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Bill· SS. 2748 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Library of Congress Fund Act of 1992 - Expresses the intent of the Congress that core Library of Congress services shall continue to be provided at no cost. Title I: Library Products and Services - Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to furnish national library products and services to institutions or individuals for a price that covers distribution costs. Directs the Librarian to publish for comments in the Federal Register new Library of Congress Revolving Fund service activities proposed after enactment of this Act. Requires that any regulation establishing a new activity within specialized library products or services be published in the Federal Register with an explanation of the Librarian's decision. Defines: (1) "core library products and services" as domestic interlibrary loan and information products and services customarily provided by libraries to users at no charge; (2) "national library products and services" as information products and services that are used by libraries and library organizations in maintaining and improving library services throughout the nation; and (3) "specialized library products and services" as specified customized information products and services that exceed core services, that are not national library products and services, and that are designed for individuals or discrete groups of persons or entities. Title II: Library of Congress Revolving Fund for Specialized Products and Services - Establishes the Library of Congress Revolving Fund in the Treasury to be available to the Librarian, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out Fund service activities. Defines "Fund service activities" as specialized library information products and services and other activities assigned by the Librarian by regulation. Requires the Fund to be credited with all amounts received for specialized library products and services and all appropriations for, and other assets associated with, Fund service activities. Authorizes the Librarian to furnish specialized library products and services to institutions and individuals for purchase at a price covering production and distribution costs. Requires the Librarian to set fees to recover the costs of such products and services provided by each Fund service unit. Requires the Librarian to report activities and financial transactions of the Fund in the Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress. Authorizes the General Accounting Office to audit the Fund's financial activities. Title III: General Standards and Limitations - Requires the Librarian to respect and preserve the security classification of any scientific or technical material in the possession or control of the Library of Congress. Requires the President to certify the classified status of items received as being essential in the interest of national defense. Declares that this Act shall not apply to the Copyright Office or modify Federal copyright law. Prohibits: (1) the use of Congressional Research Service (CRS) resources to generate fee-based research and information services; or (2) the marketing or publication of CRS products without prior approval of either the Committee on House Administration or the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) permit the Library to impose redistribution fees on domestic end users of national library products and services; (2) revise the Federal depository library program or the Library's distribution of publications to depository libraries; or (3) require fees or charges for services and products provided under reciprocal arrangements for the exchange of information. Requires the Library to follow rulemaking notification procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act when proposing new Fund service activities.
Bill· SS. 2755 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Industrial Defense Innovation Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for grants by the Secretary of Defense to States to provide technical and financial assistance to defense-dependent contractors. Prescribes: (1) grant application procedures; and (2) State certification requirements regarding State and contractor matching funds, maintenance of expenditures by State assistance programs, and grant use. Requires each State to reserve 40 percent of grant funds for assistance to contractors for quality and productivity improvements and market expansion and 60 percent for assistance for human resource development initiatives essential for industrial modernization and for the fulfillment of improved competitiveness strategies.
Bill· HRH.R. 5217 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Aviation Noise Limit Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to develop a staged plan to reduce by at least 75 percent on or before January 1, 2001, the number of individuals residing in residential areas in the vicinity of an airport who are exposed to a yearly day-night average sound level of 60 decibels or above. Requires the Secretary in developing such plan to consider various methods for aviation noise reduction, including soundproofing, relocation incentives, use of quieter aircraft, operations restrictions, and revision of air routes. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to make airspace traffic changes in residential areas if they will not result in an increase in aviation noise. Requires the Secretary to assume responsibility for compliance with the requirements of this Act with respect to all non-military aviation activity.
Bill· HRH.R. 5219 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Defense Industrial Innovation Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for grants by the Secretary of Defense to States to provide technical and financial assistance to defense-dependent contractors. Prescribes: (1) grant application procedures; and (2) State certification requirements regarding State and contractor matching funds, maintenance of expenditures by State assistance programs, and grant use. Requires each State to reserve 40 percent of grant funds for assistance to contractors for quality and productivity improvements and market expansion and 60 percent for assistance for human resource development initiatives essential for industrial modernization and for the fulfillment of improved competitiveness strategies.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 322 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Authorizes and instructs the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, and the appropriate agents of the Congress to cooperate fully with the Internal Revenue Service and the Defense Manpower Data Center in their efforts to match Government employee names and Social Security numbers with computerized bad debt records, among other ways by providing computer tapes for Members of Congress and their staff for use in such computer matches as part of the debt collection effort. Directs the Congress to comply voluntarily with the provisions of the Federal Debt Collection Act of 1982, so that the law applies to Members of Congress and their staff as it applies to executive branch and judicial branch employees.
Bill· SS. 2737 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Repeals Federal veterans' provisions which provide for the operation of the Direct Loan Revolving Fund (DLRF), the Loan Guaranty Revolving Fund (LGRF), and the Guaranty and Indemnity Fund (GIF). Establishes in the Treasury the Veterans Housing Loan Fund (Fund) to be available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for all veterans' housing loan program operations. Deposits into the Fund: (1) all amounts currently deposited in the DLRF, LGRF, and GIF; (2) all amounts received on or after October 1, 1992, as veterans' housing loan fees or other payments with respect to such program; and (3) all amounts received by the Secretary on or after such date incident to housing loan operations.
Bill· SS. 2740 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Veterans Preventive Health Act of 1992 - Changes the definition of "preventive health care services" furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs to include: (1) screening for high blood pressure, glaucoma, high cholesterol, and colorectal and gender-specific cancers; and (2) patient health education in stress management, physical fitness, and stopping smoking. Repeals provisions of Federal law with respect to a preventive health-care service pilot program. Requires the Chief Medical Director (CMD) to establish and operate a National Center for Preventive Health in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Designates the Director of Preventive Health as the head of the Center. Requires the Center to: (1) provide a central office for monitoring and encouraging the activities of VHA with respect to the provision, evaluation, and improvement of preventive health services; and (2) promote the expansion and improvement of clinical, research, and educational activities of VHA with respect to such services. Requires the Center to report annually on the programs, activities, and findings of the Department on preventive health services to health-care professionals and organizations that have an interest in the provisions of such services. Authorizes appropriations for the Center. Directs the Secretary to establish a Preventive Health Services Advisory Committee to: (1) advise and make recommendations to the Secretary on means of enhancing and continuing preventive health services by the Department; and (2) identify appropriate preventive health services for particular groups of veterans and areas of inquiry regarding such services that are suitable for additional research by the Department. Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on: (1) a description of the programs and activities of the Department with respect to preventive health services during the preceding 12-month period; (2) a specific description of research activities on preventive health services carried out during that period using employees and various support services of the Department; (3) the work and recommendations of the Advisory Committee and a description of any activities of the Department to carry out such recommendations; and (4) expenditures of the Center.
Bill· SS. 2738 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Veterans' Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends Federal provisions with respect to a temporary program for trial work periods and vocational rehabilitation for certain veterans with total disability ratings to: (1) reduce from 12 to six months the work period of a totally disabled veteran engaged in a work program during which the total disability rating will not be reduced due to such employment; and (2) make such trial work program permanent (currently ends January 31, 1992). Revises provisions concerning a temporary program of vocational training for veterans under age 45 who are awarded a veteran's pension to: (1) delete the current January 31, 1992, termination date of such program; (2) make voluntary between the veteran and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (currently, required) an evaluation as to whether such veteran could reasonably achieve a vocational goal; (3) make unnecessary (currently, required) a personal interview by a Department of Veterans Affairs counselor as part of such evaluation when such interview is not practical or necessary for the goal-achievement determination; and (4) protect for three years such veteran's health-care eligibility without regard to when the veteran's entitlement to pension is terminated due to income from work or training. Authorizes the Secretary, during the three-year period beginning on October 1, 1992, to conduct a pilot program for using any public or private entity or employer to provide on-job training as part of a veteran's vocational rehabilitation program. Requires on-site monitoring of such training to insure that it is in the best interest of the veteran and the Federal Government. Prohibits the Secretary from approving or entering into a contract, agreement, or cooperative arrangement for such an on-job training program which commences after the later of: (1) September 30, 1995; or (2) if a written vocational rehabilitation plan for such training is executed before such date, within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed six months, after the execution of such plan. Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to provide that active duty service shall not be considered broken, for purposes of educational assistance entitlement, by any period during which an individual is assigned by the armed forces to a civilian institution full time for a course of education which is substantially the same as established courses offered to civilians. Entitles to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill program an individual who originally made an election not to participate in the program but who, before completing his or her obligated period of service, is discharged or released due to a physical or mental condition not characterized as a disability but which did not result from the individual's willful misconduct and did interfere with the performance of duty.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 299 (102nd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Government of Thailand should promptly restore respect for human rights and democratic rule by taking specified steps, including: an immediate cessation of the use of lethal force against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators; lifting the State of Emergency; releasing all those detained for the peaceful expression of their views; allowing those detained since May 18, 1992 immediate access to attorneys, medical personnel, and international humanitarian organizations; declaring amnesty for all those facing criminal charges since the February 1991 military coup for peacefully expressing their views; and fulfilling its stated commitment to peaceful negotiations and elected rule; (2) the U.S. Government should suspend joint military exercises with Thailand; and (3) the Secretary of State should convey these recommendations to the Thai authorities at the highest level and confirm that no U.S. economic or military assistance will be provided until a duly elected government is fully installed and human rights are respected.
Bill· HRH.R. 5199 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Military Retiree and Veteran Health Care Act of 1992 - Entitles members and former members of the armed forces and their dependents who are eligible for medical or dental care in any military facility and who are also entitled to health insurance under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to receive medical or dental care in any military facility. Directs the facility providing such services to recover the costs of such care from Medicare Subvention funding. Provides for the deposit of funds received by a military medical treatment or Department of Veterans Affairs facility from Medicare Subvention funding for the provision of such care. Allows a covered beneficiary of a member or former member of the armed forces who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare to receive care in a military treatment facility and to have the Medicare hospital insurance benefits paid to such military treatment facility for the care so provided. Provides that, in the case of health care services incurred on behalf of covered beneficiaries, collection may be made from any third party payer, including the appropriate program under Medicare or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. (Currently, collection from a plan administered by Medicare or Medicaid is prohibited.) Prohibits medical or dental care from being provided to an otherwise eligible person at a military treatment facility only if the senior or commanding officer of such facility determines that such facility cannot provide the particular care required because of lack of space or facilities or because such type of care is not provided at such facility. Requires the administering Secretary to be advised immediately when a determination to deny treatment is made, with a verifiable date as to when the restriction will be removed. Amends Medicare provisions to make Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs treatment facilities eligible for Medicare payments as long as they meet requirements applicable to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities under title XVIII.
Bill· HRH.R. 5208 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Prohibits a member of the armed forces or person seeking to become a member from being discriminated against by the armed forces on the basis of sexual orientation.
