United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1993
Family Preservation and Child Protection Reform Act - (Sec. 3) Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to convert the Child Welfare program from an authorization to a capped innovative family services entitlement program. Requires maintenance of State effort under such program. Sets forth a new formula for allotments to States under such program. Requires States to use funds to provide respite care to any family operating a foster family home for one or more foster children with special needs. Requires the use of entitlement grants to develop or expand specialized child welfare services programs for families in crisis due to substance abuse. (Sec. 4) Reserves funds for grants to State court systems to assess and improve procedures in child welfare cases. (Sec. 5) Requires each State to periodically compile a detailed directory of programs designed to keep families together or reunify them or place children permanently, identifying which of such programs provides specialized child welfare services to families in crisis due to substance abuse. (Sec. 6) Requires States to inventory all children placed in foster care and determine the appropriate action in each case. Requires States to set up information and case review systems for each child receiving foster care, as well as specified service programs for all such children. (Sec. 7) Requires States to report on measures taken to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. (Sec. 9) Allows the involvement of private parties in the development of State plans. (Sec. 10) Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to add a new part C, Comprehensive Service Projects to grant States flexibility and resources to develop comprehensive and coordinated services. Authorizes demonstration projects for the coordination of child and family services. (Sec. 11) Makes children whose adoption has been set aside by a court eligible for discretionary foster care maintenance payments. Makes eligible for adoption assistance payments the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made. (Sec. 12) Expands the definition of children with special needs, for purposes of the adoption assistance program. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Advisory Committee on Foster Care Placement to study and report to the Secretary and the Congress on reasonable State efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of children from their homes and to make it possible for foster children to return home. (Sec. 14) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction for adoption expenses paid for a child with special needs. (Sec. 15) Requires the State plan to provide for a periodic reevaluation of foster care maintenance payments. (Sec. 16) Revises requirements for dispositional hearings to determine the final status of a foster child, in part to accelerate such hearings. (Sec. 18) Revises certain case plan requirements for placement of children in out-of-State foster care, including special State reports on such placements. (Sec. 19) Revises certain requirements for the treatment of assets of youth participating in the independent living program. (Sec. 20) Eliminates the ceilings on Federal foster care payments to States and the States' authority to transfer unused foster care funds to the Child Welfare Services program. (Sec. 21) Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) issue final regulations for training of staff of agencies responsible for administering foster care and adoption assistance programs and for training of foster and adoptive parents. Requires the Secretary to publish a model staff recruitment, training, and staff retention program for State and local child welfare agencies. (Sec. 23) Provides for grants for child welfare traineeships. (Sec. 25) Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to add a new part G, Child Welfare Review System. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish such system to: (1) review each State child welfare program to assess whether the requirements of such Act are being carried out; (2) impose financial penalties in cases of substantial failure to comply; and (3) provide technical assistance to any such program. (Sec. 26) Requires the Secretary to establish a work group to advise on the planning and implementation of the system to be used for the collection of data relating to adoption and foster care. (Sec. 27) Requires the Secretary to conduct, through contracts with independent research organizations, the following research and evaluation projects; (1) foster care evaluations; (2) longitudinal child welfare data bases; and (3) studies of child welfare population dynamics. Requires the Secretary to study child separation practices in at least three States and develop appropriate separation guidelines. (Secs. 28-30) Directs the Secretary of HHS to conduct certain demonstration projects with respect to child welfare, independent living services for young adults, and home rebuilding for children released from foster care. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Commission on the Evaluation of Disability in Children. (Sec. 32) Amends part A of title XI of the Social Security Act to overturn certain limitations in Suter v. Artist M. on private enforceability of State plan requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safety and Health Programs Title II: Safety and Health Committees and Employee Safety and Health Representatives Title III: Coverage Title IV: Occupational Safety and Health Standards Title V: Enforcement Title VI: Protection of Employees from Discrimination Title VII: OSHA Training and Education Title VIII: Recordkeeping and Reporting Title IX: NIOSH Title X: State Plans Title XI: Victims' Rights Title XII: Construction Safety Title XIII: Administration Title XIV: Effective Date Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) with respect to occupational safety and health programs, committees, employee representatives, coverage, standards, enforcement, antidiscrimination, training and education, hazard and illness evaluation, State plans, and victims' rights. Title I: Safety and Health Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends OSHA to establish requirements for each employer to set up and carry out a written occupational safety and health program that includes specified methods and procedures. Title II: Safety and Health Committees and Employee Safety and Health Representatives - (Sec. 201) Amends OSHA to require each employer of 11 or more employees (each for 20 or more hours per week) to provide for: (1) health committees; and (2) employee safety and health representatives. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), upon the employer's application, to approve establishment of an alternative method of employee participation in worksite health and safety activities in a manner at least as effective as committee participation, if such alternative mechanism meets specified conditions. (Sec. 202) Provides for employee participation in the Secretary's inspections of workplaces. Title III: Coverage - (Sec. 301) Revises the OSHA definition of employer to extend OSHA coverage to States and local government employees. (Sec. 302) Directs the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives to establish a comprehensive occupational safety and health program meeting specified OSHA and other requirements. (Sec. 303) Applies OSHA to employment performed in Federal nuclear facilities under the control or jurisdiction of the Department of Energy. (Sec. 304) Extends an employer's duties under OSHA to all employees working at the place of employment (even if they are not the employer's employees). Title IV: Occupational Safety and Health Standards - (Sec. 401) Specifies timeframes and procedures for setting OSHA standards. (Sec. 403) Requires each OSHA standard to prescribe requirements for recording or reporting work-related adverse medical conditions determined as a result of medical examinations or test. (Sec. 404) Requires public disclosure of all communications on OSHA standards with parties outside the Department of Labor, including those with executive branch officials (except the President). (Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) acting through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to modify and establish exposure limits for toxic materials and harmful physical agents on a regular basis in a specified manner. (Secs. 406 and 407) Directs the Secretary to promulgate final standards: (1) on exposure monitoring and medical surveillance programs; and (2) on ergonomic hazards to protect employees from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. (Sec. 408) Requires that emergency temporary standards: (1) be issued based on the best available evidence; and (2) remain in effect for no more than 18 months (currently six months). (Sec. 409) Directs the Secretary to issue, within 60 days, an interim final regulation reducing permissible exposure limits to toxic substances, including a specified final rule on air contaminants and a proposed rule on air contaminants for construction, agriculture, and maritime. Title V: Enforcement - (Sec. 501) Provides that time spent by an employee in accompanying the Secretary's representative on an OSHA inspection shall be deemed hours worked, with no loss of wages, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employent. (Sec. 502) Requires the Secretary to notify employees or their representatives, within 30 days after receipt of their request for inspection, of the Secretary's determination that there no reasonable grounds to believe a violation or danger exists. