United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Federal excise tax on boats should be repealed this year; (2) consideration of such repeal should not be contingent on the passage of any other tax legislation this year; and (3) the repeal should be effective as of January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 50th anniversary of World War II by minting and issuing commemorative coins for the anniversaries of: (1) World War II; (2) the Battle of Normandy; and (3) "D-Day." Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue and mint such coins in five-dollar gold, one-dollar silver, and half-dollar clad denominations; and (2) determine the role that the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Battle of Normandy Foundation shall have in coin promotion and marketing. Mandates that surcharges received from the sale of such coins be deposited in a coinage profit fund and allocated, upon separate congressional authorization, to the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II memorial and to the Battle of Normandy Foundation to dedicate, on the 50th anniversary of D-Day and Battle of Normandy Memorial in Normandy, France. Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to base Federal funding for agricultural experiment stations on the latest Department of Commerce population figures rather than on decennial census figures. Makes similar changes to: (1) the Smith-Lever Act with respect to the Federal Extension Service; and (2) the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 with respect to agricultural research at 1890 land grant colleges (including Tuskegee Institute), and the nutrition education program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Census Data Fair Share Act of 1992 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to annually produce and publish current data or estimates on below poverty, urban, rural, and farm populations, for each State, urban area, and rural area for which data is compiled in the most recent decennial census of population. Authorizes such data or estimates to be produced by means of sampling or other methods which the Secretary determines will produce current, comprehensive, and reliable data or estimates.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Directs that, in the administration of any benefits program established by or under Federal law which requires the use of data obtained in the most recent decennial census, the 1990 adjusted census data be considered the official data for such census.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Airport Improvements Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to provide for the use of the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce (currently, the latest decennial census of the United States) for the calculation of the apportionment of State airport development and airport planning funds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Energy Extension Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the National Energy Extension Service Act to provide for the use of population figures provided by the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce (currently, provided by the most recent decennial census) for the calculation of the apportionment of State energy extension service funds.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Minority Enterprise Development Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for investment in qualified minority fund interests. Limits such deduction to $300,000 ($150,000 in the case of a married individual filing separately). Allows a deduction for investment in the stock of small minority business corporations, up to certain limits. Allows a taxpayer to elect, in lieu of such deduction, to take a credit of: (1) 15 percent of the aggregate bases of qualified minority fund interests; or (2) ten percent of the aggregate bases of small minority business stock. Limits the amount of such credit. Provides carryover provisions for the deduction and the credit. Provides for recapture of such deductions in computing bases for capital gains purposes. Requires an interest charge on the disposition within three years of any property whose bases have been reduced by such a deduction. Excludes from gross income 50 percent of any gain on the sale or exchange of any property by a qualified minority fund if such property was held for at least three years. Defers qualified reinvested capital gain, in the case of an individual, for up to the ninth year after the sale or exchange. Places a dollar limitation on such amount. Makes ineligible for such deferral married individuals who do not file joint returns and estates or trusts. Terminates such deferral if qualified property is disposed of before five years after its purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Fair Share Act of 1992 - Requires the use of the most recent annual population data when determining the amount of benefit under Federal programs for a State, county, or local unit of government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Urban Mass Transportation Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to base the apportionment of Federal transportation funds for certain urban and nonurban mass transportation programs on census estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce. (Currently, the apportionment is based only on the latest available Federal census.)
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992
Environment and Public Works Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act to require the Federal formula used to allocate funds to States under such Act to use the population figures from the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce for each State (currently, from the latest decennial census). Requires the Federal formula used for grants to States for interstate highway systems, Federal-aid urban highways, and highway safety programs to include the population figures from the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce (currently, from the latest decennial census).