Law· HRH.R. 5193 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense to expand the availability of health-care sharing arrangements with the Department of Defense (DOD) during the period before October 1, 1996. Specifies that under such agreement: (1) the head of a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility (the facility) may enter into agreements with the head of a DOD medical facility, with any other DOD official responsible for the provision of care to persons who are covered beneficiaries in the region of the facility, or with a DOD contractor responsible for the provision of care to persons who are covered beneficiaries in the region of the facility; and (2) the term "primary beneficiary" shall be treated as including persons described under statutory provisions concerning medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans and medical and dental care of members of the armed forces. Bars a proposed agreement authorized under this Act that is entered into by the head of a facility from taking effect unless the Chief Medical Director certifies to the Secretary that implementation of the agreement will: (1) result in the improvement of services to eligible veterans at that facility; and (2) not result in the denial of, or a delay in providing, access to care for any veteran at that facility. Specifies that, under such an agreement, statutory guidelines for the sharing of health-care resources may be modified to provide that any person who is a covered beneficiary and who is furnished care or services by a facility, or who meets other specified criteria, and who is furnished care or services by a DOD medical facility, may be authorized to receive such care or services: (1) without regard to any otherwise applicable requirement for the payment of a copayment or deductible; or (2) subject to a requirement to pay only part of any such otherwise applicable copayment or deductible, as specified in the guidelines. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5192 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1992
Veterans Health-Care Amendments of 1992 - Extends permanently (currently expires September 30, 1992) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish respite care to veterans eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care. Extends through: (1) FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the construction of State home facilities; and (2) FY 1994 the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program. Expands the list of matters which may not be considered by the Secretary as a basis for the denial or discontinuance of a rating of total disability for purposes of compensation or pension received by a veteran and based on such veteran's inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment to include a veteran's participation in activities, or receipt of a distribution of funds, related to therapeutic and rehabilitative services and programs. Includes a veteran's eligible survivor or dependent as a person for whom the United States has the right to recover from a third party (the person's insurer) the cost of care provided to such person by the Department that otherwise would have been provided or paid by the third party. Provides that, in the case of a health-plan contract that is a Medicare supplemental insurance policy: (1) Department facilities and personnel shall be deemed to be Medicare-participating providers; (2) medical services covered by such policy and furnished by the Department shall be deemed to be Medicare-covered services; and (3) the person to whom the services were provided shall be deemed to have a legal obligation to the United States to pay for the services. Allows funds recovered for the furnishing of such sevices to be used for the procurement of needed medical equipment for Department medical facilities, earmarking 20 percent of such procurement directly to the medical facilities that provided such care. Provides a September 30, 1996, delimiting date for the recovery of the cost of furnishing general care and services from veterans and eligible beneficiaries and a September 30, 1993, delimiting date for the recovery of cost of services provided under the medical suplemental insurance policy. Directs the Assistant Chief Medical Director of the Department in charge of geriatrics to estabish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted to the Secretary for the establishment of new geriatric research, education, and clinical centers in the United States. Provides a new Assistant Director grade in the nurse pay grade schedule in the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to increase up to a specified limit the rate of basic pay for a nurse serving in a chief nurse position at a Department facility. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a nurse transferred to another facility at the request of the Secretary up to the applicable rate paid to such employee before such transfer for one year if necessary to fill the position. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the qualification standards applicable to nursing personnel at Department health-care facilities and the relationship between such standards and the pay compression of nursing personnel in the intermediate and senior pay grades. Requires a revision of such qualification standards after such review by either April 1, 1993, or six months after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on the review's findings to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (veterans' committees). Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the process used for determining the rate of basic pay applicable to the Chief Nurse position at Department facilities and to report to the veterans' committees the results of such review. Requires the Secretary to include in a certain report to the veterans' committees: (1) the number of nurses per facility who are on pay retention or in the top step of any grade; and (2) whether extensions of such pay grades were sought and granted.
Bill· SS. 2734 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1992
Water Resources Development Act of 1992 - Title I: Project Authorization - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army (the Secretary) to carry out public works projects in the following locations for improvements to navigation, flood control, and ecosystem restoration: (1) Southeast Alaska Harbors of Refuge, Alaska; (2) Whiteman's Creek, Arkansas; (3) American River Watershed, California; (4) Morro Bay Harbor, California; (5) Sacramento Metro Area, California; (6) Rio Grande Alamosa, Colorado; (7) Delaware River Mainstem and Channel Deepening, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; (8) Canaveral Harbor, Florida; (9) Kissimee River, Florida; (10) Port Everglades Harbor, Florida; (11) Savannah Harbor, Georgia and South Carolina; (12) Kentucky Lock Addition, Kentucky; (13) Amite River and Tributaries, Louisiana; (14) Saugus River and Tributaries, Massachusetts; (15) Las Vegas Wash and Tributaries, Nevada; (16) Morehead City Harbor, North Carolina; (17) West Onslow and New River Inlet, North Carolina; (18) Lackawanna River at Scranton, Pennsylvania; (19) Locks and Dams 2, 3, and 4 Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; (20) Rio Grande De Loiza, Puerto Rico; (21) Sargent Beach, Texas; and (22) Shoal Creek, Austin, Texas. Modifies projects at the following locations with respect to coastal storm protection, storm water collection, flood control beach erosion control and hurricane protection, navigation, and water quality improvement: (1) Virginia Beach, Virginia; (2) South Fork of the Zumbro River, Rochester, Minnesota; (3) Moorefield and Petersburg, West Virginia; (4) Buena Vista, Virginia; (5) Westhampton Beach, New York; (6) Jones inlet, New York; (7) Buffomville Lake, Massachusetts; (8) French River, Connecticut and Massachusetts; and (9) Clear Creek, Texas. Reauthorizes the project for flood control at: (1) Perry Creek, Sioux City, Iowa; and (2) Green Bay Levee District, Iowa. Title II: Project Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for modifying the channel bypass element of the Levisa Fork, Kentucky, project for water quality improvement in and restoration of Pikeville Lake, Kentucky. Authorizes appropriations. Bars the Secretary from proceeding with the divestiture of locks and dams five through 14 on the Kentucky River, Kentucky, until the Secretary has complied with the terms of a specified Memorandum of Understanding. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a comprehensive five-year and 20-year sediment management strategy for the Toledo River (and authorizes the Secretary to conduct the engineering and construction activities necessary to implement the five-year strategy); and (2) establish the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center at Mount Morris Dam, Mount Morris, New York. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to proceed with the project for the Richmond, Virginia, Filtration Plant. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) maintain navigation access to, and berthing areas at, all currently operating public and private commercial dock facilities associated with or having access to the Federal navigation project on the Columbia, Snake, and Clearwater Rivers from Bonneville Dam to and including Lewiston, Idaho, at a depth commensurate with the Federal navigation project; (2) complete the shore protection measures on Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island; and (3) reconstruct the Allendale Dam in North Providence, Rhode Island. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to make specified modifications with respect to the effective date of the local cooperation agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia and reimbursement for the Federal share of beach nourishment at the Virginia Beach periodic nourishment project. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to correct the design deficiency associated with the project for flood control at Ellenville, New York. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake an environmental restoration project along the banks of the White River in Indianapolis, Indiana; and (2) design and construct projects for combined sewer overflow (CSO) prevention for specified areas across the country. Sets forth provisions regarding project design and costs for the latter. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain the authorized Federal navigation channel at Port Orford, Oregon. Title III: General Provisions - Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1986 to authorize appropriations for dam safety; and (2) 1974 to provide that up to half the non-Federal contribution for the cost-sharing program may be made by the provision of in-kind services, and to define "State" to include Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a program to share the cost of managing recreation facilities and natural resources at water resource development projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal public and private entities to provide for operation and management of recreation facilities and natural resources at civil works projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction where such facilities and resources are being maintained at complete Federal expense; and (3) accept contributions of funds, materials, and services from such entities for purposes of this provision. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary to charge fees (to be deposited into the special Treasury account for the Corps of Engineers) for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities, but not for the use or provision of drinking water, way side exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal a provision barring a Federal agency, at each lake or reservoir under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, from charging a user fee for providing at least one primitive campground containing designated campsites, sanitary facilities, and vehicular access. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically-related habitats, including wetlands, in connection with dredging for construction, operation, or maintenance of an authorized navigation project. Specifies that such projects shall be undertaken, subject to appropriations and Federal cost-sharing limitations, in any case where the Secretary finds that: (1) the environmental, economic, and social benefits of the project justify the cost; and (2) such project will not result in any further environmental degradation. Specifies that any such project shall be initiated only after non-Federal interests have entered into a cooperative agreement, according to specified provisions of the Flood Control Act of 1970, under which such interests agree to: (1) provide 25 percent of the cost associated with the project, including provision of all lands, easements, rights-of-way, and necessary relocations; and (2) pay 100 percent of the cost of operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation costs associated with the project. Authorizes appropriations. Sets limits on the Federal share of the cost of each project. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to revise provisions with respect to cost-sharing for disposal of dredged sand on beaches. Requires the Secretary to give consideration to the schedule of the State or political subdivision in providing its share of funds for the placing of such sand on the beaches of such State or subdivision and, to the maximum extent practicable, to accommodate such schedule. Makes the political subdivision responsible for providing payments required under such Act in lieu of the State. Specifies that amounts recovered under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 for any response action taken by the Secretary in support of the Army Civil Works Program shall be credited to the principal appropriation from which the costs of such action has been paid or will be charged. Authorizes the Secretary, in accomplishing the maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization of hydroelectric power generating facilities at water resources projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, to increase the efficiency of energy production or the capacity of these facilities if, after consulting with other appropriate Federal agencies, the Secretary determines that such uprating: (1) is economically justified and financially feasible; (2) will not result in significant adverse environmental impacts or effects on the purposes for which the project is authorized; and (3) will not involve major structural or operational changes in the project. Authorizes the Secretary, at a water resources project where the non-Federal interest is responsible for performing the operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of the project and the Government is responsible for paying a portion of such costs, to: (1) provide a payment of the estimated total Federal share of such costs (based on a specified formula) to the non-Federal interest after completion of project construction; and (2) make a payment only if the non-Federal interest has entered into a binding agreement with the Secretary to perform the operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of the project, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to accept contributions of cash, funds, materials, and services from nonprofit private and non-Federal public entities for environmental protection and restoration. Extends the jurisdiction of the Mississippi River Commission to include Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Authorizes the Secretary to remove a sunken barge from waters off the shore of the Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide financial assistance to: (1) pay the costs of construction and equipment for an Upper Mississippi River Environmental Education Center to be located in Winona, Minnesota; and (2) share the costs of planning, engineering design, construction, and equipment for the North American Wildlife and Prairie Wetlands Interpretive Center to be constructed near Medina, North Dakota. Sets forth additional requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the use of flood emergency funds to repair and restore protective beaches damaged or destroyed by wind, wave, or water action other than of an ordinary nature when such repair and restoration is necessary to provide a level of protection equivalent to that provided prior to such damage or destruction and when requested by the Governor. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to require that credits for project lands, easements, relocations, and rights-of-way include full value of foregone royalties on subsurface minerals, such as sand, where State royalty schedules have been established on the commercial mining of such resources. Limits design and construction costs assigned to projects under such Act for purposes of cost-sharing by non-Federal interests to the direct costs of such projects (and excludes any departmental overhead or general and administrative overhead costs). Makes this provision applicable to projects authorized in this or subsequent Acts and to cost-sharing agreements for projects not specifically authorized by the Congress entered into after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to coordinate an annual review of the environmental research activities conducted at their respective research facilities. Extends the time of transfer of lands and management responsibilities with respect to specified portions of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to investigate and carry out saltmarsh restoration projects along the coastline of the State of Connecticut, subject to specified cost-sharing requirements. Directs the Secretary, for purposes of formulating, evaluating, and displaying the benefits and costs of any water resources project that involves beach renourishment, or that involves inlet dredging or other navigation improvements that are likely to affect erosion patterns on beaches adjacent to such project, to address: (1) economic costs to the State of not placing beach-quality sand on eroded or eroding beaches; and (2) cost savings, if any, that may be achieved by restoring or renourishing eroded or eroding beaches during a dredging or other navigation project as compared to performing such restoration or renourishment at a later date as a separate project. Specifies that the Secretary shall consider the protection of coastal resources through placement of beach quality sand on beaches as being in the public interest whenever such sand would otherwise be disposed of offshore. Requires the Secretary to establish by regulation a process for development of long-range plans for financing and execution of projects for beach nourishment and inlet management within each affected State. Sets forth minimum requirements with respect to such process and the amendment or termination of such plans. