United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
Sexual Harassment Prevention Act of 1994 - Directs employers (including Federal and congressional agencies) to keep posted in conspicuous places a notice prepared or approved by the appropriate primary enforcement agency (the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Fair Employment Practices of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices) that sets forth: (1) the definition of sexual harassment found in the Code of Federal Regulations or any corresponding similar regulation; (2) the fact that sexual harassment is a violation of Federal law; (3) information describing how to file a complaint with the agency alleging such harassment; (4) an address and toll-free number to be used to contact the agency; and (5) other information required by the agency. Provides for annual notices by employers to individual employees which provide such information and a description of the procedures used by the employers to resolve allegations of sexual harassment. Requires employers to provide to each supervisory employee information specifying the responsibility of, and the methods to be used by, such employee to ensure that immediate and corrective action is taken to address allegations of sexual harassment. Prescribes civil penalties for willful violations of this Act. Directs each primary enforcement agency to make model notices and voluntary guidelines for procedures dealing with allegations of sexual harassment available to employers at no cost as well as a toll-free number for information regarding this Act. Sets forth provisions governing actions by the primary enforcement agencies to enforce sexual harassment statutes and rules.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
Counterintelligence and Security Enhancements Act of 1994 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit a person from becoming an employee of an agency within the U.S. intelligence community unless the person: (1) authorizes the disclosure of tax returns; (2) agrees to allow an investigative agency to inspect financial accounts valued at over $10,000; and (3) agrees to the inspection of such person's foreign travel records. Sets forth additional requirements for critical intelligence positions, including requirements for information with respect to the nature, location, and material changes to accounts valued at over $10,000 and information with respect to foreign travel unrelated to official duties. Requires authorized investigative agencies to periodically review all information so obtained and notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) upon an indication of the loss or compromise of critical intelligence information. Provides for: (1) requests by authorized investigative agencies for appropriate information from governmental entities; (2) protection of the confidentiality of such information; and (3) investigative agency liability for unlawful disclosure of such information. Empowers the FBI Director with overall responsibility for conducting counterintelligence and law enforcement investigations involving persons in critical intelligence positions. Requires the Director of Central Intelligence to report to the congressional intelligence committees on the effectiveness of such investigative activities. Requires implementation of such provisions with respect to current employees in the intelligence community as well as congressional staff having access to critical intelligence information. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide for the disclosure to the FBI of consumer credit reports (CRs) for counterintelligence purposes if the FBI Director certifies that such records are necessary for an investigation and there is reason to believe that the person for whom the CR is sought is a foreign power or agent. Sets forth provisions governing, with respect to such disclosures by a credit reporting agency: (1) the disclosure of identifying information to the FBI; (2) confidentiality requirements concerning such disclosure; (3) the payment of fees by the FBI for such disclosures; (4) limits on the dissemination of information contained in the CRs; (5) disciplinary actions for disclosure violations (with an exception for a good faith disclosure); and (6) remedies (including injunctive relief). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide FBI access to tax returns for counterintelligence purposes. Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to award individuals who provide information which leads to an arrest or conviction with respect to an act of espionage. Provides U.S. court jurisdiction to try cases involving acts of espionage by a U.S. citizen outside the United States. Makes the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material a misdemeanor criminal offense. Allows for the forfeiture of property for violation of certain espionage laws.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Use of Federal Funds for State Employment Training Activities Title II: Development of State Employment Training Systems Subtitle A: Commission on Employment and Training Subtitle B: Consolidation of Employment Training Programs Job Training Consolidation Act of 1994 - Consolidates Federal employment and training programs. Grants waivers to States and localities to coordinate program services during a transition period. Establishes a national commission to develop a national policy for a comprehensive system of such services, with State and local responsibility for, and private sector involvement in, design and implementation of such services. Title I: Use of Federal Funds for State Employment Training Activities - Allows States and localities that receive formula assistance for covered activities under specified Federal employment training programs, or certain discretionary assistance, or States that apply for funds for trade adjustment assistance services, to: (1) use such assistance to develop a comprehensive statewide employment training system; or (2) use assistance that would otherwise have been used for two or more covered activities to address unemployed persons' high priority needs for employment training services, improve efficiency in delivery of covered activities, or combine or eliminate overlapping or duplicative activities. (Sec. 105) Requires State and locality reports on use of such assistance. Title II: Development of State Employment Training Systems - Subtitle A: Commission on Employment and Training - Establishes the Commission on Employment and Training. (Sec. 204) Terminates the Commission after its report. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Consolidation of Employment and Training Programs - Repeals, 29 months after enactment of this Act, the following: (1) the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act; (3) certain literacy programs under the Adult Education Act; (4) the JOBS program for AFDC recipients under the Social Security Act; (5) trade adjustment assistance services under the Trade Act of 1974; (6) the Wagner-Peyser Act (employment services); (7) vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (8) employment and training program provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; (9) the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980; (10) the State legalization impact assistance grant program under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; (11) education, training, and community services programs under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; and (12) community service employment for older Americans under the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 212) Directs the Commission on Employment and Training to conduct a study to: (1) develop a single, coherent national policy to guide federally funded employment training efforts; (2) review specified programs and reports, and examine strategies to consolidate or eliminate the programs and activities scheduled to be repealed to create a single, comprehensive employment training system that gives States maximum flexibility and leads to