United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1993
Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act of 1993 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize increased appropriations under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1993
Commends Syria and Lebanon for participation in the Middle East peace process and encourages their continued cooperation in efforts to settle ongoing regional conflicts. Expresses congressional support for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Lebanon. Considers the Government of Syria in violation of the Taif Agreement of 1989 (calling for Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon). Urges: (1) Syria to withdraw its armed forces to the gateway of the Bekaa Valley; (2) Syria and Lebanon to agree upon a firm timetable for the complete withdrawal of Syrian forces; (3) the President to consider withholding U.S. assistance to Syria and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider directing the U.S. executive directors of all international financial institutions to vote against loans or assistance to Syria until such withdrawal occurs; (4) the Syrian Government to increase its cooperation with the Lebanese Government in efforts to disarm nongovernmental armed groups and militias in Lebanon; and (5) the President to consider methods of revitalizing the Taif Agreement and to encourage the negotiation of a firm timetable for complete withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1993
Every Fifth Child Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding should be provided to: (1) begin a phase-in toward full funding of the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) and of Head Start programs; and (2) expand the Job Corps program. Suggests specified amounts that should be made available for such programs in certain fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1993
Prohibits the President from recommending for a 12-month period in 1994 continuation of a waiver of human rights and emigration requirements for nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) for China under the Trade Act of 1974 unless the President reports to the Congress that China has ceased manipulating its currency's rate of exchange to prevent balance of payment adjustments or to gain an unfair competitive advantage in trade with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1993
Many Neighbors, One Earth Resolution - Urges the President to develop and implement a coordinated economic and development policy and program of action designed to promote broadbased, sustainable development. Specifies that such policy and program should have as principal objectives: (1) expanding economic opportunities; (2) meeting basic human needs; (3) promoting environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources; and (4) promoting pluralism, democratic participation, and human rights. Specifies that such policy and program should involve all relevant international activities of the U.S. Government. Urges specific actions that the President should take, including: (1) working with the Congress to enact legislation providing for a post-Cold War foreign assistance program that would have as its primary purpose the promotion of sustainable development; (2) ensuring that development cooperation programs, conform to such objectives in ways that invigorate local community-based development through taking into account relevant local perspectives of its beneficiaries during the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation process for project and program assistance; (3) providing government-to-government assistance only to countries that exhibit a commitment to development that promotes such objectives, with priority to countries with the highest incidence of hunger and poverty; and (4) encouraging and supporting the efforts of countries to reduce their levels of military spending when such spending is disproportionate to security needs and spending on health, education, and environmental protection.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1993
National Mentor Corps Act of 1993 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 to include intergenerational mentoring programs among innovative projects which are local targeted assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make a grant to or contract with one organization to establish and operate the National Resource Center for Intergenerational Mentoring.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1993
Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1993 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to establish a list of foreign countries that provide direct or indirect subsidies for the construction or repair of vessels. Authorizes a party to commence an action in the U.S. Court of International Trade contesting any determination with respect to a country's listing. Imposes penalties upon a country for: (1) providing false information with respect to a subsidy investigation; (2) renewing such subsidies; or (3) failing to eliminate such subsidies. Requires the United States in any negotiations with a foreign country for the elimination of subsidies for the construction or repair of vessels to be conducted in full consultation with affected U.S. industries. Requires the Secretary to: (1) monitor the compliance of each foreign country that is a party to any agreement; and (2) place a foreign country on the subsidizing country list if it is in noncompliance with such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1993
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for energy conservation expenditures by an electric or gas utility during a taxable year in connection with its trade or business, as long as the rates for the sale of such electricity or natural gas have been approved by the appropriate governing body.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1993
Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to set forth disclosure requirements for high cost mortgages (consumer credit transactions secured by a consumer's principal dwelling) which meet specified criteria with respect to: (1) the annual percentage rate; (2) the consumer's total monthly debt payments; and (3) points and fees which exceed certain limits. Prohibits such mortgages from containing: (1) prepayment penalties; (2) certain refinancing charges payable to the same creditor; (3) balloon payments; (4) negative amortization; and (5) prepaid payments. Imposes a civil penalty for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish an independent peer review process with respect to listing and delisting of endangered and threatened species (species). Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) in cooperation with the affected State to develop species recovery plans. Gives priority to multispecies plans and sets forth plan deadlines. Requires each Federal land management agency to identify species and appropriate conservation measures on lands under its jurisdiction. Authorizes agency contracts with the Secretary for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish a Habitat Conservation Planning Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or interest-free advances from the Fund to State and local governments for conservation plan development. Provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners for species conservation measures. Provides for increased international cooperation and enforcement under the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Programs and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Programs Subtitle B: Related Provisions Title II: Organization Title III: Reauthorization Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments National Service Trust Act of 1993 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to reauthorize, revise, and reorganize national and community service and domestic volunteer programs, establish a Corporation for National Service and a National Service Trust program of Federal investment in support of national service, and provide expanded opportunities for national service and educational awards for participants. Title I: Programs and Related Provisions - Subtitle A: Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (the Act) to establish the National Service Trust program, replacing the current American Conservation and Youth Service Corps. Authorizes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) to make matching grants to State and local governments, Indian tribes, public and private nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions for: (1) full- or part-time national service programs, including summer programs; and (2) subgrants for national service programs of other entities. Authorizes CNS to enter into agreements with other Federal agencies to support their national service programs. Directs CNS to approve national service educational awards for participants serving in CNS-assisted national service programs. Describes types of eligible national service programs addressing unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs, including community corps, youth corps, service-learning, special skills or specialized training, individualized placement, campus-based, preprofessional training, professional corps, disadvantaged youth community service, national service entrepreneur, intergenerational, or other programs. Directs CNS to establish qualification criteria. Authorizes CNS to provide the following types of program assistance: planning, operational, replication, subgrantee, training, technical, and other special assistance (including support for State commissions and challenge grants for national service programs). Requires CNS to ensure that participants in VISTA or the Civilian Community Corps receive national service educational awards, except in specified circumstances. Sets forth application and program requirements. Requires an assurance that the program assisted will not perform service that provides a direct benefit to any: (1) for-profit business; (2) labor union; (3) partisan political organization; or (4) organization engaged in religious activities (unless such service does not involve use of assistance or participants to give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any form of proselytization). Sets a minimum age for national service participants of 17, except for certain youth programs where the beginning of service may be between age 16 and 25. Sets rules for selection of participants, including selection and training of a national leadership pool. Sets a term of service at a minimum of 1,700 hours during: (1) a full-time period of nine months to one year; or (2) a part-time period of one to two years. Establishes requirements for participant living allowances. Limits the Federal share to not more than 85 percent of the VISTA volunteer allowance. Makes those who serve in approved national service positions eligible for national service educational awards. (Sec. 102) Establishes the National Service Trust in the Treasury to provide for the payment of national service educational awards. Sets forth eligibility standards for national service educational awards. Bases such awards on only the first and second terms of service. Requires that the award be used within five years after completion of the term of service. Sets the award's value at $5,000 for each term of service (up to two terms). Allows the use of such awards to: (1) repay outstanding student loans; (2) pay current educational expenses; (3) enable participation in approved school-to-work programs; and (4) pay interest during forbearance on loan repayment. Provides that awards shall not be considered: (1) in a means-test for Federal or federally-assisted benefits; or (2) as taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes conforming amendments to student loan provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Makes Stafford loan forgiveness available. (Sec. 103) Establishes School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs to replace current Programs for Students and Out-of-School Youth. Revises the Serve-America program (currently named Service-America) to include: (1) school-based programs for students; (2) community-based service programs for school-age youth; and (3) a service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes CNS to make planning grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with respect to service-learning coordinators participating in an assisted national service program or receive a national service educational award. Authorizes grants for school-based service-learning programs and community-based service programs. Directs CNS to provide financial assistance to eligible public and private nonprofit organizations to establish a service-learning clearinghouse. Adds priority criteria for the making of grants for Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service. (Sec. 104) Establishes an Investment for Quality and Innovation program to carry out specified innovation and quality improvement activities. Directs CNS to provide assistance to appropriate entities to establish one or more clearinghouses, including the service-learning clearinghouse. Authorizes the President, acting through CNS, to make Presidential awards for service to individuals providing significant service, and to outstanding service programs. Provides that Civilian Community Corps members may receive educational awards (or suitable alternative benefits if ineligible for such awards). Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to extend the authority to conduct the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program. Subtitle B: Related Provisions - (Sec. 111-121) Makes conforming amendments and repealers to specified Federal law. Title II: Organization - (Sec. 201) Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to require the establishment of State commissions on national service as a condition for receiving certain grants or allotments or a distribution of approved national service positions. Sets commission membership standards and duties, including planning. (Sec. 202) Establishes the Corporation for National Service (CNS) as a Government corporation to administer programs under the Act. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the ACTION Agency to report directly to the CNS Chairperson (under interim authorities). Directs the Chairperson to establish (or request the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to provide) job search and related assistance to employees of the ACTION Agency who are not transferred to CNS. (Sec. 202 & 203) Transfers to CNS functions of: (1) the Commission on National and Community Service (under interim authorities); and (2) the ACTION Agency (under final authorities). Title III: Reauthorization - Subtitle A: National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Subtitle B: Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1978 (DVSA) to reauthorize, reorganize, and revise its programs. Chapter I: VISTA and Other Anti-Poverty Programs - (Sec. 321) Adds to VISTA program objectives generating private sector resources commitment, encouraging local level volunteer service, and strengthening local agencies and organizations to carry out the program. (Sec. 322) Revises procedures and other requirements for selection and assignment of VISTA volunteers. Allows a sponsoring organization to recruit VISTA volunteers, subject to final approval of the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director). (Sec. 323) Revises provisions for terms and periods of service. Authorizes a VISTA summer associates program. (Sec. 324) Revises postservice stipends. (Sec. 325) Requires encouragement of participation of both younger (18 through 27) and older (55 and older) VISTA volunteers. (Sec. 328) Repeals authority for student community service programs grants and contracts. (Sec. 329) Renames the University Year for ACTION the University Year for VISTA program. Shortens the minimum period of participation to an academic semester or equivalent. Allows volunteers to receive a living allowance or such other support the Director deems appropriate. (Sec. 330) Revises authority to establish and operate special volunteer and demonstration programs. Requires a competitive process for any grant or contract exceeding $100,000. (Sec. 331) Permits the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to employers and other private organizations that use or desire to use volunteers. (Sec. 332) Repeals a separate authority for drug abuse education and prevention programs under special volunteer programs. Chapter 2: National Senior Volunteer Corps - (Sec. 342) Renames the retired senior volunteer program the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). (Sec. 343) Expands RSVP eligibility to include older working persons and those over 55 (currently 60). (Sec. 345) Requires certain adjustments and minimums for stipends for low-income volunteers. (Sec. 346) Allows non-low-income persons to participate in the Foster Grandparent and the Senior Companion programs, without any financial support except reimbursement for related expenses. (Sec. 347) Repeals certain conditions for grants and contracts under those two programs, including a requirement that volunteers no longer be in the regular work force. (Sec. 348) Eliminates one type of evaluation of the Senior Companion Program. (Sec. 349) Encourages agreements with other Federal agencies involving retired, senior, intergenerational, and conservation volunteer programs. (Sec. 352) Authorizes grants and contracts for demonstration programs of innovative activities involving older volunteers. Prohibits reducing other older volunteer programs to support such demonstrations. Chapter 3: Administration - (Sec. 365) Bases disability or death benefits for VISTA volunteers on a grade GS-5 (rather than GS-7) Federal employee entrance salary. (Sec. 370) Grants copyright protection for the programs of the ACTION Agency. (Sec. 371) Authorizes the Director to establish a Center for Research and Training on Volunteerism. (Sec. 372) Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to make retirement credit for time served as a VISTA volunteer available to all who become Federal employees subsequent to such volunteer service, upon their paying a deposit based on their post-service stipend. Chapter 4: Authorization of Appropriations and Other Amendments - (Sec. 381-383) Extends the authorization of appropriations for various programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. (Sec. 385) Repeals Youthbuild Projects authority. Chapter 5: General Provisions - (Sec. 391) Sets forth technical and conforming amendments. Title IV: Technical and Conforming Amendments - (Sec. 401-405) Sets forth various changes of definitions and references in specified Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Federal Direct Loan Demonstration Program Title II: Conforming Amendments Title III: Effective Dates Student Loan Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to replace the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, under which loans made by private lenders are guaranteed by the Government, with a Federal Direct Student Loan Program, over a four-year transition period. Title I: Amendments to Federal Direct Loan Demonstration Program - (Sec. 111) Amends HEA to change the Federal Direct Loan Demonstration Program to the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSL). (Sec. 112) Sets forth program authority for making funds available for FDSL loans to all eligible students (and parents) at participating higher education institutions selected by the Secretary of Education (Secretary). Requires such loans to be made by participating institutions that also have agreements with the Secretary to originate loans, or by alternative originators designated by the Secretary. (Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary to provide funds for such loans on the basis of need and eligibility of students and parents at each participating institution. Requires the Secretary to pay fees to assist in meeting costs of loan origination to participating institutions or alternative originators. Declares that no institution shall have a right to participate in FDSL programs. (Sec. 114) Provides for phase-in of the program over four years. Sets forth selection criteria for an institution's participation in the FDSL program and in origination agreements. Allows consortia of eligible participating institutions to apply to originate FDSL loans. (Sec. 115) Sets forth FDSL program participation and origination agreement requirements for institutions. (Sec. 116) Sets forth terms and conditions for FDSL loans, including certain parallels with Stafford, supplemental, parent, and unsubsidized Stafford loans under the FFEL program. Provides for standard, extended, graduated, and income contingent (EXCEL account) repayment plan options. Sets forth deferment and forbearance possibilities (including national service). Provides for consolidation, borrower defenses, optically imaged records, and nondischargeability in bankruptcy. (Sec. 117) Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts under the FDSL program for: (1) alternative origination of loans; (2) servicing and collection of loans; (3) data systems for records maintenance; and (4) services to assist in orderly transition from FFEL to FDSL programs. (Sec. 118) Authorizes the Secretary to use a portion of program funds for research on, or demonstration or evaluation of, any FDSL program aspects, including flexible repayment plans. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a plan to the President that provides for wage-withholding by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and evaluates other wage-withholding repayment options. Authorizes the Secretaries to implement options selected by the President. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary to publish a notice of standards for the first year of the FDSL program, in lieu of regulations required by the General Education Provisions Act. (Sec. 121) Provides funds for specified administrative expenses of the FDSL program. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Part A: Conforming Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - (Sec. 211) Amends HEA to provide for access to FFEL program student and parent loans during the transition to the FDSL program. Provides for advances to guaranty agencies for lender-of-last-resort services. Authorizes agreements with guaranty agencies that meet standards to provide lender referral services in geographic areas specified by the Secretary. Requires the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) or its designated agent to begin making FFEL loans as lender-of-last-resort, subject to certain limitations, upon the Secretary's request, and to cease when the triggering conditions have ceased. (Sec. 212) Considers guaranty agency reserve funds and any assets purchased with such funds to be U.S. property for use in operation of the FFEL or FDSL programs. (Sec. 213) Modifies terms of loans under the FFEL program. Authorizes requiring a defaulted borrower to make income contingent repayments. (Sec. 215) Provides for termination of guaranty agency agreements and assumption of guaranty agency functions by the Secretary. (Sec. 216) Terminates an administrative cost allowance to guaranty agencies at the end of FY 1993. (Sec. 218) Directs the Secretaries of Education and of the Treasury to prepare a study of alternatives for Sallie Mae during and after the transition to FDSL, including its own transition from a Government-sponsored enterprise to a private corporation. (Sec. 219) Provides for use of optically imaged documents and records. Part B: Amendments to Other Laws - (Sec. 221) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for collection of income contingent repayments of student loans. (Sec. 222) Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide that any reductions in the FDSL program required by a sequestration order shall be achieved only through a specified increase in the loan fee. Title III: Effective Dates - (Sec. 301) Sets forth effective dates for amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Semiconductor Investment Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify the depreciable life for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as three-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1993
Calls upon the Government of the Russian Federation to continue to remove its troops from the independent Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through a firm, expeditious, and conscientiously observed schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1993
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Expansion Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the offset for rental real estate activities under passive activity rules to increase the rehabilitation credit under such rules. Allows the rehabilitation investment credit to offset a portion of tentative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1993
Economic Conversion Clearinghouse Act - Establishes within the Department of Commerce the Office of Economic Conversion Information to: (1) serve as a central information clearinghouse on matters relating to economic adjustment and defense conversion programs and activities of the Federal and State governments; and (2) aid persons in applying for economic adjustment and defense conversion assistance under Federal, State, and local laws. Outlines further Office functions, including: (1) the development of information data bases for use in identifying and applying for such assistance; (2) the establishment of mechanisms to assure easy access to such information data bases, as well as their user-friendliness (including establishing a toll-free number); and (3) the conduct of a regular review of the various agencies and programs in the Federal system involving economic adjustment and defense conversion. Establishes the Interagency Economic Conversion Information Coordinating Committee to: (1) advise and make appropriate recommendations to the Office; (2) coordinate and facilitate the information gathering and monitoring activities of the Office among Federal departments and agencies; (3) aid the Office in preparing and presenting information in an accessible, user-friendly manner; and (4) assist the Office in making technical assistance personnel available as needed. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1993 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers and retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements similar to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the ten-cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1993
Medicare Cancer Coverage Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover: (1) any use of a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration in an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen if such use has been published in select peer-review medical literature or included in one or more of three specified medical compendia; and (2) an oral form of a drug prescribed for anticancer use for a given indication if the drug contains the same active ingredients and indication as a drug that would be covered if administered as incident to a physician's service if the drug could not be self-administered. Requires a study and report to specified congressional committees by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on Medicare coverage of patient care costs associated with clinical trials of new cancer therapies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1993