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Infrastructure Technology, Research and Development - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) engage in research, development, and technology transfer activities with respect to water and related land resources and water transportation, and test, develop, or assist non-Federal entities in development of new technology; (2) engage in activities to inform the U.S. Maritime Industry and Port Authorities of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve waterborne transportation in the United States, both inland and deep draft; and (3) coordinate water resources-related research efforts with those national centers and institutes focused on the development of new technology and solutions to the problems associated with the nation's infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a cooperative agreement with the National Center for Infrastructure Studies, Columbia University, New York City, and its consortium of universities, to accelerate the development of new technology in infrastructure; and (2) contract with the National Center for implementation of such a cooperative agreement. Specifies that: (1) such cooperation between the National Center, the Army Corps of Engineers, and its research facilities shall focus on the development of solutions to national water and waterway related infrastructure problems, including the disposal of dredged material; and (2) cooperative activities shall include an assessment of high-speed commercial water transportation, vessels, and infrastructure needs, and that in addition to general cargo carriers, high-speed water passenger transport at and in the vicinity of congested coastal urban areas shall be included. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such studies as necessary to provide a report to the Congress on the state of the National Ports and Harbors system of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the EPA and the Secretary: (1) based upon a review of specified decontamination technologies, to jointly select removal, pre- and post-treatment and decontamination technologies for contaminated marine sediments for a decontamination project in the New York/New Jersey Harbor; and (2) upon selection, to jointly implement a four-year program of selected technologies to assess their effectiveness in rendering sediments acceptable for unrestricted ocean disposal, beneficial reuse, or both. Provides for continuous review and evaluation of selected technologies, the joint development of an outyear management program, and reevaluation and updating of the program each year in light of the findings of the Administrator and Secretary and the comments of an advisory panel (established pursuant to this Act). Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to jointly recommend three additional sites and select appropriate technologies for marine sediment decontamination projects to be implemented on the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the West Coasts during FY 1995 through 1997. Provides for the establishment of an advisory panel (comprised of academic and agency scientists) for each decontamination project to advise the Administrator and the Secretary on technology review, technology selection, and decontamination program implementation. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Environmental Infrastructure Facilities for Economically Distressed Areas - Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance (the Office) within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to: (1) manage projects pursuant to this title; and (2) provide information and guidance to communities in economically distressed areas with respect to financial analysis and planning, assessment of feasibility of eligible projects under this title, and such economic and organizational issues as regionalization of environmental infrastructure facilities, reform of existing rate structures, and operation of special management districts (and, in cooperation with the Administrator, provide information and guidance to communities on issues related to construction, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities). Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an environmental infrastructure assistance program administered through the Office; (2) use funds under this title for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities; and (3) use funds under this title for an eligible project only if the project is publicly owned. Specifies that funds provided for the implementation of this title shall be available only for environmental infrastructure projects located in an economically distressed area serving a population of less than 25,000. Authorizes the Governor of any State to submit to the Secretary a State priority project plan, which shall include a list of: (1) economically distressed areas in the State, other than a Federal Indian reservation, including such information qualifying such areas as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate; (2) specific projects eligible for financial assistance and information concerning the nature, benefits, costs, and expected long-term operations of the projects; and (3) eligible projects ranked in priority order for the fiscal year with respect to which assistance is sought. Requires: (1) the Administrator to submit to the Secretary a priority project plan for eligible projects on Federal Indian reservations; and (2) the Secretary to establish by regulation such additional requirements for a State priority project plan as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a national economically distressed area environmental infrastructure assistance plan, which shall include: (1) for any plan that is not an initial plan, a description of the efforts of the Secretary to implement the provisions of this title in the preceding year; (2) a list of all State environmental infrastructure priority projects; (3) such list, ranked in an order which, in the judgment of the Secretary, gives highest priority to projects with the greatest public health and environmental benefits, serving communities facing the greatest financial hardships associated with the project, and ranked highest by the Governor; and (4) a status report of any projects in progress or under construction. Bars the Secretary from listing such a project if, in the judgment of the Secretary, the project does not meet the eligibility requirements of this title. Requires the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds, to enter into local cooperation agreements with appropriate local governments for the planning, design, and construction of such environmental infrastructure projects. Sets forth requirements with respect to such agreements, project priorities, project management, and consistency with planning requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste disposal facilities which: (1) describe the basic design standards to be applied in the planning of environmental infrastructure facilities; (2) identify appropriate engineering specifications for construction of environmental infrastructure facilities based on an expected operational life of 20 years; (3) establish such minimum standards of planning, engineering, design, and construction as are considered appropriate by the Administrator; and (4) assure that any facility constructed will comply with all applicable Federal and State environmental laws. Requires the Administrator to periodically review and revise the guidelines. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Contaminated Sediment and Ocean Dumping - National Contaminated Sediment Assessment and Management Act - Establishes a National Contaminated Sediment Task Force. Directs the Administrator to conduct: (1) a comprehensive national survey of data regarding aquatic sediment quality in the United States, including compilation of all existing information on the quantity, chemical and physical composition, and geographic location of pollutants in aquatic sediment; and (2) a comprehensive and continuing program to assess aquatic sediment quality. Sets forth reporting requirements. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to: (1) include a declaration by the Congress that it is the goal of the United States to eliminate the dumping of dredged materials containing contaminants in excess of marine water or sediment standards under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) into ocean waters; and (2) specify that no permit or dumping authorization shall be issued for a dumping of material that, in the case of a dump site located in the territorial sea, will violate water quality standards or contains contaminants in quantities in excess of sediment quality standards adopted pursuant to the FWPCA, or, in the case of any other dump site, will violate water quality criteria or contains contaminants in quantities in excess of sediment quality criteria published pursuant to the FWPCA. (Current law states that no permit shall be issued for a dumping of material which will violate applicable water quality standards.) Specifies that: (1) in any case in which the Administrator disagrees with the Secretary's determination as to compliance with the criteria or restrictions (currently, criteria) established pursuant to the MPRSA relating to the effects of the dumping or specified restrictions relating to critical areas and site management plans (currently, critical areas), the determination of the Administrator shall prevail; and (2) if the Secretary finds that, in the disposition of dredged material, there is no economically feasible method or site available other than a dumping site the utilization of which would result in noncompliance with such criteria or restrictions (currently, criteria), he shall so certify and request a special permit from the Administrator (currently, a waiver of the specific requirements involved). Requires the Administrator: (1) within 90 (currently, 30) days of the receipt of the special permit (currently, waiver) request, to grant such permit (currently, waiver), subject to specified conditions; and (2) in reviewing a request for such a permit, to provide for public notice and comment. Authorizes States to adopt only such criteria, standards, rules, or regulations (to be transmitted to the Administrator and Secretary, who shall assure compliance) relating to the dumping of materials into ocean waters within the jurisdiction of the State which are more stringent and protective of such waters and sediment than those adopted under the MPRSA. (Under current law, no State shall adopt or enforce any rule or regulation relating to such activity, but may propose to the Administrator criteria related to ocean dumping, which the Administrator may adopt if not inconsistent with such Act, subject to specified requirements.) Directs the Administrator: (1) to designate sites or time periods for dumping that will mitigate the adverse impact on the environment to the greatest extent practicable (current law authorizes the Secretary to designate recommended sites or times); and (2) in any case where the Administrator determines that, with respect to certain materials, it is necessary to prohibit dumping at a site or during a time period, to prohibit the dumping during such time period (under current law, when necessary to protect critical areas, sites or times within which certain materials may not be dumped). Specifies that this prohibition shall apply to any dumping at the site or during such time period. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement a site management plan for each site designated, including: (1) baseline assessment of environmental conditions at the site and in adjacent areas that may be affected by the dumping activity as if dumping had never occurred; (2) special management conditions or practices to be implemented at each site that are necessary for the protection of the environment; (3) a program of monitoring for each site; (4) the anticipated use and management of the site over the 20-year period following the date of preparation of the plan; (5) a schedule of review and revision of the plan; and (6) such other requirements and conditions as the Administrator considers necessary. Specifies that: (1) after January 1, 1993, no site shall receive a final designation unless a management plan has been developed pursuant to the MPRSA; and (2) beginning on January 1, 1995, no permit or authorization for dumping shall be issued for a site designated pursuant to such Act unless a site management plan has been adopted for such site. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a site management plan for any site designated prior to January 1, 1993, as expeditiously as practicable, giving consideration to development plans for designated sites that are considered to have the greatest impact on the environment; and (2) provide for public review and comment on site designation actions, and hold a public hearing on any proposed designation or management plan development, revision, or redesignation in the region in which the site that is the subject of the management plan is located. Requires that permits issued with respect to the dumping permit program for dredged material: (1) designate and include such requirements, limitations, or conditions as necessary to assure consistency with any site management plan approved pursuant to the MPRSA (currently, the length of time for which the permits are valid and their expiration date), and special provisions that the Administrator or the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary to control and prevent pollution of waters and sediment in the area of the dredging project from on-shore and related facilities subject to the control of the entity seeking a permit; and (2) be issued for a period of up to three years. Specifies that any person who: (1) knowingly violates any provision of, or regulation promulgated or permit issued under, this title shall be fined under the Federal criminal code, imprisoned for not more than five years, or both (currently, fined up to $50,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both); and (2) is convicted of such a violation shall forfeit to the United States any property constituting or derived from any proceeds that the person obtained as a result of such violation, and any of the property of the person which was used, or intended to be used, to commit or facilitate the commission of the violation. Provides that any vessel used to commit an act for which such a penalty is imposed under the MPRSA shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States under procedures established for seizure and forfeiture of conveyances under the Controlled Substances Act, with exceptions. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Studies - Authorizes and directs the Secretary to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the Ohio River and Tributaries and other pertinent reports to determine whether modifications of the recommendations contained therein are advisable at the present time, with particular reference to improvements for water and related land resource needs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the economic benefits of Federal and significant non-Federal shore protection activities in the Mid-Atlantic region from New York to Virginia, assessing: (1) the public investment in such activities; (2) damage incurred by such shore protection activities by the coastal storms of October 1991 and January 1992; (3) the prevention of damage by such storms to coastal and upland resources as a result of such shore protection activities; and (4) the extent to which the prevention of damage to coastal and upland resources is considered in benefit-cost ratios for shore protection activities. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture to study problems associated with flooding in Harrison County, Mississippi. Specifies that such Secretaries shall jointly conduct a reconnaissance study of such county and specified bodies of water and associated watersheds. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to study the need for navigation improvements in Reynolds Channel and the connecting State Boat Channel between Captree Island and Oak Beach. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to review the reports of the Chief of Engineers and other pertinent documents pertaining to Orchard Beach, Bronx, New York, and to make recommendations concerning storm damage prevention, recreation, environmental restoration, and other purposes. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to study the need for erosion protection along the East River, New York, in the vicinity of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with a view toward mitigating the deleterious effects of drift removal on protecting the adjacent shoreline from erosion. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a reconnaissance and feasibility study of remediation of contaminated sediments in Lake Champlain and the Narrows of Lake Champlain. Specifies that: (1) such activities shall be coordinated with the State of Vermont and the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Vermont; and (2) funds previously expended by such State and the Water Resources Research Institute in investigating sediment contamination shall be considered toward any joint funding requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a reconnaissance and feasibility study of providing additional: (1) boat access points on Lake Champlain; and (2) flood protection for Montpelier, Vermont. Directs the Board of Engineers to conduct an evaluation of long-term coastal dredged material disposal needs along the Maine and New Hampshire coasts. Specifies that, beginning in 1995, any dredged material resulting from a project proposed as a result of this study shall be disposed of at a site permanently designated by the EPA pursuant to the MPRSA. Authorizes funds to conduct this study. Authorizes and directs the Secretary, in studying the feasibility of Federal improvements to the St. John's River Channel, to: (1) examine the commercial and military uses of the Channel in those areas traversed by both military and commercial vessels; and (2) coordinate their efforts with the Department of the Navy to utilize available studies and resources which project future military dredging needs in the Channel. Requests the Chief of Engineers to review his report on central and southern Florida and other pertinent reports, with a view to determining whether modifications to the existing project are advisable at the present time due to significantly changed physical, biological, demographic, or economic conditions.
Bill· SS. 2730 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Military Personnel Transitional Health Benefits Improvements Act of 1992 - Authorizes a person who is involuntarily separated (except for gross misconduct) from active duty between October 1, 1990, and October 1, 1995, and whose eligibility for transitional health care benefits has expired to enroll for not to exceed 18 months of continued coverage under any Federal employee health benefit plan (FEHBP) available to separated civilian employees of the military department of that armed force. Prohibits a person from purchasing a conversion health policy on or after the implementation of this Act. Authorizes a person covered by such a policy to cancel and enroll in a FEHBP under this Act. Prohibits a person from being covered concurrently by a conversion health policy and FEHBP.
Bill· SS. 2727 (102nd)referred
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.
Bill· SS. 2715 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out demonstration projects at the Philadelphia Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Tucson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of installing telephones for use by patients of Department health-care facilities. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on an evaluation of such demonstration projects.