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to make a special inspection upon notification by any Federal or State agency of reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of OSHA or specified safety and health standards exists that threatens physical harm. (Sec. 504) Directs the Secretary to carry out a special emphasis inspection program for conducting inspections of industries or operations where existing hazards or newly recognized or new hazards introduced into work sites warrant more intensive than normal inspections. (Sec. 505) Requires the Secretary to investigate any work-related death or serious incident resulting in hospitalization of two or more employees. Requires the employer to: (1) notify the Secretary of any death or serious incident occurring in a place of employment covered by OSHA; and (2) prevent the destruction or alteration of evidence that would assist in an investigation. (Sec. 506) Revises provisions for abatement of serious hazards during employer contests to a citation. (Sec. 507) Grants employees the right to contest a citation's designation of the character of a violation or any proposed penalties as inadequate. (Sec. 508) Grants employee representatives the right to participate in other proceedings (as well as hearings) conducted under specified OSHA enforcement procedures. (Sec. 509) Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission's rules of procedure to provide for prompt notice to affected employees or their representatives if the Secretary intends to withdraw or modify a citation as a result of any agreement with the employer. Grants employees or their representative, regardless of whether they have previously elected to participate in the proceedings, the right to object to modifications or withdrawals of citations. (Sec. 510) Revises OSHA provisions for restraining imminent dangers. Grants employees the right to refuse to perform a duty identified as the source of an imminent danger, and prohibits discrimination against them for such refusal. Specifies a civil penalty against an employer for each day during which an employee continues to be exposed. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary to issue citations and assess penalties for violations of specified OSHA provisions relating to: (1) inspections, investigations, and recordkeeping; (2) safety and health programs; (3) safety and health committees; and (4) construction plans and programs. (Sec. 512) Revises OSHA criminal penalties to subject to them not only the employer but also certain officers, management officials, and supervisiors. Increases the maximum amount of fines and length of prison terms for specified violations. Establishes criminal penalties for a willful violation that causes serious bodily injury (currently, death only). Prohibits a penalty or fine imposed on a director, officer, or agent of an employer from being paid out of the employer's assets. Provides that nothing in OSHA shall preclude State and local law enforcement agencies from conducting criminal prosecutions. (Sec. 514) Directs the Secretary to establish an effective system for targeting inspections of worksites, with priority given to those with a high potential for death, serious injury, or exposures to toxic materials or harmful physical agents. (Sec. 515) Provides for the vacating of specified citations for violations if the employer demonstrates that certain conditions involving adequate employee training and work rule enforcement have been met. Title VI: Protection of Employees from Discrimination - (Sec. 601) Extends OSHA antidiscrimination coverage to employees: (1) reporting any injury, illness, or unsafe condition to the employer, employer's agent, safety and health committee, or employee safety and health representative; and (2) refusing to perform duties when reasonably apprehensive that doing so would result in serious injury to themselves or other employees, after having sought and been unable to obtain from the employer corrections of the circumstances causing such refusal. Revises procedures for consideration of discrimination complaints. Revises remedies. (Sec. 602) Requires the Secretary's regulations to include provisions requiring employers to post employee rights protections under such OSHA antidiscrimination provisions. Title VII: OSHA Training and Assistance - (Sec. 701) Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate curricula, model programs, and other information and materials to assist employers in complying with OSHA standards and requirements for safety and health programs, employee training and education, and safety and health committees. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide technical assistance and consultative services concerning worksite safety and health to employers and employees. Requires targeting of such assistance and consultation at small employers, high hazard worksites, and high hazard industries. Directs the Secretary to award: (1) grants for regional or State safety resource councils or centers; and (2) excellence awards to employees and other organizations. (Sec. 702) Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund, the OSHA Assistance Fund, to pay for such programs. Directs the Secretary to impose fees to offset program costs. Title VIII: Recordkeeping and Reporting - (Sec. 801) Requires the Secretary to collect information and conduct analyses identifying: (1) industries, employers, processes, operations, and occupations, with a high rate of injury or illness; (2) factors that cause or contribute to injuries and illnesses; (3) workers' compensation costs associated with injuries and illnesses; and (4) employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents. Directs the Secretary to require each employer covered by OSHA to report: (1) each work-related death of an employee immediately upon knowledge; and (2) each serious incident resulting in hospitalization of two or more employees within 24 hours of the incident. (Sec. 802) Revises OSHA requirements for employer records and reports to include work-related illnesses reported by an employee or an employee's physician, unless the employer makes a reasonable determination that the illness is not work-related. (Sec. 803) Requires all such employer records and reports to be made available to the Secretary, the Secretary of HHS, employees, and employee representatives. Title IX: NIOSH - (Sec. 901) Requires NIOSH hazard to evaluation reports to evaluate whether any potentially hazardous condition or harmful physical agent found in the place of employment poses a risk to exposed employees. (Sec. 902) Directs the Secretary of HHS to identify major factors contributing to occupational injuries and deaths through accident investigations and epidemiological research. (Sec. 903) Extends the authority of the Secretary of HHS, and of NIOSH, to inspect records to the Secretary's designees and contractors. (Sec. 904) Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a national surveillance program to identify cases of occupational illnesses, deaths, and serious injuries. (Sec. 905) Establishes NIOSH as a separate agency within the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of HHS. (Sec. 906) Includes education programs for employees and members of safety and health committees under NIOSH training provisions. Title X: State Plans - (Secs. 1001 and 1002) Revises OSHA requirements for State plans to provide for: (1) development of safety and health programs and safety and health committees and training programs that are at least as effective as those under the new OSHA requirements; and (2) reporting requirements, protection of employee rights, and access to information that are at least as effective as those under OSHA or other Federal laws governing access to information related to OSHA. (Sec. 1003) Requires a State to enforce a Federal OSHA standard until a State standard at least as effective is in effect, if a State fails to adopt or promulgate such a standard within six months after the Federal standard is promulgated. (Secs. 1004 and 1005) Sets forth requirements and procedures for the Secretary of Labor to: (1) investigate complaints against a State's compliance with and enforcement of the State plan; and (2) take corrective action against such State noncompliance. (Sec. 1006) Requires States operating State safety and health plans to conform them to this Act. Title XI: Victims' Rights - (Sec. 1101) Provides for victims' rights under OSHA, including family members as well as the injured employee. Title XII: Construction Safety - Construction Safety, Health, and Education Improvement Act of 1993 - (Sec. 1203) Amends OSHA to establish in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (the Administration) an Office of Construction Safety, Health, and Education (the Office). Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to: (1) identify construction employers with high rates of fatalities or lost workday injuries or illnesses or with patterns of noncompliance with health and safety requirements; (2) develop a system for notifying such employers; (3) establish courses and curricula for training OSHA inspectors an other OSHA employees with construction safety and health duties; (4) establish model compliance programs and assist employers, employees, and their representative organizations in setting up their training programs; and (5) establish a toll-free line on which reports, complaints, and notifications required under OSHA may be made. Establishes within the Administration the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Construction. (Sec. 1203) Establishes requirements for construction safety and health plans and programs, involving construction employers and designated project constructors and coordinators. (Sec. 1204) Directs the Secretary to establish an effective targeting system for general schedule construction inspections. Directs the Secretary to require constructors to report promptly any incident involving construction work that results in a fatality, an injury or illness causing two or more hospitalizations, or a structural failure or fire or explosion which caused or could have caused serious bodily injury to employees. (Sec. 1206) Expands the advisory jurisdiction of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (the Committee). (Sec. 1207) Requires any State construction safety and health plan to contain requirements at least as effective as those imposed by the Act and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. (Sec. 1208) Establishes in OSHA a Construction Safety and Health Academy to train OSHA employees who conduct construction worksite inspections, and others the Secretary considers appropriate. (Sec. 1209) Considers a project constructor an employer for specified OSHA enforcement purposes. (Sec. 1210) Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress annually on the construction industry and after three years on whether the office should be continued or a Construction Industry Safety and Health Administration should be established in the Department of Labor. (Sec. 1211) Directs the Secretary to recommend to specified congressional committees any legislative changes required to make safety records (including records of compliance with Federal safety and health laws and regulations) one criterion considered in the awarding of Federal construction contracts. Title XIII: Administration - (Sec. 1301) Establishes an Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Title XIV: Effective Date - (Sec. 1401) Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) furthers a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1993
Local Exchange Infrastructure Modernization Act of 1993 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to exercise its authority to: (1) preserve and enhance universal telephone service at reasonable rates; (2) achieve universal availability of advanced network capabilities and information services; (3) assure a seamless nationwide distribution network through joint network planning, coordination, and service arrangements between and among local exchange carriers (LECs); (4) maintain high standards of quality for advanced network services; and (5) assure adequate communication for the public health, safety, defense, education, national security, and emergency preparedness. Defines "local exchange carrier" for purposes of such Act. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations that require: (1) joint coordinated network planning, design, and cooperative implementation among all LECs in the provision of public switched network infrastructure and services; (2) development of standards for interconnection between the LEC public switched network and others by appropriate standard-setting bodies; and (3) a LEC to share public switched network infrastructure and functionality with requesting LECs which serve a geographic area for which they lack economies of scale or scope for the particular required network functionality.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Taxpayer Advocate Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions Title III: Interest Title IV: Joint Returns Title V: Collection Activities Title VI: Information Returns Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees Title IX: Other Provisions Title X: Form Modifications; Studies Subtitle A: Form Modifications Subtitle B: Studies Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Title I: Taxpayer Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayer Advocate, headed by the Taxpayer Advocate, to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayer Advocate. Replaces the Office of the Ombudsman with the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Revises the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to: (1) allow the Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to act within a specified time period; and (2) require the Secretary to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking certain actions). Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Grants certain taxpayers the right to an installment agreement for the payment of tax liability less than $10,000. Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for, or termination of, installment agreements. Title III: Interest - Authorizes the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the unreasonable error or delay of an IRS act. Extends from ten to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Title IV: Joint Returns - Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. Removes limitations on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Title V: Collection Activities - Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary to provide a copy of such notice of withdrawal to the taxpayer and, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. Requires prior notification to the taxpayer that the taxpayer is under examination and an explanation of the process, with exceptions. Increases the dollar limit on the recovery of civil damages for unauthorized collection actions. Revises provisions with respect to a designated summons concerning the standard of review and notice requirements for issuance. Title VI: Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. Requires the Secretary, in any court proceeding where a taxpayer asserts a reasonable dispute with respect to income reported on an information return filed by a third party and the taxpayer has fully cooperated with the Secretary, to present reasonable and probative information concerning such deficiency in addition to such return. Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Establishes preliminary notice requirements for failure to pay tax. Declares that a person shall not be liable for any penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax if such person: (1) is not a significant owner or highly compensated employee of the trade or business; (2) notifies the Secretary within ten days after such failure; (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure; and (4) such failure is not a part of a plan to defraud the Government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty; and (2) ensure that IRS employees are aware of their responsibilities under the tax depository system, the circumstances under which they may be liable for penalties, and reporting responsibilities. Exempts unpaid, volunteer board members of tax-exempt organizations who do not have actual knowledge of the failure on which such penalties are imposed from collection penalties. Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Authorizes a taxpayer who substantially prevails on a claim to file a motion for an order requiring the disclosure of all information and copies of relevant records in the possession of the IRS regarding such taxpayer's case and the substantial justification for the position taken by the IRS. Increases the limit on attorney fees. Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Title IX: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) treatment of substitute returns under section 6651 (relating to failure to file a tax return or to pay tax); (2) prospective application of Treasury Department regulations; and (3) required notice to the taxpayer of payments that the Secretary cannot associate with any outstanding tax liability of such taxpayer. Authorizes a taxpayer to bring a civil damage suit against the United States if any U.S. officer or employee intentionally compromises the determination or collection of any tax due from an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), or enrolled agent representing a taxpayer in exchange for information conveyed by the taxpayer for purposes of obtaining advice concerning tax liability, except where conveyed for the purpose of perpetrating a fraud or crime. Title X: Form Modifications; Studies - Subtitle A: Form Modifications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) take steps to ensure that taxpayers are aware of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code permitting payment of tax in installments, extensions, and compromises of tax liability; (2) provide improved procedures for taxpayers to notify the Secretary of changes in names and addresses; and (3) include in the IRS publication entitled "Your Rights As a Taxpayer" a section on the rights and responsibilities of divorced individuals. Subtitle B: Studies - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a one-year pilot program for appeals of enforcement actions to the Appeals Division of the IRS; (2) study ways to assist the elderly, physically impaired, foreign-language speaking, and other taxpayers with special needs to comply with the internal revenue laws; and (3) report to the tax-writing committees on the IRS's taxpayer-rights education program and on all cases involving complaints about misconduct of IRS employees. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct: (1) a study on IRS efforts to notify taxpayers of tax deficiencies; and (2) annual studies of the accuracy of 25 of the most commonly used IRS forms, notices, and publications.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1993
Deficit Reduction Through Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Termination Act of 1993 - Prohibits appropriated funds from being available for use on the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor program, except a specified amount that may be used in terminating the program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993
Small Business Credit Availability Act of 1993 - Establishes the Venture Enhancement and Loan Development Administration for Smaller Undercapitalized Enterprises (Velda Sue) as a Federal instrumentality to: (1) develop uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards for qualified loans; (2) determine the eligibility of certified poolers to contract with Velda Sue for specific mortgage pool guarantees; and (3) provide timely repayment guarantees of the principal and interest on certain qualified obligations. Authorizes Velda Sue to: (1) set conditions under which it will guarantee qualified obligations and securities; and (2) issue securities based on certain pooled interests in qualified obligations. Limits the amount of Velda Sue obligations and guarantees which may be outstanding at any one time. Precludes the Secretary of the Treasury from approving any such obligations or guarantees if issuance would impair the financial safety or soundness of Velda Sue. Directs Velda Sue to issue certification and eligibility standards for secondary marketing for loan poolers. Limits certification to a five-year maximum period. Prescribes the percentages of obligations of poolers which Velda Sue shall guarantee. Directs the Board of Directors to establish standards governing the composition of each loan pool during the period in which Velda Sue guarantees are effective. Outlines the minimum standards for qualified loan pools. Directs Velda Sue to establish fees based upon the risk incurred in providing financial assistance or guarantees for: (1) qualified loans; and (2) securities issued by a qualified loan pooler. Prescribes maximum fee guidelines. Directs the Comptroller General to report annually to the Congress regarding Velda Sue's fee schedule and collection. Grants the Secretary general regulatory power over Velda Sue activities. Requires Velda Sue to publish annual financial status reports. Declares that for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, neither securities nor guarantees issued by Velda Sue shall be deemed to be a government security. Authorizes Velda Sue to issue obligations to the Secretary solely for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations. Authorizes appropriations. Confers original jurisdiction upon the Federal district courts for all civil actions to which Velda Sue is a party. Directs the Comptroller General to perform a financial audit of Velda Sue. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase obligations of Velda Sue, up to a specified amount, after Velda Sue has sold the minimum amount of required common stock. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) a common or contract carrier from knowingly delivering in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm to a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector unless the carrier identifies and maintains a record of the identity of the recipient; and (2) a person from selling or otherwise disposing of a firearm or ammunition if he or she has reasonable cause to believe that the recipient is acquiring the firearms or ammunition to commit a crime of violence. Increases license applicaton fees for firearms dealers. Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to approve or deny an application for a license to deal in firearms or ammunition within 45 days and related requirements. Adds as a requirement for approval of such a license that the business to be conducted under the license not be prohibited by the applicable State or local law and that the applicant has complied with all requirements of applicable State and local law. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect the inventory and records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector without reasonable cause or warrant to ensure compliance with firearms-related recordkeeping requirements (currently, limited to not more than once during any 12-month period). Requires each licensee to: (1) report the theft or loss of a firearm within 24 hours after it is discovered to the Secretary and appropriate local authorities; and (2) respond immediately to, and in no event later than 24 hours after receipt of, a request by the Secretary for information contained in required firearms records for determining the disposition of a firearm. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that importers, manufacturers, and dealers in firearms include a photograph and fingerprints with their initial applications for registration.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Medicaid Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 1993 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide federally reimbursed Medicaid coverage of alcoholism and drug dependency residential treatment services for pregnant women whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level and for their Medicaid-eligible children and spouses. Lists the required services included in such coverage. Requires that such coverage continue for at least 12 months, except in certain circumstances, such as where the coverage of pregnant women must continue for one year following the end of pregnancy. Limits the size of a residential treatment facility. Allows a State agency to grant exceptions to such limit. Prohibits the facility from being licensed as a hospital. Caps the number of nationwide beds for which Federal assistance may be provided under such residential treatment programs. Increases such annual bed cap for calendar years 1994 through 1998. Addresses treatment needs of pregnant addicted Indian and Alaska Native women in Indian Health Service areas.