Directs the President to enter into negotiations to conclude agreements that require the following countries to pay at least 75 percent of the overseas basing costs incurred for stationing of U.S. armed forces and related civilian employees: (1) member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and (2) foreign nations with which the United States has defense agreements providing for the assignment of U.S. armed forces or combat equipment in such nations. Makes this Act inapplicable to foreign nations that receive assistance under the foreign military financing program or other military assistance pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Phases in limitations on Federal funding for overseas basing costs, setting a maximum payment of 25 percent of such costs for fiscal years after 1995. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act pursuant to national security interests.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act Title II: Credit Repair Organizations Consumer Reporting Reform Act of 1993 - Title I: Amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the Act) to specify that the term "credit or insurance (credit) transaction which is not initiated by the consumer" does not include use of a consumer report (CR) by a person with which the consumer has an account for purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. Allows the furnishing of a CR for: (1) a legitimate business need in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the consumer or is a direct marketing transaction for which the furnishing of a report is not prohibited by provisions enacted by this Act; and (2) employment purposes only if certain disclosures are made, the employee or prospective employee consents, and the information will not be used in violation of any Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or regulation. Prohibits: (1) using or obtaining information from a CR unless it is obtained for an authorized purpose and the purpose is certified under certain provisions of the Act; and (2) a consumer reporting agency (CRA) from prohibiting a CR user from disclosing the CR to the consumer if adverse action against the consumer is contemplated. Sets forth restrictions regarding the furnishing of a CR: (1) in connection with a solicitation for credit that is not initiated by the consumer; and (2) for use in direct marketing not initiated by the consumer. Requires CRAs: (1) to maintain a notification system, including a toll-free telephone number, which permits any consumer to elect to be excluded from lists provided in connection with solicitations of credit not initiated by the consumer; and (2) with nationwide files to maintain a notification system jointly with other such CRAs. Removes exceptions to prohibitions on reporting obsolete information. (Current law prohibits reporting information which is over a specified number of years old, except for credit transactions, life insurance, or employment involving amounts over specified limits.) Regulates the beginning of the seven-year reporting period for certain types of information. Prohibits including in a CR any adverse information that is more than ten years old or that could not be included in any CR in accordance with specified provisions. Requires CRAs to: (1) include information it has received that an account was voluntarily closed by the consumer; (2) accept from a consumer and include in the consumer's file relevant and timely information that is not in computerized form if the information would have a positive impact on a determination of credit worthiness and is submitted in compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations; and (3) notify regular information suppliers of the suppliers' responsibilities under the Act. Prohibits a person who procures a CR from reselling the information unless the identity of the end user and the purpose is disclosed to the CRA. Requires a CRA to: (1) disclose to a consumer all information in the consumer's file, certain information about the recipients of a CR, a record of inquiries in the last year that identified the consumer in connection with a credit transaction which is not initiated by the consumer, and with any such disclosures, a summary of the consumer's rights under the Act; and (2) unless the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, reinvestigate disputed information free of charge, notify the information furnisher, delete inaccurate or unverifiable information, and notify the consumer of the results of the reinvestigation. Regulates charges by CRAs for certain disclosures. Requires any person who takes an adverse action with respect to a consumer in connection with credit, employment, specified licenses or benefits, or any business transaction involving the consumer to notify the consumer, disclose the identity of the CRA furnishing the report, advise the consumer of certain rights, and give certain information on any credit scoring system used. Subjects any person (currently, any CRA or user of information) to civil liability for willful or negligent noncompliance with the Act. Sets forth duties of furnishers of information to CRAs, including a prohibition on furnishing information which the furnisher knows or should know is incomplete or inaccurate. Authorizes: (1) the chief law enforcement officer of a State to bring an action to restrain a violation of the Act, recover amounts, seek remedies as allowed under State laws, and collect a civil monetary penalty; and (2) the FTC to use all its functions and powers under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) to enforce the Act. Requires each CRA which compiles and maintains consumer reports nationwide to maintain a toll-free telephone number. Title II: Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that specified provisions of that Act may be cited as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Prohibits credit repair organizations (CROs) from taking certain actions, including: (1) charging or receiving any valuable consideration for any service before the service is fully performed; (2) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement; (3) advising any consumer to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; or (4) other fraud or deception. Specifies a statement which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations. Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three business days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this title. Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this title. Voids any contract not in compliance with this title. Provides for civil liability for CRAs failing to comply with this title, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this title under the FTCA by the FTC. Makes: (1) a violation of this title an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this title. Allows State enforcement through Federal or State courts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1993
Joint Antitrust Consultative Commission Act - Establishes the United States-Japan Joint Antitrust Consultative Commission to: (1) discuss and make recommendations on long-term structural differences in antitrust policy and short-term antitrust disputes; and (2) serve as an open forum to promote more coherent enforcement of antitrust law in Japan and the United States. Requires the lead representative of the American delegation to institute a comprehensive review of the activities and responsibilities of the Commission within 180 days after its second annual meeting. Sets forth provisions regarding compensation and payment of expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1993