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1992
Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to specify that the requirement that foreign banks must establish U.S. subsidiaries (as opposed to direct branches) to accept or maintain deposits under $100,000 requiring insurance applies only to domestic retail deposits.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1992
Congratulates the citizens of Israel on concluding fair and open democratic elections. Welcomes Prime Minister Rabin to the United States. Applauds his statements and actions encouraging active participation in the search for peace. Calls upon all parties in the region to actively and seriously engage in the peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1992
Enterprise Zone Jobs-Creation Act of 1991 - Part I: Overview - Declares the purpose of this Act to provide for the designation of economically distressed urban and rural areas as enterprise zones in order to stimulate the creation of new jobs in the zones, particularly for disadvantaged workers and long-term unemployed individuals, to enhance the availability and delivery of local goods and services to residents and businesses in the enterprise zones through meaningful entrepreneurial activity. Part II: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate urban enterprise zones and the Secretary of Agriculture to designate rural enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, prior to the designation, to estimate the impact of the designation on Federal revenues during FY 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. Prohibits the designation of an area as an enterprise zone if the estimated sum is greater than $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the designation of a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every two years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Part III: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Requires taxpayers claiming benefits under this part to make appropriate disclosure to the Internal Revenue Service. Establishes the regulatory authority of the Secretary of the Treasury in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Allows a deduction for the aggregate amount paid by an individual for the purchase of enterprise zone stock on the original issue of such stock by a qualified issuer. Limits the maximum amount allowed as a deduction for any taxable year to $20,000 and $100,000 for the taxpayer's lifetime. Provides that in the disposition of such stock the gain shall be treated as ordinary income. Provides for the charging of interest to a taxpayer who disposes of such stock within five years of its purchase. Excludes from gross income any amount of gain constituting enterprise zone investor gain. Requires enterprise zone investor loss to be treated as ordinary loss. Excludes from gross income any amount of gain constituting enterprise zone business gain. Requires enterprise zone business loss to be treated as ordinary loss. Allows the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to finance qualified enterprise zone facilities. Relieves such bonds from certain limitations on the acquisition of land or existing property. Allows an issuer to elect not to treat such bonds as private activity bonds. Allows an income tax credit to enterprise zone employees who are not eligible for the earned income tax credit of five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed the employee's qualified wages. Allows small businesses in enterprise zones to expense depreciable business assets up to $50,000 per year. (Current expensing is limited to $10,000 per year). Establishes an alternative neutral cost recovery system for enterprise zone business property. Excludes enterprise zone investor gain and business gain from income for purposes of computing alternative minimum tax. Part IV: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Part V: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Part VI: Repeal of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1992
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 23, 1992, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1992
Authorizes the drawback (refund) of duties on certain entries upon the presentation of the appropriate certificates of delivery to the appropriate customs officer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1992
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend, through December 31, 1995, the existing suspension of duty on copper acetate monohydrate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1992
Directs the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance for the establishment of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Fine Arts Center at Bethune-Cookman College in Volusia County, Florida. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1992
Urges: (1) the Government of the Yemen Arab Republic to cease its obstruction and allow unlimited Yemeni-Jewish emigration and free travel for family reunification, medical treatment, and educational purposes; (2) that the provision of the free and unlimited exchange of letters and phone calls be extended to Yemeni Jews; (3) that the issue of the emigration and family reunification of such Jews be part of any equation of U.S. aid to such Government; and (4) the President to discuss with U.S. allies and trading partners making similar pleas to such Republic on behalf of Yemeni Jews' freedom of travel and emigration.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize additional appropriations for the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Fine Arts Center of Bethune-Cookman College in Volusia County, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on a commercial agricultural crop or site where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; (2) the acreage expected to be treated as a result of that use is less than 300,000 acres annually or the agricultural crop represents production from less than 300,000 acres annually; (3) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support initial or continuing registration; and (4) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if determined that the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the incremental risk presented by the minor use and that such risk would have an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data. Terminates the exclusive use of such data if the registration is voluntarily cancelled or if the data are used to support a nonminor use. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Grants registrants who make good faith requests for minor use waivers regarding required data and whose requests are denied a full time period for providing such data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to four years if the registrant provides data to support other uses of the pesticide and a schedule to assure that the data production will be completed before the expiration of the extension. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks. Prohibits amendments if the pesticide meets or exceeds risk criteria associated with human dietary exposure and other specified conditions. Provides for extensions of minor use registration and data submission deadlines in cases where a registrant is not providing data to support a minor use but is providing data in a timely fashion to support other uses. Requires the Administrator, when a minor use registration application is filed no later than two years after another registrant voluntarily cancels registration for a similar use, to evaluate such application as if the voluntary cancellation had not yet taken place for purposes of data use, subject to environmental risk considerations. Directs the Administrator to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program within the Office of Pesticide Programs. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture matching fund minor use program. Requires the program to be used to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals, including the data to support minor use pesticide registrations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1992
