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 · 12 March 1992
Specialty Steel Voluntary Restraint Agreement Extension Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) extend the voluntary restraint agreements for specialty steel through March 31, 1995; and (2) ensure that the import ceilings negotiated should not exceed those levels in place as of March 31, 1992. Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to extend such Act through March 31, 1995, unless the President submits a certain affirmative annual determination to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) an appropriate commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Mariana Islands campaign of World War II should be planned; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior should take steps to ensure by June 15, 1994, the completion of a visitor center at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Guam, and one at the American Memorial Park, Saipan, for the interpretation of the campaign. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such parks.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1992
Declares that the Congress: (1) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1992; (2) salutes the vision and dedication of those Americans who planned and participated in this heroic battle; (3) reveres the memory, bravery, and spirit of those who fought and perished in it; and (4) honors the sacrifices and devotions of those gallant men who fought in such battle and who, in a single master stroke, reversed the tide of war in the Pacific.
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 · 20 February 1992
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add sulfanilic acid to the list of import-sensitive articles that may not be designated as articles eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
American Automobile Labeling Act - Requires manufacturers of new automobiles to affix, in a prominent place, on each automobile manufactured after 1992, a label indicating: (1) the percentage (by value) of U.S. automobile equipment on it; (2) the percentage (by man-hour) of labor performed by U.S. workers in assembling it; and (3) the name of any country, other than the United States, where at least one-third of the automobile equipment (by value) in it originated. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1992
Medicare Outpatient Diabetes Education Coverage Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of outpatient education services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for individuals with diabetes.
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 · 5 February 1992
Trade Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the method of determining the exporter's sales price, for purposes of assessing antidumping duties, to include reduction for reasonable profits from selling the particular merchandise under investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from deducting indirect selling expenses (as an offset of the exporter's expenses) from foreign market value. Revises the authority of the administering authority and the International Trade Commission (ITC) to make proprietary information available to interested parties to antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigations under a protective order. Authorizes an interested party to apply to the U.S. Customs Court for an order directing the ITC to make such information available to the party if the ITC denies its request for information about the domestic price or cost of production of a like product. Declares that "downstream dumping" means a course of conduct in which a product is routinely used as a significant part in the manufacture of merchandise subject to an antidumping duty investigation and such product is purchased at a price that: (1) is lower than the generally available price of the product in the country of manufacture; or (2) is lower than the price at which the product would be generally available in the country of manufacture but for the artificial depression of such generally available price by reason of any subsidy or other sales at below foreign market value. Requires the administering authority to include the amount attributable to the downstream dumping in calculating the amount of any antidumping duty on such merchandise. Requires the administering authority to consider, when deciding whether to impose an antidumping duty on imported merchandise, any determination that an industry producing a product used in the manufacture of such merchandise has been materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of such an industry in the United States has been materially retarded. Redefines "interested party" to include manufacturers of the product that is used in the manufacture or production of a like product. States that a "resource input subsidy" exists if: (1) (a) a product is provided or sold by a government-regulated entity for input use within such country at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the input product and is not freely available to U.S. producers; and (b) a product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the merchandise in or for which the input product is used; or (2) under specified circumstances, the right to remove such product is provided by that country's government. Sets forth the method of calculating the amount of a resource input subsidy. Requires injury determinations by the ITC to be made in all countervailing duty investigations relating to the existence of resource input subsidies. Includes in the definition of "subsidy" (for antidumping and countervailing duty purposes) any resource input subsidy. Requires benefits that would constitute a countervailable subsidy to be treated as a subsidy if provided to an enterprise or industry, or group of enterprises or industries, in a nonmarket economy country. Sets forth the method for determining the amount of such subsidy. Revises factors to be considered by the ITC with respect to imports subject to an antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigation. Revises provisions regarding mechandise that is assembled in the United States or other foreign country with foreign imported parts which is the subject of an antidumping or countervailing duty order. Amends such antidumping provision of the Unfair Competition Act of 1916 to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or related importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the court jurisdiction of such an action to the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, to compensatory damages, and legal expenses (currently, treble damages and legal expenses). Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the ITC that dumping exists. Authorizes the court to: (1) issue subpoenas to be enforced in any judicial district; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Allows any person who is injured in his or her business or property by the fraudulent, grossly negligent, or negligent entry or introduction of merchandise into U.S. commerce to bring a civil action in the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade, without respect to the amount in controversy. Entitles a person prevailing in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, compensatory damages, and legal expenses. Permits the United States to intervene in an action under this Act as a matter of right. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the Congress on the antidumping and countervailing duty program. Prescribes the contents of such report. Title II: Adjustment to Import Competition - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize a petitioner for import relief to consult with the ITC (currently, the United States Trade Representative (USTR)) before submitting to it a plan to facilitate positive adjustment to import competition. Revises the method by which the ITC makes "substantial cause" and "affected domestic injury" determinations to add other specified factors that it must consider with respect to whether an article is being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry. Revises factors the ITC must take into account when recommending action to relieve the industry from such injury and help it make a positive adjustment to import competition. Prohibits an investigation for import relief from being initiated with respect to articles that have been given relief under an orderly marketing agreement. Directs the President to take necessary (currently, "appropriate and feasible") action to implement ITC recommendations and determinations with respect to facilitating efforts by a domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Eliminates a specified presidential report to the Congress. Eliminates the requirement of congressional approval by joint resolution for implementation of action recommended by the ITC in cases where the President takes action different from that recommended by it, or where no action will be taken with respect to the domestic industry. Authorizes the ITC (currently, President) to negotiate orderly marketing agreements with foreign countries, and, after such agreements take effect, suspend or terminate any action it had previously taken. Makes similar changes with respect to the reduction, modification, and termination of import relief action. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the President (who is currently, merely authorized) to sell import licenses at public auctions, when taking action to facilitate efforts of an affected domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Title III: Unfair International Trade Practices - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the ITC (currently, USTR) to make certain determinations and take certain actions to enforce U.S. rights being denied under any trade agreement, and to eliminate any act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable, or discriminatory to U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to report the results of consultations with foreign countries under investigation to the ITC. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to consult with interested persons, including holding a public hearing if requested, and to obtain advice from appropriate advisory committees before making such determinations. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to publish such determinations in the Federal Register. Requires the ITC to transmit notice of such determinations to the President. Requires the President, upon an affirmative determination with respect to a foreign country, to impose duties or other import restrictions on the goods of, and fees or restrictions on the services of, such foreign country. Directs the President (currently, USTR) to implement action the ITC (currently, USTR) determines to take to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to take specified actions if it makes an affirmative determination with respect to export targeting by a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to monitor implementation of each measure taken, or agreement entered into, by a foreign country to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to determine what further action it shall recommend to be taken (currently, what action to take) if, on the basis of such monitoring, it considers that a foreign country is not satisfactorily implementing such measure or agreement. Authorizes the ITC (currently, USTR) to modify or terminate trade relief action if the burden or restriction on U.S. commerce of the denial of rights under a trade agreement, or of the acts, policies, and practices of a foreign country, that are the subject of such action has increased or decreased. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR), upon the request of any person, to make available to such person information (other than confidential information) concerning: (1) the nature of the unfair trade practice or policy of the foreign country involved; (2) U.S. rights under any trade agreement and the remedies which may be available under such agreement and under the U.S. laws; and (3) past and present domestic and international proceedings with respect to such policy or practice. Directs the ITC (currently, USTR) to issue regulations concerning the filing of petitions and the conduct of investigations and hearings with respect to actions for trade relief under this section. Requires the USTR to identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities no later than September 30 of each calendar year (currently, no later than 30 days after a specified report is to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees in calendar years 1989 and 1990). Adds the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives as committees that the USTR must report to about such priorities. Requires any of a specified number of congressional committees to file a petition with respect to import barriers and market distorting practices of foreign countries whenever that committee determines (by adopting a resolution) that an investigation should be initiated. Requires the ITC to take specified trade relief action if it determines that a priority practice constitutes an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to provide an explanation in cases where an estimate of barriers to foreign market access (National Trade Estimates) is not feasible. Authorizes an interested person to file with the USTR a request for a review to determine whether a foreign country is in compliance with any trade agreement it has with the United States. Requires the USTR to make certain determinations and to take specified actions with respect to a foreign country's noncompliance with an agreement. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Imports - Authorizes any interested party to file with the United States Committee for Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) a petition to correct market disruption. Requires CITA, upon receiving a petition, to determine whether to commence an investigation to determine whether a product subject to such petition has been or is being imported in such quantities as to cause a market disruption. Requires CITA, if it decides to commence an investigation, to notify the USTR and the Congress. Requires CITA, if a call for consultation is issued about the article concerned, to correct the market disruption by imposing quotas on the importation of such product unless the USTR has negotiated an appropriate bilateral agreement with the exporting country. Directs the Customs Service to monitor all imports covered by such agreement and to deny entry to any that exceed the limits set in it. Prohibits an article from being entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption in a U.S. customs territory unless an import license has been issued by the Customs Service. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Urges the President to propose to the United Nations Economic and Social Rights Committee that the Convention for the Rights of the Child, which is to be submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations, include a worldwide ban on trade in products of child labor (employment of children under 15). Requires the Secretary of Labor to make periodic reviews to identify any foreign country that: (1) is not enforcing prohibitions against the use of child labor in the production of products within such country; and (2) is on a continuing basis exporting such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary of Labor requesting that a particular foreign country be so identified. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from permitting the entry of any product from such country during the effective identification period. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Makes it unlawful for any person during such period to attempt to enter any product from such country. Sets forth civil penalties. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth congressional findings and policies with respect to the manufacture of products by forced labor in foreign countries. Prohibits: (1) the transport of such products (except products vital to national security) in interstate commerce; and (2) U.S. nationals from investing in, or making loans to, a foreign joint venture involving the use of forced labor. Sets forth civil penalties. Authorizes any person to whom prohibited products have been offered for purchase, or in reasonable likelihood will be offered for purchase, or any public interest group or human rights organization, to commence a civil suit in U.S. district court to: (1) enjoin any persons, including the U.S. Government or any other governmental entity, from violating such prohibitions; or (2) compel the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce such prohibitions. Authorizes actions to be brought in district court for the award of treble damages as a result of such violations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should terminate the bilateral textile agreement between the United States and China, prohibit further imports of textiles and apparel from there, and redistribute to Mexico and Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary countries China's textile and apparel quota entitlements. Directs the President to negotiate limits on automobile imports from Japan equivalent to the limits set by the European Community with respect to automobile imports from Japan. Title V: Negotiating Authority - Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions authorizing the President to proclaim modification or continuance of existing duties, continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties with respect to the negotiation of trade agreements regarding unfair trade barriers by foreign countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal provisions relating to congressional procedures with respect to bills implementing trade agreements on nontariff barriers and resolutions approving commercial agreements with Communist countries. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions relating to: (1) congressional "fast track" procedures with respect to the implementation of trade agreements regarding tariff and nontariff barriers; and (2) bilateral trade agreements regarding such barriers. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the National Trade Council which shall advise the President with respect to the integration of national and international policies relating to trade so that the President and Federal agencies can cooperate more effectively in matters involving international trade. Requires the Council to appoint specified advisory committees. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require Federal agencies to include an environmental impact statement in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other countries on trade or other matters. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the inclusion of representatives of environmental, consumer, and health and safety interests on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, specified general policy advisory committees, and certain sectoral or functional advisory committees. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to prohibit for three years any multiple customs law offender from: (1) introducing or attempting to introduce foreign goods into U.S. commerce; and (2) engaging or attempting to engage any other person to introduce, on such offender's behalf, foreign goods into U.S. commerce. Provides for identifying such multiple offenders. Sets the penalty for violations of such prohibition. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to prohibit the Board from establishing manufacturing subzones unless it finds that establishment of such a subzone will result in: (1) significant net public benefits, taking into account significant adverse effects; (2) additional substantial exports from the United States; (3) the encouragement of activity related to import displacement or substitution; (4) the generation of employment and investment in the United States; (5) no negative effect on a remedial action or program instituted by the United States to counter an international unfair trade practice; and (6) no material harm to an existing U.S. industry. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating any article as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) if such article is determined by the ITC (currently, President) to be import-sensitive in the context of the GSP. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the President or the head of a Federal agency to include in every recommendation or report made to the Congress on legislation a statement of the impact of such legislation on U.S. competitiveness in foreign or domestic markets. (Currently, such statement is required only on legislation which may affect the ability of U.S. firms to compete in domestic and international commerce.) Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to repeal a provision relating to congressional disapproval of presidential action to adjust imports of petroleum that threaten to impair national security. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to provide that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if such principal holds at least 50 percent equitable ownership in such person. Replaces references to: (1) "agent" with "representative"; and (2) "propaganda" with "promotional material." Requires representatives of foreign principals engaging in private and nonpolitical activities who are relying on exemptions to registration requirements to notify the Attorney General. Prescribes civil penalties for violations with respect to registration statements. Establishes within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice a section to enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, provisions of the Federal criminal code added by this Act, and all other laws relating to lobbying activities in the United States. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the President, Vice President, specified Federal officials, members of the uniformed services, and Members of the Congress, for specified time periods after such persons' service as officials has ceased, to act as agents or attorneys for compensation, in matters in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest for: (1) a foreign government or political party; (2) a person outside of the United States, unless such person is a U.S. citizen; or (3) a combination of persons organized under the laws of, or having its principal place of business in, a foreign country. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to the extent such official is engaging only in: (1) the soliciting or collecting of funds to be used for specified humanitarian assistance; (2) activities in furtherance of religious, charitable, scholastic, or scientific pursuits or of the fine arts; or (3) activities in furtherance of an international organization of which the United States is a member. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this title. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to implement the ITC's recommendations for trade relief in response to an affirmative determination of market disruption from imports of a foreign country. (Currently, authorizes the President to take such action only with respect to imports from countries to which such determination has been made.) Repeals provisions relating to: (1) market disruption from imports from Communist countries; and (2) the filing of petitions requesting the President to initiate consultations under bilateral commercial agreements providing for nondiscriminatory treatment to products of countries that have been denied such treatment because of a finding of market disruption. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate as committees to which the ITC, when requested, must make available certain information, investigations, and reports with respect to unfair trade practices by foreign countries. Adds specified factors to be considered in determining the "transaction value" and "computed value" of imported merchandise with regard to the imposition of customs duties on such products.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) play a strong and active role in cooperating with other governments to prepare for a successful United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (set to convene in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992); (2) seek to develop specific and effective international agreements to enhance global environmental protection and encourage the use of sustainable development practices for signature at the Conference; and (3) support specified global environmental conservation efforts, including an international convention to reduce the threat of global climatic change, acceleration of international efforts to reduce (and ultimately phase out) the emission of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, and development of a schedule for the adoption of a reform system of national accounting that reflects full environmental costs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Recognizes and commemorates the centennial of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Requests the President to issue a proclamation observing the centennial from January 1 through December 31, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) acknowledging the cooperation of the Soviet and now Russian authorities in providing records and personal effects of Raoul Wallenberg to his family; (2) requesting that the President, through diplomatic discussions with the Government of the Russian Federation, pursue an investigation into the whereabouts and fate of Raoul Wallenberg; and (3) requesting that the results of such investigation be made public.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Definitions - Trade Enhancement Act of 1992 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to access to Japanese markets by U.S. manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Title II: Merchandise Trade Deficit Reduction - Sets forth annual merchandise trade deficit reduction targets with respect to Japan's trade deficit with the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to compute annually whether the target has been met for each year, and if it has not, to publish in the Federal Register the import and production restriction implementation period for such year. Authorizes the Secretary to impose temporary quantitative import restrictions on Japanese or Japanese-related motor vehicles (foreign motor vehicles) entered during the first three months of the calendar year following the year for which such computation is made. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that representatives of the United States and Japan should continue discussions regarding measures, to be selected by the Japanese Government, to achieve the merchandise trade deficit reduction targets. Urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during such discussions to address market access priorities for U.S. exports to Japan. Title III: Import and Production Restrictions to Be Implemented If Trade Deficit Reduction Target Not Met - Directs the Secretary to compute for calendar years 1993 through 1999 quantitative import restrictions on foreign motor vehicles and domestic motor vehicle production restrictions for transplanted Japanese-related auto manufacturers, except such computations are not required for calendar years 1997 through 1999 if trade deficit reduction targets for calendar years 1992 through 1996 are met. Sets forth civil penalties. Requires each person that has one or more motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts manufacturing facilities within the United States to certify to the Secretary whether it is a domestic vehicle or parts manufacturer or a transplanted Japanese-related vehicle manufacturer. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the Secretary's authority to obtain information and data; and (2) enforcement of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Sets forth provisions with respect to the enforcement and judicial review of such penalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on implementation of this Act. Title IV: Negotiations and Other Actions - Requires the USTR to enter into negotiations with Japan to enter into a bilateral agreement that: (1) provides a phased-in increase in the use by transplanted motor vehicle manufacturers of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to the point where such parts constitute 60 percent or more of the total parts used in the production of such vehicles; and (2) eliminates those aspects of the Japanese automotive distribution system that affect the access of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to Japanese markets. Directs the USTR to enter into negotiations with representatives of the European Community, Japan, and the governments of other major vehicle-producing countries to enter into multilateral agreements that rationalize world-wide market access and production of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Considers acts, practices, and policies of Japan (including, but not limited to, acts, policies, and practices utilized in the Japanese automotive distribution system known as "Keiretsu") that affect the access of manufacturers of domestic motor vehicle parts to the Japanese market as being unjustifiable and burdensome or restrictive to U.S. commerce, according to the Trade Act of 1974. Adds to response authority under such Act authority to increase the percentage of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts used in the production of motor vehicles for purposes of the qualification of Japanese manufacturers as domestic vehicle manufacturers. Specifies certain objectives to be included in negotiations with Japan if the USTR decides to take action with respect to such practices. Requires the USTR to make certain estimates with respect to the percentage of the Japanese market that is accounted for by domestic motor vehicle parts manufacturers. Directs the Secretary to commence an antidumping duty investigation under the Tariff Act of 1930 to determine whether imports or sales (or the likelihood of sales) of Japanese motor vehicle parts to the United States warrant the imposition of antidumping duties. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) "Keiretsu" operations in the United States are in compliance with the internal revenue laws, particularly those relating to transfer pricing; and (2) the Internal Revenue Service is auditing such operations. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to classify for the purposes of tariff treatment certain light trucks as motor vehicles for the transport of goods.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1991
1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Social Security Service Preservation Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), and the Budget Enforcement Act of 1991 to exclude social security administrative expenses from the budget. Exempts such expenses from sequester. Sets forth baseline amounts for FY 1992 through 1996 for such expenses. Provides for decreasing the discretionary spending limit for the domestic category for FY 1992 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Physician Assistant Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for physician assistants at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by physician assistants in health professional shortage areas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide increased Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives (practitioners) at 97 percent of the physician fee schedule amount for services performed without regard to location or practice setting. Provides for bonus payments for services provided by such practitioners in health professional shortage areas. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who is a registered nurse and is licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the clinical nurse specialist services are performed and holds a master's degree in a defined clinical area of nursing from an accredited educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should closely examine the proposed sale of 40 percent of McDonnell Douglas' commercial aircraft division to the Taiwan Aerospace Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Petroleum Marketing Competition Enhancement Act - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a refiner from: (1) selling motor fuel to a customer for resale (customer) at a price higher than the refiner's adjusted retail price for the same or similar grade or quality of motor fuel sold from a direct operated outlet in the same geographic area (sale of fuel at higher prices); and (2) entering into a scheme or agreement to set, change, or maintain maximum retail prices of motor fuel, except with respect to a refiner's retail sales at its direct operated outlets. Requires that: (1) in comparing a refiner's price charged to a customer to a refiner's adjusted retail price, adjustments be made to account for differences in freight, taxes, and inspection fees, whether or not the items are separately listed as part of the price; and (2) if a refiner includes consumer credit as part of the price, an adjustment for the cost of such credit be made in comparing the prices. Sets forth enforcement provisions, including: (1) proceedings by the Attorney General (establishes fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for each violation, and authorizes civil actions, equitable