.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a principal residence includes adjoining farm land for purposes of the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence for individuals who have attained age 55, if such farm land is used by the taxpayer in the active conduct of the trade or business of farming.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Requires a one-year delay in the implementation of final regulations prohibiting pension plan benefits from discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees. Grants a two-year delay in the case of plans maintained by governments and tax-exemption organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to: (1) require the Secretary of Agriculture (who, currently, is merely authorized) to carry out the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); (2) make WIC authorization of appropriations permanent; and (3) entitle an eligible individual to the full amount of benefits authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Fair Market Standards Act - Prohibits a Member or employee of the Congress from receiving from any office, officer, employee, or other entity in the Congress or in a U.S. department or agency any service or other benefit, at Government expense, that is not equally available to all other persons, with specified exceptions. Requires the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate and the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to survey and report to specified congressional committees on all the services and benefits available to Members and employees that are not equally available to all other persons, and the manner in which each service or benefit contributes to the performance of their duties. Requires each Committee to introduce a resolution that describes: (1) each service and benefit that may properly be made available to Members and employees for specified reasons; and (2) each service and benefit that may not properly be made available to them but may be made available in or near the Senate or House buildings, at the expense of Members and employees, and provided by employees of the Government or by private contractors. Directs the appropriate officers of the Senate and House to make arrangements for the necessary services and other benefits at fair market value. Mandates that all payments received from Members and employees of the Congress for unnecessary services and benefits provided by Government employees, all rent, or other payments received from private contractors that provide such services and benefits be deposited into the deficit reduction account of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Supplemental Transportation Appropriations Reinvestment To Upgrade Productivity (Start-Up) Act of 1992 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1992 to: (1) the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration to maintain and repair the Nation's highways and bridges, stimulate economic activity, and expand the efficiency of public transportation systems; (2) the Federal Aviation Administration for airport improvement programs; (3) the Federal Railroad Administration for Northeast Corridor improvements; and (4) the United States Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for interest on educational loans for the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for which a payment is required to be made. Allows a tax credit for interest paid or incurred on any qualified education loan during the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for which a payment is required to be made. Limits such credit to $300. Requires taxpayers to elect the tax deduction or the tax credit, but not both. Prohibits the use of such deduction if a deduction is allowed for residence interest which is allocable to indebtedness used to pay qualified higher education expenses. Allows such tax credit to parents only if the dependent is a student and a personal exemption is claimed for such dependent student.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it objects to: (1) comments made by Japan's Speaker of the House with respect to the American worker; and (2) statements made by Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa undermining President Bush's trade mission there.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1991
Defense Industrial Stabilization and Community Transition Act of 1991 - Title I: Presidential Council on Economic Diversification and Adjustment - Establishes the Presidential Council on Economic Diversification and Adjustment within the Executive Office to: (1) determine the projected future reductions in defense spending and the sectors in which significant reductions will occur; (2) identify communities and businesses that will be adversely affected by such reductions and assist them in diversifying into nondefense commercial activities before such reductions adversely affect them; (3) assist defense-dependent industries in seeking new markets and workers adversely affected by spending reductions; (4) serve as a liaison among Federal Government programs to ensure that all resources are utilized to minimize adverse effects; (5) maintain the integrity of the U.S. defense industrial base during periods of significant defense spending reductions; (6) ensure that the U.S. technological base is not unduly impaired by such reductions; (7) maintain a clearinghouse of information on State and local initiatives on diversification of businesses and communities; (8) assist State economic development offices in the planning of meetings on diversification; (9) ensure that communities, businesses, and workers likely to be adversely affected by reductions are given advanced notice; and (10) allocate funds in the Defense Economic Adjustment Trust Fund (Fund) to relevant programs. Establishes Council working groups on technology, marketing, small business, and job training to carry out this Act. Title II: Grant Assistance for Alternative Use Committees - Authorizes the Council to make a grant to any eligible alternative use committee at a defense business facility to provide for: (1) a marketing expert to determine the potential market needs in the region of the facility that provide diversification and conversion opportunities; (2) a suitable office for such committee; and (3) experts in relevant technologies to determine the feasibility of diversification and conversion alternatives for such facility. Defines an alternative use committee at a defense business as a committee established for the purpose of planning for the diversification of a facility into nondefense commercial activities. Title III: Displaced Workers - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to authorize certain funds made available under the Defense Saving Investment Act of 1991 to be made available for the defense conversion adjustment program. Permits the Council to transfer funds made available by the Fund for providing assistance to eligible employees under such Act. Title IV: Export Opportunities - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Export-Import Bank to include in an annual report to the Congress a description of actions taken to support the commercial diversification of industries that are dependent on Federal defense spending. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the President to extend guarantees to U.S. businesses in connection with the sale of defense articles and services to NATO countries, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. Limits the aggregate amount of such guarantees. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Defense Production Act - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to permit specified Federal agencies engaged in defense procurement to guarantee any financing institution against losses on any loan or other commitment for financing the conversion of businesses from defense-related production to other commercial production. Permits the President to provide such authority only with respect to businesses critical to the U.S. defense industrial base that are likely to be closed as a result of projected reductions in Federal defense spending. Authorizes the President to enter into joint ventures to carry out such guarantees and loans. Limits the total U.S. investment in any joint venture to 40 percent. Title VI: Small Business - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to take actions to increase: (1) the number of small business development centers established in defense-dependent regions; and (2) the assistance and services provided by such centers to defense-dependent small business concerns in such regions. Amends the Small Business Act to increase the amount required to be allocated by certain Federal agencies for small business innovation research programs. Title VII: Economic Development Assistance - Makes communities that will be adversely affected by defense spending reductions eligible for special economic development and adjustment assistance under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Authorizes the Council to transfer funds under this Act for providing assistance under such Act to such communities. Title VIII: Defense Economic Adjustment Trust Fund - Establishes the Defense Economic Adjustment Trust Fund to be available for activities under this and other specified Acts. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Repeals the Assault Weapon Manufacturing Strict Liability Act of 1990, signed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Restores or revives any provisions of law amended or repealed by it.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act - Prohibits any funds made available under any law from being used to conduct any explosive nuclear weapons test during the one-year period following the enactment of this Act unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union or a successor state has conducted such a test during such period.