Credit Availability and Regulatory Relief Act of 1992 - Title I: Supervisory Reforms - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt any insured depository institution owned or controlled by a depository institution holding company from statutory examination requirements if: (1) the agency is satisfied that adequate internal controls and examination procedures exist within the holding company structure; and (2) the institutions owned or controlled by the holding company having at least 80 percent of all insured depository institutions owned or controlled by such holding company have been subjected to onsite examinations. Modifies statutory auditing and reporting requirements in order to reduce the regulatory costs incurred by insured depository institutions. Requires the Small Business Administration, together with specified financial institution regulatory agencies, to conduct a joint study and report to the Congress on the appropriate methods to obtain the information needed to assess the availability of credit to small businesses, including minority-owned small businesses and small farms. Repeals the existing mandate for certain regulatory standards for safety and soundness. Requires the appropriate Federal banking agencies to review their regulations and adopt uniform regulations. Excludes from bank closure requirements specified branches and automated teller machines. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to modify the aggregate statutory limits on insider lending. Repeals the current statutory mandate with respect to the regulation of interbank risks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to change the assessment base calculation for deposit insurance premiums from the two most recent quarterly call reports of the institution to the next-to-last call report and the one immediately before it. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to: (1) establish a threshold level of $100,000 or less below which State-certified or State-licensed appraisers are not required for certain Federal real estate-related transactions; and (2) prohibit the States from requiring State-certified or State-licensed appraisers for such transactions. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to set forth guidelines for self-certification of small rural regulated financial institutions that have complied with such Act. Requires the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to investigate any allegation filed against a regulated financial institution regarding whether it is helping to meet the credit needs of its community, consistent with safe and sound operation of the institution. Modifies the regulatory the guidelines for such institutions. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require: (1) the appropriate Federal banking agencies to jointly establish application requirements to reduce duplicative filings by depository institutions; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to minimize the regulatory burden imposed upon insured depository institutions. Removes certain interest rate restrictions placed upon depository institutions that are adequately capitalized. Repeals provisions relating to private deposit insurers and deposit institutions lacking Federal deposit insurance. Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from bringing an action or proceeding against a private deposit insurer for non-compliance with the requirement to complete a certain annual audit within a specified time period. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) those measures necessary to ensure adequate public disclosure of depository institutions that lack Federal deposit insurance; and (2) the appropriateness of imposing audit requirements on private deposit insurers. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to delay the effective dates for specified new requirements for insured financial institutions. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to accelerate the effective date by which savings associations may engage in certain affiliate transactions permitted for banks. Title II: Non-Supervisory Reforms - Subtitle A: Expedited Funds Availability and Electronic Transfers - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act to eliminate next-day availability schedules for checks drawn on and deposited at an automated teller machine of the same depository institution. Makes the availability schedule for new accounts applicable during the 90-day (currently 30-day) period beginning on the date the account is established. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board) to establish rules imposing liability and allocating risk of loss among depository institutions and other entities participating in the payments system, including the States and political subdivisions on which checks are drawn. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) exempt from its purview credit transactions involving consumers whose income or net worth exceeds specified thresholds; and (2) prohibit the recovery of punitive damages. Subtitle C: Homeownership Amendments - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to exempt lenders who finance the purchase of residential real estate from requirements to provide certain information booklets to borrowers if the lender denies the loan application within three business days after it is received. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to index the asset size of depository institutions exempt from the Act to increases in the Consumer Price Index. Amends the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987 to apply the definition of "adjustable rate mortgage loan" with respect to the interest rate cap to consumer loans only. Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any depository institution to engage in Fair Housing Act data collection activities if such activities are already required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. Subtitle D: Amendments to the Truth in Savings Act - Amends the Truth in Savings Act to direct the Federal Reserve to exempt certain broadcast, electronic, or outdoor advertisements from interest-rate disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Board to exempt or modify certain disclosure requirements with respect to specified accounts and interest rates. Limits the civil liability of a depository institution to an accountholder to the actual damages sustained. Subtitle E: Expedited Procedures for Bank Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to set forth expedited procedures by which banks may reorganize into bank holding companies. Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) reflect such expedited procedures; and (2) prescribe expedited procedures for bank holding companies to seek approval to engage in nonbanking activities. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit, with the concurrence of the Attorney General, the reduction to five days of the post-approval waiting period for bank holding company acquisitions and bank mergers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1992
Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Cuba. Declares that the President should encourage countries that conduct trade with Cuba to restrict their trade and credit regulations with Cuba in a manner consistent with this Act. Authorizes the President to impose the following sanctions against countries that provide assistance to Cuba: (1) ineligibility for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act; (2) a prohibition on agreements with the United States for the establishment of free trade areas; and (3) ineligibility for forgiveness or reduction of debt owed to the U.S. Government. Terminates such sanctions if the President reports to the Congress that Cuba has met conditions established under this Act concerning democracy, human rights, and a free market economy. Prohibits restrictions on the export to Cuba of medicines, subject to specified conditions and inspection requirements. Permits telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to promote nonviolent democratic change in Cuba. Prohibits the issuance of licenses for certain transactions between U.S.