Bill· SS. 2711 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
National Guard and Reserve Personnel Transition Benefits Act of 1992 - Title I: Personnel Protections Transition Plan - Provides that, during the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending on September 30, 1995 (force reduction transition period), no unit in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (the Reserve) of the armed forces may be deactivated and no member of the Reserve may be involuntarily separated from the armed forces, involuntarily reassigned to a unit or position not in the Reserve, or otherwise involuntarily given a status not in the Reserve before the Secretary of Defense has promulgated, implemented, and transmitted to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees regulations that govern the treatment of members of the Reserve assigned to such units and subjected to such actions, with exceptions. Specifies that: (1) the purpose of such regulations shall be to ensure that the members of the Reserve are treated with fairness, with respect for their service, and with attention to the adverse personal consequences of Reserve unit deactivations and other involuntary changes in their status; and (2) such regulations shall include such provisions as necessary to implement the provisions of this Act, as well as such other policies and procedures for the recruitment of personnel for the Reserve, and for the reassignment, retraining, separation, and retirement of Reserve members, as are appropriate for satisfying the needs of the Reserve together with such purpose. Directs that such regulations include: (1) the giving of a priority to Reserve personnel for reassignment to Reserve units not being deactivated and for transfer among the reserve components of the armed forces in order to facilitate reassignment to such units; (2) a requirement that the Secretaries of the military departments take diligent actions to ensure that members of the reserve components are informed in easily understandable terms of the rights and benefits conferred upon such personnel by this Act and by such regulations; and (3) such other protections, preferences, and benefits (protections) as the Secretary considers appropriate. Requires such regulations to apply uniformly to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Makes such protections inapplicable with respect to personnel who are separated or transferred under adverse conditions. Title II: Retired Pay - Authorizes the Secretary concerned (with exceptions) to grant a person under age 60, upon the application of such person, immediate reduced retired pay if: (1) as of October 1, 1991, such person has performed at least 20 years of service, or after that date and before October 1, 1995, completes 20 years of service; (2) the person is a member of the Reserve; (3) the person satisfies specified age and service requirements; and (4) the person applies for the immediate reduced retired pay within one year after the later of the date of the enactment of this Act or the date on which the person satisfies the applicable years-of-service requirement (such dates). Permits the Secretary concerned (with exceptions) to grant a person, upon application of such person, retired pay if: (1) as of October 1, 1991, such person has performed at least 15 years of service or after that date and before October 1, 1995, completes 15 years of service; (2) the person is a member of the Reserve; (3) the person satisfies specified age and service requirements; and (4) within one year after the later of such dates, the person applies for retired pay or requests transfer to an inactive status list. Authorizes the Secretary concerned (subject to restrictions consistent with the purpose set forth in this Act) to limit the applicability of provisions under this title to any category of personnel defined by such Secretary in order to meet a need of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned to reduce the number of members in certain grades, who have completed a certain number of years of service, or who possess certain military skills or are serving in designated competitive categories. Sets forth a formula for reduced retired pay for non-regular service members of the armed forces who retire before age 60. Title III: Additional Benefits - Entitles a member of the Reserve who, after completing at least six, and before completing 15, years of service, is involuntarily separated from the armed forces during the force reduction transition period, to separation pay. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such pay. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the relationship of such pay to other service-related pay; and (2) uniformity of regulations among the various armed services. Provides that a person who involuntarily ceases to be a member of the Reserve during the force reduction transition period may be provided educational assistance for specified periods of time, based upon the number of years of service completed. Sets forth: (1) further provisions with respect to educational assistance; and (2) provisions regarding refunds of contributions in cases where a person's entitlement to such assistance is reduced below 36 months. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to authorize a person who involuntarily ceases to be a member of the Reserve during the force reduction transition period to continue to use commissary and exchange stores for a specified period. Extends the period of group life insurance coverage from 120 to 365 days in the case of a former member of the Reserve. Sets forth requirements with respect to eligibility, payment of premiums, and actions necessary to implement this provision. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned (with exceptions) to limit the applicability of a benefit provided under this title to any category of personnel defined by such Secretary in order to meet a need of the armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned to reduce the number of members in certain grades, who have completed a certain number of years of service, or who possess certain military skills or are serving in designated competitive categories. Makes the provisions of this title inapplicable with respect to personnel who cease to be members of the Reserve under adverse conditions. Specifies that the eligibility of a member of a reserve component of the armed forces (after having involuntarily ceased to be a member of the Reserve) to receive benefits and privileges under this title terminates upon the involuntary separation of such member from the armed forces under adverse conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5180 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Suspends U.S. assistance to Indonesia, including deliveries of assistance previously obligated and sales previously made. Waives such suspension if the President certifies to the Congress that such a waiver is in the national security interest and that the Government of Indonesia: (1) has taken steps to prosecute and punish the military perpetrators of the Santa Cruz massacre; (2) is not engaged in human rights violations; and (3) is in compliance with specified United Nations resolutions concerning withdrawal from, and self-determination for, East Timor and East Timor's right to self-determination has been affirmed through a free and fair plebiscite.
Bill· HRH.R. 5176 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
Suspends U.S. assistance to Indonesia and denies trade preferences to Indonesian products until the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) Indonesia is permitting unrestricted access to East Timor for international human rights organizations and international organizations; (2) international human rights organizations report that Indonesian Government forces or other military or paramilitary forces under government control have ended all forms of inhumane treatment; (3) Indonesia is in compliance with specified United Nations resolutions which call for the withdrawal of Indonesian forces from East Timor and reiterate East Timor's right to self-determination; and (4) Indonesia allows a United Nations referendum on self-determination for East Timor. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, until the President makes such certification, to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association to oppose assistance to Indonesia.
Bill· HRH.R. 5168 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
United States Merchant Marine Utilization and Preference Act of 1992 - Requires Department of Defense (DOD) cargoes to be transported by water in the following order of priority under conditions other than full or partial mobilization declared by the President: (1) use of privately owned U.S. flag vessels that operate in U.S. liner or tramp trades and not chartered by the Government; and (2) time or voyage charter of suitable privately owned U.S. flag vessels operating in liner service providing partial or total space available or in tramp service if they are voluntarily made available to DOD; (3) vessels in the nucleus fleet; and (4) foreign flag vessels. Limits the use of time and voyage charters to a minimum necessary to meet requirements which, barring reasonable foresight, can not be met by U.S. flag liner or tramp operators. Requires the written approval of the Secretary of Transportation for use of vessels in the nucleus fleet or foreign-flag vessels (limited to a single voyage as necessary to meet urgent military requirements). Applies the tariff filed by a person with the Federal Maritime Commission under the Shipping Act of 1916 or of 1984 to transportation of DOD cargo on any U.S. flag-vessel that is operated by that person, with specified exceptions. Makes the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations solely responsible in DOD for obtaining, providing, operating, and controlling Government-owned or chartered vessels: (1) to transport DOD cargoes in areas not served by privately owned U.S. flag merchant vessels; and (2) for purposes of any partial or full mobility conducted for any reason declared by the President. Makes the Military Sealift Command the sole manager for ocean transportation of DOD cargoes. States that the purpose of any ocean transportation provided by DOD is to support and augment persons who provide transportation by water in commercial service to the extent those persons can not provide the vessels or services required by DOD. Prohibits DOD from engaging in competition with private persons in the provision of transportation by water in commercial service other than as provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain at all times under the exclusive custody, jurisdiction, and control of DOD, a fleet of vessels to meet military requirements to be known as the "nucleus fleet." Describes the composition and use of such fleet. Makes any change in the composition of the nucleus fleet from the numbers and types of vessels specified in this Act ineffective unless: (1) a request for such change is submitted by the Secretaries of the Navy or of Defense; (2) the change is approved by the Secretary of Defense; and (3) such change is reported to the Congress with supporting rationale. Places a vessel in the nucleus fleet in reduced operating status if it is inactive for a 30-day period. Provides that if a federally-owned vessel in such fleet is inactive for 120 days it shall be deactivated and placed in reserve or disposed of, as considered appropriate by the Secretary of Defense. Terminates the contract on the earliest possible date under which a privately owned vessel is chartered if it is inactive for 120 days. Prescribes guidelines for the inclusion of additional numbers and types of vessels in the nucleus fleet under conditions of full mobilization. Requires the Secretary of Defense, during periods of full or partial mobilization, to: (1) continuously review the number of merchant vessels under the control of DOD; (2) determine if any of the vessels are excessive to the department's needs; and (3) transfer excessive vessels to the Secretary of Transportation. States that, upon the termination of hostilities or in the event of a partial demobilization, the nucleus fleet shall be reduced to the numbers and types of vessels in the fleet before full mobilization. Releases any vessels in the reduced fleet retained as part of the active or laid-up permanent operating forces of the Department of the Navy from control by DOD in the following order of priority: (1) chartered foreign-flag vessels; (2) U.S. flag vessels that are chartered from private owners; and (3) federally-owned merchant vessels that are desired for sale or charter by U.S. citizens for U.S. flag operation in commercial service (deemed to be war-built vessels). Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to authorize the use of vessels in the Ready Reserve Force component of the National Defense Reserve Fleet in peacetime for routine movements of cargo as part of military exercises only if such use does not compete with U.S. flag commercial vessel operators. Requires a vessel in such Ready Reserve Force component that has been activated to meet military sealift requirements for a national emergency to be deactivated in an expeditious manner if such requirements cease.
Bill· SS. 2701 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) manpower, education, and training; (3) operating programs; (4) national security support capabilities; and (5) the Ready Reserve Force. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to read as though a specified provision had not been repealed. (The provision in question authorized certain uses of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.)
Bill· SS. 2702 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration. Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student loads. Amends Federal law to authorize denial or revocation of a trade or recreational endorsement on a certificate of documentation if the vessel's owner has not paid an assessment of a civil penalty after final agency action. Makes the vessel and its equipment liable to seizure and forfeiture if it is operated after denial or revocation. Authorizes designation of a limited percentage of officers of an armed force in the pay grade of O-6 or below (currently, grades O-3 through O-6) as having unusual responsibility, resulting in additional pay. Subjects foreign vessels certified by countries with inspection laws similar to those of the United States to (currently, only to) an inspection to ensure that the condition of the vessel is (currently, the condition of the vessel's propulsion and lifesaving equipment are) as stated in its certificate. Prohibits a foreign vessel (currently, a foreign or domestic vessel of more than a specified size) from departing from a U.S. port with passengers who embarked at that port if the vessel does not comply with the standards stated in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Requires that, when an inspection or examination of a documented or foreign vessel (currently, of a documented vessel) is conducted under part B (currently, under chapter 33) at a foreign place at the request of the owner or operator of the vessel, the owner or operator reimburse the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for the travel and subsistence of the personnel involved. (Chapter 33 (Inspection Generally) is one of the chapters in Part B (Inspection and Regulation of Vessels).) Modifies the applicable period and other requirements regarding a recreational boat fee. Requires common carriers and conferences to file electronically with the Federal Maritime Commission all tariffs and essential terms of service contracts required to be filed by specified provisions of the Shipping Act, 1916 and the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933. Requires the Commission to: (1) make available electronically to any person all tariff information and essential terms of service contracts filed in the Automated Tariff Filing and Information System database and all tariff information in the System enhanced electronically by the Commission at any time; and (2) charge fees for such access and copies. Exempts Federal agencies from such fees. Provides for civil monetary penalties for failure to pay the fees. Sets forth procedures for implementation of automatic filing, including directing the Secretary of the Treasury to make available a specified sum as a repayable advance, to be repaid from the fees collected. Deposits fees, after repayment of that advance, in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts.