single, integrated approaches to providing information on all available employment training services and to job training that involves private employers in locally established initiatives; (3) examine strategies involving private employers in local training linked to available employment opportunities; (4) determine the best administrative structure for such system, and the agency to conduct Federal oversight; (5) examine strategies for a national online labor market information system; and (6) determine standards for Federal measurement of program effectiveness, State provision of effective services, and a common terminology. Requires the Commission to submit: (1) a report on such study and recommendations to specified congressional committees; and (2) to the Congress, a draft of a joint resolution to consolidate or eliminate the covered programs and activities to create the national system, implement the strategies, establish or designate the agency and the structure, establish the labor market information system, and implement the standards. (Sec. 213) Sets forth an expedited procedure for congressional consideration of the Commission's proposed reforms in its draft of the joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1994
Home Office Deduction Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide qualifications for a home office as a principal place of business for purposes of the deductibility of expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
National Highway System Designation Act of 1994 - Designates the most recent National Highway System as submitted by the Secretary of Transportation to be the National Highway System (NHS). Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of a State, to add a new route segment to the NHS (including a new intermodal connection) or delete an existing route segment if the total mileage of the NHS, including any route segment or connection proposed to be added, does not exceed 165,000 miles. Requires each State making a request for a change in the NHS to establish that each change has been identified by the State, in cooperation with local officials, pursuant to applicable transportation planning activities for metropolitan areas and statewide planning processes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such a request upon determining that the change meets the criteria established for, and enhances the national transportation characteristics of, the NHS.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Counterintelligence Improvements Act of 1994 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish requirements for access to "top secret" information (access). Entitles the President and Vice President, Members of Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, and Article III judges to access needed for the performance of their governmental functions without regard to the other provisions of this Act. Restricts access among government employees to those who are U.S. citizens who require routine access for the performance of official governmental functions and who have been determined to be trustworthy based upon background investigations. Permits access by others only as permitted in accordance with specified regulations issued by the President which: (1) require of such individuals background investigations and consent to the examination of financial and foreign travel records, as well as the reporting of unauthorized contacts with foreign nationals; (2) provide follow-up investigations; (3) allow access by others for national security reasons; and (4) provide implementation and reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions authorizing waivers for national security reasons. Requires, as conditions of access to classified cryptographic information, that persons: (1) meet the requirements applicable to those having access to top secret information; and (2) be subject, during the period of such access, to periodic polygraph examinations limited in scope to questions of a counterintelligence nature. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act to permit a customer who is the subject of a personnel security investigation conducted by an authorized investigative Government agency as a condition of being granted or maintaining access to authorize nonrevocable disclosure of all financial records maintained by financial institutions to the appropriate governmental authorities for the period of the customer's access and for up to five years after such access has been terminated. (Under current law, a person may consent to access to his financial records for a period of three months.) Makes it a crime to possess espionage devices with intent to violate the espionage statutes and to sell top secret documents or materials to foreign governments, with exceptions and a defense that the information was public. Makes it a misdemeanor for a U.S. officer, employer, or contractor to knowingly remove top secret documents and retain them at an unauthorized location. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) grant specified U.S. courts jurisdiction to try cases involving espionage and related offenses begun or committed outside the United States; and (2) extend coverage of the special forfeiture provision (permitting the Attorney General to file suit to recover the profits of certain crimes) to additional crimes of espionage and to espionage convictions in foreign courts for misconduct that would constitute offenses under U.S. espionage laws. Permits the Government to deny retirement pay to U.S. retirees in the civil service, Foreign Service, and Central Intelligence Agency retirement and disability systems who are convicted of espionage in foreign courts which involve U.S. national defense information, subject to certification by the Attorney General as to the presence of certain procedural safeguards for such individuals. Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to require consumer reporting agencies, upon request, to furnish: (1) consumer reports to the FBI pursuant to a written certification by the Director of the FBI that the records are sought for an authorized foreign counterintelligence investigation and that the person to whom such reports relate is believed to be a foreign agent; and (2) identifying information respecting any consumer at the Director's request when necessary to the conduct of an authorized counterintelligence investigation. Prohibits such agencies from divulging to the consumer that the FBI has sought or obtained such information. Authorizes the Attorney General to pay rewards of up to $1 million for information leading to: (1) the arrest or conviction of any individual for committing, or conspiring or attempting to commit, espionage; or (2) the prevention or frustration of an act of espionage against the United States. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to provide a court order process, similar to that required for electronic surveillance, for physical searches for foreign intelligence purposes. Sets forth: (1) reporting requirements; (2) penalties for intentional violations of search or nondisclosure requirements; and (3) provisions for civil actions, including punitive damages, for violations with respect to an unauthorized search or the disclosure of information arising out of an unauthorized search.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1994