-controlled firms in third countries and Cuba. Bars domestic concerns from receiving a tax deduction for the portion of the deductible expenses of such concerns which are allocated or apportioned to income derived from Cuba. Prohibits vessels which enter Cuba to engage in trade from loading or unloading any freight in the United States within 180 days after departure from Cuba. Prohibits: (1) vessels carrying goods or passengers to or from Cuba or carrying goods in which a Cuban national has an interest from entering a U.S. port, except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) specified commodities authorized to be exported under a general license from being exported under such a license to any such vessels. Directs the President to establish strict limits on remittances to Cuba by U.S. persons for purposes of financing the travel of Cubans to the United States to assure that such remittances are not used by the Cuban Government as a means of gaining access to U.S. currency. Declares that food, medicine, and medical supplies for humanitarian purposes should be made available to Cuba under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 if the President certifies to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Government of Cuba: (1) has made a commitment to hold free and fair elections for a new government within six months and is proceeding to implement that decision; (2) has made a commitment to respect and is respecting human rights and basic democratic freedoms; and (3) is not providing weapons or funds to any group in any other country that seeks the violent overthrow of the government of such country. Waives sanctions against Cuba under this Act if the President reports to the Congress that Cuba: (1) has held free and fair elections conducted under internationally recognized observers; (2) has permitted opposition parties ample time to campaign for such elections and has permitted full access to the media to all candidates; (3) is showing respect for basic civil liberties and human rights; (4) is moving toward establishing a free market economic system; and (5) has committed itself to constitutional change that would ensure regular free and fair elections. Requires the President, if he makes such report, to take the following actions with respect to a freely-elected Cuban Government: (1) encourage the admission of such government to international organizations and financial institutions; (2) provide emergency relief during Cuba's transition to a viable economic system; (3) take steps to end the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba; and (4) enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with Cuba. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to exercise the authorities of the Trading With the Enemy Act in enforcing this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Trading With the Enemy Act to authorize the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on violators of such Act. Provides for forfeiture of any property or vessel that is the subject of a violation. Requires the Department of the Treasury to establish a branch of the Office of Foreign Assets Control in Miami, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1992
Medical Cost Containment Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income employer-provided coverage under an accident or health plan and medical care savings benefits. Describes such benefits as a health plan which provides that all or part of the premium differential (adjusted annually for inflation) realized by instituting a qualified higher deductible health plan is credited to participating employees to pay for medical care for a plan year. Requires amounts remaining at the end of such plan year to be deposited into a tax-exempt medical care savings account (subject to rules similar to those for retirement plans) for use by the participant for medical expenses. Allows an employee to be advanced, interest-free, amounts necessary to cover expenses for medical care which exceed the amounts in the employee's account, upon the employee's agreement to repay such advancement.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1992
Dry Tortugas National Park Establishment Act - Redesignates Fort Jefferson National Monument, Florida, as Dry Tortugas National Park. Specifies that the park shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as a unit of the National Park Service and managed for specified purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire lands and interests in land within the park by donation or exchange; (2) exchange those Federal lands which were deleted from the park by specified boundary modifications and which are directly adjacent to lands owned by the State of Florida outside the park, for lands owned by Florida within the park boundary; and (3) acquire and operate an administrative site in Key West, Florida. Provides for the transfer to the Secretary of jurisdiction over lands within the park boundaries determined by the U.S. Coast Guard to be excess to its needs, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1992
Export Enhancement Act of 1992 - Title I: Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to extend through FY 1997 the authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Bank) to finance the export of goods and services to foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for the Tied Aid Credit Fund. Requires the Bank, among other things, when determining whether to provide support for exports under its loan, guarantee, and insurance program to consider the need to involve private capital. Authorizes the Bank to guarantee up to 100 percent coverage of the interest and principal of loans for exports if its Board of Directors determines the coverage to be necessary to ensure acceptance of Bank guarantees by U.S. financial institutions for any transaction in any export market in which the Bank is open for business. Directs the Bank, in transactions involving projects for which long-term support requested is $10 million or more and certain environmental concerns exist, to establish procedures to take into account the potential beneficial and adverse environmental effects of goods and services which it may support under its direct lending and guarantee programs. Authorizes the Board to withhold financing for environmental reasons or to approve financing after considering the potential environmental effects of a project. Encourages the Bank to use its programs to support the export of goods and services that have beneficial effects on the environment or mitigate potential adverse environmental effects. Provides for compensation of Bank employees. Redefines the term "Marxist-Leninist country" to mean any country which: (1) maintains a centrally planned economy based on the principles of "Marxism-Leninism"; or (2) is economically and militarily dependent on any other country which maintains a centrally planned economy based on the principles of "Marxism-Leninism." Requires fees and premiums charged to be commensurate with risks covered in connection with the contractual liability which the Bank incurs for guarantees, insurance, coinsurance, and reinsurance against political and credit risk of loss. (Currently, not less than 25 percent of such contractual liability may be charged against such risks of loss.) Increases the size of the Bank's Advisory Committee from 12 to 15 members. Increases the ceiling on the total amount of outstanding loans for Bank programs from $40 billion to $75 billion. Title II: Export Promotion - Directs the President to establish the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to coordinate U.S. export promotion and financing activities. Requires the TPCC to develop a governmentwide strategic plan for Federal trade promotion efforts. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the United States and Foreign Commercial Service to: (1) use its district and foreign offices as one-stop shops providing U.S. exporters with information on all Federal export promotion activities; and (2) provide information and assistance to U.S. exporters on all financing and insurance programs of the Bank. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to: (1) provide full and current information on all of its programs and financing practices to the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service; and (2) undertake a training program for Service officers in Bank programs and practices. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to increase from eight to 12 the number of missions that the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) may designate abroad and for which senior Commercial Service Officers will be able to use the diplomatic title of Minister-Counselor. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the Congress on the U.S. international economic position; and (2) appear annually before specified congressional committees to testify on issues addressed in the report. Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 to the Department of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from one year to two years the period of time to acquire a new residence for purposes of nonrecognition of gain on the sale of an old residence for members of the armed forces who are required to reside in Government quarters or are stationed outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1992