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the low-income housing credit permanent. Modifies provisions concerning unused housing credit carryovers by States to allow States to carry over more unused credits from year to year. Provides that a unit shall not fail to be treated as low-income because it is occupied by students or persons enrolled in job training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to waive: (1) any recapture of credit (required to be included in tax) in the case of any de minimis error in complying with tests for qualified low-income housing projects; or (2) any annual recertification of tenant income if the entire building is occupied by low-income tenants. Determines the adjusted basis of any building (for purposes of the low-income housing credit) by taking into account the adjusted basis of the property used in community activity facilities if: (1) such facilities are designed to serve individuals meeting income requirements for the housing project; and (2) not more than 20 percent of the aggregate eligible basis of all buildings in the project is attributable to the aggregate basis of such facilities. Applies at-risk rules to low-income housing credit property that also qualifies for the historic site rehabilitation credit and to qualified lenders. Adds conditions prohibiting discrimination against Section 8 tenants for purposes of meeting extended low-income housing commitments required to receive credits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendment to the Securities Act of 1933 Title II: Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940 Small Business Incentive Act of 1993 - Title I: Amendment to the Securities Act of 1933 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5 million to $10 million the size of small business offerings that are exempt from the registration requirements of the Act. Title II: Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exclude from its definition of "investment company" any issuer all of whose securities are held by certain investors whom the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has determined possess such financial sophistication, net worth, and other specified factors as not to need the protections of such Act. Empowers the SEC to define such "qualified purchasers." Sets forth conditions under which certain business and industrial development companies that are already subject to regulation by the State in which they are organized are exempt from the regulatory constraints of such Act. Increases to $10 million the maximum aggregate amount of proceeds that certain interstate closed-end investment companies may receive from the sale of their outstanding securities and still retain their exempt status under such Act. Expands the definition of "eligible portfolio company" to include any company which does not have total assets in excess of $4 million and capital and surpluses in excess of $2 million. Declares that a "business development company" is not required to make available significant managerial assistance with respect to any eligible portfolio company or any other company that meets certain SEC criteria. Permits a business development company to: (1) include within its mandatory asset threshold the securities of any eligible portfolio company; (2) acquire the securities of an eligible portfolio company from persons other than such portfolio company itself; (3) issue multiple classes of debt without restriction; and (4) issue warrants, options, or rights to subscribe or convert to voting securities either alone or accompanied by debt or equity securities. Provides conditions under which a business development company may: (1) have a minimum asset coverage of 110 percent; and (2) issue or sell any class of senior security representing indebtedness. Requires a business development company to file with the SEC a written evaluation of the risk factors involved in investment due to the nature of the company's capital structure.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Vietnam Women's Memorial Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue silver coins emblematic of the Vietnam Women's Memorial sculpture. Requires all surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be used for: (1) an endowment for the Memorial; (2) education and research concerning veterans and their families; and (3) the identification and documentation of women who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam era. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this coin program shall be self-sustaining and administered to result in no net cost to the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Wool and Mohair Federal Support Program Elimination and Deficit Reduction Act of 1993 - Repeals the National Wool Act of 1954 (eliminating wool and mohair price supports).
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993
Live Performing Artists Labor Relations Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to permit employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established (pre-hire agreements). Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services. Provides that nothing in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed as affecting the treatment of individuals (as employees or independent contractors) covered by such labor law amendments for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code or any other laws.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1993
Deficit Reduction Through Space Station Freedom Termination Act of 1993 - Terminates funding for the United States International Space Station Freedom Program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1993
Expresses the sense of the Senate that neither the President nor the Congress should impose fees, levies, or diversion requirements on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Investment Adviser Oversight Act of 1993 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission to establish fees to recover the costs of: (1) enhanced efforts to register all persons required to be registered under the Act; and (2) enhanced supervision and regulation of investment advisers and their activities. Requires advisers to pay such fees at the time of filing an application for registration. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) suspend the registration of an investment adviser who has failed to make timely fee payments; (2) reinstate such registration upon payment of the fee if the suspension was based solely on failure to pay it; and (3) require, by rule, an adviser to file any required fee, application, report, or notice through any person the Commission designates and to pay reasonable filing costs. Authorizes the Commission to require by rule that registered advisers be bonded against larceny and embezzlement. Directs the Commission to study: (1) the availability of fidelity bonds for large and small-scale investment advisers and advisers located in non-urban areas; and (2) the impact of this Act's bonding requirements upon the competitive position of small-scale investment advisers. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify authorization, compensation disclosure, and Commission rule compliance requirements under which a member of a national securities exchange may avoid certain managed account restrictions and effect any transaction for an account with respect to which the member or an associated person exercises investment discretion. (Thus enabling exchange members to execute on the floor of an exchange any trades for accounts they manage, without the involvement of an independent floor broker.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Government Securities Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal the termination date for the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to regulate government securities transactions by brokers and dealers (thereby permanently extending it). Authorizes the appropriate regulatory agency to issue sales practice rules and regulations for any broker or dealer to prevent fraudulent or manipulative practices and to promote equitable principles of trade if the Secretary determines that such rulemaking would not adversely affect the liquidity or efficiency of the Government securities market or impose unnecessary burdens upon competition. Authorizes registered securities associations to adopt and implement sales practice rules regarding government securities for the same purposes. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to consult with the Secretary before approving a proposed rule filed by a registered securities association. Prohibits Government securities dealers or brokers who are not members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) from executing any securities transactions in contravention of SEC rules regarding disclosure to customers of the non-insured status of their accounts with respect to SIPC. Expands the definition of "appropriate regulatory agency" to designate as the appropriate agency: (1) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the case of an uninsured State branch or State agency of a foreign bank, or a corporation organized or having a specified kind of agreement with the Board; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the case of an insured State branch of a foreign bank. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, the SEC, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to monitor and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of private sector efforts to disseminate Government securities price and volume information. Prohibits a government securities dealer, broker, bidder, or purchaser from knowingly or willingly making false or misleading written statements with respect to any bid or purchase of such securities (including the omission of necessary facts which results in such a statement).