Voluntary Environmental Cleanup and Economic Redevelopment Act of 1993 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants to: (1) States that establish voluntary environmental cleanup programs meeting specified requirements; and (2) local governments to conduct site characterizations for affected sites at which voluntary cleanups are being conducted or are proposed under State voluntary cleanup programs. Directs the Administrator to provide loans for the cleanup of affected sites to owners or prospective purchasers of affected sites at which voluntary cleanups are being conducted or are proposed. Sets forth loan application and approval procedures, as well as maximum loan amounts and loan agreement requirements. Grants the United States a lien on contaminated property subject to a loan until the loan agreement has been satisfied. Establishes the Economic Redevelopment Revolving Fund. Transfers loan repayments to the Fund and makes the Fund available for the loan program. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount of grants or loans that may be used for administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1993
King Holiday and Service Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to: (1) authorize appropriations for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission; (2) extend the Commission; and (3) revise its membership. Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to authorize the Commission to make grants to eligible entities to carry out service opportunities on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1993
Pipe and Tube Inverted Tariff Correction Act of 1993 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to revise a specified subheading relating to nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes to include non-galvanized forms of such products. Increases the duty on certain other iron and steel pipes and tubes. Imposes a duty on galvanized nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes having a specified thickness. Increases the duty on certain stainless steel pipes and tubes. Authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate compensation for claims made pursuant to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or any other trade agreement to which the United States is a party, as a result of the amendments made by this Act. Declares that any staged reduction in the rate of duty that is proclaimed pursuant to the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement shall apply to such products. Sets forth certain waiver requirements with respect to the applicability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Thrift Depositor Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to provide additional funding to the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), up to designated limits. Releases such funds in specified stages, subject to certification to the Congress by the Chairperson of the Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board (the Chairperson) that a specified program tailored to curb RTC waste, fraud, and abuse has been implemented. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide additional funding to the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), up to designated limits. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to pay to SAIF or to the FSLIC Resolution Fund, for a certain period after RTC termination, any RTC funds that the Secretary determines are not required to meet its obligations. Conditions the release of SAIF funds in two stages upon certification by the Secretary to the Congress that: (1) the funds are needed; (2) the SAIF is being operated in an efficient manner; (3) it is implementing a program to prevent waste, if appropriate, fraud, and abuse in its operations; and (4) the FDIC is taking action, if appropriate, to correct problems identified in its most recent General Accounting Office audit. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require the Chairperson to certify to certain congressional committees that the RTC is implementing an appeals procedure for non-defaulting businesses and commercial borrowers whose credit transactions have been adversely affected by RTC decisions. Directs the Secretary to submit to certain congressional committees final reports on the use of funds by the RTC and the SAIF.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Egg Research and Consumer Information Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act to: (1) increase the maximum assessment rate from ten cents per case of commercial eggs to 30 cents per case; (2) authorize the Egg Board to increase assessments subject to producer referendum; and (3) increase the trigger level for assessment exemptions from (producers of) 30,000 laying hens to 50,000 laying hens.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Comprehensive Child Immunization Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate: (1) a list of vaccines that provide immunization against naturally occurring infectious diseases which are recommended for universal use in children; and (2) recommendations regarding the appropriate dosage and the ages of children at which each vaccine should be administered. Directs the Secretary to establish a national system to track the immunization status of children. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States to enable such States to establish and operate State immunization tracking registries, subject to specified conditions. Sets forth limitations on the use and disclosure of personally-identifiable information relating to a child who receives a recommended childhood vaccine or to the parent or guardian of such a child. Directs the Secretary to provide for the distribution without charge of such vaccines purchased by the Secretary under the Social Security Act to health care providers who serve children and meet other specified requirements. Permits a health care provider receiving such a vaccine to: (1) use it only for administration to children; and (2) impose a fee for the administration of the vaccine, but not for the vaccine itself, subject to specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that funds made available for the purpose of strengthening the public health infrastructure and used in the delivery of childhood immunization services be used for activities consistent with a strategic plan that meets nationally established immunization goals developed by the State in consultation with representatives of health care providers, health centers, State agencies serving young children, and other entities involved in the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Revises the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program regarding: (1) addition of vaccines to the vaccine injury table; (2) the limitation of actions; (3) the extension of time for decision in proceedings on petitions for vaccine-related injuries or deaths; and (4) vaccine information materials (requiring a concise description of vaccine risks and benefits and a statement of Program availability).