Bill· SS. 2710 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Military Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents should have access to health care under the uniformed services regardless of age or health care status; (2) such system should include a comprehensive managed care plan; (3) such plan should involve medical personnel of the uniformed services, civilian health care professionals of the executive agency of such services, medical treatment facilities of such services, contract health care personnel, and the Medicare system; (4) the Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation (appropriate Secretaries) should provide active duty personnel with free care in medical treatment facilities of the uniformed services and provide other personnel referred to in (1) with health care at minimal cost; and (5) the Secretaries should offer additional health care options to such personnel, including specified options for persons eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a joint services working group on the provision of military health care to persons who rely on health care facilities at military installations being closed or realigned. Requires such groups, after meeting with persons entitled to military health care, to submit recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary regarding the alternative means for continuing to provide accessible health care to such persons. Requires the administering Secretaries to: (1) provide a system for such persons to obtain prescription pharmaceuticals from mail-order suppliers; and (2) enter into contracts for the supply of such pharmaceuticals. Directs the Secretaries to pay 80 percent of the cost of generic pharmaceuticals for a person (also authorizes payment for pharmaceuticals for which no generic exists) if the person: (1) is under 65 years of age; or (2) is 65 or older and obtained prescription pharmaceuticals at a military health facility within 18 months before closure of such facility. Directs the administering Secretaries to conduct annual surveys of persons receiving military health care to determine their level of satisfaction with the health care system. Lowers the maximum annual amount to be paid by members or former members or covered individuals or family groups for health care under Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) health benefit contract plans. Permits CHAMPUS coverage for end-stage renal disease. Prohibits the administering Secretaries from recouping the cost of any health care furnished to a person who was erroneously determined to be eligible for such care. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services to conduct a four-year demonstration project that provides for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse the Department of Defense (DOD) for health care services furnished to Medicare-eligible persons at a DOD health facility. Limits such reimbursement to 85 percent of the amount that would be paid to a provider of services under Medicare. Directs such Secretaries to conduct a five-year demonstration project under which the Secretary of Defense enters into risk-sharing contracts with eligible organizations described in the Social Security Act (health maintenance organizations or other specified health care providers) to furnish health care to members or former members (or their dependents) who are eligible for retired pay. Applies Medicare provisions concerning risk-sharing contracts to contracts under the project. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under such contracts, to pay eligible organizations for services furnished to such persons in an amount not to exceed the per capita rate of payment that the Secretary pays for a relevant class of persons receiving health care under a risk-sharing contract under Medicare. Requires payments for such projects to be made out of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to require the Secretary of Defense, in a study of the military medical care system, to include a review of: (1) the Federal employees health benefits program to determine whether a similar program would be effective for persons eligible for military medical care; and (2) the DOD system for processing health care claims. Requires the Secretary of Defense to test a broad array of reform options for furnishing health care and to conduct a study of the tested options during FY 1994. Requires the study to compare the cost effectiveness of such options and the extent to which the persons are satisfied with the health care. Prohibits the Secretary from limiting the eligibility of any member, former member, or dependent or survivor to receive health care on the basis of an election by the individual not to participate in the DOD Coordinated Care Management Initiative. Sets forth location requirements for the Initiative. Establishes as goals of the Initiative reductions in the administrative paperwork associated with health care and in the average period that dependents must wait for such care. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a replacement contract for the CHAMPUS Reform Initiative contract applicable to California and Hawaii is awarded in sufficient time for the contractor to provide health care in such states no later than August 1, 1993. Provides for an evaluation of such contract. Prohibits the provision of health care services under CHAMPUS Reform Initiative contract number MDA903-R-0047 unless: (1) the prime contractor is the contractor that was the prime contractor under such contract on January 1, 1992; and (2) the subcontractors include each of the subcontractors under the subcontract on that date. Excludes certain incapacitated dependent children from CHAMPUS coverage. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2706 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Defense Industry Conversion Tax Incentives Act of 1992 - Title I: Job Creation - Allows the use of the targeted jobs credit for hiring a long-term unemployed defense industry or aerospace worker. Describes such worker as an individual certified by the designated local agency as having been unemployed in such industry who: (1) has been receiving unemployment compensation at all times during the six-month period prior to the hiring date; or (2) has been receiving unemployment compensation but has exhausted all rights to such compensation and has remained unemployed beginning on the date such rights were exhausted and ending on the date before the hiring date. Requires the individual to be employed by the employer for at least 120 days and the employer to certify that: (1) the individual was hired after the employer took reasonable actions to specifically recruit such workers; and (2) the individual was not hired to replace an employee who was involuntarily separated from employment by the employer without cause. Allows an investment tax credit for nondefense production and manufacturing equipment of ten percent of the aggregate bases of such properties placed in service during the taxable year. Allows any qualified defense facility to establish an industrial diversification account for the purpose of providing qualified plant and equipment in the United States or the retraining of employees in order to diversify qualified defense facilities from predominantly relying on defense contracts to nondefense lines of business. Restricts deposits to such accounts to the average of the sum of: (1) depreciation allowances with respect to eligible plant and equipment; (2) net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such plant and equipment, or insurance or indemnity attributable to such plant and equipment; and (3) receipts from investment of amounts in such accounts. Restricts deposits after the fifth taxable year to receipts from investments. Provides for the nontaxability of earnings deposited into such accounts. Allows withdrawals over a ten-year period for: (1) acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of qualified plant and equipment; (2) the payment of principal or indebtedness incurred in connection with plant and equipment acquisition, construction, or reconstruction; or (3) the retraining or continued education of employees. Provides for taxation of nonqualified withdrawals. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Secretary of Defense annually on such accounts. Provides for computing the alternative minimum tax on earnings deposited in such accounts. Makes the credit for increasing research activities permanent law. Title II: Capital Formation - Allows 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. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans by individuals who are involuntarily unemployed. Excludes from gross income interest received during a taxable year up to $2,500 ($5,000 in the case of a joint return). Makes such exclusion applicable to distributions from regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts. Makes certain nonresident aliens ineligible for such exclusion.
Bill· SS. 2705 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
National Technology Agency Act of 1992 - Establishes in the executive branch the National Technology Agency to be headed by a Director (who shall also serve as the President's Adviser for Science and Technology). Sets forth as the responsibilities of the Agency to: (1) establish and coordinate a comprehensive Government technology, research, and development policy that will particularly assist the U.S. industries negatively affected by reductions in the national defense budget in the cultivation of new product markets; (2) expand the integration of military and commercial research and development; (3) conduct research into advanced, generic, precompetitive technologies to improve U.S. manufacturing and production processes; (4) enter into partnerships with private sector representatives to establish specific research, development, and technological policy goals; (5) plan and manage research and development with other appropriate Federal agencies; (6) plan and manage all Federal technology assistance programs for private businesses and State governments; (7) implement all Federal research, development, and technological policies in areas not under the jurisdiction of other departments and agencies; and (8) carry out functions transferred to the Agency by this Act. Authorizes the Agency to: (1) guarantee in whole or in part any public or private financing institution (including any Federal Reserve bank) against the loss of principal or interest on any loan, discount, or advance, or on any commitment in connection therewith, which may be made by such institution for the purpose of financing the conversion of businesses critical to the defense industrial base of the United States that are likely to be closed as a result of projected reductions in Government spending under the national security budget function (critical businesses) from the production of goods primarily for defense-related purposes to the production of goods for other commercial purposes, with priority given to commercially viable environmental technologies; (2) provide such a guarantee by commitment to purchase, share losses, or otherwise; (3) provide such guaranty authority only with respect to financing for critical businesses; and (4) extend direct cash grants consistent with such requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. Transfers to the Agency all functions which were exercised previously by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, involved in carrying out any function relating to the Agency's responsibilities, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Sets forth various administrative and transition provisions. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2704 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Prohibits a foreign person from purchasing or otherwise acquiring the LTV Aerospace and Defense Company.
Bill· SS. 2691 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Defense Workers Bill of Rights Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide each person determined to be a displaced defense worker (a defense facility employee laid off or terminated due to the reduction or elimination of defense contracts) with written certification of such displaced status. Prohibits an eviction or distress from being made with respect to the premises of a displaced defense worker for which the rent does not exceed $1,200 per month for a period of one year after termination or layoff, or the date on which the displaced worker returns to that or comparable employment, except upon leave of court granted in an action affecting the right of possession. Provides for an automatic stay of such proceedings for up to three months, unless the court determines that the ability of the defense worker to pay the rent is not materially affected by being displaced. Provides penalties for violation of the eviction and distress prohibitions. Provides that, in the case of a displaced defense worker who has paid a deposit or an installment under a contract or lease, no person shall exercise any right or option to rescind or terminate the contract or resume possession of the property for nonpayment by the displaced defense worker, except by action of a court of competent jurisdiction. Provides penalties for violations and judicial remedies for breach of such installment contracts, including repayment of installment payments or a stay of proceedings. Provides that, in the case of an existing mortgage or trust deed for real or personal property owned by a displaced defense worker on the date of his or her termination or layoff, a court, in an action to enforce payment obligations, may stay the proceedings or make such other disposition of the case as may be equitable to conserve the interests of all parties. Provides penalties for violations and judicial remedies in such actions, including payment to the displaced defense worker of his or her equitable interest in the property before foreclosure. Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from taking any action, or maintaining or enforcing any regulation, which causes an insured depository institution to: (1) violate provisions of the foreclosure protection requirements of this Act; or (2) enforce an obligation for which the displaced defense worker is entitled to protection. Provides that no sale of real or personal property and property owned for dwelling, business, or agricultural purposes shall be made until: (1) one year after the worker's termination or layoff; or (2) the date on which the displaced worker returns to his or her original or comparable employment, unless the court determines that the ability of the defense worker to pay such taxes or assessments is not materially affected by being displaced. Allows the court to stay a proceeding for the sale of property for collection of taxes or assessments for up to six months after the end of the required waiting period. Provides that when, by law, such property may be sold or forfeited for collection purposes, the displaced defense worker shall have the right to redeem such property for up to six months after the waiting period. Provides an interest limit of six percent on taxes or assessments allowed to remain unpaid during the required waiting period.
Bill· SS. 2697 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Selected Reserve Transition Benefits Act of 1992 - Title I: Benefits for Reserve Personnel - Requires a reserve member who, after completing at least 15 years of service creditable for retirement purposes but before completing 20 years, ceases to be a member of the Selected Reserve due to deactivation of the unit or other involuntary reasons, to be transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Provides that, once such member has been transferred to and has completed service with the IRR for a total of 20 years creditable service, he or she shall be transferred to the Retired Reserve. Allows a member who was reassigned to the Selected Reserve after being transferred to the IRR to continue such assignment without being required to transfer to the Retired Reserve after 20 years of creditable service. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to grant a person transferred to the Retired Reserve under this Act early retirement computed under current military retired pay provisions, as long as all requirements other than 20 years of creditable service are met. Entitles to separation pay a member of the reserve who has completed at least six, but fewer than 15, years of creditable service and who is involuntarily separated from the armed forces during the force reduction transition period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 1995. Provides for the computation of the amount of such separation pay. Provides that in the case of a reserve member who, before completing the years of service required for entitlement to armed forces' or veterans' educational assistance eligibility, ceases to be a member of the Selected Reserve during the force reduction transition period by reason of deactivation of the unit or other involuntary reasons, the eligibility of such person for such educational assistance may not be terminated on the basis of termination of status as a member of the Selected Reserve. Increases the current 120-day period for the temporary continuation after separation or discharge of the provision of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance coverage to 365 days in the case of members of the Selected Reserve required to involuntarily cease to be such a member during the force reduction transition period. Requires increased premium payments due to such increased coverage to be paid from Department of Defense reserve personnel pay accounts. Makes all provisions of this Act relating to Selected Reserve members inapplicable in the case of members who cease to be such members or who are separated from such service under adverse conditions as determined by the Secretary concerned. Title II: Voluntary Separation Incentive Program Improvement - Makes inapplicable to members of the Selected Reserve performing annual training or active duty training for 30 days or less a Federal provision which requires a member entitled to voluntary separation incentive payments who is also entitled to basic pay for active service to forfeit the amount of separation incentive payments that equals the amount of basic pay received.
Bill· SS. 2694 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from soliciting a bid or proposal for the construction of an incinerator of lethal chemical agents at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, until: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has monitored the incineration of mustard gas on Johnston Island in the Pacific Ocean continuously for a period sufficient to evaluate whether the emissions from such incineration meet applicable environmental standards and determines that the Aberdeen emissions meet such standards; and (2) the National Academy of Sciences has issued its report on alternative chemical demilitarization technologies that states that there is no viable alternative to incineration as a technology for disposing of lethal chemical agents. Directs the Secretary to terminate the development of the Aberdeen incinerator if such conditions are not met.