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit (until the Attorney General certifies that a national instant criminal background check system (System) is established pursuant to this Act) any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling, delivering, or transferring a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the individual, the transferor has received a statement of eligibility from the individual, verified the identity of such individual, provided notice of the contents, and transmitted a copy of the statement to the chief law enforcement officer (chief) of the place of residence of the individual within one day after the individual furnishes the statement; and five business days have elapsed from the date the transferor furnished notice of the contents of the statement to the chief, during which period the transferor has not received information from the chief that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual would be in violation of Federal, State, or local law or has received notice from the chief that the chief has no information indicating that such receipt or possession would violate such law; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the chief, issued in the past ten days, stating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to such individual or such individual's family; (3) the individual has presented to the transferor a permit to possess a handgun that has been issued in the past five years by the State in which the transfer is to take place under a State law which requires law enforcement verification of the individual's legal qualification to possess a handgun; (4) State law requires that an authorized government official verifies that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the purchaser would be unlawful, with exceptions; (5) the Secretary of the Treasury has approved the transfer under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; or (6) the Secretary has certified, on application of the transferor, that compliance with the notice requirement is impracticable for specified reasons. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish the System; (2) expedite the upgrading and indexing of State criminal history records in the Federal criminal records system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the development of hardware and software systems to link State criminal history check systems into the System, and the current revitalization initiatives by the FBI for technologically advanced fingerprint and criminal records identification; and (3) ensure the privacy and security of System information. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of justice system improvement formula grants for the improvement of State record systems and the sharing with the Attorney General of specified records for the purpose of implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Limited Partnership Rollup Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to revise proxy solicitation rules with respect to limited partnership rollup transactions (in which general partners combine several limited partnerships into one unit that trades on a stock exchange, or a single limited partnership is reorganized so that some or all of the investors receive new securities or securities in another entity). Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prescribe proxy rules to: (1) permit dissenting shareholders in a proposed rollup to contact, without filing soliciting material with the SEC, other limited partners before the transaction date in order to determine whether to solicit proxies, consents, or authorizations in opposition to the proposed transaction; (2) require the issuer to provide a shareholder (limited partner) with a list of all limited and general partners involved in the proposed rollup; (3) prohibit the direct or indirect payment of any person providing solicitation services (a broker-dealer) on the basis of whether the solicited proxies, consents, or authorizations either approve or disapprove the proposed transaction, or the transaction is approved or completed; (4) require the rollup soliciting material to be clear, concise, and understandable and summarize all effects of the proposed transaction, its risks, conflicts of interest, changes in voting rights and ownership interests, dissenters' rights, and any report received by the general partner that is prepared by an outside party and is materially related to the rollup transaction; and (5) give each shareholder at least 60 days to review the soliciting material. Authorizes the SEC to grant exemptions from these requirements. Excludes transactions involving certain kinds of limited partnerships from the meaning of limited partnership rollup transaction. Requires the rules of a national securities association to prevent association members from participating in any rollup transaction unless it protects specified rights of dissenting limited partners. Requires a national securities exchange to prohibit the listing of any security resulting from a rollup transaction, and the rules of a national securities association to prohibit the authorization for quotation on an association-sponsored automated interdealer quotation system of any security the SEC designates as a national market system security resulting from a rollup transaction, unless such dissenters' rights were provided for.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993
Child Support Tax Equity Act of 1993 - Declares that nothing in this Act should be construed to affect the right of an individual or State to receive child support payments or the obligation of an individual to pay child support. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonbusiness bad debt deduction for unpaid child support payments. Allows such deduction to taxpayers whose gross income does not exceed $50,000 and who are owed payments of at least $500. Requires payments to be delinquent during the entire taxable year. Provides a cost-of-living adjustment for amounts under this Act. Requires subsequent payments to be included in the gross income of the recipient. Requires any taxable unpaid child support payments of a taxpayer to be treated as amounts includible in gross income by reason of the discharge of indebtedness of the taxpayer. Allows a deduction for subsequently made payments.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993
Undercharge Equity Act of 1992 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize persons against whom a claim is made by a motor carrier of property (other than a household goods carrier) or by a nonhousehold goods freight forwarder for the collection of rates or charges in addition to the rates or charges originally collected by such carrier or freight forwarder to elect to satisfy such claim pursuant to a specified formula upon showing that: (1) the carrier or forwarder is no longer transporting property or is transporting property for the purpose of avoiding application of this Act; and (2) with respect to such claim, the person was offered a rate or charge other than the one legally on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), the person tendered freight to the carrier or forwarder in reasonable reliance upon the offered transportation rate or charge, the carrier or forwarder did not properly or timely file with the ICC a tariff providing for such rate or charge or failed to execute a valid contract for transportation services, such rate or charge was collected by the carrier or forwarder, and the carrier or forwarder demands additional payment of a higher rate or charge filed in a tariff. Requires disputes regarding the aforementioned to be resolved by the court in which such claim is filed or by the ICC. Authorizes persons against whom the additional rate or charge for shipments is being sought to elect to satisfy by paying a certain formulated amount. Shortens the statute of limitations for the filing of claims: (1) by a motor common carrier for recovery of transportation or service charges; and (2) by a person to recover overcharges by a motor carrier. Permits motor carriers and shippers to resolve by mutual consent, subject to ICC review and approval, any overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to properly and timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993
Small Business Loan Securitization and Secondary Market Enhancement Act of 1993 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to define a "small business related security" (SBRS) as generally a high rated security that represents and is secured by promissory notes evidencing and that provides for payments of principal in relation to payments on the notes. Provides that SBRSs shall be exempt from: (1) certain restrictions in the margin and securities delivery rules; (2) certain restrictions on borrowing on securities by and lending among, brokers, dealers, and other members of national securities exchanges; and (3) certain prohibitions on the extension of credit by members of exchanges, brokers, and dealers against a security which was part of a new issue. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and related statutes to allow banks, credit unions, and other depository institutions to invest in SBRSs. Amends the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 to: (1) authorize any U.S. person or entity to invest in SBRS, to the same extent such person is authorized to invest in U.S. obligations issued; and (2) exempt SBRSs from any State law's security registration and qualification to the same extent that U.S. securities are so exempt. Provides for States to enact provisions prescribing specific requirement for SBRSs. Requires the accounting principles applicable to the transfer of a small business loan with recourse contained in reports or statements required by appropriate Federal banking agencies to be uniform and consistent with generally accepted accounting principles. Prohibits the amount of capital required to be maintained by a depository institution with respect to the sale of a small business loan with recourse from exceeding an amount sufficient to meet the institution's reasonable estimated liability under the recourse arrangement. Requires an SBRS to be treated as a mortgage-backed security under the risk-based capital requirements applicable to insured depository institutions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to exclude transactions involving SBRSs from certain restrictions and taxes imposed on "prohibited transactions" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (thereby allowing pension fund managers to participate in the pooling and packaging of small business loans for sale as securities). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations providing for the taxation of a small business loan investment conduit and the holder of an interest therein in a manner similar to the taxation of a real estate mortgage investment conduit and the holder of an interest therein under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income: (1) 50 percent of the gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock, other than seed capital stock, held for more than five years; plus (2) an applicable percentage (from 50 to 100 percent) from the sale or exchange of such stock which is seed capital stock 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 · 16 February 1993