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1993
Comprehensive Child Health Immunization Act of 1993 - Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regularly contract for the purchase of specified childhood vaccines in amounts: (1) necessary for distribution under the Public Health Service Act to meet anticipated needs and for the maintenance of a reserve vaccine supply sufficient for a six-month period; and (2) which take into account minimum waste due to breakage or other unavoidable losses. Requires: (1) the Secretary to negotiate a reasonable price for vaccines to be purchased; and (2) a manufacturer of such vaccines to provide cost or pricing data in support of the manufacturer's proposed price (and other data whenever the Secretary determines that contract modifications are necessary). Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the confidentiality of such data; (2) the prohibition of additional shipping or handling charges; (3) multiple suppliers; (4) reporting requirements; (5) funding the program under this Act (including establishment in the Treasury of a Comprehensive Child Immunization Account); and (6) termination of the program. Directs that: (1) the term "early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services" under such Act include administration of specified childhood vaccines, taking into account the health history of the individual (currently, appropriate immunizations according to age and health history); and (2) payments from State plans to providers include reimbursement for the administration of recommended childhood vaccines. Directs the Secretary to promulgate: (1) a list of vaccines that provide immunization against naturally occurring infectious diseases which are recommended for universal use in children; and (2) recommendations regarding appropriate dosages and ages of children at which each vaccine should be administered. Amends: (1) the Internal Revenue Code to remove a limitation on the use of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund; and (2) the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 to provide for a permanent extension of authority to impose taxes for such Fund. Directs the Secretary to implement a program to ensure participation of all health care providers in a national immunization tracking system.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Fair Trade Assurances Act of 1993 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in identifying market barriers and certain unfair trade actions, to: (1) identify, if for a calendar year the United States merchandise trade balance (excluding crude petroleum imports) was in deficit, each foreign country that accounted for at least 15 percent of such deficit and had a global current account surplus for such year in an amount not less than such deficit; and (2) specify each act, policy, or practice that was implemented by a foreign country with respect to any goods sector or service sector that accounted for at least ten percent of the merchandise trade and current account deficits between the United States and such foreign country during such calendar year. Makes permanent the program known as "Super 301" which identifies trade liberalization priorities. Applies such program to sectoral priority practices. Requires the President, if the USTR finds violations of trade practices, to: (1) direct the USTR to take certain action to obtain the elimination of the foreign practice; or (2) submit to the Congress an alternative plan for eliminating such practice. Requires the USTR to initiate an investigation under "Super 301" whenever specified congressional committees adopt a resolution stating that in their opinion a particular foreign country is engaging in certain trade practices.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1993
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions determining the effectively connected net investment income of foreign companies carrying on insurance business in the United States. Requires such companies to recompute their effectively connected net investment income for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997. Provides for increases (or decreases, as appropriate) in such income where the recomputed amount exceeds (or is less than) the income for the recomputed year. Requires payment (or receipt) of interest on the underpayment (or overpayment) of adjusted amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1993
Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend permanently (currently, terminated on June 30, 1992) the research credit. Allows such credit to offset 50 percent of the tentative minimum tax of a taxpayer. Revises the definition of the fixed-base percentage of research expenses in various taxable years for purposes of computing the amount of the research credit. Provides a flat research credit for eligible small businesses (those having gross receipts no greater than $100 million) of ten percent of the qualified research expenses for the taxable year. Provides special rules for the defense and aerospace industries with respect to such credit determination. Allows a research credit of 20 percent of qualified cooperative research expenditures, with limitations on the amount of contributions to cooperative research consortia and on private source funding of such research. Provides special tax rules with respect to such consortia and requires each such consortium to provide specified information with respect to its research expenditures (and their funding) to the Secretary of the Treasury. Includes university affiliated hospitals among those qualified organizations to which a research credit will be allowed for contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1993