Bill· SS. 2693 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Small Business Defense Adjustment Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to assist any small business concern determined to have suffered (or that will suffer) substantial economic injury as a result of the closing by the Government of a major military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DOD), a significant reduction in the scope and size of operations at such an installation, or the cancellation of or a significant reduction in defense contracts with such concern under the jurisdiction of or related to DOD, in: (1) continuing in business at its existing location; (2) reestablishing its business in a new location; or (3) purchasing or establishing a new business. Includes among services provided by a small business development center under the Act assisting in the development and formation of new businesses by individuals or small business concerns determined by the SBA to have suffered (or that will suffer) such substantial economic injury. Makes specified funds available to carry out this Act.
Bill· SS. 2690 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Defense Workers' Benefits Protection Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Public Health Service Act to mandate health plan continuation coverage when there is a termination or reduction in hours as a result of the termination or curtailment of a defense contract. Regulates premiums for the continuation coverage. Terminates continuation coverage when coverage exists through a spouse. Allows the employee to elect lower cost benefit coverage if such coverage is offered by the employer to its other employees. Requires that related subsidies under the Acts be paid out of amounts appropriated under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990.
Bill· SS. 2692 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Defense Worker Dislocation Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to revise eligibility requirements for the Defense Conversion Adjustment Program (program). Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to make program grants to specified types of eligible entities in any State in which: (1) the Governor has received a notification regarding a closure, cancellation, or reduction under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990; and (2) eligible employees have received a notification of warning from their employer regarding such closure, cancellation, or reduction. Requires grant applications to contained specified information. Requires the Secretary to approve or deny the application by the later of: (1) 15 days after the date on which the eligible employees will lose employment; or (2) 30 days after submission of the application. Allows program grant funds to be used to provide specified retraining or to update existing skills with respect to an eligible dislocated worker, including an employee of an eligible defense contractor or subcontractor, who has been terminated or laid off, or received notice of termination or layoff, as a consequence of reductions in U.S. expenditures for defense or by closures of U.S. military facilities. Allows program grant funds also to be used to pay for the Federal share (75 percent) of such retraining with respect to an employee of eligible defense contractors or subcontractors if: (1) the employee is currently involved in defense work; (2) the retraining is designed to enable the employee to achieve placement and retention in unsubsidized employment that involves nondefense work and in which the employee has not been previously engaged; and (3) the employer certifies that the employee would have become an eligible dislocated worker without such retraining. Revises program administration provisions to require the Secretary to make available 50 percent of the grant amount to the entity within 15 days after application approval and the remainder upon submission of a report on eligible employees participating in the program and their current education skill levels and occupational abilities. Allows program grants to be used to reimburse an entity for funds expended under title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA. Provides that program grants shall be: (1) in addition to assistance under any other title III provision; and (2) made without regard to whether the entity has expended funds available under such other provision. Deems to be an eligible employee (for purposes of JTPA title I general program requirements) a person who can benefit from, and is most in need of, program services. Directs the Secretary to prescribe program performance standards solely on the basis of placement and retention in unsubsidized employment (notwithstanding other JTPA provisions for performance standards). Presumes program services provided to eligible employees to be in compliance with such standards unless any person demonstrates their noncompliance.
Bill· HRH.R. 5139 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Act of 1992 - Prohibits funds appropriated or made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended to maintain U.S. bases in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries if the countries do not enter into an agreement or agreements with the President to provide for the payment, in the aggregate (in the form of money or real or personal property), of at least one-half of the cost of maintaining and compensating U.S. armed forces stationed in such countries. Requires the President to report to the Congress describing any agreement reached pursuant to this Act. Ceases the prohibition on such obligation and expenditures of funds if an agreement is entered into after the prohibition takes effect and if the President submits a report to the Congress which describes the agreement. Establishes the Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Fund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer quarterly to such Fund all NATO country payments to be credited to the Defense Cooperation Account under this Act. Transfers appropriated funds for operations and maintenance of U.S. military bases in Europe which are suspended by this Act from the Defense Cooperation Account to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the aggregate amount of funds deposited to the Industrial Reinvestment and Defense Diversification Fund and to make such amount available for expenditure according to a specified formula for purposes including general assistance, energy research and development, and urban mass transit. Directs administrative agencies to formulate regulations to expedite consideration of grant applications for programs receiving increased appropriations pursuant to this Act by any State, county, or local government: (1) experiencing a level of unemployment greater than the national average, or (2) which has been determined to be substantially and seriously affected due to realignment or closure of a military installation or defense facility, or cancellation or curtailment of a major defense contract.
Bill· HRH.R. 5140 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Prohibits U.S. military assistance to Jordan until the President certifies to the Congress that Jordan is in compliance with the United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iraq.
Bill· HRH.R. 5143 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Chemical Demilitarization Program Revisions Act of 1992 - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 to change the deadline for the destruction of existing stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions from July 31, 1999, to ten years after the date of the ratification by the Senate of a treaty banning the possession of chemical agents and munitions. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop and implement a program with any of the affected independent states of the former Soviet Union or any country that is a signatory of a treaty banning the possession of chemical weapons, for the exchange of technical knowledge on the disposal of chemical weapons in order to explore and develop safer more cost-effective methods of such disposal; and (2) make grants to individuals in the private sector with expertise in the disposal of chemical agents to cover the costs incurred in exchange activities under such program. Establishes the Chemical Demilitarization Advisory Commission to determine and report to the President and the Congress on alternative technologies appropriate for use in the disposal of lethal chemical agents and munitions. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits the report. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5137 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in order to assist the United States Space Camp, the United States Space Academy, or the Aviation Challenge in achieving their educational goals, to sell, lease, lend, or give aircraft, vehicles, communications, training, or other equipment, supplies, or other materials to such entities and to permit such entities to use, on a reimbursable basis, Department of Defense facilities and, without reimbursement, the services of Department members or employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 5130 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1992
Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide for the prorating of veterans' disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension benefits for the month in which the death of a veteran occurs.
Bill· SS. 2677 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Economic Equity Act - Title I: Employment Opportunities - Subtitle A: Women in Apprenticeship Occupations and Nontraditional Occupations Act - Women in Apprenticeship Occupations and Nontraditional Occupations Act - Mandates: (1) a program to provide technical assistance to employers and labor unions to assist in preparing the workplace to employ women in apprenticeable occupations and other nontraditional occupations. Authorizes grants to community-based organizations to deliver the technical assistance; and (2) an outreach program to employers to inform employers of the availability of the technical assistance. Mandates a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the participation of women in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces Act - Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces Act - Establishes the Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces. Subtitle C: Women and Minorities in Science and Mathematics - Women and Minorities in Science and Mathematics Act of 1992 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with regard to women and minorities who are underrepresented in science and mathematics to mandate grants and contracts for education programs. Modifies existing provisions regarding: (1) off-campus programs; (2) adult and continuing education staff development; (3) research and research application in adult and continuing education; (4) the "talent search" and "upward bound" programs; (5) midcareer teacher retraining; (6) school, college, and university partnerships; (7) professional development resource centers; (8) congressional teacher scholarships; (9) model and cooperative education; (10) graduate education program; (11) Harris fellowships; (12) graduate assistance in areas of national needs; (13) the Minority Science Improvement Program; and (14) science and engineering access programs. Subtitle D: Worker Retraining - Worker Retraining Act of 1992 - Mandates grants to not more than ten States to plan, establish, and operate retraining initiatives to allow low-income individuals to advance from low skill to higher skill positions. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Women in Business - Subtitle A: Act for Microenterprise - Act for Microenterprise - Amends the Social Security Act to exclude business assets from consideration in determining: (1) eligibility for aid and services to needy families with children (AFDC); and (2) income and resources in connection with provisions relating to supplemental security income (SSI). Excludes income from a business with five or fewer employees, during the first year of the business, from consideration in determining the amount of aid under AFDC and SSI. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to require approval of any State law making unemployment compensation payable to individuals starting microenterprises. Requires State law to entitle an individual performing services in a microenterprise to receive regular or extended unemployment compensation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to allow assistance under certain provisions of the Act to be used for: (1) loans to commercial enterprises with five or fewer employees, one or more of whom own the enterprise; and (2) counseling, technical assistance, educational programs, planning, and training to facilitate such commercial enterprises. Amends the Small Business Act to set forth congressional findings regarding microenterprises and implementation of loan programs under specified provisions of the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to add references to microenterprise loans to provisions defining "qualified thrift investments." Requires each appropriate Federal banking agency to establish a division to be known as the Microenterprise Technical and Operations Office to offer technical assistance, training, outreach, and other support. Subtitle B: Microlend for the Future Act - Microlend for the Future Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans and grants to community-based organizations for the startup and expansion of microenterprises, with the organizations using the loans to make loans and the grants to provide technical assistance to microenterprises. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1992 - Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to add references to small businesses owned and controlled by women to provisions concerning: (1) Government-wide goals for participation of small businesses in procurement; (2) U.S. policy on small business participation in Federal procurement and on timely payment by prime contractors to small business subcontractors; and (3) a clause required to be included in Federal agency contracts. Requires that each Federal agency having procurement powers: (1) designate a specialist responsible for programs to assist small businesses owned and controlled by women; and (2) engage in affirmative efforts to identify and solicit offers from such businesses and from small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Establishes in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership. Subtitle D: Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act of 1992 - Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from approving a company as a surety unless it complies with the requirements of Federal law, as amended by this subtitle. Requires a surety company to notify a bond applicant of the reasons for an adverse action on the application. Prohibits discrimination against applicants: (1) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or age; (2) because the applicant exercised any right under Federal law relating to sureties and surety bonds; or (3) because the applicant previously obtained a bond through specified means. Provides for civil penalties. Subtitle E: Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1992 - Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1992 - Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a survey and report to specified congressional committees on the experiences of businesses, especially small businesses, in obtaining surety bonds from corporate surety firms. Title III: Economic Justice - Subtitle A: Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out a continuing program regarding reducing or eliminating, conducting research on, and providing technical assistance concerning wage disparities based on sex, race, or national origin. Subtitle B: Legislative Pay Equity Study - Declares that it is congressional policy that persons employed in the legislative branch shall receive equal pay for comparable work. Establishes the Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch. Subtitle C: Federal Council on Women Act - Federal Council on Women Act - Establishes in the legislative branch the Federal Council on Women to make recommendations on a wide range of issues and concerns relating to women. Subtitle D: Assured Minimum Child Support Projects - Child Support Assurance Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to not more than six States to establish or improve a system of assured minimum child support payments. Requires the custodial parent to have, or be in the process of obtaining, a child support award, or to have "good cause" in order to qualify for the program. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Social Services Block Grants - Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act of 1992 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize increased appropriations under such title. Title IV: Retirement Equity - Subtitle A: Military Retired Pay - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to apply amendments relating to retired pay to any divorces, dissolutions of marriage, annulments, and legal separations (currently, to any such events that occur more than 90 days after enactment of this Act). Subtitle B: Social Security Equity - Social Security Equity Act of 1992 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require, subject to certain requirements, that the combined earnings of an individual and his or her spouse, during their marriage, be divided equally for determining OASDI benefits. Title V: Equal Remedies Act of 1992 - Equal Remedies Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove provisions limiting certain compensatory damages.