World University Games Commemorative Coin Act of 1992 - Authorizes the minting and issuance of five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins (at no net cost to the Government) to commemorate American participation in the World University Games. Requires that all surcharges from the sale of such coins be paid to the Greater Buffalo Athletic Corporation to support amateur athletic programs, to erect facilities for the use of such athletes, and to underwrite the cost of sponsoring the World University Games.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Commercial Space Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions for this Act. Title II: Space Transportation - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to extend certain provisions relating to payment by the United States against a licensee under the Act. Amends the Launch Services Purchase Act of 1990 to include suborbital payloads in the requirement to purchase launch services from commercial providers. Modifies requirements regarding use of non-commercial providers. Mandates a report on use of commercial services for suborbital launch programs. Applies such provisions, as well as those regarding launch service contracts, to the Federal Government. (Current law refers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).) Establishes a demonstration program to award vouchers to researchers for the payment of commercial launch services and payload integration services for small scientific payloads. Authorizes grants for projects relating to the development or improvement of space transportation infrastructure. Establishes in the Treasury the Commercial Space Transportation Trust Fund, to consist of revenues from any fees assessed by the Department of Transportation for the licensing of commercial launch activities and to be used for projects that directly benefit the U.S. space transportation industry. Requires that projects be selected by an Industry Selection Committee representing fee payors. Requires an inventory to identify federally-owned launch support facilities: (1) not needed for public use; or (2) which could be made available for non-Federal use on a reimbursable basis without interfering with Federal activities. Title III: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Administrator of NASA to enter into contracts in which the Government agrees to procure sufficient quantities of a commercial space product or service needed to meet Government mission requirements so that a commercial venture is made viable (anchor tenancy contracts) in order to increase the viability of a commercial space venture. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to authorize NASA to: (1) make contracts in excess of available funds; and (2) provide for liability payments from certain sources in the event the Government terminates such contracts. Authorizes Federal agencies to allow non-Federal entities to use their space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to mandate protection of information developed under specified provisions of the Act from dissemination. Establishes a Commercial Space Achievement Award, consisting of a medal and, if funding is available, a cash prize, to individuals, corporations, corporate divisions, or corporate subsidiaries meeting certain criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to accept gifts from public and private sources for the cash prize.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Designates August 1, 1992, the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki accords), as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Calls upon the President to: (1) issue a proclamation reasserting the U.S. commitment to full implementation of the Act, urging all signatory states to abide by their obligations under the Helsinki accords; (2) continue his efforts to achieve full implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki accords by raising the issue of noncompliance on the part of any signatory State which may be in violation; (3) convey to all signatories that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms continues to be a vital element of further progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) in view of the considerable progress made to date, develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, and in so doing address the major problems that remain.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Designates February 21 through February 27, 1993, as American Wine Appreciation Week. Commends the winegrape and fruit growers and vintners of the United States for the production of high quality agricultural products.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Small Business Revitalization and Job Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Amendments to Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate amount of an issue of securities that may be exempted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from the regulatory requirements of such Act. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the ICA) to exempt from the definition of an investment company any securities issuer whose outstanding securities are owned exclusively by persons who, at the time of acquisition, are qualified purchasers, except that such issuer shall be deemed an investment company for purposes of limitations governing the purchase by such issuer of any security issued by a registered investment company and the sale of any security issued by a registered open-end investment company to such issuer. Defines as a "qualified purchaser" under the ICA any person whom the SEC has determined does not need the protections of the ICA, taking into consideration financial sophistication, net worth, and certain other financial knowledge and experience. Revises the definition of the beneficial ownership of securities for purposes of the ICA. Provides an additional exemption from the definition of an investment company under the ICA in the case of any company that is not engaged in the business of issuing redeemable securities and the operations of which are subject to regulation by the State in which it is organized under statutes governing entities that provide financial or managerial assistance to enterprises doing or proposing to do business primarily in such State if: (1) the purpose of such company is limited to the provision of such assistance; (2) at least 80 percent of the securities being offered for sale by such company represent persons who reside or have a substantial business presence in such State; (3) the securities are sold to accredited investors or other persons that the SEC may permit to purchase such securities; and (4) the company does not purchase any security issued by an investment company, or by a company that would be an investment company except for the exclusions from the definition of an investment company, other than investment-grade securities or securities required by its investment policies to invest in investment-grade or comparable securities. Requires any company proposing to meet such exemption to file with the SEC a notification of intent to do so, subject to SEC approval. Amends the ICA to: (1) increase from $100,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate sums received by a closed-end investment company for the sale of its securities plus the value of remaining securities allowed to be held while still being exempted from provisions regulating investment companies; (2) include within the definition of "eligible portfolio company" any issuer that has total assets of not more than $4,000,000, and capital and surplus in excess of $2,000,000, allowing the SEC to adjust such figures to reflect changes in generally accepted indices for small businesses; (3) provide that a business development company, in order to be so considered, need not make available significant managerial assistance with respect to eligible portfolio companies or to any other company that meets such criteria as the SEC may permit; (4) allow acquisition by business development companies of the securities of eligible portfolio companies; (5) allow business development companies to issue without condition more than one class of senior securities representing indebtedness; (6) allow such companies to issue warrants, options, or other rights to convert securities to voting securities either alone or accompanied by securities; and (7) prohibit such warrants, options, or other rights of business development companies from being separately transferable unless no class of such rights and the securities (currently, senior securities) representing them has been