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from closing or realigning a military installation under a base closure law until a community economic adjustment plan is prepared. Outlines provisions concerning plan preparation and requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to a State or local government or organization for preparation of such plan through grants or cooperative arrangements. Requires each plan to include: (1) a proposal for utilizing a portion of such installation for non-defense purposes, if economically feasible; or (2) a detailed explanation if no portion is determined appropriate for non-defense purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving Enrollment Title II: Application of Other Medicaid Eligibility Rules Title III: Report Medicare Enrollment Improvement and Protection Act of 1993 - Title I: Improving Enrollment - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services' annual notice to Medicare beneficiaries to inform certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries of the requirements to qualify for Medicaid (SSA title XIX) payment of their Medicare out-of-pocket expenses and how to apply for such cost-sharing benefit. Requires such notice to be suitable for posting and distributed to physicians, medical facilities, and others receiving grants to provide services to older individuals. Mandates direct enrollment of Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) eligibles by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone number for information about such cost-sharing benefit. Amends the Medicaid program to: (1) require the Secretary to develop a simplified form for applying for such cost-sharing benefit for processing at social security offices; and (2) provide for a period of presumptive eligibility for medical assistance for individuals who qualify for such cost-sharing benefit without regard to whether a final determination of eligibility for such assistance has been made. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies and organizations for the provision of outreach assistance to older individuals who may be eligible for such cost-sharing benefit. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Application of Other Medicaid Eligibility Rules - Amends the Medicaid program to permit retroactive payments of medical costs incurred by certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries in or after the third month before the month in which such an individual applied for such cost-sharing benefit. Title III: Report - Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on Department activities to ensure enrollment in and full implementation of such cost-sharing program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1993
Apprenticeship Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends the National Apprenticeship Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain a national information collection system for apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs. Requires the Secretary to reserve at least one percent of appropriations under such Act to establish outreach recruitment activities to increase the participation of women and minorities, handicapped individuals, displaced workers, and disadvantaged individuals in the apprenticeship programs. Establishes the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (the Bureau) in the Department of Labor, under the direction of the Administrator of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Transfers to the Bureau all functions of the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration with respect to the promotion of labor standards of apprenticeship, including research, information, and publications. Transfers to the Bureau all functions related to apprenticeship, including appropriate administrative and program support services, together with necessary personnel and related funds. Directs the Secretary to increase the force within the Bureau to a specified number of full-time employees. Limits the authority to conduct reductions in force within the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within six months on whether the apprenticeship program complies with regulations governing equal opportunity.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to subject to criminal penalties and a civil remedy persons who intentionally: (1) by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because that person is or has been obtaining abortion services or lawfully aiding another to obtain such services; or (2) damage or destroy the property of a medical facility because such facility provides abortion services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study concerning the effect of such prohibited conduct on the delivery of reproductive health services for women and on the health and welfare of women throughout the United States. Requires the Secretary to conduct an investigation to determine whether any person has violated or is violating this Act. Permits the Secretary to obtain the assistance of the Attorney General or a State or local government agency in conducting such investigations. Directs the Secretary to immediately refer a violation to the Attorney General for appropriate action. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) civil remedies (including compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and costs); and (2) action by the Attorney General (who may commence a civil action in any appropriate U.S. district court).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1993
Multistate Utility Company Consumer Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Power Act to transfer from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), for purposes of determining a just and reasonable rate for consumers, the power to review and disallow the costs associated with transactions of a public utility holding company with an affiliated company. Transfers to FERC all functions of the SEC under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA). Amends the PUHCA to require that contracts with associates, entered into by holding company subsidiaries or mutual service companies, be performed for the benefit of such associate companies at a price not to exceed cost (currently, at cost). Conditions FERC approval of a mutual service company upon finding that it is organized to reasonably insure performance of contracts for member companies at such a price. (Thus allowing prices below cost.)