Bill· SS. 2672 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Increases the amount of basic monthly educational assistance to be paid to members of the all-volunteer force who serve in excess of two years of active duty from $300 to $500 and from $250 to $400 for members serving an initial period of two years of active duty. Makes similar increases in the amount of basic monthly educational assistance paid to members of the Selected Reserve pursuing programs of education on a full-time, three-quarter time, or half-time basis. Requires amounts currently required to be paid from the Defense Cooperation Account for veterans' and armed forces' educational assistance benefits under the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 to continue to be paid from such Account after the date of enactment of this Act. Extends through FY 1995 (currently, 1993) the authorization of appropriations to the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to carry out programs of employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services to members of the armed forces (and their spouses) who are being separated from active duty. Increases the amount currently authorized for such programs for FY 1992 and 1993. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and, to the extent provided in this Act, the Secretary of Labor to carry out a program to assist eligible veterans in obtaining, through training, employment in stable and permanent positions that involve significant training. Requires the program to pay employers who employ and train eligible veterans in such jobs for the costs of such training. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out his required responsibilities through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. Makes eligible for such job training and employment program any veteran who was discharged on or after August 2, 1990, and who either: (1) served on active duty for more than 90 days; (2) served on active duty and is entitled to veterans' disability compensation for a disability rated at 30 percent or more; or (3) was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. Requires such veteran to: (1) be unemployed at the time of application to the program; (2) have been so unemployed for at least ten of the 15 weeks immediately preceding the date of application; and (3) submit an application within four years of the date of discharge or date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Outlines application requirements and requires the Secretary to issue certificates of eligibility to veterans meeting such requirements. Provides maximum periods of training for which assistance may be provided under the program. Requires a job training program, in order to be approved, to provide training for at least 12 months in an occupation in a growth industry or one requiring the use of new technological skills. Allows training programs of at least six months in duration to be approved by the Secretary if the purposes of this Act would be met. Allows an employer to be paid for job training provided to a veteran under an approved program unless the Secretary determines that the employer's application does not contain proper certifications or that the withholding of approval is otherwise warranted. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a program of job training: (1) for seasonal, intermittent, or temporary employment; (2) for employment under which commissions are the primary sources of income; (3) for employment involving political or religious activities; (4) for employment with the Federal Government; or (5) if the training will not be carried out in a State. Outlines employer application requirements for program approval, including certification that the employment of a veteran under the program will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers laid off from the same or a substantially equivalent job. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold approval of an employer's proposed job training program until the end of an investigation compliance with application requirements. Provides that an approved program of apprenticeship or other on-job training for purposes of veterans' educational assistance benefits shall be considered to meet all program requirements established under this Act. Provides for quarterly payments to employers for approved job training programs, with a limit of $12,000 for any participating veterans. Allows the Secretary to make such payments monthly in order to relieve financial burdens on businesses with relatively few employees. Requires, before any such employer payments are made, receipt by the Secretary: (1) from the veteran, of a certification that the veteran was employed full-time by the employer in a program of job training during the applicable period; and (2) from the employer, of a certification that the veteran was employed during such period and performed satisfactorily, and of the number of hours worked by the veteran during the period. Requires all requests for payment to be made within two years after the training ends. Requires repayment by an employer of any amount overpaid or when non-compliance with program requirements occurs. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold or deny approval of a veteran's entry into an approved job training program if funds are not available to make payments to an employer on behalf of a veteran. Requires the employer to notify the Secretary of the employer's intention to employ the veteran after completion of the job training program. Authorizes an employer to enter into an agreement with an educational institution approved for the enrollment of veterans under which the institution provides the program of job training. Requires the employer's program approval application to state its intention to enter into such an agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to immediately disapprove further participation of a veteran in an approved program if the Secretary finds that such program thereafter fails to meet any requirements. Requires the Secretary to provide the employer and the affected veteran a statement of reasons for such disapproval, together with an opportunity for a hearing. Allows the Secretary to disapprove participation of veterans in a program if the rate of veterans' successful completion of the program is disproportionately low because of program quality deficiencies. Requires certain data to be taken into account when determining whether a success rate is disproportionately low. Requires such disapproval to remain in effect until adequate remedial measures have been taken. Requires employer records and books to be made available with respect to an approved program. Authorizes the Secretary to monitor employers and veterans and to investigate any matter considered necessary in order to determine compliance with applicable requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to administer such inspection, investigation, and monitoring functions in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor. Requires coordination of benefits paid under an approved program with other similar Federal programs and benefits. Prohibits payments to employers receiving certain other types of Federal assistance. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide employment counseling services to assist any veteran eligible to participate in a job training program under this Act in selecting a suitable job training program. Directs the Secretary to provide a program of job-readiness skills development and counseling services to assist such veterans in finding, applying for, and successfully participating in a suitable job training program. Requires coordination of such activities with the veterans' readjustment counseling program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for a program under which: (1) a disabled veteran's outreach specialist (specialist) is assigned as a case manager for each veteran participating in a job training program; (2) the veteran has an interview with the case manager within 60 days after entering the program; and (3) at least monthly contact is maintained with such veteran for purposes aimed at facilitating the veteran's successful completion of the program. Waives the assignment of a specialist case manager in specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide a program of counseling and other services designed to resolve difficulties that may be encountered by veterans during their training under this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to jointly provide for an outreach and public information program to inform: (1) veterans about the employment and job training opportunities available under this Act; and (2) private industry and business concerns and all appropriate organizations, institutions, and associations about the job training opportunities available under, and the advantages of participating in, the program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promote the development of employment and job training opportunities for veterans by encouraging potential employers to make job training programs available for eligible veterans, by advising other Federal departments and agencies of the program, and by advising employers of applicable responsibilities under such program with respect to veterans. Requires such outreach and public information program to be coordinated with other programs offered under Federal provisions and by public agencies and organizations. Requires the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out responsibilities under these provisions, to use the services and resources of various directors, specialists, employees, and resources (including those available under title IV of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)). Directs: (1) the Secretary of Labor to request and obtain from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration a list of small business concerns, and to update such list on a regular basis, in order to promote possible training and employment opportunities for veterans; (2) the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to assist veterans and employers desiring to participate in the job training program with application and certification requirements; and (3) the Secretary of Labor, at least quarterly, to collect and compile information from State employment services and directors of State veterans' employment and training services the on the number of veterans receiving counseling services who are referred to employers, who participate in a job training program, and who complete such programs, or the reasons for noncompletion. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 1993 through 1995 for making payments to employers under this Act. Allows up to two percent of such funds to be used for administrative purposes. Prohibits assistance from being paid to an employer under this Act: (1) on behalf of a veteran who initially applies for a job training program after September 30, 1995; or (2) for any such program which begins after March 31, 1996. Amends the JTPA to require each job training plan under such Act to provide a preference in the provision of such employment and training opportunities to disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, recently separated veterans, and homeless veterans. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to provide that, beginning in FY 1993, 25 percent of the funds authorized for homeless assistance under such Act shall be available only to carry out projects which attempt to reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force. Amends the veterans' home loan guaranty program to waive the collection of the home loan origination fee in the case of a veteran who: (1) is involuntarily separated before October 1, 1995; (2) prior to obtaining such guaranteed home loan, has not obtained housing loan benefits under the veterans' housing and small business loan provisions; and (3) has never held a present ownership interest in his or her principal residence. Waives the minimum active-duty service requirement, for purposes of eligibility for certain veterans' benefits, in the case of individuals who were on active duty or full-time duty with the National Guard on September 30, 1990, and after such date were involuntarily discharged or released under other than adverse conditions.
Law· HRH.R. 5095 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the following elements of the U.S. Government: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Department of Defense; (3) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) the National Security Agency; (5) the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) the Department of State; (7) the Department of the Treasury; (8) the Department of Energy; (9) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and (10) the Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1993, for the conduct of such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations. Authorizes the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the numbers authorized for FY 1993 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires the DCI to promptly notify the House and Senate intelligence committees whenever the Director exercises the authority granted under this title. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1993. Title III: General Provisions - Specifies that: (1) appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees may be increased by such additional amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law; and (2) such authorization of appropriations shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 5118 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Utah Federal Lands Exchange Act of 1992 - Declares certain lands in Utah to be part of the Navajo Indian Reservation upon the completion of the conveyance and acceptance of title by the United States and the State of Utah pursuant to this Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire such lands through exchange of Federal lands. Directs the Secretary to send a list of lands to be offered for exchange to San Juan County, Utah. Prohibits such land from being offset against State lands exchanged pursuant to this Act. Bars the Secretary from offering any Federal lands or interests within the boundaries of designated wilderness areas, units of the National Park System, Indian reservations, Department of Defense withdrawals, areas under consideration for wilderness designation, or other Federal mineral interests withdrawn from mineral leasing. Prohibits the use of land acquired by the County for the dumping or storage of nuclear or hazardous waste. Declares certain lands in Utah to be part of the Goshute Indian Reservation. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to acquire such lands through exchange of Federal lands. Transfers lands under this Act without cost to the Navajo Nation, the State of Utah, and the Goshute Tribe. Directs the Secretary to offer to exchange Federal mineral interests in Utah for certain school trust lands owned by the State within units of the National Forest System. Incorporates such lands into national forests. Directs the Secretary to determine the value of interests to be offered and to deduct the percentage of mineral revenues allocated to Utah pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 from the appraised value of mineral interests. Recognizes revenues received by Utah from Federal mineral leasing as a matter of equity and not as a legal property right. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire all school and institutional trust lands within established units of the National Park System in Utah. Provides that trust lands located within the boundaries of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area shall be administered as a part of such recreation area. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon conveyance of the trust lands by the State of Utah and acceptance of title by the Secretary of the Interior, to pay to certain funds an additional 25 percent of royalties, sales, bonuses, interest charges, penalties, and rentals collected pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act for such period of time until the fair market value of such lands has been fully paid. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5097 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Increases the amount of basic monthly educational assistance to be paid to members of the all-volunteer force who serve in excess of two years of active duty from $300 to $500 and from $250 to $400 for members serving an initial period of two years of active duty. Makes similar increases in the amount of basic monthly educational assistance paid to members of the Selected Reserve pursuing programs of education on a full-time, three-quarter time, or half-time basis. Requires amounts currently required to be paid from the Defense Cooperation Account for veterans' and armed forces' educational assistance benefits under the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 to continue to be paid from such Account after the date of enactment of this Act. Extends through FY 1995 (currently, 1993) the authorization of appropriations to the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to carry out programs of employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services to members of the armed forces (and their spouses) who are being separated from active duty. Increases the amount currently authorized for such programs for FY 1992 and 1993. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and, to the extent provided in this Act, the Secretary of Labor to carry out a program to assist eligible veterans in obtaining, through training, employment in stable and permanent positions that involve significant training. Requires the program to pay employers who employ and train eligible veterans in such jobs for the costs of such training. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out his required responsibilities through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. Makes eligible for such job training and employment program any veteran who was discharged on or after August 2, 1990, and who either: (1) served on active duty for more than 90 days; (2) served on active duty and is entitled to veterans' disability compensation for a disability rated at 30 percent or more; or (3) was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. Requires such veteran to: (1) be unemployed at the time of application to the program; (2) have been so unemployed for at least ten of the 15 weeks immediately preceding the date of application; and (3) submit an application within four years of the date of discharge or date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Outlines application requirements and requires the Secretary to issue certificates of eligibility to veterans meeting such requirements. Provides maximum periods of training for which assistance may be provided under the program. Requires a job training program, in order to be approved, to provide training for at least 12 months in an occupation in a growth industry or one requiring the use of new technological skills. Allows training programs of at least six months in duration to be approved by the Secretary if the purposes of this Act would be met. Allows an employer to be paid for job training provided to a veteran under an approved program unless the Secretary determines that the employer's application does not contain proper certifications or that the withholding of approval is otherwise warranted. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a program of job training: (1) for seasonal, intermittent, or temporary employment; (2) for employment under which commissions are the primary sources of income; (3) for employment involving political or religious activities; (4) for employment with the Federal Government; or (5) if the training will not be carried out in a State. Outlines employer application requirements for program approval, including certification that the employment of a veteran under the program will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers laid off from the same or a substantially equivalent job. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold approval of an employer's proposed job training program until the end of an investigation of compliance with application requirements. Provides that an approved program of apprenticeship or other on-job training for purposes of veterans' educational assistance benefits shall be considered to meet all program requirements established under this Act. Provides for quarterly payments to employers for approved job training programs, with a limit of $12,000 for any participating veterans. Allows the Secretary to make such payments monthly in order to relieve financial burdens on businesses with relatively few employees. Requires, before any such employer payments are made, receipt by the Secretary: (1) from the veteran of a certification that the veteran was employed full-time by the employer in a program of job training during the applicable period; and (2) from the employer, of a certification that the veteran was employed during such period and performed satisfactorily, and of the number of hours worked by the veteran during the period. Requires all requests for payment to be made within two years after the training ends. Requires repayment by an employer of any amount overpaid or when non-compliance with program requirements occurs. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold or deny approval of a veteran's entry into an approved job training program if funds are not available to make payments to an employer on behalf of a veteran. Requires the employer to notify the Secretary of the employer's intention to employ the veteran after completion of the job training program. Authorizes an employer to enter into an agreement with an educational institution approved for the enrollment of veterans under which the institution provides the program of job training. Requires the employer's program approval application to state its intention to enter into such an agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to immediately disapprove further participation of a veteran in an approved program if the Secretary finds that such program thereafter fails to meet any requirements. Requires the Secretary to provide the employer and the affected veteran a statement of reasons for such disapproval, together with an opportunity for a hearing. Allows the Secretary to disapprove participation of veterans in a program if the rate of veterans' successful completion of the program is disproportionately low because of program quality deficiencies. Requires certain data to be taken into account when determining whether a success rate is disproportionately low. Requires such disapproval to remain in effect until adequate remedial measures have been taken. Requires employer records and books to be made available with respect to an approved program. Authorizes the Secretary to monitor employers and veterans and to investigate any matter considered necessary in order to determine compliance with applicable requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to administer such inspection, investigation, and monitoring functions in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor. Requires coordination of benefits paid under an approved program with other similar Federal programs and benefits. Prohibits payments to employers receiving certain other types of Federal assistance. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide employment counseling services to assist any veteran eligible to participate in a job training program under this Act in selecting a suitable job training program. Directs the Secretary to provide a program of job-readiness skills development and counseling services to assist such veterans in finding, applying for, and successfully participating in a suitable job training program. Requires coordination of such activities with the veterans' readjustment counseling program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for a program under which: (1) a disabled veteran's outreach specialist (specialist) is assigned as a case manager for each veteran participating in a job training program; (2) the veteran has an interview with the case manager within 60 days after entering the program; and (3) at least monthly contact is maintained with such veteran for purposes aimed at facilitating the veteran's successful completion of the program. Waives the assignment of a specialist case manager in specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide a program of counseling and other services designed to resolve difficulties that may be encountered by veterans during their training under this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to jointly provide for an outreach and public information program to inform: (1) veterans about the employment and job training opportunities available under this Act; and (2) private industry and business concerns and all appropriate organizations, institutions, and associations about the job training opportunities available under, and the advantages of participating in, the program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promote the development of employment and job training opportunities for veterans by encouraging potential employers to make job training programs available for eligible veterans, by advising other Federal departments and agencies of the program, and by advising employers of applicable responsibilities under such program with respect to veterans. Requires such outreach and public information program to be coordinated with other programs offered under Federal provisions and by public agencies and organizations. Requires the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out responsibilities under these provisions, to use the services and resources of various directors, specialists, employees, and resources (including those available under title IV of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)). Directs: (1) the Secretary of Labor to request and obtain from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration a list of small business concerns, and to update such list on a regular basis, in order to promote possible training and employment opportunities for veterans; (2) the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to assist veterans and employers desiring to participate in the job training program with application and certification requirements; and (3) the Secretary of Labor, at least quarterly, to collect and compile information from State employment services and directors of State veterans' employment and training services on the number of veterans receiving counseling services who are referred to employers, who participate in a job training program, and who complete such programs, or the reasons for noncompletion. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 1993 through 1995 for making payments to employers under this Act. Allows up to two percent of such funds to be used for administrative purposes. Prohibits assistance from being paid to an employer under this Act: (1) on behalf of a veteran who initially applies for a job training program after September 30, 1995; or (2) for any such program which begins after March 31, 1996. Amends the JTPA to require each job training plan under such Act to provide a preference in the provision of such employment and training opportunities to disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, recently separated veterans, and homeless veterans. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to provide that, beginning in FY 1993, 25 percent of the funds authorized for homeless assistance under such Act shall be available only to carry out projects which attempt to reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force. Amends the veterans' home loan guaranty program to waive the collection of the home loan origination fee in the case of a veteran who: (1) is involuntarily separated before October 1, 1995; (2) prior to obtaining such guaranteed home loan, has not obtained housing loan benefits under the veterans' housing and small business loan provisions; and (3) has never held a present ownership interest in his or her principal residence. Waives the minimum active-duty service requirement, for purposes of eligibility for certain veterans' benefits, in the case of individuals who were on active duty or full-time duty with the National Guard on September 30, 1990, and after such date were involuntarily discharged or released under other than adverse conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5109 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Defense Diversification and Community Adjustment Act of 1992 - Title I: Improved Activities Under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 - Amends the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to lower the numbers of employee reductions required to meet the definition of a substantially and seriously affected community. Declares that one of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense shall be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Economic Adjustment who shall be responsible for the U.S. economic conversion program. Directs the Assistant Secretary, acting through a Director of Community Assistance Grants, to facilitate the development of community adjustment plans for substantially and seriously affected communities by community members to reduce the adverse effects of defense downsizing. Requires the Director to aid in the formation of community adjustment committees. Makes grants and assistance available to such committees to provide for: (1) a business expert to examine the potential market needs of the region to identify economic adjustment and conversion opportunities for defense facilities in the community; and (2) a technological expert to determine the feasibility of adjustment and conversion alternatives for such facilities. Makes communities that have committees and are ready to implement adjustment plans eligible for grants to implement such plans. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for economic assistance under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for substantially and seriously affected communities. Requires the Director of Dislocated Workers to: (1) develop a method of identifying substantially and seriously affected businesses and qualified small buinesses in order to provide for sufficient time to allow workers to enroll in adjustment programs; and (2) work in coordination with the Secretary of Labor to facilitate the development of a grant system to provide States with resources to assist defense workers eligible to participate in the defense conversion adjustment program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Makes the Assistant Secretary, acting through a Director of Diversification and Adjustment, responsible for assessment and conversion possibilities for defense contractors, subcontractors, and qualified small businesses in substantially and seriouly affected communities. Requires the Director to use technical assistance to assist in the conversion and retention of defense capabilities, the retooling of defense infrastructure to commercial use, and research and development related to conversion. Provides that the Director will work with the Secretary of Defense to provide grants and technical assistance to aid in the retention of critical technologies that have a chance to be lost due to downsizing. Authorizes qualified small businesses to apply to the Director for assistance to aid in conversion to nondefense activities. Permits the Director to assist employees or former employees of defense contractors or subcontractors to establish small business concerns. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Improvements to the Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers Under the Job Training Partnership Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to: (1) allot 20 percent of the amount appropriated for employee adjustment assistance under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to States most adversely affected by reductions in expenditures for defense or by closures of military facilities in accordance with an expedited assistance formula; (2) make grants, from the remaining amount, for training, adjustment assistance, rapid response assistance, and employment services to eligible employees; and (3) develop a formula for providing expedited assistance to employees in the most adversely affected States. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5116 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Defense Economic Adjustment, Conversion, and Reinvestment Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to the head of another Federal agency to carry out this Act. Title I: Assistance for Defense Workers - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to expand the definition of "eligible employee" to include an employee at a substantially and seriously affected business or at a military facility scheduled to be closed, even if the employee has not yet been terminated. Amends the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for adjustment assistance for defense employees. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a Skills Conversion Program to re-educate, retrain, and reorient scientific and technical personnel who are displaced or threatened with displacement by defense budget reductions to fill positions in industries that can utilize such skills. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Assistance - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce, in making assistance available to communities through the Economic Development Administration, from giving a preference to substantially and seriously affected communities affected as a result of military installation closures over communities affected as a result of the curtailment, completion, elimination, or realignment of a defense contract. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such assistance through FY 1993. Title III: Small Business Programs - Amends the Small Business Act to increase the amounts authorized to be made by the Small Business Administration in: (1) deferred participation loans and other financing; and (2) guarantees of debentures for programs related to small business investment companies. Directs Federal agencies required to establish small business innovation research programs to expend at least .65 percent of their extramural budgets in FY 1993 for entering into funding agreements to assist small business concerns adversely affected by reductions in the Federal defense budget. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Committee Programs - Requires the Economic Adjustment Committee to implement programs under which: (1) the Federal Government guarantees loans made to a seriously and substantially affected business that is engaged in the production of military products or the provision of services to the military to assist the business in producing commercially viable products and services through the acquisition or construction of facilities, the purchase or reconfiguration of equipment, or the opening of new markets; (2) the Committee may provide assistance to public and private entities for the construction of physical infrastructure facilities which support the defense conversion purposes of this Act; and (3) the Committee identifies the relevant skills of defense civilian and military employees and military personnel who are displaced by defense budget reductions for purposes of filling positions for the infrastructure program. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for feasibility studies on military installations scheduled to be closed or realigned before December 31, 1997, to examine potential uses for such installations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Assistance for Exports of United States Products and Services - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Export-Import Bank to develop a program for providing guarantees and insurance with respect to the export of high technology items to eligible East European countries (as defined by the Support for Eastern European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989). Directs the Bank to inform interested U.S. high technology companies, particularly small business concerns, about such program. Amends the International Finance Corporation Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Finance Corporation to vote for and make a specified contribution to an irrevocable trust fund for paying the costs of consultants to facilitate projects designed to raise the standard of living in developing countries by developing capital markets, privatizing public enterprises, and developing private businesses. Reserves 90 percent of fund expenditures for consultants who are U.S. citizens and businesses or joint ventures owned or controlled by such citizens. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to make a similar amendment urging the development of and contribution to trust funds by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to: (1) pay consultants to facilitate Bank projects designed to raise the standard of living in developing countries through the use of state of the art goods and services (with the same reservation of expenditures for U.S. citizens); and (2) promote energy efficiency and environmental objectives. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5098 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to allow members of the Selected Reserve to use such assistance for the pursuit of graduate programs. (Currently, the use of such assistance is prohibited for pursuit of a program of education beyond the baccalaureate level.)
Bill· HRH.R. 5117 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Prohibits U.S. assistance to Serbia and Montenegro or any successor entity and requires the President to block all assets of the former Yugoslavian Government until he certifies to the Congress that: (1) Serbia and Montenegro have withdrawn their forces from Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina; and (2) the government of Serbia and Montenegro or any successor entity is democratically-elected and recognizes the territorial integrity of neighboring states and the political rights of Kosovo. Urges President Bush to withdraw U.S. recognition of Yugoslavia and to refuse to recognize Serbian and Montenegrin claims as a successor state. Supports withholding formal recognition of Serbia and Montenegro until all Serbian military, paramilitary, and irregular units are withdrawn from Bosnia-Hercegovina, Slovenia, and Croatia and until Serbia and Montenegro respect the territorial integrity of neighboring nations. Calls upon the administration to impose an "air cap" to provide protection to Bosnia-Hercegovina and Croatia, as is being afforded to the Kurds in Iraq. Supports the immediate provision of humanitarian and refugee assistance for the victims of war in Bosnia-Hercegovina and Croatia. Urges President Bush to call for a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution calling on member countries to: (1) suspend aid to Serbia and Montenegro; (2) block Serbian assets; (3) participate in an international trade embargo of Yugoslavia; (4) withdraw recognition of the Yugoslavian Government; and (5) terminate Yugoslavia's membership in international and multilateral organizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5107 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to establish and finance at least ten electric vehicle market/infrastructure pilot projects geographically dispersed in eligible metropolitan areas in the United States designed to demonstrate: (1) electric vehicles for use both on and off military facilities; (2) the infrastructure necessary to support the operation and maintenance of a wide range of types of electric vehicles; or (3) both such vehicles and the associated infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to assign oversight and coordination of a pilot project to the Air Force Air Logistics Center in the State in which the project is located or to the nearest Center if such State does not have one. Makes the person submitting a proposal eligible for selection if he or she agrees to make non-Federal contributions equal to at least 50 percent of the costs associated with the pilot project. Sets forth criteria to be used in selecting a proposal. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5129 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Considers the service of a named individual as a member of the National Health Service Corps as active commissioned military service in the Public Health Service for purposes of determining the grade and rank within grade, and computing the amount of pay and allowances, of such individual. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay such individual a specified lump-sum payment based on such consideration.
Bill· HRH.R. 5108 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include dislocated defense workers as eligible for the targeted jobs credit.