Interstate Banking and Branching Act of 1993 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (the Board) to approve applications by adequately managed and capitalized bank holding companies or subsidiaries to: (1) acquire banking interests across State lines; and (2) establish new banks across State lines. Permits a bank holding company to consolidate or merge its subsidiary banks (if the host State so permits). Amends Federal banking law to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to approve interstate branching applications by national banks that are adequately managed and capitalized. Provides for State election to permit or prohibit interstate branching in express statutory language. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit interstate branching by insured State banks, subject to host State restrictions. Permits: (1) a host State's supervisory authority to examine such guest banks to determine compliance with its laws; (2) State compliance enforcement proceedings; (3) interstate cooperative agreements to facilitate State regulatory supervision; and (4) concurrent Federal regulatory authority over interstate banks. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to set forth evaluation guidelines for branches of interstate banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to permit interstate banking operations by foreign banks. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to set forth guidelines for the use of names by interstate banks.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold and silver coins emblematic of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Establishes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior for Memorial-related purposes and to provide educational scholarships to the immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty whose names appear on the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct joint spectrum planning meetings. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) identify bands of frequencies that may be reallocated to commercial users; and (2) establish a related advisory committee. Directs the FCC to submit to the President and the Congress a plan for the distribution of the reallocated bands of frequencies under this Act. Authorizes the President to reclaim reallocated bands of frequencies for reassignment to Government stations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Boston Harbor Wastewater Treatment Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for constructing wastewater treatment works for areas served by the Authority. Limits the Federal share of such grants to 75 percent of construction costs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration Act of 1993 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to absolve municipalities or other persons of liability (other than to the President) for claims of contribution or other response costs for the generation, transportation, or arrangement for the transportation, treatment, or disposal of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge. Authorizes eligible persons (defined as persons against whom administrative or judicial actions are brought, or to whom notice is given of potential liability, for activities involving municipal solid waste or sewage sludge) to settle their liability with the President. Requires final settlements to: (1) allocate to all activities for the management of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge a combined maximum of four percent of the total response costs for the facility; (2) require eligible persons to pay only equitable shares of the maximum percentage; (3) limit payments based on inability to pay, litigative risks, and other equitable factors; (4) permit in-kind services with regard to response actions in lieu of cash contributions; (5) limit a publicly owned treatment works' payments if it has promoted the reuse of sewage sludge through land application; and (6) be reached even if a person is liable under other CERCLA provisions. Authorizes the President to provide a covenant not to sue to persons who have entered into settlements. Absolves such persons of liability for contributions or other response costs for matters addressed in settlements. Reduces others' potential liability by the amount of a settlement, but bars discharging potentially responsible parties unless the settlement so provides. Applies settlement provisions to municipalities or treatment works who engage in municipal solid waste or sewage sludge management activities occurring 36 months after this Act's enactment date only if the eligible person is a: (1) municipality and a qualified household hazardous waste collection program has been operating while such waste was collected and disposed; or (2) treatment works in compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Makes this Act retroactively effective to all actions commenced before this Act's effective date unless a final court judgment or approval of a settlement agreement has been granted.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993
Authorization for Use of United States Armed Forces in Somalia - Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces to implement United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 794 which authorizes the use of all necessary means to establish a secure environment for humanitarian relief operations in Somalia. Declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) consult with the Secretary General of the UN and with the other member countries of the Security Council to ensure that peacekeeping forces from other UN countries continue to be deployed in Somalia to maintain a secure environment and to allow U.S. armed forces to transfer the mission to a UN-led force at the earliest possible date; (2) ensure that U.S. armed forces serving in Somalia are permitted to take all reasonable measures to protect themselves; and (3) submit a report to the Congress providing an assessment of the costs of Operation Restore Hope. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to jointly submit to the Congress a report on the introduction and commitment of U.S. armed forces into combat situations in Somalia and elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1993
Preventing Our Federal Building Workers and Visitors From Exposure to Deadly Smoke (PRO-FEDS) Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue guidelines for enforcing a nonsmoking policy at Federal agencies. Requires such policy, at a minimum, to prohibit smoking in each portion of a Federal building that is not ventilated separately. Directs the heads of Federal agencies, the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, and specified entities of the legislative branch to adopt such a nonsmoking policy. Authorizes agencies to petition for a waiver from the general requirements if extenuating circumstances prevent enforcement and such agencies make a good-faith effort to enforce an alternative policy that will protect individuals from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Requires Federal agencies in which a labor organization has been accorded bargaining unit recognition to engage in collective bargaining to ensure implementation of requirements that affect work areas predominantly occupied by the organization's members. Exempts such work areas from the nonsmoking policy if the bargaining unit and the Federal agency have a collective bargaining agreement that includes provisions relating to smoking privileges that are in violation of this Act's requirements. Terminates such exemption on the earlier of the first expiration date of the agreement or one year after the date of issuance of the guidelines. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance to Federal agencies and other persons who request it. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish an outreach program informing the public of the dangers of environmental tobacco smoke; (2) establish an Environmental Tobacco Smoke Advisory Office within the EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air; and (3) report to the Congress on compliance with this Act and an assessment of the legal status of smoking in public places.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1993