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1994 - Waives the English language naturalization requirement for certain aliens (or their spouses or widows) who served with special guerilla units in Laos. Provides for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act through such service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Mandates that the surcharges collected from the sale of such coins be paid to the 1995 Special Olympics World Games Organizing Committee, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Head Start Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize and revise Head Start programs. (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish quality standards for Head Start agencies and programs, including standards for performance in providing required health, education, parental involvement, social, and other services, for administrative and financial management, and for facilities' condition and location. Provides for monitoring and for corrective actions or terminations if minimum standards are not met. (Sec. 3) Eliminates a provision freezing regulations. Provides that terminations, reductions, or suspensions of financial assistance upheld in administrative hearings shall not be stayed pending any judicial appeal. (Sec. 4) Revises classroom teacher qualifications and waiver requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to enable Head Start agencies to establish positions for mentor teachers; and (2) review and revise standards for family service workers, and promote model curricula and credentials for such workers. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of Head Start Fellowships for staff in local Head Start programs and other individuals working in the field of child development and family services. Provides for placement in appropriate settings. Directs the Secretary to develop model staffing pattern plans to guide local Head Start agencies and programs. (Sec. 5) Sets forth goals and priorities for training and technical assistance. (Sec. 6) Allocates funds for program expansion. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to allow certain amounts to be allocated to quality improvement activities (in addition to the required 25 percent portion of appropriations). Sets forth goals and authorized activities for which quality improvement funds are to be used. (Sec. 8) Requires each Head Start agency to coordinate with schools and promote parental involvement to facilitate children's transition from program to school. Directs the Secretaries of HHS and of Education to assess results of demonstration projects under the Head Start Transition Project Act and provide technical assistance to communities to implement promising practices from those demonstrations. Extends the set-aside for the Head Start Transition Project Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to carry on a continuing program of research, demonstrations, and evaluations of Head Start programs, and to report on such activities. (Sec. 10) Establishes programs for families with infants and toddlers. Directs the Secretary to make grants for: (1) programs providing family-centered services for low-income families with very young children, designed to promote child development, parental role fulfillment, and movement toward self-sufficiency; and (2) evaluation of, and training and technical assistance for, projects under the Comprehensive Child Development Centers Act of 1988. (Repeals the latter Act because its functions are being consolidated under the Head Start Act.) (Sec. 11) Revises parental involvement considerations with respect to designation of new Head Start agencies well as functions of such agencies. Requires agencies to offer family literacy services and parenting skills training to parents of participating children. Allows agencies also to opt to offer such parents parental social self-sufficiency training, substance abuse counseling, or other partnership in education activities. Requires a family needs assessment, including consultation with the parents, for each participating family. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Revises the poverty line definition. Updates hold-harmless provisions for Indian and Migrant programs. Specifies that each Head Start program may use Head Start funds for full-day and full-year services and shall be permitted to provide more than one year of services to eligible children in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1994
Delays the effective date for imposition of penalties upon States that do not have in effect safety belt and motorcycle helmet traffic safety programs. Exempts a State from certain penalties for failing to meet requirements relating to motorcycle helmet laws if the State has in effect a motorcycle safety program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should make such recommendation to the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to include in income crop insurance proceeds and disaster payments in the year of the disaster or in the following year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1994
Federal Firearm Buy-Back Initiative Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program under which the Attorney General will contribute up to 50 percent of the funds needed to provide merchandise, certificates for merchandise or services, or other non-cash incentives to individuals who turn in firearms under State, local, or private firearm buy-back programs. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) agree to contribute an amount that is no greater than the State, local, and private funds committed to the particular program; and (2) set such other terms to ensure that each program is operated in an efficient and bona fide manner consistent with the interests of law enforcement. Prohibits the Attorney General from prescribing the terms under which such programs will accept firearms in exchange for any offered incentive. Directs the Attorney General to require that: (1) all firearms that are turned in be destroyed; and (2) a program agree to provide only non-cash incentives. Terminates the Attorney General's program on September 30, 1995. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Attorney General to report on the effect of the firearm buy-back programs in reducing the incidence of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS Title I: Basic Reforms to Expand Access to Health Insurance coverage and to Ensure Universal Coverage Subtitle A: Universal Access Subtitle B: Qualified General Access Plans in the Small Employer and Individual Marketplace Subtitle C: Qualified Health Plans in the Large Employer Marketplace Subtitle D: Benefits; Benefits Commission Subtitle E: State and Federal Responsibilities in Relation to Qualified Health Plans Subtitle F: Universal Coverage Subtitle G: Definitions Title II: Tax Enforcement Provisions Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Acceleration of Death Benefits Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions Subtitle D: Enforcement Provisions Title III: Quality Assurance and Simplification Subtitle A: Quality Assurance Subtitle B: Administrative Simplification Title IV: Judicial Reforms Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle C: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services Title VI: Treatment of Existing Federal Programs Subtitle A: Medicaid Program Subtitle B: Medicare Title VII: Patient's Right to Self-Determination Regarding Health Care Health Equity and Access Reform Today Act of 1993 - Title I: Basic Reforms to Expand Access to Health Insurance Coverage and to Ensure Universal Coverage - Subtitle A: Universal Access - Provides access to health insurance coverage under a qualified health plan for every citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States. (Sec. 1003) Establishes a program under which persons with low incomes (and who are not eligible for Medicaid) will receive vouchers to buy insurance through purchasing groups. (Sec. 1004) Requires each employer to make available, either directly, through a purchasing group, or otherwise, enrollment in a qualified health plan to each eligible employee. Subtitle B: Qualified General Access Plan in the Small Employer and Individual Marketplace - Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop specific standards to implement requirements concerning: (1) guaranteed eligibility, availability, and renewability of health insurance coverage; (2) nondiscrimination based on health status; (3) benefits offered; (4) insurer financial solvency; (5) enrollment process; (6) premium rating limitations; (7) risk adjustment; and (8) consumer protection. (Sec. 1119) Requires each qualified general access plan to: (1) establish and maintain a quality assurance program and a mediation procedures program; and (2) contain assurances of service to designated underserved areas. (Sec. 1141) Provides for the formation of purchasing groups by individuals and small employers. (Sec. 1161) Requires brokers or insurers to provide specified information to prospective enrollees. (Sec. 1162) Prohibits insurers from creating improper financial incentives and from selling duplicate coverage. Subtitle C: Qualified Health Plans in the Large Employer Marketplace - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to establish standards for large employer plans similar to requirements applicable to small employer plans. (Sec. 1203) Requires large employers to offer to employees at least a standard package and a catastrophic package. (Sec. 1205) Allows two or more large employers to form purchasing groups, but not through an individual or small employer purchasing group. (Sec. 1206) Requires a semi-annual review of each large employer plan to determine whether requirements are being met and what corrective actions need to be taken. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions to conform to this Act. Subtitle D: Benefits; Benefits Commission - Requires each qualified health plan to provide a standard package and a catastrophic package. Specifies items and services to be covered. (Sec. 1311) Establishes the Benefits Commission to develop and propose legislation that provides a clarification of covered items and services and includes specifications for cost sharing. (Sec. 1314) Provides for congressional consideration and implementation of such legislation. Subtitle E: State and Federal Responsibilities in Relation to Qualified Health Plans - Requires each State to establish a program to: (1) certify insured health plans; (2) disseminate information on health care coverage areas; (3) establish procedures for purchasing groups; (4) prepare information concerning plans and purchasing groups; (5) provide for a risk adjustment program, including an adjustment for differences in nonpayments among qualified insured health plans; (6) develop a binding arbitration process; and (7) specify an annual general enrollment period. (Sec. 1421) Allows the waiver of specified requirements. (Sec. 1431) Provides preemptions of certain State laws. (Sec. 1441) Specifies the Federal responsibilities with respect to multi-State employer plans and in case of State defaults. Subtitle F: Universal Coverage - Requires each citizen or lawful permanent resident to be covered under a qualified health plan or equivalent health care program by January 1, 2005. Provides an exception for any individual who is opposed for religious reasons to health plan coverage, including those who rely on healing using spiritual means through prayer alone. Subtitle G: Definitions - Defines terms used in this Act. Title II: Tax and Enforcement Provisions - Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an employee's gross income employer-provided coverage under a qualified health plan or employer-provided contributions to the employee's medical savings account. Includes excess employer contributions in such gross income. (Sec. 2002) Allows a business expense deduction for employer costs of qualified health plans or contributions to an employee's medical savings account. Increases the allowable deduction (from 25 percent to 100 percent) for the qualified health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Makes such deduction permanent. (Sec. 2003) Allows individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions. Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. (Sec. 2004) Eliminates the commonality of interest and geographic location requirements with respect to group purchasing by large tax-exempt organizations. (Sec. 2005) Revises and repeals provisions concerning continuation coverage requirements of group health plans upon implementation of this Act. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Acceleration of Death Benefits - Requires payment under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill to be treated as a death benefit, making such payment eligible for tax exclusion from gross income. (Sec. 2102) Provides that any reference to life insurance shall be treated as referring to a qualified terminal illness rider. Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions - Treats qualified long-term care services as medical care for purposes of the medical expense deduction. (Sec. 2202) Provides for the treatment of long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance. (Sec. 2301) Sets forth consumer protection provisions to be satisfied by qualified long-term care insurance contracts, including the model regulation and Act promulgated by National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Requires NAIC to promulgate standards for the use of uniform language and definitions in such policies, with certain variations permitted. Subtitle D: Enforcement Provisions - Amends part A (General Provisions) of Social Security Act title XI to establish the Health Insurance Coverage Data Bank to: (1) further the purposes of coverage requirements under this Act; and (2) collect certain information reported by employers about individual employee group health plan coverage for purposes of identifying and collecting from responsible third parties any amounts owed to reimburse Medicare or Medicaid for health care items and services furnished to their beneficiaries. (Replaces the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank.) (Sec. 2402) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose excise taxes on failures by employers and insurers to comply with provisions of this Act. (Sec. 2411) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make conforming changes regarding enforcement of employer failures. Title III: Quality Assurance and Simplification - Subtitle A: Quality Assurance - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with relevant agencies, to develop and publish standards for quality assurance programs and ensure that appropriate performance measures are established. Requires the standards to contain provider risk programs to prevent or provide early warning of practices that may result in injury. (Sec. 3002) Provides for the standardization of information through a national health data system. (Sec. 3003) Requires the Secretary to establish measures to determine quality of care in specialized centers of care. (Sec. 3004) Authorizes appropriations to examine the feasibility of creating an Agency for Clinical Evaluations by consolidating the responsibilities of specified other offices. (Sec. 3005) Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on factors affecting universal coverage and make recommendations for increasing such coverage. (Sec. 3006) Requires the Secretary to monitor the reinsurance market for qualified health plans and periodically report to the Congress on the financial implications. (Sec. 3101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research a clearinghouse for information and research data concerning clinical trials. Requires the appointment of a fund investigator for the Agency. (Sec. 3201) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the National Fund for Medical Research and provide for the designation of tax overpayments to such fund. Subtitle B: Administrative Simplification - Establishes a health care data interchange system to make data available on a uniform basis to all participants in the health care system. (Sec. 3302) Requires the Health Care Data Panel to develop regulations for the operation of an integrated electronic health care data interchange system. (Sec. 3304) Sets forth requirements for such system including: data and transaction standards, uniform working files, code sets, unique identifiers, standards for confidentiality, rules for the transfer of information, and periodic reviews. (Sec. 3313) Establishes the Health Care Data Panel and a National Health Informatics Commission to advise the Panel on its activities. Title IV: Judicial Reforms - Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform - Requires a qualified health plan to provide effective mediation procedures for hearing and resolving health care malpractice claims. (Sec. 4013) Requires each State to adopt an alternative dispute resolution method for the resolution of health care malpractice claims and consumer grievances. (Sec. 4021) Establishes provisions with respect to liability under health care malpractice actions brought in State or Federal courts. (Sec. 4022) Limits attorney contingency fees and award amounts for noneconomic damages. (Sec. 4024) Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for health care malpractice claims, except in the case of minors. (Sec. 4025) Requires each State to establish a set of specialty clinical guidelines. Allows the use of such guidelines as a rebuttable presumption in a claim or action, if the service provided was the appropriate standard of medical care. (Sec. 4026) Prohibits the award of punitive damages against the producer of a drug or device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 4027) Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the operation of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Requires the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services a program to control fraud and abuse under the universal health care plan. Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. (Sec. 4102) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the application of the penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud to all health care programs. (Sec. 4103) Requires the Secretary to establish a program through which Medicare-eligible individuals may report instances of suspected fraud under Medicare. (Sec. 4111) Revises current SSA title XI sanctions for fraud and abuse involving Medicare and State health care programs, with changes providing for: (1) program exclusion for individuals convicted of a felony relating to fraud or the unlawful manufacture or dispensing of a controlled substance; (2) new offenses under civil monetary penalty provisions, such as the offering of inducements to program-eligible individuals; (3) establishment of a minimum period of exclusion for practitioners and persons who fail to meet statutory obligations; (4) intermediate sanctions on eligible health maintenance organizations for program violations; and (5) procedures for imposing such sanctions. (Sec. 4121) Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting by each government agency and health care plan of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, and practitioners. Requires program information to be made available to the public for a reasonable fee. (Sec. 4122) Amends SSA title XI to require the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a listing of all final adverse actions taken during the quarter. (Sec. 4131) Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to: (1) defraud any health care plan in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits, items, or services (benefits); and (2) obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care plan or person in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits. (Sec. 4132) Directs the court, upon a finding that a Federal health care offense is of a type that poses a serious threat to the health of any individual or has a significant detrimental impact on the health care system, to order a person convicted of that offense to forfeit property that was used in the commission of the offense or that constitutes or was derived from proceeds traceable to the offense that is of a value proportionate to the seriousness of the offense. (Sec. 4133) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin a violation constituting a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 4134) Makes commission of a Federal health care offense a predicate to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 4141) Makes provisions of the Civil False Claims Act applicable to the use of false records or statements made to a health care plan. Includes within the definition of "claim" for purposes of such Act any request or demand for money or property which is made or presented to a health care plan. Subtitle C: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws - Exempts from the antitrust laws specified "safe harbor" activities related to the provision of health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of attorney fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt. (Sec. 4202) Lists as safe harbors specified: (1) activities relating to health care services of combinations of health care providers with market share below a specified threshold; (2) activities of medical self-regulatory entities relating to standard setting or enforcement activities not conducted for purposes of financial gain; (3) participation of a health care provider in a written survey of the prices of services, reimbursement levels, or the compensation and benefits of employees and personnel; (4) activities relating to health care joint ventures for high technology and costly equipment and services; (5) activities relating to hospital mergers; (6) joint purchasing arrangements; and (7) negotiations. (Sec. 4203) Directs the Attorney General to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors and to review and report to the Congress on proposed safe harbors. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes. (Sec. 4204) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth provisions regarding applications for, revocation of, and review of determinations regarding such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information. (Sec. 4205) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures. (Sec. 4206) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) review the safe harbors and certificates of review periodically; and (2) promulgate such rules, regulations, and guidelines as necessary to carry out provisions of this subtitle. (Sec. 4208) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy. Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of allotments to States for grants for community-based primary health services to low-income or medically underserved populations regarding infant mortality and referrals for the health management of infants and pregnant women. Earmarks for the allotments specified percentages of appropriations under certain provisions added by this Act. (Sec. 5002) Mandates grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities for providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by a FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the relationship and interaction between community health centers and hospitals in providing services to such populations. (Sec. 5003) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a nonrefundable credit for certain primary health services providers for mandatory service periods in health professional shortage areas; (2) exclude from gross income qualified loan repayments to the National Health Service Corps; (3) increase the dollar limitation allowed for expensing medical equipment used in rural health shortage areas; and (4) allow a deduction for student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas. (Sec. 5004) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 5005) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5006) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project and grant program to encourage the development and operation of rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5007) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on improving access to benefits under qualified health plans for individuals residing in rural areas. Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education - Requires the Secretary to provide for the establishment of demonstration projects to evaluate mechanisms to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice through funds otherwise available for direct graduate medical education costs under the Medicare program. (Sec. 5102) Allows funding under Medicare for training in nonhospital-owned facilities. (Sec. 5103) Increases authorized funding for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Authorizes funding through FY 1998. (Sec. 5104) Increases and extends through FY 1997 authorized funding for training for certain health service providers. Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services - Authorizes appropriations for a grant program to improve coordination of maternal and infant care. (Sec. 5202) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations to carry out a comprehensive school health education and prevention program for elementary and secondary school students. (Sec. 5203) Allows frontier States (including Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana) to implement proposals and participate in demonstration projects which give special consideration to their diverse needs. Title VI: Treatment of Existing Federal Programs - Subtitle A: Medicaid Program - Gives States the option of allowing the enrollment of Medicaid-eligible individuals (including a limited number of AFDC- and SSI-eligible individuals) in the standard benefit package under a qualified health plan, instead of enrollment in the State's Medicaid program. (Sec. 6001) Sets forth requirements for States exercising such option. Places a cap on Federal payments for acute medical services furnished under a State's Medicaid programs. (Sec. 6011) Discontinues reimbursement standards for inpatient hospital services. Revises the Federal medical assistance percentage for certain States. Modifies Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid. (Sec. 6021) Provides for waivers from requirements on coordinated care programs. Gives States the option to guarantee the continued Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled with risk contracting and other managed care entities. (Sec. 6031) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicaid hospital disproportionate share adjustment payments. Subtitle B: Medicare - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in qualified health plans; and (2) provide for a monthly payment to a qualified health plan on behalf of enrolled Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 6111) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OMBRA '90) to revise provisions for a modified payment methodology for risk contractors. (Sec. 6112) Requires the Secretary to provide for adjustment in Medicare capitation payments to take into account secondary payer status. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional payments to eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts. (Sec. 6121) Amends OMBRA '90 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States. Amends Medicare to revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with such a policy. (Sec. 6131) Makes specified changes with regard to monthly Medicare part B premium determinations for part B enrollees. (Sec. 6132) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for individuals with high income. (Sec. 6133) Makes permanent certain payment reductions relating to outpatient hospital services furnished under Medicare. (Sec. 6135) Imposes copayments for laboratory services and certain home health visits provided under Medicare. (Sec. 6137) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicare disproportionate share hospital payments. (Sec. 6138) Directs the Secretary to discontinue hospital reimbursements for costs relating to the recovery of bad debts. (Sec. 6139) Makes specified changes with regard to Medicare as a secondary payer. Title VII: Patient's Right to Self-Determination Regarding Health Care - Provides for the treatment of advance directives and other measures, including a study by the Secretary on issues relating to health care decisions by the patient, in addressing the patient's right to self-determination regarding health care.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1993
Youth Development Block Grant Act of 1993 - Establishes a youth development block grant program. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth formulas for allocation of funds to States and for distribution of funds through State commissions to local boards for community-based youth development services. Requires establishment of county or multicounty Local Youth Development Boards to receive such assistance. Requires establishment of a State Youth Development Commission in each State desiring to receive such assistance. Establishes a National Youth Development Commission to advise the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services on implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Eligible Shareholders of S Corporation Subtitle A: Number of Shareholders Subtitle B: Persons Allowed as Shareholders Subtitle C: Other Provisions Title II: Qualification and Eligibility Requirements for S Corporations Subtitle A: One Class of Stock Subtitle B: Elections and Terminations Subtitle C: Other Provisions Title III: Taxation of S Corporation Shareholders Title IV: Effective Date S Corporation Reform Act of 1993 - Title I: Eligible Shareholders of S Corporation - Subtitle A: Number of Shareholders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 35 to 50 the maximum number of shareholders of an S corporation (small business corporation). Allows members of a family to be treated as one shareholder. Subtitle B: Persons Allowed as Shareholders - Allows the following entities to be shareholders of S corporations: (1) certain tax-exempt organizations; (2) financial institutions that do not use the reserve method of accounting for bad debts; (3) nonresident aliens; and (4) certain small business trusts. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Extends the post-death qualification for certain trusts to be permitted as shareholders from 60 days to two years. Title II: Qualification and Eligibility Requirements for S Corporation - Subtitle A: Once Class of Stock - Allows an S corporation to issue qualified preferred stock. Permits financial institutions to hold safe harbor debt. Subtitle B: Elections and Terminations - Revises the rules on inadvertent terminations by certain trusts of the election to be an S corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to treat certain late elections as timely and to provide an automatic waiver procedure for certain inadvertent terminations. Expands the post-termination transition period until 120 days after a determination is made that the election had terminated in a prior year. Repeals excessive passive investment income as a termination event. Increases the tax imposed on such excessive income. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Permits an S corporation to own more than 80 percent of another corporation's stock. Repeals the requirement that partnership rules apply for fringe benefit purposes (making C corporation rules applicable). Provides for the treatment of distributions during loss years. Provides a consent dividend for S corporation elections to by-pass amounts in the accumulated adjustments account when making distributions. Eliminates the need to keep records of certain generally small amounts of earnings arising before 1983. Allows S corporations to make charitable contributions of inventory and scientific property. Title III: Taxation of S Corporation Shareholders - Treats losses on liquidations of S corporations as ordinary to the extent the loss created by ordinary income pass-through triggered the liquidation. Title IV: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective after December 31, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers primarily engaged in a farming-related business an investment tax credit for a percentage of: (1) the costs of agricultural environmental property; and (2) the amount allowed as a deduction for soil and water conservation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Equitable Escheatment Act of 1993 - Amends specified Federal law to prescribe guidelines under which unclaimed distributions of security interests shall be subject to the custodial taking (escheatment) by the State which contains the principal executive offices of either the issuer or the holder of those securities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal laws relating to the provision of health care; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include primary care services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in such definition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1993
Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines for both mandatory and discretionary exemptions from monetary transaction reporting requirements for depository institutions. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to: (1) submit an annual status report to the Congress on the consequent reduction in the overall number of currency transaction reports; (2) streamline currency transaction reports of little value for law enforcement purposes; and (3) assign a single designee to receive reports of suspicious transactions. Directs the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to each establish a pilot program to test the feasibility of using their own examiners to identify money laundering schemes involving depository institutions under their purview. Includes negotiable instruments drawn on foreign banks within the purview of monetary transactions subject to Federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Empowers Federal banking agencies to assess civil money penalties. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should: (1) establish uniform laws for licensing and regulating businesses which, although not depository institutions, engage in currency transactions; (2) provide sufficient resources for regulatory enforcement; and (3) develop a model statute to implement the regulatory scheme. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the States' progress towards developing a model statute. Sets forth Federal registration requirements for money transmitting businesses. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of such requirements. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on cashiers' checks in association with: (1) money laundering schemes; and (2) the need for additional recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1993
Worker Protection Warnings Act of 1993 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Labor to issue a final regulation establishing, as occupational safety and health standards, uniform warnings for personal protective equipment for occupational use. Requires such regulation to be issued within 12 months after enactment of this Act, meet certain conditions, and incorporate specified considerations. Preempts State and local law with respect to such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1993
Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1993 - Authorizes a State or a political subdivision to which a State has delegated authority, if conditions under this Act are met, to: (1) direct, limit, regulate, or prohibit the movement of municipal solid waste generated or imported within its boundaries; and (2) designate waste management facilities to which such waste shall be transported. Permits States or political subdivisions to exercise such authorities only if: (1) recyclable materials will be removed from the waste through separation at the source or at facilities unless the political subdivision in which the waste is generated is exempt from recycling requirements; and (2) the designated waste management facilities are not in violation of Federal and State environmental laws and regulations. Bars States or political subdivisions from prohibiting persons from selling, conveying, or arranging for the transportation of recyclable materials that have been separated from municipal solid waste.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1993
Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1993 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to establish within the Department of the Interior a program of Tribal Self-Governance. Authorizes up to 20 additional tribal participants each year. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into annual funding agreements with the governing body of each participating tribe. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the special treatment of livestock sold or involuntarily converted on account of drought conditions to livestock sold or converted because of drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs Title III: School Lunch and Related Programs Title IV: Program Integrity Title V: Effective Dates Better Nutrition and Health for Children Act of 1993 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) and the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to revise and reauthorize child nutrition programs. Title I: Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - Amends CNA to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for the special nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) (currently named the special supplemental food program for WIC). (Sec. 102) Increases funding and activities under the WIC breastfeeding promotion program. (Sec. 103) Expands the WIC farmers market program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promote use of farmers markets by recipients of Federal nutrition programs. Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs - Amends CNA to remove certain limitations on providing milk to low-income children. (Sec. 202) Eliminates the cost basis for the severe need reimbursement rate under CNA, if at least 40 percent of a school's students participating in the school lunch program under the NSLA are eligible to receive meals for free or at reduced prices. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to permit schools to offer low-fat yogurt (which may be required to be enriched) as a meat alternative in the school breakfast program. (Sec. 205) Extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for startup costs for school breakfast programs. (Sec. 206) Provides for: (1) expansion of school breakfast programs through competitive grants to States; and (2) increased payments for State administrative expenses under CNA and NSLA programs. (Sec. 208) Authorizes State agencies and school food authorities to establish more stringent rules and policies than the minimum Federal requirements under CNA and NSLA, including prohibiting or controlling sale of competitive (or junk) food throughout the school campus during the school day. Directs the Secretary to develop model language for banning sale of competitive foods of minimal nutritional value anywhere on school grounds before the end of the last lunch period. (Sec. 209) Adds several authorized uses of funds under nutrition education and training programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: School Lunch and Related Programs - Amends NSLA to require that school lunch program lunches offer students fluid milk, removing the requirement that there be a choice of both whole milk and unflavored lowfat milk. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to permit schools to offer low-fat yogurt (which may be required to be fortified) as a meat alternative in the school lunch program. (Sec. 303) Requires various reports by the Secretary to the appropriate congressional committees on increasing consumption of healthy foods in school lunches. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to assist States through grants and other means to provide information to parents on the importance of nutrition, including parent-student education and parent visiting of school breakfast and lunch programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 305) Revises income guidelines for free lunches to increase the numbers of eligible elementary school students. (Sec. 306) Allows State agencies or local food authorities to use a determination of eligibility of a child for free or reduced price meals to demonstrate the child's eligibility for benefits under other Federal, State, or local means-tested programs. (Sec. 307) Makes Head Start participants automatically eligible for free breakfasts and lunches under CNA and NSLA. (Sec. 308) Revises the formula for special assistance payments to consider the number of free meals served (currently only lunches are considered). (Sec. 309) Directs the Secretary to develop and make available public service advertisements that promote healthy eating habits for children. (Sec. 310) Establishes a program to encourage use of organically produced foods in school breakfast and lunch programs. Allows priority to be given to socially disadvantaged, very rural, or small-scale farmers or ranchers. (Sec. 311) Directs the Secretary to award annual grants to private nonprofit educational organizations in three States to create food and nutrition projects fully integrated with elementary school curricula. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 312) Revises the summer food service program for children, expanding or making it more flexible with respect to specified features. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 313) Reauthorizes the commodity distribution program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) improve overall nutritional quality of entitlement commodities provided to schools; and (2) require that nutritional content information labels be placed on packages or shipments of such entitlement commodities or otherwise provide such information. (Sec. 314) Revises the child and adult care food program. Allows expansion funds to be used for outreach to unlicensed day care homes. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for dissemination of Medicaid and WIC information in connection with such program. (Sec. 315) Makes a child automatically eligible for a free or reduced price meal supplement in afterschool care if already certified eligible for free or reduced price school breakfasts or lunches. (Sec. 316) Reauthorizes appropriations for demonstration projects to improve food service to homeless children under age six in emergency shelters. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 317) Establishes pilot programs, under the school breakfast and lunch programs, to increase: (1) offerings of fruits and vegetables; (2) consumption of low-fat dairy products and lean meats; and (3) use of fortified fluid milk, including an information program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 320) Requires that specified activities be conducted with assistance for food service management institutes and other institutions. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 321) Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the coordinated review system under NSLA. (Sec. 322) Requires revision of menu planning guides with respect to reduction of fat and saturated fat. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on compliance with such fat guidelines as well as those for dietary fiber, sodium, and sugar in school breakfast and lunch programs. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with a nongovernmental organization for an information clearinghouse for nongovernmental groups that assist low-income individuals or communities with food assistance or self-help or other empowering activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Program Integrity - Amends NSLA to set forth duties of the Secretary relating to anticompetitive activities under various child nutrition programs under CNA and NSLA, including debarment policy. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to State educational agencies and other State agencies that administer child nutrition programs for prevention and control of anticompetitive activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective dates.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1993
Condemns the attempted coup d'etat in Burundi and the murder of President Ndadaye. Commends: (1) the people of Burundi for their commitment to democracy; and (2) the Clinton Administration for its prompt condemnation of the October 21, 1993, coup and for the immediate suspension of foreign assistance to Burundi. Urges the people of Burundi to help end ethnic strife. Encourages them to continue their commitment to ethnic reconciliation and democracy. Calls upon: (1) the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to support the continuation of democracy and the end of ethnic strife in Burundi; and (2) the international community to assist the OAU in its efforts to strengthen democracy in Burundi and to address the humanitarian needs of Burundian refugees in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zaire.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Long-Term Care Provisions Title II: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions Secure Choice Act of 1993 - Title I: Long-Term Care Provisions - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a new Federal program to provide grants to States for furnishing long-term care assistance, which includes nursing facility as well as home and community based services, to eligible low-income functionally impaired individuals (including children) and their spouses under an approved State plan which provides for nominal cost-sharing, nondenial of care, and general freedom of provider choice. (Sec. 101) Allows the use of grants to enable each State to establish a Secure Choice Insurance Program that ensures access of residents to qualified long-term care insurance policies at special premiums which provide certain minimum benefits subsidized by Federal and State funding. Provides for: (1) maximum lifetime benefits after which policyholders may become eligible for assistance under the State plan above; and (2) portability in the case of qualified policies which are group policies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide that individuals eligible for services under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) which, effective upon the enactment of this Act, are provided under the new Federal program above shall continue to be eligible to receive such services in the same manner as previously provided; (2) establish, in collaboration with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and report to the Congress on, a system for collecting data on public and private long-term care services for making certain service-related predictions; (3) establish a new organizational unit to administer the new Federal program established above; and (4) submit to appropriate congressional committees a legislative proposal for such amendments as are required by this Act. (Sec. 103) Amends Medicaid to repeal provisions concerning home and community care for functionally disabled elderly individuals. (Sec. 104) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the appropriateness and adequacy of using the Federal medical assistance percentage used under Medicaid for payment of services provided under such new program. Title II: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an individual an itemized deduction for qualified long-term care services; (2) provide for the treatment of long-term care insurance or plans; (3) set forth specified consumer protection provisions to be satisfied by qualified long-term care insurance contracts, including the NAIC model Act; and (4) impose an excise tax on persons for failing to meet specified requirements for long-term care insurance policies, including certain requirements of the model Act and regulation and those involving disclosure. (Sec. 214) Requires NAIC to promulgate standards for the use of uniform language and definitions in such policies, with certain variations permitted.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Reform Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) - Title I: Legislative Reform - Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character (excluding resolutions of ratification of a treaty) to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to prepare such economic analyses. Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations - Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking or promulgates a final rule, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000566_200.jpg)