and other relief); (2) private civil actions (including class actions, and establishes a right to jury trial); and (3) proceedings by State attorneys general. Allows a person bringing an action to enforce provisions concerning the sale of fuel at higher prices to establish a prima facie case by showing that the refiner has sold motor fuel to a customer at a price that is higher than: (1) 94 percent of its consumer retail price per gallon (or, in the event of a sale to a branded wholesaler, 90 percent); or (2) the refiner's consumer retail price per gallon minus the most recently available average retail operating expenses per gallon (and, in the event of a sale by a refiner to a branded wholesaler, also minus the most recently available average wholesale operating expenses per gallon for the State in which the consumer retail price was charged). Specifies that: (1) the average retail and average wholesale operating expenses shall be obtained from the annual survey conducted by the relevant State, or if the State has not conducted such survey, the annual survey conducted by the Secretary of Energy (pursuant to this Act); and (2) the prima facie case may be overcome by a preponderance of evidence that the refiner's actual retail and the actual wholesale operating expenses, if applicable, are less than the average operating expenses presented by the plaintiff to establish the prima facie case. Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual survey to determine the average retail and average wholesale operating expenses per gallon for the petroleum industry. Permits a State or State agency to authorize an annual State survey to reflect local conditions with respect to motor fuels sold to the public in the State. Directs that a survey regarding: (1) actual retail operating expenses be based on all direct and indirect expenses attributable to the sale of a gallon of motor fuel to the public by direct and nondirect operated outlets; and (2) wholesale operating expenses be based on all direct and indirect expenses attributable to the wholesale sale of a gallon of motor fuel by a refiner or a branded wholesaler to a branded dealer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Establishes a Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States' Democratic Party to coordinate ceremonial events and related activities during 1992. Requires the Commission to submit periodic reports and a final one to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro tempore of the Senate on its activities. Terminates the Commission on February 13, 1993, unless otherwise provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the annual cap on the amount of payment for outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy services under (Medicare) part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Urges the President to renew the Voluntary Restraint Agreement with Japan and Taiwan for an additional five years in order to continue to protect national security and ensure industrial competitiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Urges and requests the President to require the Secretary of the appropriate military department to award the bronze star to each member of the Navy or Marine Corps who served under General Wainwright during the defense of Corregidor Island, the Philippines, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Reforestation Tax Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide corporations a partial inflation adjustment for the deduction from gross income for qualified timber gain. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Provides for applying passive loss limitations to timber activities. Increases the amount allowable as a deduction for amortization of reforestation expenditures and provides an inflation adjustment after calendar year 1992. Applies such inflation adjustment to the reforestation credit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission Act of 1991 - Establishes the Emergency Commission on Airline Consumer Protection and Competition to: (1) assess and report to the President and the Congress on the state of the airline industry, particularly the full implications of foreign ownership of U.S. carriers; and (2) recommend Government policies to improve the competitive environment, retard the flow of carrier bankruptcies and accompanying loss of jobs, assure continued ownership and control of U.S. carriers by U.S. citizens, promote adequate levels of competition and service with reasonable fares in all geographic areas of the Nation, and stabilize the work environment of airline industry employees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1991
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to redefine the term "citizen of the United States" to include a corporation or association in which at least 25 percent (currently, 75 percent) of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to authorize foreign investment in U.S. air carriers in excess of 25 percent of the voting interest of such carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1991
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to redefine the term "citizen of the United States" to include a corporation or association in which at least 25 percent (currently, 75 percent) of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens. Permits the Secretary of Transportation to authorize foreign investment in U.S. air carriers in excess of 25 percent of the voting interest of such carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise provisions with respect to the composition and terms and qualifications of members of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Requires procedures established by the Board of Review of the Airports Authority to include requirements for the selection of a Board Chairman. Subjects the following Airport Authority actions to review by the Board: (1) annual plans for the issuance of bonds; (2) the award of approved contracts (other than a contract for the transfer of revenue bonds); (3) approval of terminal design or airport layouts; and (4) the authorization for the acquisition or disposal of land and a grant of a long-term easement. Removes Airport Authority actions for the acquisition of land from such review. Sets forth provisions with respect to congressional approval or disapproval of Airport Authority actions. Establishes a new Board of Review for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years. Establishes special rules for such investments. Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain. Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Authorizes the Air Force Association to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000725_200.jpg)