Preventing Our Kids From Inhaling Deadly Smoke (PRO-KIDS) Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue guidelines for enforcing a nonsmoking policy at indoor facilities where children's services are provided. Requires such policy, at a minimum, to prohibit smoking in each portion of such a facility that is not ventilated separately. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance to persons who provide children's services and other persons who request it. Authorizes persons who make a good-faith effort to enforce a nonsmoking policy that meets requirements to petition their funding Federal agency for a waiver from the general requirements. Sets forth conditions for granting waivers, including that the person requesting the waiver will make a good-faith effort to enforce an alternative nonsmoking policy to protect children. Provides for special waivers for persons who provide children's services pursuant to certain collective bargaining agreements. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Exempts from this Act's requirements registered persons providing children's services in a private residence to grandchildren, nieces, or nephews. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on information concerning compliance with this Act and an assessment of the legal status of smoking in public places.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1993 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - (Sec. 102) Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 103) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. (Sec. 104) Sets forth: (1) an annual, graduated rental fee schedule based upon the number of diligence years following location of the claim; and (2) a forfeiture procedure for failure to pay. (Sec. 105) Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 per violation of mining claim fraud. (Sec. 107) Prohibits the issuance after January 28, 1993, of patents for mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 108) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain provisions of the Act of July 23, 1955, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 109) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal laws: (1) the Surface Resources Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - (Sec. 201) Prescribes surface management guidelines for mineral activities and reclamation, including a mandatory plan of operations. Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses. Requires the Secretary to establish reclamation standards. (Sec. 202) Requires the Secretary to inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with statutory directives. Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil penalties for non-compliance. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 203) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, water or air quality, which either meet or exceed Federal standards, shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 204) Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Grants any person with an interest that may be adversely affected by potential mineral activities the right to petition the Secretary for a suitability review. (Sec. 205) Identifies categories of lands which are not open to the location of mining claims under this Act (including wilderness, wild and scenic river, and related lands). Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - (Secs. 301 and 302) Establishes the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities. (Secs. 303-306) Sets forth: (1) State eligibility requirements; and (2) Fund allocation and expenditure guidelines for grant distribution among eligible States. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 401) Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement specified minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to establish user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 404) Sets forth guidelines for a three-year transitional period during which the holder of an unpatented mining or mill site claim may elect to convert it or risk its forfeiture. (Sec. 406) Prescribes guidelines under which a mining claim may be challenged. (Sec. 410) Sets a minimum royalty amount of eight percent of the gross income from the production of locatable minerals from any mining claim located under this Act, payable to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the U.S. delegation should make every effort to advance at the United Nations a proposal for establishment of an international criminal court with jurisdiction over crimes of an international character. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a detailed report on developments relating to, and U.S. efforts in support of, the establishment of such court.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993
Antiprogestin Testing Act of 1993 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to collect: (1) information concerning the drug RU-486, including samples and specimens, required to be submitted by an applicant for approval of a new drug; and (2) such information regarding use of the drug as an abortifacient or contraceptive and for the treatment of cancer, brain tumors, Cushings syndrome, or other serious or life-threatening diseases. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) consider such information to be an application submitted by the manufacturer of the drug for its approval for each of such uses; and (2) review such information and issue an order approving or refusing to approve the application with respect to each such use. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) notify the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) if the Commissioner issues an order refusing to approve the application because of the lack of adequate tests in the investigation of the drug, sufficient information, or substantial evidence; (2) submit to the Director all information relevant to the decision to issue such order; and (3) report to specified congressional committees concerning any such order. Requires the Director, if the Commissioner issues an order refusing to approve the application, to expeditiously conduct or support research (including clinical trials) on RU-486 in order to conduct tests that were not included in the investigation or to develop information or evidence that was not submitted with the application. Makes any such research subject to provisions of the Public Health Service Act concerning institutional review boards and peer review. Requires the Director to submit the results of the research to the Commissioner who shall consider the results (along with the information collected) to be information submitted by the drug manufacturer, review the drug application, and issue an order approving or refusing to approve it. Sets forth reporting requirements. Specifies that if the Commissioner issues an order approving an application with respect to such drug for any of such uses, any person who introduces the drug into interstate commerce or delivers the drug for such introduction shall reimburse the Food and Drug Administration and NIH for specified costs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Community Economic Partnership Investment Funds Title II: Emerging Community Development Corporations Title III: Research and Demonstration Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions National Community Economic Partnership Act of 1993 - Title I: Community Economic Partnership Investment Funds - Establishes a program of community economic partnership investment funds. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide nonrefundable lines of credit to community development corporations (CDCs) to establish, maintain, or expand revolving loan funds to finance projects to: (1) provide business and employment opportunities for low-income and unemployed individuals; and (2) improve the quality of life in urban and rural areas. Sets forth requirements relating to such revolving loan funds, including: (1) competitive assessment of applications from eligible entities for capitalization of such funds; (2) applications including strategic investment plans and demonstrations of experience and achievement; (3) matching local funds (with exceptions); and (4) local and private sector contributions. Requires the Secretary to give priority in providing lines of credit to: (1) CDCs that propose to undertake economic development activities in distressed communities that target women, Native Americans, at-risk youth, farmworkers, population-losing communities, very low-income communities, single mothers, veterans, and refugees, or that expand employee ownership of private enterprises and small businesses; and (2) programs providing loans in limited amounts to very small business enterprises. Reserves certain funds for such priority activities. Title II: Emerging Community Development Corporations - Establishes a program for emerging community development corporations (CDCs). Directs the Secretary to award skill enhancement grants and operating grants to CDCs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to emerging CDCs to enable them to establish, maintain, or expand revolving loan funds, to make or guarantee loans, or to make capital investments in new or expanding local businesses. Title III: Research and Demonstration - Establishes a community economic development research and demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to award grants to enable eligible organizations to undertake programs involving research, testing, studies, or demonstrations related to community economic development. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to permit the operation of appropriate joint programs to coordinate activities under this Act with community economic development activities assisted by other programs administered by the Secretary and other Federal agency heads. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the community economic partnership investment funds program; (2) the emerging CDCs program; and (3) the research demonstration program. Prohibits funds authorized under this Act from being used to finance the construction of housing. Provides that this Act shall take effect as if included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1993
National Park Service Concessions Policy Reform Act of 1993 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. Provides that such repeal shall not affect the validity of any contract entered into under such Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to such contract to the extent such provisions are inconsistent with the express terms and conditions of it. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services in the National Park System. Requires a concessions contract to be awarded only through competitive bid procedures. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concessions contracts under this Act, with exceptions or; (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Sets forth a formula for determining franchise fees. Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary one. Requires the approval of the Secretary before a concessions contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed. Protects certain possessory interest of concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act. Requires all concessions contracts to make concessioners responsible for utility costs. Amends Federal law that authorizes the Secretary to provide utility services to concessioners on a reimbursement of appropriation basis. Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. Amends the Historical Sites, Buildings and Antiquities Act to repeal provisions authorizing the Secretary to grant concessioner contracts, leases, or permits without advertising and securing competitive bids.
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