publicly distributed. Title II: Credit Relief - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the amount of deferred participation loans authorized under such Act shall: (1) mean the net amount of the loan principal guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and does not include any amount not guaranteed; and (2) be available for a national program, except that the SBA may use up to ten percent of the amount authorized each year for special or pilot programs directed to identified sectors of the small business community or to specific U.S. geographic regions. Increases the amount the SBA is authorized to make in deferred participation loans and other financings to small businesses, and, from such authorized sums, the amount authorized to make general business loans for specified purposes under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and the Chairman of the SEC, in consultation with the SBA Administrator, to conduct a study of the potential benefits of, and legal, regulatory, and market-based barriers to, developing a secondary market for commercial real estate mortgage loans and loans to small businesses. Outlines study consideration requirements. Requires a report. Directs the chief executive officer of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the impact of its commercial real estate loan securitization program and the impact of the RTC's programs on the commercial real estate mortgage loan and small business loan secondary market. Directs the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for a small business concern to receive a loan guarantee under the Small Business Act, including loan applications in connection with an additional loan guarantee application that is filed not later than two years after the initial application is filed. Title III: Capital Formation - Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1992 - 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. Title IV: Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A: Small Business Purchasing Groups - Defines a "qualified small employer purchasing group," for purposes of this subtitle, as an entity that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines: (1) is administered solely under authority and control of its member employers; (2) has as its membership solely small employers; (3) with respect to each State in which its members are located, consists of no fewer than 100 employers; (4) has member employers whose health care insurance plans are in compliance with applicable State law and model benefits plans and are not self-insured plans; (5) will be a nonprofit entity; and (6) has a board of directors with full authority to act on the part of the group. Directs the board of directors of the small employer purchasing group to: (1) establish geographic areas within which participating carriers may offer health care insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents; and (2) enter into contracts with qualified carriers for providing health insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents, and to pay such carriers on at least a monthly basis at the contracted rates. Outlines provisions relating to: (1) general qualifications of carriers, including financial solvency; (2) program standards, including review of the quality and appropriateness of care covered; (3) uniformity of benefits; (4) the collection of insurance premiums from small employers; (5) notification from the board to employers of the availability of sponsored health insurance coverage from the program; and (6) conditions of participation in the program, including a requirement that an entity is a valid small employer and not formed solely to secure health insurance coverage. Finds that qualified small employer purchasing groups organized to obtain health insurance for its employer members affect interstate commerce, and that no State law shall preempt provisions of the model benefit health insurance plan as outlined above. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define the amount of the employer health insurance credit for a taxable year for Federal income tax purposes. Prohibits the taking of both a credit and a deduction for health insurance premiums paid under the model plan. Subtitle B: Deductible Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 25 to 100 percent the allowable deduction of health insurance costs for self-employed individuals and their spouses and dependents. Makes such increased deduction permanent (currently ends December 31, 1992). Subtitle C: Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Adds a new Title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans." Treats as meeting the requirements of title XXI an insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State on or after January 1, 1994, if: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State has established a regulatory program that provides for the application and enforcement of appropriate requirements under this title; and (2) the State has not established such a program or if the program has been decertified by the Secretary, the health plan has been certified by the Secretary as meeting the requirements of part B of title XXI. Provides an extension of the date by which a regulatory program must be adopted by a State for States requiring legislation to be passed and which has a legislature which does not meet in 1993 in a legislative session. States that requirements under title XXI shall not apply to pre-existing health insurance plans. Requires each State to report to the Secretary on the implementation and enforcement of standards with respect to health insurance plans offered to small employers. Allows State standards more stringent than the requirements of title XXI. Directs the Secretary to require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to: (1) develop specific standards for small employer health insurance plans; and (2) report to the Secretary on implementation. Directs the Secretary to develop appropriate standards if the NAIC fails to do so. Requires such standards to provide alternative standards for guaranteeing the availability of health insurance plans for all small employers in a State. Directs the Secretary to periodically review State regulatory programs, allow a State to adopt a plan of correction if necessary, and to decertify a State program and assume program responsibility, if necessary. Directs the Comptroller General to periodically audit sample State regulatory programs. Defines a "small employer" for purposes of title XXI as an employer who employs more than one but less than 51 employees on a typical business day. Requires each health insurer to register with the applicable regulatory authority for each State in which it issues or offers a health insurance plan to small employers. Prohibits such insurer from excluding any eligible employee, or their spouse or dependent, under a plan, with the exception of waiting periods required generally under health insurance coverage. Requires insurers offering a health insurance plan to small employers in a State to meet the standards for such insurance adopted by such State. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) State standards on the guaranteed availability of small employer health insurance; (2) the State adoption of a regulatory program for such standards; (3) standards for guaranteed insurance availability for States not adopting such standards; (4) appropriate grounds for refusal by an insurer to renew, and for termination of, a health insurance plan (including nonpayment of premiums, fraud or misrepresentation, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates); (5) authority of an insurer to require minimum participation rates; (6) guaranteed renewability of such insurance unless reasons enumerated in (4), above, occur; (7) nonrenewability of health insurance by an insurer who elects to terminate all of the health insurance plans issued to small employers in a State; and (8) a prohibition against an insurer denying, limiting, or conditioning health insurance coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual. Allows a plan offered to a small employer under this title to exclude coverage with respect to a preexisting condition, but limits the period of such exclusion to six months. Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month in which an individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular services on the date of initial coverage of the new plan. Prohibits the base premium rate charged by an insurer for any block of business (all of the small employers within a health insurance plan issued by the insurer) from exceeding by more than 20 percent the base premium rate charged for any other block of business, with exceptions. Limits similarly the variation of rates charged during a rating period to small employers within the same block of business of an insurer when such employers have similar demographic characteristics. Provides that, in establishing premium rates for health insurance plans offered to small employers: (1) an insurer making adjustments with respect to age, sex, or geography must apply such adjustments consistently across all small employers; and (2) no insurer may use a geographic area smaller than a county or a certain zip code area. Places limitations on the transfer by an insurer of employers among blocks of business, requiring employer consent. Limits to five percent over the base premium rate the percentage increase in the premium rate authorized to be charged to a small employer for a new rating period. Requires an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose specified information relating to the insurer's rating practices with respect to small employers under a plan, and the insurer's right to change premium rates. Requires at least 60 days' prior notice of the renewal terms of a plan about to expire. Requires each participating insurer to file with the applicable regulatory authority a written actuarial certification of insurer compliance with standards and requirements of this title. Outlines the basic medical benefits which must be included in a benefits package offered by an insurer to small employers in a State as part of the health insurance plan. Requires such insurer to offer a managed care plan to such small employers if the insurer offers a managed care plan in such State to employers that are not small employers. Provides for cost sharing (premiums, deductibles, copayments) and out-of-pocket limits for health insurance plans containing basic benefit packages. Preempts State-mandated benefit packages in favor of the benefits package described in the small employer health insurance plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on group health plans to impose upon any person issuing a health insurance plan to a small employer a tax on the failure to meet at any time the applicable requirements of title XXI of the Social Security Act (as added by this Act). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether a person meets such requirements. States that such tax shall be 25 percent of the gross premiums on health insurance plans issued to a small employer during a taxable year. Treats corporations which are members of the same controlled group of corporations as one person for purposes of such tax, as well as partnerships and proprietorships under common control. Waives the application of such tax where the failure to meet such requirements: (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery. Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. Makes nondeductible for income tax purposes any tax so imposed. Direct the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the standards for rating practices and the requirements for benefit packages established under the new title XXI of the Social Security Act, as well as on certain other aspects of insurance offered to small employers under this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to include as part of such report any recommendations for adjusting rating standards under title XXI to eliminate variation in premiums. Subtitle D: Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on any person or group health plan that fails to satisfy the preexisting condition requirements of group health insurance plans as enumerated under title XXI of the Social Security Act. Makes such tax $100 for each day of noncompliance. Outlines actions to be taken in order for a failed requirement to be considered corrected. Waives the application of such excise tax where the failure to meet such requirements: (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery. Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. States that group health plans: (1) may not deny, limit, or condition coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual; and (2) may exclude coverage with respect to the treatment of a preexisting condition, limiting the period of exclusion to six months. Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month in which an individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular services on the date of initial coverage in the group health plan. Requires any person who had provided previous coverage during a period of continuous coverage with respect to a covered individual to disclose to the group health plan the coverage and benefits provided to such individual. Subtitle E: Health Care Cost Containment - Amends title XXI of the Social Security Act to add a new Part entitled "Federal Certification of Managed Care Plans." Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for certification of managed care plans and utilization review programs meeting the requirements of this Part. Defines a "utilization review program" as a system of reviewing the medical necessity, appropriateness, or quality of health care services and supplies provided under a health insurance plan or a managed care plan using specified guidelines. Defines a "managed care plan" as a plan operated by a managed care entity that provides for the financing and delivery of health care services to persons enrolled in such plan through: (1) arrangements with selected providers; (2) explicit standards for the selection of participating providers; (3) organizational arrangements for ongoing quality assurance and utilization review programs; and (4) financial incentives for persons enrolled in the plan to use the participating providers and procedures provided for by the plan. Defines related terms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for the periodic review and recertification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs; and (2) terminate such certification when such plan or program no longer meets the applicable requirements for certification. Permits certification through the recognition of a State licensure program or national accreditation body that establishes requirements at least equivalent to the requirements under this part. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Health Care Cost Commission, to establish Federal standards for the certification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs. Requires such standards to first be established within two years after enactment of this Subtitle. Directs the Secretary to periodically review and update such standards, as appropriate. Prohibits the imposition by State law or regulation of specified limitations and restrictions on qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs, with exceptions. Extends to January 1, 1992, the date by which the Administrator of Health Care Policy and Research must develop an initial set of guidelines and standards with respect to treatments and conditions that constitute a significant portion of national health expenditures. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Institute of Mental Health and mental health providers, to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression. Amends the Social Security Act with respect to research on outcomes of health care services to change from 70 to 50 percent of authorized FY 1993 and 1994 funds for such research the amount to be obtained from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Increases the general authorization of FY 1992 through 1994 funds under such Act for such purpose. Subtitle F: Medical Liability Reform - Chapter 1: Definitions and Findings - Finds that the health care and insurance industries are industries affecting interstate commerce, and that the medical malpractice litigation system throughout the United States affects interstate commerce by contributing to the high cost of health care and premiums for malpractice insurance purchased by health care providers. Chapter 2: Expedited Medical Malpractice Settlements - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages for harm caused during the provision of medical care pursuant to applicable State law, except to the extent that such law is superseded by this Chapter. Allows any claimant to file with the claim for damages a settlement offer for a specific amount. Directs the defendant, within 60 days or the time permitted by State law to respond to pleadings, whichever is longer, to make a settlement offer of a specific amount, except that if such pleadings include a motion to dismiss under applicable State law, the defendant may tender such relief to the claimant within ten days after the determination of the court regarding such motion. Provides for time extensions in certain cases. Outlines procedures for the rejection of settlement offers by the claimant and defendant in such cases. Provides for the calculation of attorney's fees in such cases by an hourly rate. Chapter 3: Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisors to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution program (dispute program). Directs the Secretary to approve a model dispute program submitted by the Board, with any modifications that the Secretary deems appropriate. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to encourage States to develop and implement voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedures that meet the requirements of this Subtitle. Requires each State to adopt its own dispute program or the Federal program submitted by the Board to the Secretary within two years after enactment of this Act. Provides that, with respect to a State that has a dispute program in effect, in lieu of or in addition to making a settlement offer a claimant or defendant may offer to proceed pursuant to the dispute program and its procedures. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal by an offeree to proceed under a dispute program was unreasonable or not in good faith if the verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Chapter 4: Uniform Standards for Medical Malpractice Cases - Applies provisions of this chapter to any medical malpractice case brought in Federal or State court and any such case resolved through a dispute program. Provides that in either such action, no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment for future losses, but such person shall be permitted to make such payments on a periodic basis. Limits in a civil medical malpractice action the total amount of damages that may be awarded for noneconomic losses resulting from an injury to $250,000, regardless of the number of health care professionals and providers against whom the claim is brought. Reduces the total amount of damages received under such limits by any other payment that has been made to the injured individual (i.e., other insurance). Places specified limits on attorney's fees authorized to be collected under Chapter 4 actions. Provides that in either such action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several only and not joint (requiring each such defendant to be liable only for their specific percentage of responsibility for the damages). Provides a statute of limitations with respect to such cases. Provides special medical malpractice liability provisions with respect to services provided during the delivery of a baby. Chapter 5: Uniform Disciplinary Reforms - Requires a State to comply with requirements of this chapter within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs each State to: (1) allocate the total amount of fees paid to the State in each year for the licensing or certification of each type of health care practitioner, or State funds equal to such amount, to the agencies responsible for the conduct of licensing and disciplinary actions with respect to such practitioners; and (2) permit the general public to be represented on State health care practitioner disciplinary boards. Provides immunity from liability for any member, consultant, witness, or other individual serving or having served on such a disciplinary board for either the board's operation or duties performed in good faith. Requires each State to have in effect within two years after enactment of this Act a Statewide risk management program to reduce the incidence of medical malpractice which meets any promulgated regulations. Directs each State to establish a health care disciplinary trust fund to provide resources to disciplinary boards for their functions and to provide additional resources for State consumer protection activities. Chapter 6: Medical Products - Provides that punitive damages otherwise permitted by law shall not be awarded in an action against a health care producer of a drug or device that caused the harm complained of if the drug or device: (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under applicable Federal regulations with respect to the safety of the formulation or performance of the drug or device, or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of the drug or device; and (2) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by the FDA. States that such provision shall not apply when the defendant: (1) withheld from, or misrepresented to, the FDA or other Federal agency official material and relevant information as to the performance of the drug or device; or (2) made an illegal payment to an FDA official to secure approval of the drug or device. Outlines provisions with respect to evidence, punitive damages, and positive defense to strict liability against the health care producers of the drug or device. Subtitle G: Uniform Claims Criteria - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with group health plan entities and health care providers, to develop uniform claims criteria for use by beneficiaries and health care providers in submitting claims under this Act and under title XXI of the Social Security Act. Provides a claims criteria deadline. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to prepare an estimate, for that fiscal year and the succeeding four fiscal years, of the cost which would be incurred by small business in carrying out or complying with any bill or resolution which is likely to result in an average annual cost to a small business of $1,000 or more. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that Federal provisions with respect to general notice requirements of proposed rule making shall apply to all rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the Code. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a panel to provide recommendations to the Congress for a uniform statutory definition of the terms "small business" and "small business concern." Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the panel's findings and recommendations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal agency that issues rules, regulations, or orders which affect small business concerns or otherwise has some relationship with or affects small business should appoint one individual to serve as a small business ombudsman for that agency. Requires such ombudsman to represent the issues of small business to such agency, assist in the arbitration of disputes between agencies and small business concerns, and make certain reports to the Congress and the SBA Administrator. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA should be permitted to appear as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in any action or case brought in a U.S. court for the purpose of reviewing a rule.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Medicare Geographic Data Accuracy Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with State medical societies in revising the geographic adjustment factors used to determine reimbursements for physician services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of Medicare. Requires the Secretary to base geographic-cost-of-practice indices under Medicare upon the most recent available data.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Makes technical corrections to Federal highway provisions. Authorizes States to start work on projects authorized under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act before Federal funding becomes available, subject to specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
States that the Senate must quickly act to bring about: (1) reform of social programs toward rewarding the working poor; (2) creation of a tax code that provides incentives to the poor disadvantaged to work, save, and invest and to keep families together; (3) expansion of homeownership opportunities; (4) reduction of taxes on the working poor; (5) elimination of the capital gains tax for investments in inner cities; and (6) creation of more educational choice.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow, on order of a veterinarian: (1) a new animal drug approved for one use to be used for a different purpose; and (2) a new drug approved for human use to be used in non-food producing animals.
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